The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has had a pretty flat day this Friday. At the close of trade, the ASX 200 finished at 7,488.3 points, down 0.04% for the day. Yawn.

So let’s look at something a little more interesting instead – the ASX 200 shares topping the trading volume charts today. Dig in.

3 ASX 200 shares flying around the share market today

Scentre Group (ASX: SCG)

ASX Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) Scentre is our first ASX 200 share to check out today. This Friday has seen a hefty 23.21 million Scentre units change hands. Although there is no major news or announcements out of the company today, Scentre did report its FY21 earnings this week, which has seen the company jump around a fair bit.

Today has seen the Scentre unit price put on another 2.19% to $2.80. That puts its gains for the week at close to 9%. It’s probably this move upwards today that has sparked an increase in trading volumes for the Westfield owner.

Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS)

Next up we have ASX 200 lithium producer Pilbara Minerals, a frequent guest star on this list. Pilbara has seen a healthy 24.32 million of its shares bought and sold today. Unfortunately for investors, this seems to be in response to the steep fall Pilbara shares have taken today.

The company reported its FY21 earnings yesterday afternoon after market close, and investors have evidently not been too impressed today by what they saw. At the closing bell, Pilbara was down a nasty 6.55% to $2.07 a share. It’s probably this steep fall that is behind this surge in trading volumes we have seen this Friday.

South32 Ltd (ASX: S32)

And last but certainly not least we have ASX 200 diversified miner South32.

South32 has seen a whopping 33.71 million shares change hands today, more than any other ASX 200 share. Rather strangely, there has also been no major news or announcements out of South32 today that might explain such a large volume of shares trading.

The company did report its own FY21 earnings last week. However, the company finished up 0.35% today to $2.90 a share after a brief fall into the red this morning. It might be this volatility that is resulting in an elevated level of trading today.

The post These 3 ASX 200 shares were flying around the share market this Friday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• Pilbara Minerals (ASX:PLS) share price slides 7% after selloff in lithium sector
• ASX 200 midday update: Wesfarmers’ $2.3bn capital return, Appen & Pilbara Minerals fall
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday
• Pilbara Minerals (ASX:PLS) share price on watch after doubling sales in FY21

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price has finished the day up 0.16%. CBA’s share price currently stands at $101.15.

CommBank made headline news this week on a number of occasions, most notably for its efforts in helping stem the tide against the resurgent COVID-19 pandemic. The bank is pitching in both through financial assistance and by directly aiding with vaccination programs.

CommBank rolls up its vaccine sleeves

On Monday, when the CBA share price closed up at 0.9%, the bank reported that it’s opening COVID-19 vaccination centres for its employees and their families.

CommBank stated that a survey of 11,000 of its employees revealed that 90% intend to get the jab.

Its first vaccination centres are opening in the most highly impacted areas of the Greater Sydney area before moving further afield to New South Wales regional hotspots. The bank said it plans to extend the program Australia-wide.

Supporting impacted businesses

On Wednesday, when CBA’s share price gained 0.4%, the bank came out in support of the government’s increased assistance for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) impacted by the pandemic.

Commonwealth Bank urged businesses to take advantage of the support measures offered by the expanded SME Recovery Loan Scheme (SMERLS), as well the bank’s own support measures.

CBA’s group executive business banking, Mike Vacy-Lyle said:

The impacts of the pandemic are widespread and diverse across businesses and industry sectors. Many require access to credit to help them through this period, and the expansion of SMERLS is an excellent initiative to ensure that more businesses will be able to access business lending at low rates and on flexible terms.

Vacy-Lyle said CommBank “funded more than half of all the loans issued under the first phase of the scheme, and we plan to play a leading role in the expanded SME Recovery Loan scheme”.

Are you eligible for the COVID-19 Disaster Payment?

Wondering if you may be eligible for the COVID-19 disaster payment?

If so, you’re not alone.

Today, when the CBA share price is again on the rise, the bank reported that its digital ‘Benefits finder’ app has recorded an all-time high number of claims for customers seeking to access unclaimed government benefits and rebates.

CBA’s chief data & analytics officer, Andrew McMullan said:

We quickly saw the COVID-19 Disaster Payment become one the most popular benefits since it was recently added into Benefits finder. That’s not a surprise to us, given that this particular benefit supports those workers adversely affected by a state public health order.

CommBank launched ‘benefits finder’ in 2019. McMullan said a record high of more than 180,000 claims were made by its customers last month, a 150% increase year-on-year.

As you’d expect, customers in New South Wales accounted for more than 50% of claims in Australia, with Victorian customers making up around 20%.

CBA share price snapshot

The CBA share price is up an impressive 47% over the past 12 months, more than double the 22% gains posted by the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

Year-to-date the CBA share price has continued to run strong, up 21%.

The post What’s moving the CBA (ASX:CBA) share price this week? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here’s what has been moving the CBA (ASX:CBA) share price in August 2021
• Here’s what has been moving the ANZ (ASX:ANZ) share price in August 2021
• What’s moving the ASX 200 Index (ASX:XJO) on Monday?
• CBA (ASX:CBA) share price gaining as bank rolls out vax centres
• ASX 200 Weekly Wrap: Miners drag ASX back to earth

The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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It has been another busy week for Australia’s top brokers. This has led to the release of a large number of broker notes.

Three broker buy ratings that have caught my eye are summarised below. Here’s why brokers think these ASX shares are in the buy zone:

Life360 Inc (ASX: 360)

According to a note out of Bell Potter, its analysts have retained their buy rating and lifted their price target on this app maker’s shares to $10.75. This follows the release of a strong half year result this week. Bell Potter has upgraded its revenue forecasts for the coming years to reflect higher annualised monthly revenue and higher average revenue per paying circle. And while it is expecting larger losses because of higher investments, the broker appears to believe this is worth it to drive long term growth. The Life360 share price was fetching $9.34 on Friday.

MNF Group Ltd (ASX: MNF)

A note out of Ord Minnett reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating and increased their price target on this VoiP focused technology company’s shares to $7.33. This follows the release of a pleasing full year result, which saw the company achieve the top end of its guidance. Ord Minnett was particularly pleased with the growth in its higher margin recurring revenues. Looking ahead, the broker expects more of the same in FY 2022 and notes that it has $100 million of cash on the balance sheet to support its growth plans. The MNF share price is trading at $6.12 today.

Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS)

Analysts at Macquarie have retained their outperform rating and lifted their price target on this lithium miner’s shares to $2.70. According to the note, Pilbara Minerals’ full year results fell short of the broker’s expectations. Nevertheless, Macquarie remains positive on the company due to the positive outlook for lithium and its long term production growth. The latter is being driven by the staged development of its Pilgan and Ngungaju operations. The Pilbara Minerals share price was fetching $2.07 on Friday.

The post Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Pilbara Minerals (ASX:PLS) share price slides 7% after selloff in lithium sector
• ASX 200 midday update: Wesfarmers’ $2.3bn capital return, Appen & Pilbara Minerals fall
• Pilbara Minerals (ASX:PLS) share price on watch after doubling sales in FY21
• Half-year report sends Life360 (ASX:360) share price to record high
• Here are the 3 most traded ASX 200 shares this Tuesday

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended Life360, Inc. and MNF Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended MNF Group Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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In late trade on Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on track to record a small decline. At the time of writing, the benchmark index is down 0.1% to 7,484.7 points.

Four ASX shares that are falling more than most today are listed below. Here’s why they are dropping:

Integral Diagnostics Ltd (ASX: IDX)

The Integral Diagnostics share price is down 15% to $4.60. This is despite the diagnostic imaging provider reporting a 27.2% increase in revenue to $350.9 million and a 25.3% jump in net profit to $38.1 million in FY 2021. Management revealing that some of its businesses have been hit with COVID-19 related restrictions and closures in FY 2022 appears to be weighing on its shares.

Mayne Pharma Group Ltd (ASX: MYX)

The Mayne Pharma share price has crashed 10% to 26.7 cents. This follows the release of a disappointing full year result by the pharmaceutical company. It reported a 12% decline in revenue to $400.8 million and an 18% reduction in EBITDA to $66.1 million. This was due to FX headwinds and weak generic products sales. Finally, due to another non-cash impairment of its generics business, Mayne Pharma posted a loss after tax of $208.4 million.

NEXTDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

The NEXTDC share price is down over 5% to $12.79. Investors have been selling the data centre operator’s shares despite it announcing a record result in FY 2021. NEXTDC reported a 23% lift in revenue to $246.1 million and a 29% increase in EBITDA to $134.5 million. Looking ahead, more strong growth is expected in FY 2022. Management is guiding to revenue growth of 16% to 20% and EBITDA growth of 19% to 23%.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES)

The Wesfarmers share price is down 3% to $62.13. This follows the release of the conglomerate’s full year results. Although Wesfarmers delivered strong profit growth in FY 2021 and announced a $2.3 billion capital return, its FY 2022 trading update looks to have spooked investors. Management revealed that Bunnings sales are down 4.7% financial year to date and combined Kmart and Target sales are down 14.3%.

The post Why Integral Diagnostics, Mayne Pharma, NEXTDC, & Wesfarmers are dropping appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Wesfarmers (ASX:WES) share price slides as FY21 results flag weak near-term outlook
• Integral Diagnostics (ASX:IDX) share price slides 14% on FY21 earnings
• Which ASX shares are ending the week as the biggest movers today?
• Mayne Pharma (ASX:MYX) share price crashes 10% on $208.4m loss in FY21
• ASX 200 midday update: Wesfarmers’ $2.3bn capital return, Appen & Pilbara Minerals fall

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro owns shares of NEXTDC Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Wesfarmers Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Integral Diagnostics Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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The Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) share price has spent all day in the red today after the company released its FY21 results.

As the close of trade draws near on Friday, the Wesfarmers share price is down 2.74% to $62.21.

How did Wesfarmers perform in FY21?

Wesfarmers delivered a solid FY21 performance with strong contributions from its retail operations. Key financial highlights include:

• Revenue up 10% to $33,941 million.
• Net profit after tax increased 16.2% to $2,421 million.
• Full year ordinary dividend up 17.1% to 178 cents per share
• Proposed $2.3 billion or $2.00 per share capital return to shareholders.

Bunnings, Kmart Group and Officeworks all delivered solid earnings growth, with earnings before tax (EBT) rising a respective 19.7%, 69% and 7.6%. The three businesses make up the bulk of Wesfarmers’ earnings, contributing approximately 87% of EBT.

What might be dragging the Wesfarmers share price lower?

Wesfarmers flagged that sales in its retail divisions have been affected by recent COVID-related lockdowns that have required store closures and restricted trading across multiple regions. The company said that sales growth so far in the 2022 financial year-to-date had varied considerably across regions, with solid customer demand and performance in areas less affected by lockdowns.

Bunnings sales for the first 7 weeks of FY22 has declined 4.7% on the prior corresponding period (pcp) as solid growth from commercial customers was offset by a decline in consumer sales.

Combined Kmart and Target sales for the first 8 weeks of FY22 declined 14.3% on pcp. Wesfarmers said the drop reflected the “significant impact” of COVID-19 restrictions with almost 50 per cent of stores closed by mid-August.

Officeworks’ sales have also moderated, with a 1.5% decline for the first 7 weeks of FY22.

Looking ahead, Wesfarmers warned:

Given the impact of lockdowns in recent months and the prospect of continued trading restrictions, earnings in the Group’s retail businesses during the first half of the 2022 financial year may be below the prior corresponding period.

Ongoing disruptions to supply chains as well as global supply constraints for some products and inputs are expected to create additional costs and impact stock availability in some categories.

The prospect of weaker near-term earnings could be the catalyst behind the weaker Wesfarmers share price on Friday.

The post Wesfarmers (ASX:WES) share price slides as FY21 results flag weak near-term outlook appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• ASX 200 midday update: Wesfarmers’ $2.3bn capital return, Appen & Pilbara Minerals fall
• The Wesfarmers (ASX:WES) dividend has jumped by 17%
• What you need to know about Wesfarmers (ASX:WES) $2.3bn capital return
• Wesfarmers (ASX:WES) share price on watch after strong profit growth and $2.3bn capital return
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

Motley Fool contributor Kerry Sun has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Wesfarmers Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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The Dicker Data Ltd (ASX: DDR) share price is giving back all its gains made in the past few days, with the IT distributor set to end the week on a disappointing note.

At the time of writing, Dicker Data shares are swapping hands for $14.50, down 9.32%.

What did Dicker Data announce?

Concerns are rising among investors, sending the company’s share price into freefall.

According to the company’s latest release, its chair and CEO David Dicker sold a parcel of his shares today.

In total, 2.74 million Dicker Data shares were offloaded in an on-market trade at a price of $15.40 per share. While this is not uncommon as directors and CEOs alike sell for various reasons, the company noted the sale was to meet “personal projects”.

The transaction represents roughly 1.6% of Dicker Data’s share registry, and reduced Mr Dicker’s entire holding to around 33.6%.

Furthermore, the company noted that Mr Dicker has entered into a lock-up arrangement on his remaining shares until the end of 2021. This essentially means the chair and CEO won’t be selling those shares anytime soon.

Mr Dicker made a series of purchases between 17 March and 1 April 2020, taking advantage of the share-price weakness when COVID-19 hit. Mr Dicker bought 186,505 shares in on-market trade for about $861,500.

Dicker Data share price snapshot

Despite today’s drop, over the past 12 months, Dicker Data shares have rocketed 88%, with year-to-date gains of around 40%.

In particular, the past month has been an extremely positive one for investors, with its shares up 30%. Just yesterday, the company released its interim results for FY21, highlighting solid growth throughout the year. The Dicker Data share price hit a record high of $16.60 during the day.

Based on today’s price, Dicker Data commands a market capitalisation of approximately $2.5 billion, with 172.7 million shares on hand.

The post Why the Dicker Data (ASX:DDR) share price is sinking 9% today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Dicker Data (ASX:DDR) share price hits record high following strong interim results
• Dicker Data (ASX:DDR) share price hits record high following dividend boost
• The Dicker Data (ASX:DDR) share price has a new all-time high
• Why a2 Milk, Afterpay, Dicker Data, & Oil Search shares are charging higher
• Dicker Data (ASX:DDR) share price sets record high on acquisition update

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended Dicker Data Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Dicker Data Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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The Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN) share price is outperforming the broader market today amid news of its newest board appointment. 

And by outperforming the market, we mean it’s not falling. The Bendigo Bank share price is currently 0.15% higher than its previous close, trading at $10.01. 

That’s a better day’s trade than the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is struggling through. Right now, the ASX 200 Index has fallen 0.07%, while the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) has slipped 0.16%. 

It may be news of an appointment to its board that’s keeping the Bendigo Bank share price in the green today.

Let’s take a closer look at today’s news from Bendigo Bank.

Bendigo Bank’s newest appointment

The Bendigo Bank share price is gaining amid news that former Deloitte CEO Richard Deutsch, will be joining the bank’s board. 

Jacqueline Hey, chair of Bendigo Bank, commented that Deutsch’s past experience will be of benefit to the bank. She said:

Richard’s deep audit and advisory experience will bring significant weight to both our board and board audit committees. Richard’s commitment to strengthening community and social justice also strongly aligns with our Bank’s values, longstanding purpose and vision to be Australia’s bank of choice.

Prior to taking on the top role at Deloitte, Deutsch served as the company’s managing partner of the audit and advisory practice and a member of the global audit and advisory leadership team.

Deutsch has also previously taken on leadership roles at charitable organisations OzHarvest and Adara Group. He has also been a member of Male Champions of Change, the Australian Climate Leaders Coalition, and the Business Council of Australia. 

Deutsch commented that he was honoured to be joining the board. He said he’s “strongly aligned to the organisation’s sense of purpose and community”. 

Deutsch will take his new seat in September. His appointment follows news that Robert Hubbard and Tony Robinson will retire from Bendigo Bank’s board in November. 

Bendigo Bank share price snapshot

Today’s slight gain included, the Bendigo Bank share price is 5% higher than it was at the start of 2021. It has also gained 55% since this time last year.

The post Why the Bendigo Bank (ASX:BEN) share price is outperforming today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Bendigo Bank (ASX:BEN) share price outperforming amid ‘sustainability first’
• How does the CBA (ASX:CBA) earnings result compare to Bendigo Bank?
• ASX 200 drops, Bendigo Bank sinks, JB Hi-Fi rises
• The ASX reporting wrap-up: Bendigo, Beach, Lendlease
• Why Beach, Bendigo & Adelaide Bank, Flight Centre, & Lendlease are tumbling lower

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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The Atomo Diagnostics Ltd (ASX: AT1) share price has been out of form on Friday.

Earlier today, the medical device company’s shares fell as much as 8% to 22.5 cents. This was in response to the release of its full year results.

Atomo Diagnostics share price falls after losses double in FY 2021

• Revenue increased 25% to $6.72 million
• Cost of sales up 52% to $3.3 million
• Gross profit up 7% to $3.42 million
• Underlying operating loss widened 101% to $4.79 million
• Cash balance of ~$18 million

What happened for Atomo in FY 2021?

For the 12 months ended 30 June, Atomo reported a 25.1% increase in revenue to $6.72 million.

This was driven largely by demand for devices from customers in Europe and North America for the production of COVID-19 antibody tests.

Also supporting its sales growth was demand in Australia for Atomo branded COVID-19 rapid antibody and antigen tests and its HIV products in Australia and internationally.

What did management say?

Management was pleased with the company’s performance during a year filled with both headwinds and tailwinds.

It commented: “Atomo’s activities continued throughout FY21 nothwithstanding the COVID-19 pandemic. There were some delays in activity caused by the pandemic, for example, the global tender for HIV Self Tests run by Unitaid was substantially delayed, the consequence of which was that Atomo’s revenue from that tender was modest and primarily occured at the very end of the financial year.”

“That said, a significant portion of additional revenue was driven by demand for Atomo’s COVID-19 products in Australia and for its platforms for use by OEM customers in their own COVID-19 rapid tests internationally,” it added.

What’s next?

No guidance was given for the year ahead, which could be weighing on the Atomo share price a touch today.

However, management has stated that it is prioritising the continued expansion of strategic commercialisation partnerships across key global markets. This includes seeking a US market entry partnership.

In addition, it is aiming to expand its COVID-19 revenues with a core focus on the Australian market. It will also target HIV sales growth in existing territories and look to secure commercial agreements in new territories.

The post Atomo Diagnostics (ASX:AT1) share price sinks 8% on FY21 results appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Here’s why the Atomo (ASX: AT1) share price flew 4% higher today
• The Atomo (ASX:AT1) share price has shot up 9%. Here’s why
• Ellume is making news and these ASX shares are surging, again
• Here’s why the Atomo (ASX:AT1) share price is soaring 10%

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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The Integral Diagnostics Ltd (ASX: IDX) share price is sliding today after the company released its earnings results for the financial year 2021 (FY21).

Right now, the Integral share price is trading at $4.62, 14.44% lower than its previous close.

Integral Diagnostics share price down despite revenue boost

Here’s how the diagnostic imaging provider performed in FY21:

• $350.9 million of revenue, 27.2% higher than that of FY20
• Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) came to $88.9 million, up 28.5% on the prior financial year
• Net profit after tax of $38.1 million, up 25.3%
• $66.5 million of free cash flow
• 7 cent fully franked final dividend, up from FY20’s 4 cent final dividend.

Integral Diagnostics received $6.6 million in JobKeeper payments in FY21. Of that, it chose to voluntarily pay back $2.9 million ($2 million after tax).

The company experienced organic revenue growth of 12.2% in Australia and 12.5% in New Zealand. Its average fee per exam also increased by 3.3%. 

The company ended the period with $62.2 million of cash and $137.4 million of debt.

What happened in FY21 for Integral Diagnostics?

FY21 was a busy period for Integral Diagnostics and its share price. 

The company acquired New Zealand-based Ascot Radiology in September. Integral said Ascot’s operating performance in 9 diagnostic imaging clinics was in line with expectations. 

In February, Integral also announced a joint venture with UK-based Medica Group. The companies will provide teleradiology reporting services and additional reporting capacity in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. 

In addition, the company has added new technology to many of its sites during FY21. It installed a 3T non-rebateable MRI at the Spine Centre on the Gold Coast, a second CT in Toowoomba, and a Cardiac CT in Busselton.

Integral also initiated an MRI service for the Western Australia Health Service and replaced an older MRI with a new 3T MRI at Ascot Radiology.

It also opened several new clinics and solidified plans to develop 4 sites in FY22.

What did management say?

Integral CEO and managing director Dr Ian Kadish commented on the results: 

Our financial performance in FY21 was strong. Our patients and referrers were well taken care of, and our teams across the business delivered all that was asked, and more.

COVID-19 outbreaks and associated government lockdowns and border closures all took a toll, team morale was impacted, but the professionalism, dedication and commitment of our doctors and staff has been inspiring.

What’s next for Integral Diagnostics?

Here’s what those interested in the Integral share price might want to keep an eye on in FY22:

The company believes COVID-19 will continue to impact its business. It notes that the first half of FY22 has already seen its businesses hit with restrictions and closures. 

In FY22, it will focus on organic growth, accelerating digital and AI technologies, strategic expansion opportunities, and its environmental, social and governance strategy.

Integral also expects its business to grow in the longer term due to the growing elderly population. 

It noted that increasing occurrences of chronic disease and promising new digital, imaging, and AI technologies placed it in a strong position.

Additionally, MRI, CT and PET scans are well-positioned for growth from new diagnostic applications in the fields of oncology, cardiology and neurology.

The post Integral Diagnostics (ASX:IDX) share price slides 14% on FY21 earnings appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Which ASX shares are ending the week as the biggest movers today?
• Why Chalice Mining, GUD, Integral Diagnostics, & PointsBet are dropping

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Integral Diagnostics Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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The Blackmores Limited (ASX: BKL) share price has walked through today’s session in the green.

A short time ago Blackmores shares were changing hands 7% higher on the day at $98.34 each, just down from their 52-week high of $98.92 earlier in the day.

What’s the news out of Blackmores?

The Blackmores share price is surging after the company released its FY21 earnings results on Thursday. In the report, the company grew revenue by 1.3% year-on-year, while underlying earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) increased by 51% on the year prior.

As such, Blackmores’ underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) also grew about 52% from last year to $25.4 million.

Much of the performance was underscored by strength in its China segment, which grew almost 18% year-on-year. This was despite its Australian segment revenue contracting by 14% over the year.

Furthermore, the company also declared a fully franked final dividend of 42 cents per share, bringing the total FY21 dividend to 71 cents.

This is a significant down step from the $2.20 declared in FY19; nonetheless, Blackmores’ shareholders are no doubt happy to enjoy the dividend’s return back into their bank accounts.

The Blackmores share price initially struggled to find its range yesterday after the company first released its FY21 earnings, however it finished the day 15% higher. It ran from $76.76 at the opening of trade on Thursday to a close of $92.09.

There is no market-sensitive news for the company today. Therefore, it stands to reason that investors are buying Blackmores shares on the back of the robust financial performance that saw its share price soar yesterday.

Blackmores share price snapshot

The Blackmores share price has posted a year-to-date return of 30%, and is up 49% over the past 12 months.

In the last month alone, Blackmores shares have climbed a further 29% into the green.

These returns have outpaced the S&P/ASX 200 index (ASX: XJO)’s return of about 25% over the past year.

The post Blackmores (ASX:BKL) share price surges 7% to new 52-week high appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why Ardent Leisure, Blackmores, Clinuvel, & Qube shares are surging higher
• Which ASX shares are ending the week as the biggest movers today?
• ASX 200 drops, A2 Milk sinks, Appen plummets
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The author Zach Bristow has no positions in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Blackmores Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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