Tag: Motley Fool

  • Why is the Telstra (ASX:TLS) share price falling today?

    Downward trend

    The Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) share price is falling today. Telstra shares are, at the time of writing, down 0.63% to $3.13 a share. That’s a slight underperformance when compared to the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which is down 0.77% today to 6,786 points.

    It’s a disappointing move for shareholders. Especially for those who have watched the Telstra share price climb more than 10% year to date until last week. After today’s share price moves, Telstra is now up just 3.5% since the start of the year.

    So what’s been going on with the ASX’s biggest telco?

    Earnings proved a hit

    Back on 11 February, Telstra reported its earnings for the 6 months to 31 December 2020. At the time, the Telstra share price responded very positively. The share price rose by almost 5% between 10 February and 15 February to $3.32 a share. That was a rough 6-month high for Telstra shares.

    Investors seemed to applaud the announcement that Telstra’s T22 cost-cutting program would be expanded to an approximate figure of $2.7 billion in savings by FY2022. T22 was halted last year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    And of course, there was the dividend. Telstra has paid a 16 cents per share annual dividend for a few years now. That consists of 6 cents per share in special nbn dividends, and 10 cents in ordinary dividends. Since Telstra has been battling falling revenues for a while now due to the nbn rollout, there was concern that Telstra would be forced to cut this dividend in 2021.

    But Telstra defied these fears and announced that it would indeed be paying out an annual dividend of 16 cents per share, fully franked, in 2021. For some context, that would equate to a forward dividend yield of 5.13% on the current share price, or 7.33% grossed-up with franking. As you might imagine, a yield of that size is an attractive proposition for investors, especially those primarily seeking dividend income. Especially so in today’s world of near-zero interest rates.

    Investors get cold feet over the Telstra share price

    But despite this warm initial reception to the company’s earnings, investors seem to have gotten cold feet over the Telstra share price over the past week or so. In fact, Telstra shares are now down around 6% since 16 February, while the ASX 200 has only lost around 1.9% over the same period. There’s no obvious reason why either. There have been no major announcements out of the telco since its earnings report. And, as our general manager Bruce Jackson pointed out last week, several major brokers have retained strong price targets for Telstra shares recently. Targets well above the current share price to boot.

    Perhaps the growth of other shares over the past few weeks (e.g. Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P)) are just simply more exciting for investors than an old blue-chip share like Telstra.

    But remember, the lower the Telstra share price gets, the higher its dividend yield on offer will be!

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    Sebastian Bowen owns shares of Telstra Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of ZIPCOLTD FPO. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Telstra 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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  • Why the Home Consortium (ASX:HMC) share price is falling today

    ASX real estate investment trust or REIT represented by high rise city buildings photographed from below

    Today marks three consecutive days in the red for the Home Consortium Ltd (ASX: HMC) share price, with the real estate investment trust (REIT)‘s shares shedding more than 8% of their value so far this week. 

    This coincides with the release of Home Consortium’s HY21 results today, a set of results that the company believes demonstrates the continued execution of its ‘own, develop and manage’ strategy.

    What’s moving the Home Co share price today?

    The Home Co share price is weaker today following the release of the company’s half-year results. The company highlighted that since its initial public offering (IPO), HomeCo has significantly outperformed the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) by more than 31% and the S&P/ASX 200 A-REIT Index by more than 50%. 

    The company reported a funds from operations (FFO) of 7.3 cents per security. FFO is the metric used to determine a REIT’s profitability and financial health. In many ways it mirrors the earnings per share (EPS) that most companies report on. 

    Commenting on the results, HomeCo’s managing director and CEO Mr David Di Pilla said:

    We have made significant progress in transitioning to a capital light manager with minimal balance sheet gearing. With funds under management of approximately $1.7 billion today we are well positioned to grow earnings and FUM by leveraging the existing asset base to over $5  billion and there is significant potential to increase this further through establishing capital partnerships.

    The company is eyeing growth through a number of additional direct property investments with a combined 39,400 sqm of gross leasable area for health, retail and commercial development. Major tenants include Services Australia, Chemist Warehouse and Spotlight. The company is targeting to open these developments around 1H FY22 with more than 50% leasing pre-commitments made for the area. 

    Overall, the report highlights the company’s focus on driving further FUM growth with institutional partners via co-investments in large-scale assets or alternative unlisted assets. 

    The company also noted an interim FY21 dividend of 6.0 cents per share and FY21 dividend guidance of 12.0 cents per share. This represents a dividend yield of approximately 3.2% at today’s prices. 

    Outlook

    Looking ahead, Mr Di Pilla said: 

    HomeCo is on track to execute its objective to deliver above average risk adjusted returns to security holders and continues to build a platform for sustainable long-term growth via the Own, Develop and Manage model.

    HomeCo provided an FY21 FFO guidance of no less than $35.0 million or 12.9 cents per security, which reaffirms the 4% upgrade provided on 4 December 2020. The guidance is provided on the basis of no unforeseen circumstances or further extended COVID-19 lockdowns and government-mandated restrictions. 

    Where to invest $1,000 right now

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    Motley Fool contributor Kerry Sun 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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  • Here’s why the Vocus (ASX:VOC) share price is pushing higher today

    The Vocus Group Ltd (ASX: VOC) share price is on course to finish the day with a solid gain.

    In late afternoon trade, the telco’s shares are up 2% to $5.10. This follows the release of its half year results this morning.

    How did Vocus perform in the first half?

    For the six months ended 31 December, Vocus reported a 2% increase in recurring revenue to $896 million.

    This was driven by an 11% increase in Vocus Network Services revenue to $340.2 million and a 4% lift in New Zealand revenue to $195.8 million. This offset a 6% decline in Retail revenue to $360 million.

    And thanks to its good costs control, underlying operating earnings grew 1% to $192.7 million.

    However, due to higher depreciation and amortisation, Vocus wasn’t able to grow its bottom line. It reported an 11% decline in underlying net profit after tax to $45.4 million.

    How does this compare to expectations?

    According to a note out of Goldman Sachs, Vocus beat on the top line by 1% but missed on the bottom line by 6%.

    Goldman commented: “Compositionally the result was strong, with the key Network Services segment revenues +5% vs. GSe (but higher costs resulted in an inline EBITDA), while non-VNS were -1% vs. GSe with better cost driving an in-line EBITDA.”

    Guidance upgraded

    Offsetting the earnings miss and giving the Vocus share price a boost today was its guidance for FY 2021.

    Management advised that it now expects Vocus Network Services recurring revenue growth of 8% for the full year. This is an increase from 5% previously.

    In light of this, the company has narrowed its underlying Vocus Network Services EBITDA growth guidance range to 10% to 12%. Previously, its guidance range was 8% to 12%.

    Overall, management believes it is well-placed to achieve its group underlying EBITDA guidance of $382 million to $397 million. This will be up 6% to 10.1% from FY 2020’s underlying EBITDA of $360.5 million.

    Finally, the company also revealed that its FY 2021 capex guidance has increased to $185 million to $200 million. Previously it was $160 million to $180 million. However, this will be be funded by customers.

    Where to invest $1,000 right now

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for more than eight years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes are the five best ASX stocks for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they are great buys right now.

    *Returns as of February 15th 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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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  • Here’s why the Venturex Resources (ASX:VXR) share price has rocketed 233%

    rising Boral share price asx share price represented by investor in hard had looking excitedly at mobile phone

    The Venturex Resources Ltd (ASX: VXR) share price is blasting off today. At the time of writing, it’s up 233% to trade at 35 cents a share.

    Venturex is a base metal mining company focused on developing its flagship Copper Zinc Sulphur Springs Project in Western Australia. The company is also pursuing other assets in the Pilbara region.

    We investigate why the Venturex share price is soaring today. 

    Venturex share price goes crazy after capital placement

    This afternoon, Venturex announced a new funding package and capital placement spearheaded by prominent mining executive Bill Beament.

    The company advised that Mr Beament will subscribe for $8.9 million in a placement at 8 cents a share with a one-for-two attached option exercisable at 13.5 cents per share. There’s a two-year expiry date.

    A $5.1 million allocation to institutional and professional investors is also included in the placement under the same conditions.

    Existing Venturex shareholders are to receive a one-for-seven entitlement offer at 8 cents a share. The company advised that this will raise an additional $4.4 million.

    Venturex will use the capital to position itself as a growing supplier of new-generation energy and technology materials. 

    New executives to assume key Venturex roles

    As of 1 July 2021, Mr Beament will assume the role of executive director with Venturex. He is currently executive chair and a founder of Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST).

    Mick McMullen will be appointed as an executive director immediately and transition to the position of non-executive director once Mr Beament assumes his role.

    Mr McMullen joins Venturex following time spent as CEO and president of Detour Gold and Stillwater Mining Company.

    Venturex executive director Anthony Reilly commented on the capital raise and new appointments, saying:

    This growth strategy is a game-changer for Venturex. The combination of the funding provided to the company and the exceptional talents of those joining the board will position Venturex to become a near term producer.

    Snapshot of the Venturex share price

    The Venturex share price was trading at 9 cents just 6 months ago and has gained 288% in that period.

    At today’s price, the company has a market capitalisation of $40.68 million. There are currently 387.4 million shares outstanding.

    Where to invest $1,000 right now

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    *Returns as of February 15th 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor Gretchen Kennedy 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 IOUpay (ASX:IOU) share price is skyrocketing 30% today

    asx share price increase represented by golden dollar sign rocketing out from white domes

    The IOUpay Ltd (ASX: IOU) share price is pushing higher this afternoon, breaking a 4-day streak of losses. The Malaysia-based buy now pay later (BNPL) provider’s shares were up 29% today on abnormally high volume.

    At the time of writing IOU shares were rapidly being exchanged at 62 cents per share, up 24.5% — hitting a volume of 42.9 million shares traded.

    Flying on the residual cap raise winds

    With no news out from the speculative BNPL provider today, we turn to recent events for potential catalysts.

    It certainly has been a rollercoaster month for IOUpay as the company entered February at 16 cents a share. By mid-month, the BNPL space had attracted more excitement, throttling IOUpay to an all-time high of 85 cents. However, the share price then appeared to lose its gusto, falling back to 49 cents by 23 February. Although, not before management took advantage of the excitement to announce a capital raise.

    The capital raise adds a further $50 million to IOU’s balance sheet to aid in growth initiatives including digital payments and to accelerate new business development opportunities in the BNPL space within South East Asia. Sophisticated and institutional investors took up the offer of 100 million new shares at 50 cents per share.

    IOU’s shares took a tumble over the last week, likely due to the steep 28.6% discount offered in the cap raise, to the last close price upon announcement. So now potentially investors are seeing the event in a new light — more money, more potential… maybe. Considering today’s volume is in excess of the company’s monthly average, investors are certainly excited about something.

    IOUpay share price during BNPL selloff

    IOUpay certainly wasn’t the only BNPL provider that suffered a fall in share price over the last week. Most of the space has flicked the switch around mid-month and began heading in the negative territory. For comparison, here are the returns for some notable BNPL stocks in the last 5 days:

    IOUpay is breaking the trend today, with most other BNPL shares still trending downwards. The IOUpay share price has now gained 5,500% in the past 12 months, boosting its market capitalisation to $221 million.

    Where to invest $1,000 right now

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    Mitchell Lawler owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of ZIPCOLTD FPO. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO. 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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  • Credit Intelligence (ASX:CI1) share price takes a 19% nosedive

    A white arrow point down into the ground against a blue backdrop, indicating an ASX market crash or share price fall

    The Credit Intelligence Ltd (ASX: CI1) share price is somewhat reminiscent of a Gamestop chart.

    Its shares started to break out on Tuesday 16 February, closing 12% higher at 3.5 cents on the day with no news. In the following days, its shares climbed as much as 140% before finally, the company announced a new BNPL service for the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) market this Tuesday.

    Perhaps only the word ‘BNPL’ was needed, but the announcement sent its shares running as much as 75% higher to 13 cents on the day, before closing with a gain of just 3% at 7.8 cents. 

    At its current level of 6.3 cents the Credit Intelligence share price is still 100% higher since its initial breakout last Tuesday. But its shares have halved from peak to trough. 

    What’s driving the Credit Intelligence share price today?

    Credit Intelligence’s core services are centered around debt-restructuring in Hong Kong and Singapore. On 17 December 2020, the company announced the acquisition of a 60% interest in Yozo Finance Pty Ltd and its leading fintech platform with its proprietary capabilities, including the BNPL service Yozo launched last week. 

    Today, the company announced its half-year results, which highlight a 21% increase in revenue to $7.37 million and 25% increase in net profit to $1.58 million.

    The company’s Hong Kong business results were in line with the prior year, notwithstanding the impact of COVID-19.

    Its core bankruptcy and individual voluntary arrangement services continue to trade well, and the company expects that deferred revenue as a result of COVID-19 will show up in the year ahead. 

    Its Singapore business results were mixed with government support for SMEs resulting in its subsidiary, ICS Funding, delivering a result well under the prior year, while its personal loans business, Hup Hoe Credit, performed strongly for the half year. The company indicated it expects the ICS business will grow strongly once government support is withdrawn in March 2021. 

    The contribution from the group’s two new Australian acquisitions, Chapter Two in July 2020, and Yozo in December, are not yet material. 

    Where to invest $1,000 right now

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    Motley Fool contributor Kerry Sun 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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  • Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

    Clock showing time to buy, ASX 200 shares

    Many of Australia’s top brokers have been busy adjusting their financial models again, leading to the release of a large number of broker notes this week.

    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:

    Bank of Queensland Limited (ASX: BOQ)

    According to a note out of Morgans, its analysts have upgraded this regional bank’s shares to an add rating with an improved price target of $10.00. The broker made the move after Bank of Queensland announced the acquisition of ME Bank for $1.325 billion. Morgans is forecasting the acquisition to be highly accretive to earnings. It also notes that a trading update reveals that the company is on course to deliver better than expected first half earnings. The Bank of Queensland share price is fetching $9.24 today.

    Booktopia Group Ltd (ASX: BKG)

    Another note out of Morgans reveals that its analysts have retained their add rating and lifted the price target on this online book retailer’s shares to $3.53. According to the note, the broker was impressed with the company’s half year results. And while Booktopia’s earnings guidance was a touch short of Morgans’ estimates due to softer margins, the broker believes its margins will improve in the future. It also feels Booktopia is well-placed to benefit from a growing online book market. The Booktopia share price is trading at $2.69 on Wednesday.

    SEEK Limited (ASX: SEK)

    Analysts at UBS have upgraded this job listings company’s shares to a buy rating with an improved price target of $32.00. According to the note, the broker has lifted its estimates to reflect a stronger than expected performance during the first half. It was also pleased to see the company upgrade its EBITDA guidance to $460 million but feels there could still be upside to this given current trading conditions. The SEEK share price is fetching $26.00 this afternoon.

    Where to invest $1,000 right now

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for more than eight years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes are the five best ASX stocks for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they are great buys right now.

    *Returns as of February 15th 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended SEEK 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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  • Why the Wiseway (ASX:WWG) share price is storming 50% higher

    Surging asx share price represented by man looking up at giant gift

    Wiseway Group Ltd (ASX: WWG) shares are storming higher today following the company’s release of its half-year financial results for the period ending 31 December (H1 FY21). At the time of writing, the Wiseway share price is trading 52.38% higher at 32 cents.

    Let’s take a look at what the integrated logistics provider reported.

    What did Wiseway report?

    The Wiseway share price is rocketing after the company reported a net profit after tax (NPAT) of $3.4 million, compared to a $4.9 million NPAT loss in H1 FY20.

    Gross profit of $18.1 million represented an increase of 60% on the $11.3 million reported in the previous corresponding half.

    Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) leapt to $6.5 million from $100,000 in the prior corresponding period.

    Revenue increased by 54% year on year to $69.7 million. Wiseway reported inbound and outbound airfreight increased its trading revenue by 25% to $45.4 million, up from $36.2 million in H1 FY20. Its new business divisions revenue leapt 182% to $24.0 million, up from $8.5 million.

    Commenting on the half-year results, Wiseway CEO Roger Tong said:

    The results are a turning point for Wiseway which, since the IPO, has successfully implemented its strategy of diversifying our business and our income streams. At IPO, only 5% of our trading revenue was from new business divisions. These divisions are now responsible for 34% of our trading revenue…

    This is a direct result of our FY20 investment in infrastructure and in our operating platform including bonded warehouses, accreditation for perishable operations and obtaining operational licences across Australia and New Zealand.

    While the company has had to adjust operations to allow for the pandemic, Tong said that COVID-19 has seen its Australian and Asian customers approach Wiseway to help find solutions to the challenges of importing and exporting between the two continents.

    Looking ahead, Tong said:

    To accommodate future growth, we have opened a Business Support Office in Guangzhou, China. This new office is in addition to our Shanghai office. After the end of the reporting period, we identified Los Angeles in the United States as a suitable location for the Wiseway’s next phase of expansion and establishing a presence in the United States…

    Wiseway share price snapshot

    With today’s intraday gains factored in, the Wiseway share price is up by around 118% over the past 12 months. That compares to a 0.4% loss on the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO).

    Year to date, the Wiseway share price has gained around 53%.

    Where to invest $1,000 right now

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for more than eight years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes are the five best ASX stocks for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they are great buys right now.

    *Returns as of February 15th 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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 Calix (ASX:CXL) share price rips 13% higher on revenue growth

    rise in asx tech share price represented by digitised rocket shooting out of person's hand

    The Calix Ltd (ASX: CXL) share price is rocketing 13% higher into all-time record territory today after the company released its first-half FY21 results.

    This brings its year-to-date returns to an eye-watering 108%. At the time of writing, the Calix share price is trading up 13.1% at $2.15.

    Calix share price soars on accelerating growth 

    Calix’s core technology is being used to develop more environmentally friendly solutions for advanced batteries, crop protection, aquaculture, wastewater and carbon reduction. Despite COVID-19, the company continued to grow sales from its municipal and industrial customers which are considered an essential service. 

    In HY21, the company’s total revenue increased 114% to $16.27 million while operating profits ticked positive to $3.06 million compared to the $245,000 loss in HY20. 

    Overview of Calix technologies 

    Calix is developing multiple environmental business opportunities, all from one core technology. These industries/sectors include: 

    • Water: Water treatment, aquaculture
    • COMigration: Cement, line
    • Biotech: Crop protection, marine coatings
    • Advanced batteries: Advanced cathode and anode materials 
    • Sustainable processing: Mineral and chemical progressing 

    How it works

    Its core technology involves grinding minerals to between one hundredth and one-thousandth of a millimetre in size, and then flash heating them in an externally heated reactor in a very short time. As trapped gases in the minerals bubble out of the particles, they create highly permeable, honeycomb-like structures in the particles.

    Calix’s technology allows for the direct separation of CO2, enabling it to be used in traditionally carbon dioxide intensive industries.

    Calix is currently targeting all the above industries, seeking to expand revenues, margins, project execution and deal flow across multiple geographies. 

    Water is a key segment for the business, having completed 3 US plant upgrades and commenced construction of a fourth US plant. The company signed its first memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a European partner with paid trials underway.

    The company remains poised to re-establish aquaculture sales in China and targeting new markets post-COVID. This segment generated a majority of the company’s revenues, with water treatment sales up 159% on pcp to $9.14 million. 

    Outlook

    The Calix share price has been riding the momentum behind the renewables industry. The company will continue working towards the FY21 targets across each segment.

    Where to invest $1,000 right now

    When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for more than eight years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    Scott just revealed what he believes are the five best ASX stocks for investors to buy right now. These stocks are trading at dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks they are great buys right now.

    *Returns as of February 15th 2021

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    Motley Fool contributor Kerry Sun 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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  • Why the Integra (ASX:ITG) share price is zooming 15% higher

    asx share price growth represented by rocket flying up increasing bar chart.

    Integra Group Ltd (ASX: ITG) shares are one of the better performers on the ASX market today after the company released its half-year results for the 2021 financial year. At the time of writing, the Integra share price is surging 15.7% higher to 33 cents.

    What were the financial highlights?

    The Integra share price is flying today after the company delivered a mostly positive result, despite operating as an independent company for less than 18 months. The company demerged from Cardno Limited (ASX: CDD) in October 2019 to focus on its core business strategies and reduce overhead costs.

    In its half-year result for the six months ending 31 December, Integra reported total gross revenue of $210.7 million. This reflected an 8.8% decline compared to the $231 million achieved in H1 FY20. Contributing to the fall, fee revenue also sank to $157 million, a 7.1% drop from the comparative period.

    Projects were largely wound down in the Asia Pacific region as COVID-19 impacted market conditions. The company’s Americas segment remained relatively flat due to project delays in its oil and gas business. However, construction materials saw a boom in infrastructure spend.

    Underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased over the period to $24.7 million. This represented a gain of 11.3% on a proforma basis. Not taking into account the tax and amortisation, EBIT grew to $9.6 million, up 21.5%. This was based on tighter cost controls and lower overhead expenses which helped offset the reduced fee revenue.

    Net cash from operating activities soared to $17.9 million, a jump of 28.5% on the same time last year. The positive cash flow came from management’s focus on improving working capital management.

    The company booked a net operating profit after tax of $5.6 million, a 55% advance on H1 FY20’s bottom line.

    At the end of the calendar year, Integra had a cash balance of $22.5 million. Net debt excluding any accounting adjustments stood at $42.7 million.

    In other news boosting the Integra share price, the board declared an unfranked interim dividend of 1 cent to be paid to eligible shareholders on 21 April 2021.

    Outlook

    Looking ahead, the company forecasts underlying EBITDA to be between $45 million to $49 million for the full year. Naturally, this is based on no unforeseen circumstances arising to affect current trading conditions, namely COVID-19 and currency exchange movements.

    Integra anticipates rewarding shareholders with a final dividend of around 50% to 70% of total net profit after tax.

    Furthermore, the board intends to pursue a capital management strategy which could include a share buy-back program. This would effectively reduce the number of shares on its registry, thus making each Integra share more valuable.

    Integra share price and company snapshot

    Established in 1968, Integra is an Australian-based engineering services company. The group is primarily a quality, testing and measurement business that provides an array of expertise. This includes construction materials testing, subsurface utility engineering services, and quality assurance for energy companies.

    In the last 12 months, the Integra share price is down roughly 22% but is up 20% year to date. Integra shares took a turn for the worse during April last year, falling to a low of 16 cents. Since that time, its shares have gone on a rollercoaster ride all the way until the end of June. In recent months, the share price has stabilised around the 30-cent mark.

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    Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras 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.

    The post Why the Integra (ASX:ITG) share price is zooming 15% higher appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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