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Dividend Stocks Expert Insights

PepsiCo Inc Prioritizes Spending to Support Its Brands and Its Advantaged Platform

cola cans and advertisements praising the brand’s taste superiority over Coke. While, as of now PepsiCo is not only considered as beverage behemoth but its its business now extends beyond this industry, with Frito-Lay and Quaker products accounting for over half of sales and over 65% of profits. A diversified portfolio across snacks and beverages can be considered as competitive edge of PepsiCo.

After years of sluggish sales growth and underinvestment, Pepsi has committed to reinvigorating its top line. To that end, it has made significant investments in manufacturing capacity (for example, production lines to meet demand for reformulated packaging), system capacity (route optimization and sales technology), and productivity (harmonization and automation.

These investments can be considered as prudent as they will allow the company to strengthen its key trademarks such as Mountain Dew and Gatorade while deepening its presence in growth markets like sub-Saharan Africa, and also yielding enough cost savings to reinvest and widen profits. Pepsi’s growth trajectory is not without risk, as the company faces secular headwinds such as shifts in consumer behavior. Additionally, changing go-to-market dynamics, such as online commerce that encourages real-time price comparisons and obviates the extent of Pepsi’s retail distribution advantage, allow for more nimble and aggressive competition.

Financial Strength

Pepsi’s financial health can be considered as excellent. While leverage has ticked up due to recent acquisitions the company still has a strong balance sheet with manageable debt levels and robust free cash flow generation. Strong interest coverage ratios also lend credence to the firm’s health in this regard. For the year2020, PespiCo has reported revenue of USD Mil 70,372 while its estimated revenue for the year 2021 is USD Mil 76,632 which is up by 8.9% compared to the previous year. The firm in the year 20220 has reported EBIT of USD Mil 10,080 while its estimated EBIT in the year 2021 is USD Mil 11,746 which is 16.5% up compare to the previous year.The firm has reported free cash flow USD Mil 584 which is 83.8% down compared to the previous year. The major reason for the same is PepsiCo has ramped up strategic investments across the business and booked a slew of nonrecurring cash charge.

Bulls Say

  • In still beverages- a category facing fewer secular challenges, particularly in the U.S.-Pepsi is a much more formidable competitor to Coca-Cola.
  • Pepsi’s global dominance in salty snacks may be underappreciated; with volume share more than 10 times that of the next-largest competitor, the firm benefits from unparalleled unit economics and go-to market optionality.
  • The firm’s consolidated beverage and snack distribution operations, combined with its direct store delivery capabilities, allow for better execution in merchandising.

Company Profile

PepsiCo is one of the largest food and beverage companies globally. It makes, markets, and sells a slew of brands across the beverage and snack categories, including Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Gatorade, Doritos, Lays, and Ruffles. The firm uses a largely integrated go-to-market model, though it does leverage third-party bottlers, contract manufacturers, and distributors in certain markets. In addition to company-owned trademarks, Pepsi manufactures and distributes other brands through partnerships and joint ventures with companies such as Starbucks. The firm segments its operations into five primary geographies, with North America (comprising Frito-Lay North America, Quaker Foods North America, and North America beverages) constituting over 60% of consolidated revenue

 (Source: Morningstar)

General Advice Warning

Any advice/ information provided is general in nature only and does not take into account the personal financial situation, objectives or needs of any particular person.

Categories
Commodities Trading Ideas & Charts

Fortescue Metals has established an industry-leading cost position

Investment Thesis

  • FMG’s price discount to the market benchmark Platts 62 percent CFR Index should continue to narrow as its sales mix shifts toward higher grade products.
  • Global stimulus policies, both fiscal and monetary, are beneficial to global growth and FMG’s products.
  • Capital management initiatives include increased dividends and potential share buybacks given the balance sheet’s strength.
  • Exceptional cash flow generation.
  • Management team for quality.
  • Continues to be on the lower end of the cost curve in comparison to peers; with a continued focus on C1 cost reductions, earnings should be supported.

Key Risks

  • Iron ore prices are falling.
  • Cost overruns/production disruptions
  • The cost-cutting strategy is ineffective.
  • The company does not carry out adequate capital management initiatives.
  • There is the possibility of regulatory changes.
  • Vale SA supply returns to the market sooner than expected.
  • Growth initiatives are being postponed.

Operational Performance Highlights 

  • Ore Mined of 226.9m tones, was up by 11 percent.
  • FMG shipped a record 182.2m tones, up +2 percent and sold 181.1m tones up by 2 percent.
  • The average revenue of US$135.32/dmt was increased by +72 percent.
  • FMG saw C1 cost of US$13.93/wmt, increase by 8 percent but remains industry leading.
  • Iron ore Shipment is 180 to 185m tone.
  • C1 cost of US$15.00 to US$15.50/wmt.
  • Capex (excluding FFI) of US$2.8 – US$3.2 billion (down from US$3,633 billion in FY21), including: US$1.1 billion in sustaining capital; US$200 million in hub development; US$250 – US$300 million in operational development; US$180 million in exploration and studies; and US$1.1 – US$1.4 billion in major projects (Iron Bridge and PEC). 

Company Profile 

Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (FMG) engages in the exploration, development, production, processing, and sale of iron ore in Australia, China, and internationally. It owns and operates the Chichester Hub that consists of the Cloudbreak and Christmas Creek mines located in the Chichester Ranges in the Pilbara, Western Australia; and the Solomon Hub comprising the Firetail and Kings Valley mines located in the Hamersley Ranges in the Pilbara, Western Australia. The Company was founded in 2003 and is based in East Perth, Australia.

General Advice Warning

Any advice/ information provided is general in nature only and does not take into account the personal financial situation, objectives or needs of any particular person.

Categories
Global stocks Shares

IDP Education reported low earnings due to pandemic

Investment Thesis:

  • Global re-open and vaccine roll-out acts as leverage for IDP Education.
  • The company is expected to be benefitted from margin expansion (computer- based IELTS), network expansion (latest inclusion of IELTS test centres in Ireland, Poland, Chile and Peru and student placement offices in Pakistan and Canada).
  • IDP’s English Language Testing stream (IELTS) has a strong reputation as the world’s most trusted English language test for study, work and migration.  
  • Solid margin and strong earnings/revenue growth/strong cashflow generation is maintained by IDP.
  • Strong management team.
  • Growth opportunities at global level due to international student population and education industry. 
  • Introduction and planned roll out of online IELTS delivery to provide opportunities for stronger growth.
  • Strong balance sheet, with high liquidity. 
  • Substantial margin opportunity is unlocked by potential restructuring with British Council  

Key Risks:

  • Periodic growth cannot be predicted with IDP’s business model 
  • Future economic lock-downs to Covid-19
  • Risk of currency conversion
  • In order to justify the valuations, high growth rate should be met  
  • Threat of a new entrant or competition from the existing players

Key Highlights:

  • FY21 Earnings were impacted by the pandemic, with adjusted EBIT of $71.8m, which was down by 31% over the pcp (previous corresponding period).
  • IELTS volumes were up 5% despite ongoing disruptions at the operational level due to the on-going pandemic and government-imposed restrictions.
  • The placement volumes of students to countries except Australia reduced by 12% relative to FY20 in spite of the uncertainties that were associated with travel and physical learning
  • Digital Marketing revenue jumped 8% to $30m driven by institutional clients looking up to IDP’s global digital platform for marketing and data insights.
  • Strategic acquisition in a growth market in British Council’s IELTS operation in India for £130m, which is highly strategic for IDP and provides several benefits like increased exposure to the high-growth Indian IELTS market; simplified distribution arrangements providing the opportunity to simplify and improve the delivery of IELTS to test takers in India.
  • The highlights by segments are stated as below:
  • English Language Testing: Revenue of $325.6m, which was up by 8%
  • Student Placement: Revenue of $143.3, was 22% lower; for Australia, revenue was 34% weaker at $59.7m, due to border closures relating to Covid-19. For Multi-destination, revenue was -17% weaker at $83.5m.
  • English Language Teaching: Revenue of $20.2m, which is -23% lower
  • Digital Marketing and Events: Revenue of $36.4m, which is -2% lower
  • Others: Revenue of $3.2m was -20% weaker

Company Profile:

IDP Education Ltd (IEL) offers: (i) Student placement: student recruitment/placement in 93 offices across 30 countries into  approximately 600 universities, schools and colleges globally in 5 destination countries; and (ii) co-owner of IELTS, an English language proficiency test which foreigners must pass in order to obtain certain visas and permanent residency in Australia. IEL is 50% owned by Education Australia Ltd – a business in which 38 Australian universities own a 50.1% stake.

General Advice Warning

Any advice/ information provided is general in nature only and does not take into account the personal financial situation, objectives or needs of any particular person.

Categories
Technology Stocks

Afterpay on rapid growth with stagnant loss in fiscal year 2021

Investment Thesis:

  • With over 16 million customers and over 98,000 retail partnerships, Afterpay have the benefit of being the first mover .
  • APT and clients can profit from their data (potentially introduce data mining services).
  • Vertical expansion.
  • New revenue streams and new opportunities to drive revenue – Afterpay Money.
  • International expansion – both the U.S. and the UK are off to a solid start. The addressable market for online shopping in the United States is $630 billion dollars, whereas the market in the United Kingdom is $130 billion dollars. 
  • Additional opportunities are anticipated to arise as a result of the recently announced partnerships with Visa, Squarespace, and Stripe.
  • Strong management team.

Key Risks:

  • High valuation will lead to de-rating and thereby creating miss expectation in growth rates.
  • Expansion into new verticals disappoints management and market expectations.
  • Execution risk with international expansion.
  • Increased competition from major player(s).
  •  Increased regulation. 
  • Significant data breach.
  •  Deal with Square Inc fails to complete.

Key highlights of FY21:  Relative to the pcp:( The abbreviation for p.c.p is previous corresponding period . Herein, the year 2020 is considered as p.c.p)

  • Group total income was up by 78% to $924.7m, consisting of Afterpay up by 90% to $822.3m, Pay Now down by 16% to $13.8m and Other income up +29% to $88.6m.
  • The gross loss of Afterpay as % of underlying sales unchanged at 0.9%in the year 2021.
  • Group reported net margin of $443.3m which was up by 70%.
  • Afterpay reported net margin of $434.1m up by 74 % while its net transaction loss margin was 0.6 % (up from 0.4 percent), and net margin as a percentage of underlying sales was 2.1 percent (down from 2.3 percent), impacted by lower margin from newer international regions that are still in the early stages of their lifecycle.
  • Despite increased underlying sales and contribution from new territories, the Afterpay income margin of 3.9 percent remained steady over the pcp, with merchant income margins largely stable across all regions.
  • Due to increased marketing and talent expenditure, the group’s underlying operating profitability (EBITDA) fell by 13 % to $38.7 million. The loss after tax increased to $159.4 million from $22.9 million owing principally to an increase in the valuation of the ClearPay UK minority investment.
  • Management continues to invest heavily in the company in order to expand into new markets and raise brand awareness. Employment expenses increased by 75% year over year to $150.9 million, while operational expenses increased by 104 percent to $298.6 million.
  • APT has plenty of cash, with management claiming that it has the capacity to support an additional $40 billion in underlying sales on top of its existing annualised run rate of $24 billion.

 APT and Square Inc announced a Scheme Implementation Deed on August 2nd, under which Square Inc will purchase all of APT’s outstanding shares in a transaction valued at $39 billion at the time. . The deal is expected to finalise in the first quarter of FY22.

Company Profile

Afterpay Ltd (APT) is an Australian-based technology-driven payments company. The Afterpay and Touch products and businesses are part of APT. The company’s business model is “purchase now, take now, pay later.” Merchants sign up for Afterpay, which allows their retail customers to pay in four equal instalments, interest-free. APT pays merchants up front and assumes the credit and fraud risk upon themselves. Customers can pay with a debit or credit card (Visa/Mastercard) — as a result, APT views banks and credit card companies as collaborators rather than rivals. Merchants benefit because they may increase sales to customers who would otherwise be unable to afford large purchases in one go.

General Advice Warning

Any advice/ information provided is general in nature only and does not take into account the personal financial situation, objectives or needs of any particular person.

Categories
Global stocks Shares

Despite pandemic disruptions, NIB Holdings produce strong FY21 results

85215903 - attractive businessman using mobile phone while having lunch

Investment Thesis:

  • Increased demand for health care services due to ageing population of Australia, thereby contributing increased dependence on private health care insurers. NHF offers exposure to the business model of providing a funding mechanism for the high-growth health care sector.
  • Healthcare expenditure is expected to rise by 5-10% per annum, so government cannot offer healthcare services to people without increase in tax.
  • The average premium rates increased at the rate of 5 – 6% per annum. 
  • Policyholder growth and exposure to speed up the investments, NHF is expected to offer double-digit growth in medium term.
  • Strong members in management.
  • Chalking out budget plan, which improves the company’s expense ratio. 
  • PHI (Protected Health Information) is promoted by giving incentives and benefits. 
  • Joining with Tasly Holdings (Chinese Pharmaceutical Company) in Joint Venture and making international presence through the same.

Key Risks:

  • Increase in competition among top 6 players
  • Putting policy growth targets at risk 
  • Marketing expenses are anticipated to go high, thereby straining earnings growth.
  • Unexpected decline in policyholders in spite of providing incentives 
  • Rapid increase in healthcare spending and health services demand from people have left Australian Government struggling.
  • Registered health insurance firms are unable to increase premium rates without prior approval from the Government/Minister for Health/PHIAC/APRA. Because of this, NHF’s ROE and margins would be exposed to political process and pressures if the company makes large profits.
  • Regulatory changes including tax incentives and benefits which encourage take up of PHI. 
  • Due to poor insurance policy design, aging population, and costs of new medical equipment, procedures and treatments; lapse rates and claims inflation would be higher than expected.
  • Negotiations not done rightly with healthcare providers (private hospital operators) which may result into unfavorable contractual terms;
  • Investment returns might be lower than expected.

Key Highlights:

  • nib holdings Ltd. (NHF) reported strong FY21 results in spite of Covid-19, however it was in line with management expectations
  • Revenue grew by +2.9% to $2.6bn and Group operating profit (UOP) of $204.9m, which is up by 39.5%
  • NPAT of $160.5m was mainly driven by net investment income of $51.8m.
  • Statutory EPS of 35.2 cents, which was +82.4% higher.
  • ROIC of 19.1% which was similar to pre-pandemic levels.
  • Final dividend of 14cps fully franked (up from 4 cents), which brings the full year dividend to 24cps.

Company Profile:

nib Holdings Limited (NHF) is the Australian private health insurer. NHF operates in four divisions which are private health insurance, life insurance, travel insurance and related health care activities.

General Advice Warning

Any advice/ information provided is general in nature only and does not take into account the personal financial situation, objectives or needs of any particular person.

Categories
Shares Small Cap

Nanosonics achieved a strong FY21 performance

Investment Thesis

  • Ultrasound disinfection is required. To avoid cross-infection, ultrasound transducers must be disinfected between patients. Trophon EPR outperforms traditional methods (soak, spray, wipe, or other manual reprocessing/disinfection methods). Traditional soaking, for example, takes 25 minutes, whereas Trophon disinfects ultrasound probes in 7-8 minutes.
  • Potential addressable installed base of 120,000 Trophon EPR units worldwide (40,000 each in the US, Europe, and the Rest of the World).
  • Higher level disinfection required to reinforce the drive path for new guidelines and regulations. New Guidelines in Australia and New Zealand for example, establish Trophon as the gold standard in high-level disinfection.
  • Trophon become standard of care and direct sales team driven for strong adoption as its continuous growing in North America.
  • With the demand for safety inventory, GE Healthcare has retained a large and credible distribution partner.
  • In the United Kingdom, the Managed Equipment Service (MES) business model is overcoming client capital budget constraints.
  • Progress is being made in terms of geographic expansion.
  • A strong balance sheet will help to support the growth strategy.

Key Risks

  • Increased competition as new entrance entered the market. 
  • Non-receptive markets where NAN’s product is regarded as excessive when compared to traditional disinfection methods such as using sterile wipes.
  • Key customer risk, as one of NAN’s largest customers
  • Product flaws or incidents that necessitate recalls.
  • Unfavorable foreign currency movements in the AUD/USD.
  • Poor R&D execution with no progress.
  • Because of the nature of the business, it is prone to quickly reaching a natural penetration rate, where growth becomes subdued.

FY21 results highlights

  • Revenue of $103.1m, up +3.0 percent (or +12 percent in constant currency), driven by recovery in 2H21 with revenue of $60.0m, up +39 percent (or +50 percent in CC) compared to 1H21.
  • NAN’s global installed base of 26,750 units increased by +13 percent or 3,030 units (with 2H new installed base increasing by +20 percent compared to 1H21 with 1,650 units installed).
  • Revenue of $76.4m, up +9% from 1H21 revenue of $42.7m, up +27% from 1H21, driven by a recovery in ultrasound procedure volume to pre-Covid-19 levels.
  • Operating profit before tax of $11.0m was -11 percent lower than the $12.4 m pcp, driven by 2H21 profit before tax $10.8m which grew as total revenue increase +39% in 2H21 versus 1H21.
  • NAN retained a strong balance sheet position to fund growth initiative with net cash position improving $4.2 to $96.0m.
  • Revenue of $26.7 million was down -11 percent, but 2H revenue of $17.3 million was up +84 percent compared to 1H21, with installed base growth recovering and GE Healthcare capital purchases increasing.
  • EBIT of $10.8 million fell -7 percent. Operating expenses increased by 12% to $70.8 million, primarily due to $20.3 million in 4Q expenses as NAN returned to its intended investment run rate.
  • The $5.9 million in free cash flow was driven by $8.3 million in 2H free cash flow, which offset a $2.4 million net cash outflow in 2H21.

Company Profile 

Nanosonics Ltd (NAN) is an ASX-listed company which focuses on developing and commercialising infection control devices. NAN’s first device, the trophon® EPR is a proprietary automated device for low temperature, high level disinfection of ultrasound probes. The device is approved for sale across major markets including, Australia and New Zealand, US, Europe, Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea. The trophon® EPR is sold through distributors including GE Healthcare, Philips, Samsung, Siemens Toshiba and Miele Professional.

General Advice Warning

Any advice/ information provided is general in nature only and does not take into account the personal financial situation, objectives or needs of any particular person.

Categories
Property

The share price of BWP has dropped following the release of the FY2021 results.

Property investment or saving money for buy home. A businessman hand holding coin over glass jar and resident house model on wooden table.

Investment Thesis 

  • Stable and sustainable distribution yield.
  • Trades on a ~20.7% premium to NTA.
  • Strong and experienced management team.
  • WES stake in BWP (24.75%) provides security against risk of non-renewal of leases by Bunnings. 
  • High quality property portfolio with long weighted average lease expiry, strong lease covenants, and high occupancy.
  • Low interest rate environment is encouraging for the housing industry and hardware sales however any sudden increase in interest rates provides risk to both revenue and debt financing costs. 
  • Solid balance sheet with low gearing levels. 
  • Risk of poor execution in redevelopment of assets vacated by Bunnings to other uses.

Key Risks

We see the following key risks to our investment thesis:

  • Any slowdown in demand and net absorption for hardware space.
  • Persistent lower inflation (and deflation) affecting retailers.
  • Economic conditions affect property fundamentals such as values (cap rates and rental growth), vacancies, retail activity (and hence demand for space at big-box retail sites). 
  • Risk of non-renewal of leases by Bunnings Group. 

BWP Portfolio key Highlights

 (1) Occupancy and Rent Reviews: the portfolio was 97.8% leased. According to management, “the rent payable for each leased property is increased annually, either by a fixed percentage or by the CPI, except when a property is due for a market review… During the year, 86 leases in the portfolio had annual fixed or CPI increases, resulting in an average increase of 1.6% in the annual rent for these properties. Sixteen market rent reviews (including 13 Bunnings Warehouse properties) were finalised during the year, with rents broadly in line with the market. The market rent reviews that were due for two Bunnings Warehouses during the year ended 30 June 2020 and 11 during the year ended 30 June 2021 are still being negotiated or are being determined by an independent valuer and remain unresolved”. 

(2) Property portfolio revaluations: BWP’s portfolio value increased $151.9m to $2,636.1m in FY21, driven by capex of $16.8m and revaluation gains of $149.2m, less net proceeds from divestments of $15.8m. Net revaluation gain was driven by growth in rental income and an average decrease in capitalisation rates across the portfolio in FY21. BWP’s weighted average capitalisation rate for the portfolio was 5.65% (versus 5.84% in December 2020 and 6.08% in June 2020). 

(3) Acquisitions and divestments: BWP made no acquisitions in FY21 but made several offers, with management highlighting “the Trust actively continues to look for value creating opportunities”. BWP also divested its Underwood property in Queensland for $16.0m to an unrelated third party in May 2021. BWP has also entered into an agreement to divest its Mindarie property in Western Australia for $14.5m to an unrelated third party with settlement expected on 30 July 2021. 

(4) Developments: in FY21, BWP completed the expansion of the Croydon Bunnings Warehouse, Victoria for $4.0m, which drove an annual rental increase of ~$0.2m. BWP also expanded the Port Melbourne Bunnings Warehouse, Victoria, for $6.6m, driving an annual rental increase of ~$0.4m.

Company Description  

BWP Trust (BWP) is a real estate investment trust focused on operating, owning, and divestments and acquisitions of large format retailing properties, in particular, Bunnings Warehouses, leased to Bunnings Group Ltd (‘Bunnings’). Bunnings is the leading retailer of home improvement products in Australia and New Zealand and is a major supplier to builders and trades people in the housing industry. BWP is managed by an external responsible entity, BWP Management Ltd who is paid an annual fee based on the gross assets of BWP. Both Bunnings and BWP Management Ltd are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Wesfarmers (WES), one of Australia’s largest listed companies. WES owns ~24.75% of BWP. Currently, BWP is the largest owner of Bunnings Warehouse sites, with a portfolio of ~80 stores. Eight properties have adjacent retail showrooms leases to other retailers.  BWP also owns one stand-alone showroom property. The assets have a current value of ~$2.49bnmillion, WALE of ~4 to 5 years, 97.5% occupancy rate.

General Advice Warning

Any advice/ information provided is general in nature only and does not take into account the personal financial situation, objectives or needs of any particular person.

Categories
Global stocks Shares

Ramsay Health Care reported solid earnings in fiscal year 2021

Investment Thesis :

  • Holds a leading positions in Australia, France and Scandinavia.
  •  Earnings will begin to rise in FY22-24 as a result of pent-up demand on waiting lists.
  •   Has a well-diversified portfolio with a large scale.
  • Australia’s largest private hospital operator, with strong industry fundamentals  
  • Favourable macro-industry trends include an ageing and growing population, the spread of chronic disease, and more innovation, treatment, and technology, all of which are driving demand to private hospital.
  • Supportive government policy (tax incentive for people to get private health insurance). 
  • Ongoing brownfield program driving earnings and offshore earnings growth
  • Significant international operation paves way for the firm to grow internationally in near future.
  •  Attractive industry dynamics with high entry barriers for new firms.

Key Risks:

  • Competitive risk (new hospitals, new beds), from listed and unlisted hospital operators
  • Brownfield projects fail to deliver the earnings uplift.
  • Cost pressures (negotiating price increases with private health insurance companies).
  • Government policy on private health insurance is changing.
  • Execution risk (able to get the uplift in earnings from brownfield projects).
  • Snap economic lockdowns due to Covid-19
  • Currency risk

Key financial highlights of year2021:

In relative to the previous corresponding period i.e pcp (herein pcp is year 2020)

  • During the year 2021, RHC revenue increased by 3.9% to $12.4bn.
  • The increase in revenue was driven by strong earning growth across all of its geographical segments-i.e from Asia Pacific, UK and Europe.
  • In Asia Pacific, revenue from patients increased by 7.8% to $5.4bn reflecting strong growth in surgical admission (2) In U.K, revenue increased by 10.2% to $1,024.1m and included payments from the NHSE of $417.6m representing net cost recovery for services provided by Ramsay to the NHSE during the year (3) Europe revenue increased by 6.9% to $6,839.9m and included government grants of $428.3m and was impacted by 80m euros from the sale of a portfolio of nine German hospitals in 1H21
  • EBIT increased by 29.1% to $1.1bn and statutory profit increased by 58.1% to $449m, reflecting a strong increase in admissions.
  • The Board declared a fully franked final dividend of 103cps, bringing the FY21 dividend to 151.5cps (up by 142.4 %) and representing a payout ratio of 79 percent of statutory profit.
  • During the underlying period ROCE improved by 60bps to 9.3% and ROIC gained by 260bps to 7%.
  • Operating cash flow fell by 11.9 % to $1.5 billion, owing to changes in working capital as a result of cash loans from the French government while FCF fell by 14.8 percent to $85,
  • Financial metrics improved, with net debt (excluding lease liabilities) fallen by 15 % to $2.4 billion, lowering leverage to 3.7 times from 4.4 times. 

Company Profile:

Ramsay Health Care Ltd (RHC) is a company that provides medical services. RHC has hospitals, day surgery centres, treatment facilities, rehabilitation centres, and psychiatric units all around the world. It has about 500 sites throughout Australia, the United Kingdom, France, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Indonesia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Italy, and the Nordic countries.

General Advice Warning

Any advice/ information provided is general in nature only and does not take into account the personal financial situation, objectives or needs of any particular person.

Categories
Technology Stocks

Nitro software operating expenses rise as their top line expands

20025825 - closeup image of businessman drawing 3d graphics

Investment Thesis

  • Total Addressable Market (TAM) for sizeable market opportunity is US$28bn (company estimates which is based on ground up model taking into account customer values). 
  • Created a solid foundation on which to build – the company has penetrated 68 percent of the Fortune 500 companies, and while the initial involvement with these companies may be small, it provides the opportunity to scale up with these customers (approx. 10 percent of the Fortunes 500 customers have 100 or more licenced users).
  • Structural tailwinds – businesses looking to digitise manual, paper-based processes are continuing to migrate online.
  • Looking to become a platform.
  • Subscription provides an appealing recurring revenue base.
  • The company’s competitive position continuously developing in R&D investment and enhance value proposition with customer.

Key Risks

  • Rising Competitive pressure especially when larger player like adobe inc and document sign.
  • Company trade on high valuation multiples like growth in subscriptions, new customers and Penetration of existing clients which disappoints the market growth.
  • Product Innovation stall and fails to resonate with customers.
  • Emergence of new competitors and technology.

Nitro software’s 1H CY21 result

  • Group revenue increased by +27 percent to $24.1 million, with subscription revenue increasing by +66 percent to $15.1 million as a result of new customer acquisition and growth among existing customers.  ARR (annual recurring revenue) of $33.8 million was up +56 percent Year on year.
  • Gross Profit was up 28 percent to US$22.1m, with Gross Profit margin of 92%.
  • R&D expenses of US$5.8m were up by 46% and represented 24% of revenue. Key Operating expenses saw significant increase as the company continuous to invest in the business to drive a top line growth.
  • Operating earnings (EBITDA excluding share-based and M&A expenses) were a loss of $3 million, compared to a gain of $0.2 million in the pcp.
  • At the end of the period, there was no debt and a cash balance of $38.6 million.

Company Profile 

Nitro Software Ltd (NTO), founded in 2005 & listed in 2019, is a global document productivity software company. NTO offers integrated PDF productivity, eSignature and business intelligence (BI) tools through a horizontal SaaS and desktop-based software suite. The Company helps customers move to 100% digital document workflows, eliminating paper and accelerating business processes.NTO serves customers around the world and counts 68% of the Fortune 500 companies among its customers. In total, NTO has over 12,000 business customers (who are defined as having at least 10 licensed users) and across 155 countries.

(Source: Banyantree)

General Advice Warning

Any advice/ information provided is general in nature only and does not take into account the personal financial situation, objectives or needs of any particular person.

Categories
Shares Technology Stocks

Whispir’s strong FY21 results seems positive for the stock

Investment Thesis

  • Sizeable market opportunity – in the U.S. alone WSP TAM is US$4.7bn (WSP North American target markets) vs total U.S. CPaaS TAM of US$98bn.
  • Established a solid foundation to build from – the Company has over 800 customers worldwide with leading brand names.  
  • Structural tailwinds – ongoing automation and digitization. 
  • Increasing direct sales penetration.
  • Attractive recurring revenue base via subscriptions. 
  • Investment in R&D to continue developing the Company’s competitive position and enhance value proposition with customers.   

Key Risks

We see the following key risks to our investment thesis:

  • Rising competitive pressures.
  • Growth disappoints the market, given the company trades on high valuation multiples – growth in subscriptions, new customers and penetration of existing clients. 
  • Product innovation stalls and fails to resonate with customers. 
  • Emergence of new competitors and technology.
  • Key channel partnerships breakdown.

FY21 key trading metrics 

  • FY21 ARR (annualized recurring revenue) was up +28.5% to $53.6m, driven by increased spending by installed customer base and addition of new customers. Recurring revenue is now at 96.7%.
  • Customer revenue retention was 115.9%, with management noting that whilst customers may initially engage for single communication solutions, once implemented with operational processes, management find that new applications / use cases across client’s organization. 
  • Over the year, WSP added 171 net new customers (up +27% YoY), bringing total customer numbers to 801. An attractive component of WSP’s solution is the Company’s “low code-no code” platform, which easily integrates with existing inhouse client IT systems and can be deployed within hours. This is one of our key competitive advantages.
  • New customer acquisition costs were down more than 50% due to higher sales efficiency and a growing proportion of digital direct sales (self-discovering the platform). 
  • LTV / CAC (ratio of lifetime value to customer acquisition costs) improved to 26.1x (from 23.7x). 
  • Gross revenue churn (3 month average) at Jun-21 was 2.4%.

Company Description  

Whispir Ltd (WSP), founded in 2001, is a global enterprise software-as-a-service (SasS) company. WSP provides a communications workflow platform that automates interactions between businesses and people. The Company has over 800 customers, operates in 60 countries and more than 200 staff globally. WSP operates in an emerging subset of the enterprise communications SaaS market known as Workflow Communications-as-a-Service (WCaaS). WSP currently solves two communication problems: (1) Operational Messaging – engaging with employees; and (2) External Messaging – engaging with customers. WSP operates in 3 key markets – Operational messaging (size $8bn), API messaging (size $32bn) and Marketing messages (size $66bn).

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