Category: Technology Stocks

Tech stocks refer to any stock involved in the technology sector, from semiconductor producers to software providers. Tech stocks are often a leading indicator for the economy and the stock market. Technology stocks generally follow the pattern of more innovation in the market & new development of product.

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Technology Stocks

Cochlear’s Reported Strong FY21 Results

Investment Thesis

  • Benefits from an Australian tax incentive are possible. The patent box tax regime for medical technology and biotechnology, if legislation is successfully passed, should encourage the development of advancement in Australia by taxing corporate income derived from patents at a concessional effective corporate tax rate of 17 percent, with the concession applicable from income years beginning on or after 1 July 2022.
  • Attractive market dynamics – growing population requiring hearing aids, improved health in EM allowing for greater access to devices such as hearing aids, and a relatively emerging real estate market. There is still a significant, unmet, and configurable clinical need for cochlear and acoustic implants, which is expected to underpin COH’s longterm sustainable growth.
  • Positions of global market leadership.
  • Direct-to-consumer marketing is anticipated to accelerate market growth.
  • Best-in-class R&D programme (significant monetary investment), resulting in the continuous development of new products and upgrades to the existing suite of products.
  • New product launches are fueling ongoing demand across all segments.
  • Attractive exposure to Chinese, Indian, and, more recently, Japanese growth.
  • A strong balance sheet position.

Key Risks 

  • Recall of a product
  • In China, a persistent coronavirus outbreak is delaying the resumption of hospital operations.
  • The R&D programme fails to produce innovative products.
  • Intensification of competitive pressures.
  • Modifications to the government’s reimbursement policy.
  • The AUD/USD has experienced negative movement.
  • The emerging market does not recover – this has a significant negative impact on earnings.

Key Results FY21 Highlights

  • Sales revenue of $1,493 million was up 10%, or 19% in constant currency (CC), driven by market share gains, market growth, and rescheduled surgeries following Covid lockdowns. Sales revenue increased by 6% (CC) over the previous fiscal year, which was unaffected by the pandemic.
  • Implant units increased by 15% to 36,456 (up 20% in developed markets and 10% in emerging markets). Implant units increased by 7% over the previous fiscal year.
  • The underlying net profit increased by 54% to $237 million, falling within the $225-$245 million range.
  • The underlying net profit margin of 16 percent was higher than the 11 percent margin achieved in FY20, but it fell short of COH’s longerterm target of 18 percent.
  • Statutory NPAT of $327 million (includes $59 million in patent litigationrelated tax and other benefits and $31 million in aftertax innovation fund gains).
  • The Board declared a final dividend of $1.40 per share, bringing full-year dividends to $2.55 per share, an increase of +59 percent, and a payout ratio of 71 percent of underlying net profit, in line with COH’s target payout of 70 percent.
  • COH’s balance sheet position persists, with net cash of $564.6 million at year end, up from $457 million in FY20.

Company Profile 

Cochlear Ltd (COH) researches, develops and markets cochlear implant systems for hearing impaired people. COH’s hearing implant systems include Nucleus and Baha and are sold globally. COH has direct operations in 20 countries and 2,800 employees.   

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.

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Technology Stocks

AMN Healthcare Fair Value Estimate to be raised to $71

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though recent performance represents a new normal. The company’s fair value estimate has been raised on narrow-moat AMN to $71 per share, up from $55 previously. Labor shortages and resumed healthcare utilization kept revenue up this quarter. Management’s third-quarter guidance provides some clarity for 2021 results, suggesting a sharper decline in the third quarter, which will stabilize in the fourth quarter.

Nursing and Allied revenue fell only 5% sequentially this quarter due to lower nursing volume and bill rates, offset by higher allied revenue. This decline was less than anticipated due not only to lingering COVID-19-related activity but also a thin labor market. A resurgence in patient volume combined with nurse burnout and resignations may limit further declines after third quarter, too. 

Physician and leadership solutions was down 1% sequentially, as COVID-19-related demand mostly ceased in the first quarter, while demand for physician and leadership search remains strong due to vacancies. Technology and workforce solutions grew by 6% sequentially, and the SaaS business should continue its rapid growth, though at a reduced pace as the firm exhausts its lower-hanging partnership opportunities. Gross and operating margin percentages remained stable from the first quarter. 

Company’s Future Outlook

It is expected margins to steadily improve over the next few years, as the technology and workforce solutions segment will be a major driver of margin improvement, eventually overtaking physician and leadership solutions as the second-largest segment. AMN’s recent surge is consistent with the cyclical nature of this business, and is not believed this year represents a suitable point from which to anchor forecasts. Prior history shows that the firm does extraordinarily well during years of growth when need is high but it quickly reverts to baseline industry growth in the years thereafter.

Company Profile

AMN Healthcare Services Inc (NYSE: AMN) is the largest healthcare staffing company in the United States. In 2019, it placed almost 10,000 nurses and allied healthcare full-time workers with provider clients nationwide. About two thirds of its business is generated from its temporary nursing division; the other third is generated from its physician placement and technology-backed workplace solutions divisions.

(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.

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Nanosonics Still Screens as Materially Overvalued

 as evidenced by penetration of over 75% in Australia and New Zealand and 40% in North America. Moreover, the device patent expires in 2025, leading to slower volume growth in the medium term. Moreover, the device patent expires in 2025, leading to slower volume growth in the medium term. In 2021 consumables contributed 63% of group revenue. 

Nanosonics primarily distributes via GE Healthcare, its partner across multiple geographies. We estimate consumables to roughly earn a gross margin of 85% and devices 65% by fiscal 2026. Outside of trophon, the company expects to launch a new product in flexible endoscope cleaning in 2023. Previously, management intimated the addressable market to be equivalent to trophon and there is greater awareness of the infection issue this product addresses. 

Financial Strength

Nanosonics is in a net cash position and free cash flow positive. The operating model does not require significant capital investment, with the key investments for growth stemming from ongoing R&D spending, building out a salesforce and working capital. Despite having 60-day terms from distribution partners, the current net investment in working capital runs at approximately 28% of revenue due to high inventory holding levels which average roughly 200 days in stock. phase. The company first posted a profit in fiscal 2016 and is yet to pay a dividend, nor do we expect it to in the future as it invests in underpenetrated markets and its pipeline product.

Our fair value for narrow-moat Nanosonics by 13% to AUD 3.50 following fiscal 2021 results. Roughly half of our upgrade is attributed to increasing consumable usage across the trophon installed base and the remainder due to a stronger USD. A clear highlight was second-half fiscal 2021 consumables revenue in North America, or NA, increasing 30% sequentially to AUD 33 million as ultrasound procedure volumes recovered. For the first time since fiscal 2016, new installations in NA increased year on year, with 2,490 trophon units added in fiscal 2021. 

While the second half added 1,360 new units in NA, the run-rate has significantly declined from 2,000 new installations in first-half fiscal 2017. Revenue in the region declined 1% sequentially to just AUD 3.6 million in the second half. Nanosonics is in a strong financial position with AUD 96 million in net cash at fiscal 2021 year-end. Nanosonics’ next major product, dubbed Coris, aims to automate flexible endoscope cleaning but has been delayed to calendar 2023. Details remain scant and we continue to expect uptake of Coris to mirror that of the trophon post-launch. This results in AUD 84 million in sales by fiscal 2031, or 23% of group revenue.

Bulls Say’s 

  • Nanosonics is the market leader in automated HLD of ultrasound probes with significant further market penetration potential in most regions.
  • Establishing its direct distribution model should increase the gross margins achieved by Nanosonics once it reaches critical mass.
  • The company has reached a pivotal point where higher margin consumables dominate the revenue stream. This revenue stream is also protected by patents and the installed trophon device base.

Company Profile 

Nanosonics is a single-product company and its trophon device provides high-level disinfection, or HLD, of ultrasound probes used in semi-critical procedures. The patented technology uses low temperature sonically activated hydrogen peroxide mist that is suitable for probes sensitive to damage. Automated HLD is increasingly being adopted as the standard of care globally as it is superior in preventing cross-infection across patients. Nanosonics’ revenue is made up of capital sales of trophon units, ongoing consumables sales, and service revenue. At June 2021, there were 26,750 trophon units installed globally. Market penetration rates range from over 75% in Australia and New Zealand, roughly 40% in the United States to low-single-digit penetration in EMEA and elsewhere in Asia-Pacific.

(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.

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Technology Stocks

IRE has agreed to grant EQT for exclusive due diligence

Investment Thesis
Since 24th February 2021 IRESS’s share price appreciated and traded on less attractive trading multiples and valuations.
No Doubt in quality of IRE’s quality with strong Team Management and its upside trade captured share price and trading multiples and hence its trading range bound.
Growing superannuation/pension resources bodes well for IRE’s clients, which bodes well for IRE’s product demand.
Financial market participants in Australia, United Kingdom and South Africa used use product of IRE widely. In the ANZ Wealth Management market for example, the expanding dynamic of practise self-licensing, strong client retention and increased demand for integrated solutions are major revenue drivers. More than 90% of revenue is recurring.
Strong momentum in ANZ Wealth Management’s core growth markets, including as South Africa and the United Kingdom.
The introduction of a new product provides prospects for expansion.
A strong financial position and a qualified management team.

Key Risks
Subscriptions are down due to dwindling demand from the sell-side and buy-side, as well as financial planners.
Competitive platforms/offers (new disruptive technology); competition’s better features and innovation.
Risks associated with the system, technology, and software.
Clients and their requirements are being impacted by regulatory and structural developments in the financial sector.
Deterioration in the equity and debt markets, which could have an adverse effect on terminal demand.
The company’s Canadian sector continues to deteriorate.

Key Highlight 2020

IRESS’s Revenue was up +1 to $298.7 million on a pro forma basis, as recurring sales now accounts for 90% of overall revenue.
IRESS’s Pro forma segment profit of $77.2 million and pro forma EPS of 14.2 cents were up 3% and 6%, respectively, and were in line with full-year guidance; driven by growth in Trading and Market Data, a full-year contribution from OneVue, and good progress with new client implementations across Super, Private Wealth, and in the UK, offset by expected revenue declines in the Australian financial services sector.
The cash conversion rate was 90%. (improved from 86 percent in FY20). The Pro forma ROIC was kept at 9% by IRE.
IRESS Board Declared Interim Dividend at 16cps, 80% franked.

Company Profile

Iress is an Australian financial software provider that specialises in the financial markets and wealth management sectors. Its mature financial markets business comprises around 25% of group EBITDA and has dominated the Australian market for around 20 years because of its leading order management platform. The wealth management software business comprises around a third of group EBITDA, and is the main contributor of group earnings growth, with superannuation and enterprise lending software comprising the remainder.

(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.

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Technology Stocks

IRE has agreed to grant EQT for exclusive due diligence

fintech icon on abstract financial technology background represent Blockchain and Fintech Investment Financial Internet Technology Concept.

Investment Thesis 

  • Since 24th February 2021 IRESS’s share price appreciated and traded on less attractive trading multiples and valuations.
  • No Doubt in quality of IRE’s quality with strong Team Management and its upside trade captured share price and trading multiples and hence its trading range bound.
  • Growing superannuation/pension resources bodes well for IRE’s clients, which bodes well for IRE’s product demand.
  • Financial market participants in Australia, United Kingdom and South Africa used use product of IRE widely. In the ANZ Wealth Management market for example, the expanding dynamic of practise self-licensing, strong client retention and increased demand for integrated solutions are major revenue drivers. More than 90% of revenue is recurring.
  • Strong momentum in ANZ Wealth Management’s core growth markets, including as South Africa and the United Kingdom.
  • The introduction of a new product provides prospects for expansion.
  • A strong financial position and a qualified management team.

Key Risks 

  • Subscriptions are down due to dwindling demand from the sell-side and buy-side, as well as financial planners.
  • Competitive platforms/offers (new disruptive technology); competition’s better features and innovation.
  • Risks associated with the system, technology, and software.
  • Clients and their requirements are being impacted by regulatory and structural developments in the financial sector.
  • Deterioration in the equity and debt markets, which could have an adverse effect on terminal demand.
  • The company’s Canadian sector continues to deteriorate.

Key Highlight 2020

  • IRESS’s Revenue was up +1 to $298.7 million on a pro forma basis, as recurring sales now accounts for 90% of overall revenue.
  • IRESS’s Pro forma segment profit of $77.2 million and pro forma EPS of 14.2 cents were up 3% and 6%, respectively, and were in line with full-year guidance; driven by growth in Trading and Market Data, a full-year contribution from OneVue, and good progress with new client implementations across Super, Private Wealth, and in the UK, offset by expected revenue declines in the Australian financial services sector.
  • The cash conversion rate was 90%. (improved from 86 percent in FY20). The Pro forma ROIC was kept at 9% by IRE.
  • IRESS Board Declared Interim Dividend at 16cps, 80% franked.

Company Profile 

Iress is an Australian financial software provider that specialises in the financial markets and wealth management sectors. Its mature financial markets business comprises around 25% of group EBITDA and has dominated the Australian market for around 20 years because of its leading order management platform. The wealth management software business comprises around a third of group EBITDA, and is the main contributor of group earnings growth, with superannuation and enterprise lending software comprising the remainder.

(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.

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Sabre Files for Potential Equity Offerings; Shares Cheap

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sending shares down 8%. In our view, Sabre has enough liquidity in a zero-demand environment for around a year, and probably at least two years at second-quarter 2021 demand levels. This stance is buoyed by Sabre last communicating a monthly cash burn figure of $80 million in a zero-demand environment during its earnings call on 6th Nov 2020. Since then, management said on its Feb. 16, 2021, earnings call that it expected cash burn to improve throughout 2021. On the Aug. 3, 2021, call management said cash burn improved sequentially and that Sabre had $1.1 billion in cash on the balance sheet, with no debt maturing until 2024 and no significant uses for cash in the near term. 

Sabre expects to reach free cash flow break-even levels when its air volumes reach 56%-67% of 2019 levels. Sabre’s total air bookings recovered to 51% of 2019 levels in June, up from 38% in May and 24% in its first quarter. U.S. hotel industry revenue per available room has not weakened through mid-August, and even during 2020 case surges U.S. travel demand only paused for a few weeks before continuing an improving trend, illuminating the desire to travel. Still, after holding at around 80% of 2019 levels through mid-August, U.S. air volumes have averaged around 74% for days 16-19 of the month.

And importantly for Sabre, it is a later cycle recovery play tied to corporate travel improving, which is being delayed by pushouts of return to office. We are monitoring any potential impact to demand from the delta variant of the coronavirus. We currently estimate that Sabre’s second-half 2021 air bookings will reach 54% of 2019 levels, a small improvement from June levels. While share price action may remain volatile, we still see investors greatly discounting Sabre’s narrow moat, with shares trading well below our $16.20 fair value estimate.

Company Profile 

Sabre holds the number-two share of global distribution system air bookings (40.9% as of the end of 2020 versus 38.8% in 2019). The travel solutions segment represented 88% of total 2020 revenue, which was split evenly between distribution and airline IT solutions revenue. The company also has a growing hotel IT solutions division (12% of revenue). Transaction fees, which are tied to volume and not price, account for the bulk of revenue and profits.

(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.

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Palo Alto’s Product Demand Accelerates in Q4 As Next-Gen Security Soars

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its next-generation firewall appliance altering the requirements of this essential piece of networking security. The firm’s portfolio has expanded outside of network security into areas such as cloud protection and automated response. The complexity of an entity’s threat management increases as the quantity of data and traffic being generated off-premises grows. Security point solutions were traditionally purchased to combat the latest threats, and IT teams had to manage various vendors’ products simultaneously, which leads us to believe that IT teams are clamoring for security consolidation to manage disparate solutions. Core to Palo Alto’s technology is its security operating platform, which provides centralized security management. Palo Alto’s concerted efforts into machine learning, analytics, and automated responses could make its products indispensable within customer networks.

Financial Strength 

Palo Alto ended fiscal 2021 with $2.9 billion in cash and cash equivalents and total debt of $3.2 billion in 2023 and 2025 convertible senior notes. The $1.7 billion 2023 notes mature in June 2023 and have a 0.75% fixed interest rate per year paid semiannually, while the $2.0 billion of notes that mature June 2025 have a 0.375% interest rate paid semiannually. The company announced a $1.0 billion share-repurchase authorization in February 2019, which was increased to $1.7 billion the following year with an expiration at the end of 2021, and has subsequently extended the program.

Our fair value estimate for narrow-moat Palo Alto Networks to $440 per share from $400 after its fourth quarter earnings bolstered our confidence in its long-term opportunity within the cybersecurity market. Shares are modestly undervalued, in our view, even after jumping more than 10% following the strong results in the fourth quarter. Palo Alto breezed by our lofty expectations, and previous guidance, for the fourth quarter, with 28% year-over-year revenue growth and adjusted earnings of $1.60. Billings grew by 34% year over year, and remaining performance obligations, or RPO, increased by 36% year over year to $5.9 billion. 

Subscriptions and support increased by more than 36% while product revenue accelerated to 11% growth, both year over year. Its core firewall offerings continue to outpace the market, with 26% year-over-year billings growth and software-based versions represented 47% of firewall billings in the quarter. Next-gen security billings increased by 71% year over year, and now represent 33% of total billings, as the demand for cloud security and automation ramps up in the industry. Next-gen ARR increased by 81% year over year to $1.2 billion. 

Bulls Say’s 

  • Adding on modules to Palo Alto’s security platform could win greenfield opportunities and increase spending from existing customers.
  • Palo Alto could showcase great operating margin leverage as it moves from brand creation into a perennial cybersecurity leader. Winning bids should be less costly as the incumbent, and we think Palo Alto is typically on the short list of potential vendors.
  • The company is segueing into high-growth areas to supplement its firewall leadership. Analytics and machine learning capabilities could separate Palo Alto’s offerings.

Company Profile 

Palo Alto Networks is a pure-play cybersecurity vendor that sells security appliances, subscriptions, and support into enterprises, government entities, and service providers. The company’s product portfolio includes firewall appliances, virtual firewalls, endpoint protection, cloud security, and cybersecurity analytics. The Santa Clara, California, firm was established in 2005 and sells its products worldwide.

(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.

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Maintaining BioNTech FVEs after Comirnaty Approval

received full approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Aug. 23 for individuals age 16 and older. Pfizer and BioNTech fair value estimates are maintained. The mRNA technology that formed the basis of the vaccine provides support to Pfizer’s established wide moat and also contributes to BioNTech’s positive moat trend.

Government contracts for the initial two-dose series and established contracts are more than sufficient to cover any increased demand. The demand for these purchased vaccines could increase with full approval, which could help to end the most recent surge driven by the delta variant. This could encourage some individuals who were uncertain about the long-term safety of the vaccine to get vaccinated. 

In the U.S., roughly 60% of the vaccine-eligible population has been fully vaccinated. President Joe Biden’s target for a return to near normal by July 4 was thwarted by a combination of vaccine hesitancy, waning efficacy of vaccines, and the rise of the more contagious delta variant. Herd immunity could still be achievable, but the delta variant raises the bar; it therefore could depend on new mandates or increased willingness to vaccinate following Pfizer’s Aug. 23 full approval, uptake of third-dose booster shots, and the potential rise of vaccine-resistant variants down the line. 

Company’s Future Outlook

It continues to see sales reaching $35 billion in 2021 and $39 billion in 2022, followed by roughly $2 billion in annual sales beyond 2022 as it is expected post pandemic annual COVID vaccines for only the most vulnerable (infants and seniors). It is expected this approval to give more leverage to public and private organizations wishing to mandate vaccination, including universities and hospitals.

Full approval also makes it easier for doctors to prescribe off-label use of the vaccine, which could provide more flexibility with the timing of booster shots. Most physicians are waiting for a nod from the Centers for Disease Control’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which could come next week, before recommending booster shots beyond immunocompromised individuals.

Company Profile

BioNTech is a Germany-based biotechnology company that focuses on developing cancer therapeutics, including individualized immunotherapy, as well as vaccines for infectious diseases, including COVID-19. The company’s oncology pipeline contains several classes of drugs, including mRNA-based drugs to encode antigens, neoantigens, cytokines, and antibodies; cell therapies; bispecific antibodies; and small-molecule immunomodulators. BioNTech is partnered with several large pharmaceutical companies, including Roche, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Sanofi, and Genmab. Comirnaty (COVID-19 vaccine) is its first commercialized product.

(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.

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Tenet Continues to be More Efficient and Profitable

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the wake of an acquisition strategy that left it with operating inefficiencies and a debt-heavy balance sheet. Led by initiatives endorsed by its largest shareholder, Glenview Capital Management (15% stake as of March), Tenet has replaced top leadership, refreshed the board, improved governance practices, pruned its portfolio of assets, and undergone a restructuring effort. 

Operationally, Tenet has focused on flattening layers of management, improving operating efficiencies both inside and outside its healthcare facilities, and increasing focus on service quality. All these factors appear to be positively influencing returns on invested capital at Tenet, which began exceeding its weighted average cost of capital in 2017 by our calculations for the first time since the Vanguard Group acquisition in 2013.

Despite all of these positives, the company still operates with substantial debt on its balance sheet and is currently rated in the broad single B category by the major credit rating agencies on an unsecured basis. 

Financial Strength

It is expected Tenet to at least meet its net leverage goal of 5.0 times by the end of 2021, which would be a positive development in the odyssey that has been Tenet’s credit story since the Vanguard acquisition in 2013. At the end of June, the firm held $2.2 billion in cash, which included aid from the government and new borrowings. While Tenet will need to pay back Medicare advances and payroll tax deferrals, it looks to be in good shape to do so, even after paying $1.1 billion for the recent acquisition of the SCD ambulatory surgery center assets in late 2020. Tenet recently agreed to sell five Miami-area hospitals for $1.1 billion. The company also aims to spin off its revenue cycle management business, Conifer, in the near future, which could be a source of funds to meet its debt obligations as well.

Bull Says

  • With a new management team in place since late 2017, Tenet has become a more efficient and more profitable organization, suggesting that the team is making progress operationally.
  • As the top provider of ambulatory care services in the U.S., Tenet should be able to continue benefiting from the ongoing shift of procedures to outpatient facilities from acute-care hospitals, which could boost growth and margins.
  • Tenet continues to focus on improving its balance sheet and could meet its deleveraging goal on a sustainable basis in 2021.

Company Profile

Tenet Healthcare Corporation (NYSE: THC) is a Dallas-based healthcare provider organization operating a collection of hospitals (65 at the end of 2020) and over 550 outpatient facilities, including ambulatory surgery centers, urgent care centers, freestanding imaging centers, freestanding emergency rooms/micro-hospitals, and physician practices across the United States. Tenet enjoys the number-one ambulatory surgical center position nationwide, as well.

 (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.

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Super Retail’s FVE Increases to an Expected Sales Uplift from Network Optimisation

The company’s fiscal 2021 sales of AUD 3,453 million and underlying earnings of AUD 307 million were broadly in line with our estimates. The trading update provided for the first seven weeks of fiscal 2022 is broadly tracking with full fiscal year estimate. Trading conditions in fiscal 2022 are likely to be more challenging than we anticipated just a few months ago with lockdowns heavily impacting retailing businesses in affected states. While the near-term trading outlook is similarly opaque as during Australia’s first COVID wave, we base our longer-term sales levels on historical growth trends. 

EBIT margins sharply increased in fiscal 2021, mostly due to less discounting because of greater consumer demand and relatively inelastic supply, as well as remarkable sales growth of 22% driving just as exceptional operating leverage. EBIT margins expanded some 450 basis points to almost 13%, after adjusting for lease accounting Standard AASB 16. In the five years to fiscal 2020, adjusted EBIT margins averaged just over 8%. Super Retail’s online sales increased by 43% in fiscal 2021, similar to the 44% achieved in fiscal 2020. E-commerce accounted for 12% of group sales in fiscal 2021, with outdoor specialist Macpac and sporting goods retailer Rebel leading with online penetration of 21% and 16%, respectively. The board declared a fully franked dividend of AUD 88 cents per share for fiscal 2021.    

Company’s Future Outlook 

We continue to expect consumer spending on auto parts, sporting goods, and outdoor gear to normalize by fiscal 2023 and with it currently elevated profit margins. In contrast, to match our intrinsic valuation with current share prices, we would have to assume increased spending levels on discretionary goods and higher profit margins to persist for much longer. We expect operating margins to weaken against a backdrop of replenished inventories, more discounting, and declining sales. we estimate a 9% drop in group revenue for fiscal 2022. The dividend was ahead of our AUD 84 cents forecast on a slightly higher than expected 65% payout ratio. While we maintain our 65% payout ratio forecast, we expect declining earnings to result in a lower dividend of AUD 64 cents in fiscal 2022, representing a 5% yield at current share prices

Company Profile 

Super Retail operates in Australia and New Zealand selling auto parts, sporting goods, and camping, fishing, and boating equipment. The group generates revenue of about AUD 2.5 billion. There are generally two to four larger players in each category in which the firm operates, with Super Retail the market leader in all three categories. The firm has been corporately active historically, adding to the sporting goods category in fiscal 2012 and acquiring Macpac of New Zealand in 2018.

(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.