A UK research report has found a growing number of couples over 60 live in separate households, a trend particularly pronounced among those entering a new relationship at this stage of their lives. Improved mental health is a bonus.
Speakers of the calibre of David Knoff, the expedition leader stranded with his team in Antarctic during COVID, can regularly be heard at this global institution that places a premium on knowledge, not qualifications.
Five stocks to watch after a big earnings season
ASX shares have been reporting some impressive growth numbers today.
Here are five ASX shares that caught my eye and I’ll be watching going forward.
Communication platform Whispir – which assists governments and companies communicate with stakeholders – recorded a 70.4% uplift in revenue for the first half of FY22.
The business is winning customers across the globe and announced it expects to be breakeven in the next 24 months.
“The global mega trends of digital transformation are providing strong tail winds, as our established customer base continue to expand use cases and enhance the way they communicate”
2. Jumbo Interactive Ltd (ASX: JIN)
Jumbo is one of few ASX shares to successfully shift business models.
Historically, Jumbo Interactive was known as a reseller of lottery games via its Oz Lotteries website.
In more recent times the business has expanded into software. It now provides the underlying digital infrastructure for lotteries across the globe.
Subsequently, transaction value increased 41% for the half. Underlying EBITDA increased at a slower rate, up 18%.
The business increased its interim dividend to 22 cents per share.
Wealth platform HUB24 doubled its underlying profit result for the half to $14.2 million.
The result is in contrast to major competitor Netwealth Group Ltd (ASX: NWL) whose profit actually fell due to rising operating costs.
Earnings weren’t the only metric going up at Hub.
Management upgraded its funds under administration target from $63-$70 billion to $83-$92 billion by FY23.
The business also increased its market share from 2.3% to 4.6% over the past year. Hub is now the 7th largest wealth platform in Australia.
4. Johns Lyng Group Ltd (ASX: JLG)
John Lying fixes homes and buildings after extreme weather events and incidents on behalf of insurers including ASX shares QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE) and Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG).
Revenue increased 33.6% for the half, while EBITDA improved by 31.6% on the back of a 75% jump in extreme weather events.
Moreover, recent acquisition of Reconstruction Experts in the US is progressing well and will provide the next leg of growth for the business.
Like Hub, the business upgraded its profit forecasts.
Johns Lyng now expects revenue of $802.4 million in revenue and $78.7 million in EBITDA, an 11% increase on original guidance made in August.
5. Costa Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: CGC)
Costa is Australia’s largest grower of fresh fruit and vegetables.
It was a bumper harvest for the business, with berries, mushrooms and tomatoes all recording double-digit volume growth.
The international segment, which ships products to China, Morocco and emerging regions increased sales by 30% and now contributes 27% of total revenue.
The outlook is equally positive for the business, with China demand and yields above expectations and the Moroccon berry harvest building against a “strong demand backdrop”.
If you’re anything like me, you might be thinking now is a good time to have cash ‘sitting on the sidelines’.
Information warning: The information in this article was published by The Rask Group Pty Ltd (ABN: 36 622 810 995) is limited to factual information or (at most) general financial advice only. That means, the information and advice does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not specific to you, your needs, goals or objectives. Because of that, you should consider if the advice is appropriate to you and your needs, before acting on the information. If you don’t know what your needs are, you should consult a trusted and licensed financial adviser who can provide you with personal financial product advice. In addition, you should obtain and read the product disclosure statement (PDS) before making a decision to acquire a financial product. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Financial Services Guide before using this website. The Rask Group Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative (#1280930) of AFSL #383169
