Why the Catapult Group International Ltd (ASX:CAT) share price raced 21% higher today

The Catapult Group International Ltd (ASX:CAT) share price has been on fire on Wednesday and rocketed 21% higher. Should you be buying shares?

| More on:
a woman

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

One of the best performers on the local market on Wednesday has been the Catapult Group International Ltd (ASX: CAT) share price.

The sports analytics and wearables company's shares rocketed 21% to $1.19 this morning.

Why are Catapult's shares rocketing higher?

This morning Catapult released an update on its first quarter performance and provided guidance for the full year.

According to the release, the company has had a solid start to FY 2019 and has seen group cash receipts from customers rise 25% on the prior corresponding period to $34.7 million.

The solid quarterly performance was driven by strong growth in its Elite Wearables segment, which saw revenue grow 51% on the prior corresponding period thanks to unit sales of 1,729.

The signing of major customers including the French Football Federation, Real Madrid, and the Football Association of Wales also boosted revenues.

In addition to that, management reported that its Prosumer offering has started well and has gained positive reviews in a number of industry magazines. It also signed a partnership with Fuse Soccer for its use at the Universal Orlando Resorts in association with Celtic FC and New Balance.

What about FY 2019?

Looking ahead to the full year, management expects revenue of between $86 million and $88 million in FY 2019. This implies growth of between 17% and 20% on FY 2018's result. It has also forecast similarly solid growth in its annualised recurring revenues.

Underlying core EBITDA is expected to be between 37% and 63% higher year on year to between $11 million and $13 million.

Looking even further ahead, the company confirmed that it is on track to generate positive cash flow by FY 2021.

Should you invest?

I thought this was a positive quarter for Catapult. However, it is traditionally the company's strongest quarter by some distance, so it may be a little soon to get overly excited.

But it is admittedly a step in the right direction for the company and a few more quarters like this might have me considering an investment. But for now, Catapult remains on my watchlist.

In the meantime, small cap tech shares such as Citadel Group Ltd (ASX: CGL), ELMO Software Ltd (ASX: ELO), and Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) may be better options for investors.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Catapult Group International Ltd and ELMOSFTWRE FPO. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of Citadel Group Ltd. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Gainers

A bearded man holds both arms up diagonally and points with his index fingers to the sky with a thrilled look on his face over these rising Tassal share price
Share Gainers

How these 3 ASX 200 stocks smashed the benchmark this week

Investors sent these ASX 200 stocks flying higher over the week. But why?

Read more »

asx share price boosted by us investment represented by hand waving US flag across winning athlete
Best Shares

Here are the best-performing ASX 200 shares since the US election result

We reveal the 10 ASX stocks that have had the highest share price gains since the US Presidential election.

Read more »

a man sits back from his laptop computer with both hands behind his head feeling happy to see the Brambles share price moving significantly higher today
Industrials Shares

Up 39% in a year, is there more growth to come for this ASX 200 share?

IML Equity Analyst Josh Freiman shares his views on a major ASX 200 industrial stock.

Read more »

A young women pumps her fists in excitement after seeing some good news on her laptop.
Share Gainers

Why Catapult, Flight Centre, Nufarm, and Xero shares are storming higher today

These shares are having a strong session on Thursday. But why? Let's find out.

Read more »

drug capsule opening up to reveal dollar signs signifying rising asx share price
Healthcare Shares

3 ASX healthcare shares going gangbusters on Thursday

Investors are sending these ASX healthcare stocks soaring today. But why?

Read more »

A young man talks tech on his phone while looking at a laptop. A financial graph is superimposed across the image.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

The ASX 200 made it three-for-three losses in a row this Wednesday.

Read more »

A young woman wearing overalls and a yellow t-shirt kicks one leg in the air showing excitement over the latest ASX 200 shares to hit 52-week highs
Share Gainers

Why Brickworks, James Hardie, Megaport, and OFX shares are charging higher today

These shares are having a good time on hump day. But why?

Read more »

Fancy font saying top ten surrounded by gold leaf set against a dark background of glittering stars.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

ASX investors endured another day of selling this Tuesday.

Read more »