The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) gained 1.6% last week, returning to its recent strong form. Early sales data for May boosted the market on Friday, alongside positive sales results from retailers. According to the ABS, retail sales rose 16.3% in May, with large rises in spending on clothing, footwear, personal accessories, cafes and restaurants.
The technology sector also contributed to gains with the All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) up 1.75%. Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) hit new heights, climbing another 12% over the week, while Altium Limited (ASX: ALU) shares were up 10%.
Here we take a look at last week's top 5 performers.
Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: CUV)
The Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals share price climbed 21.3% last week to finish the week at $27.30. Shares in the healthcare company have more than doubled in value since March, far exceeding broader market gains – by comparison, the ASX 200 is up around 30% since its March low.
Clinuvel has spent 15 years developing its product, Scenesse, the world's first systematic photoprotective drug. The drug is used to treat Erythropoietic Protoporphyria (EPP), a metabolic genetic disorder which causes an intolerance to light. Clinuvel's drug Scenesse provides EPP patients with photoprotection, providing them with the ability to lead a "normal" life.
Clinuvel had its first full year of commercial operations and first year of profits in FY17. Profits rose in FY18 and FY19, with Clinuvel recording its 8th consecutive half year profit in the period ending December 2019. Earnings per share increased from 18 cents in 2017 to above 30 cents in 2019.
The company is debt free and has cash and equivalents of over $60 million, providing it with an attractive balance sheet. Clinuvel's strategy is to specialise in treatments for unmet needs in rare genetic indications. Beyond 2020, it is seeking to evolve into a diversified pharmaceutical company providing treatments for multiple indications.
Orora Ltd (ASX: ORA)
The Orora share price rose 20.7% last week to close the week at $2.31. Orora provides packaging and visual communication solutions, designing and manufacturing products such as bottles, cans, boxes, paper and signage.
Orora completed the sale of its Australasian Fibre business for $1.73 billion in April. Net proceeds after tax and costs are approximately $1.55 billion. The sale has prompted a strategy review of the continuing businesses, with an update expected later this calendar year.
As a result of the sale, Orora has surplus capital, which is being returned to shareholders – $600 million will be paid out via a special dividend of $450 million and a $150 million capital return.
Thanks to the proceeds from the Fibre sale, Orora is operating with little to no debt, giving it a strong position in the current economic environment. The company will pursue potential growth investment opportunities should the right opportunity present. In the absence of such an opportunity, the company will consider a further return of excess capital to shareholders.
Healius Ltd (ASX: HLS)
Healius shares gained 19.8% last week, finishing the week at $3.03, as the healthcare company announced the sale of its medical centres business. The sale will take place at an enterprise value of $500 million, with proceeds used to reduce net debt and free up capital for investment.
The medical centres sale is consistent with Healius' strategy of simplifying its portfolio and focusing on its diagnostics and day hospital business. Healius will continue to operate pathology collection centres and imaging centres located within the medical centres under long term leases.
In April, Healius noted early signs of recovery and stabilisation in its revenues following an initial downturn resulting from COVID-19. Since then, Healius has experienced good growth in its diagnostics business, supported in part by increased COVID-19 testing. As business returns to normal levels, Healius is looking to reset its cost base by entrenching a number of short-term cost reductions undertaken as a result of COVID-19.
Appen Ltd (ASX: APX)
The Appen share price climbed 14.7% over the week to close at $33.83. Appen shares are now up 97% from their March low. There was no news out of Appen to prompt the rise in share price, however the artificial intelligence company has been a favourite of investors over the past couple of years, in which time its share price has tripled.
Appen develops human-annotated training data for machine learning and artificial intelligence. The high growth artificial intelligence market relies on high-quality training data. Obtaining this data is identified as a major challenge. Appen's leading technology and track record of quality and reliability position it strongly in this market.
Appen has a strong record of revenue and earnings growth. Revenue increased by a compound annual growth rate of 59% between 2015 and 2019. Underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) has grown at a compound annual rate of 64% over the same period. The company expects the COVID-19 pandemic to have a negligible impact on outlook based on currently available information. Full year underlying EBITDA for the year to 31 December 2020 is expected to be between $125 million and $130 million.
Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA)
Viva Energy shares gained 14.2% last week to close the week at $1.805. Shares in Viva surged on Tuesday when the energy company provided better than expected earnings guidance. Group underlying EBITDA for 1H2020 is expected to be in the range of $257.5 million to $287.5 million, compared to $297.4 million in 1H2019.
COVID-19 resulted in a drop in fuel volumes sold in April and May, with petrol and jet fuel most impacted. Diesel and petrol volumes are expected to recover more quickly than jet fuel, with signs this recovery has begun. Weaker global demand growth and increased production is weighing on gasoline margins. Global demand for oil products will take time to restore as restrictions are removed and economies recover.
Viva has managed the impact of COVID-19 by deferring projects to reduce capital costs and scaling back airport refuelling operations to reflect significantly reduced requirements. Capital expenditure for FY20 is expected to be between $145 million and $180 million, compared to $161 million in FY2019 and $242 million in FY2018.
