The ALS (ASX:ALQ) share price gained 17% in May. Here's why

With a share price jump of 12% in one day alone, May was a good month for ALS shareholders.

| More on:
people celebrating with arms raised and happy faces

Image source: Getty Images

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

The ALS Ltd (ASX: ALQ) share price was one of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO)'s best performers of last month. Shares in ALS ended May 17.4% higher than where they started.

The global testing, inspection and certification company's shares were driven by a debt refinancing agreement and its full-year results.

Let's take a look at the month that was for the ALS share price.

A productive May for the ALS share price

Debt refinancing

Early in May, ALS stated it had agreed to refinance its bank debt with multi-currency, "geographically diverse" revolving facilities.

The company's debt is valued at US$350 million.

The banks involved in the new facilities include ASX-listed Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) and Westpac Banking Corporation (ASX: WBC).

JP Morgan and the Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) are also involved in the facilities.

ALS stated the refinancing would provide more liquidity, and better support its growth strategy and funding requirements.

Full-year results

On the day ALS released its full-year results, the company's share price closed 12.8% higher than it did in the previous session.

ALS' results included 25% more earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) than the previous year.

A fall in both revenue and expenses saw ALS bring in $421.1 million over the 12 months ended 31 March 2021.

ALS said its decreased revenue was mainly caused by the Australian dollar's gains.

After expenses, ALS recorded a $174.1 million profit for the period.

The company will provide its shareholders with a fully franked interim dividend of 8.5 cents per share and a final 70% franked dividend of 14.6 cents.

The company also announced it has committed to repaying any COVID-19-related subsidies it has been given from various governments.

ALS share price snapshot

The ALS share price's performance over May continues its solid streak across 2021.

Currently, the ALS share price has gained 26.9% since the start of the year. It's also 70.6% higher than it was at this time last year.

The company has a market capitalisation of around $6 billion, with approximately 482 million shares outstanding.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Gainers

a man sits at his desk wearing a business shirt and tie and has a hearty laugh at something on his mobile phone.
Share Gainers

Why Block, DroneShield, EBR Systems, and Insignia shares are racing higher

These shares are starting the week on a high. But why?

Read more »

Two lab workers fist pump each other.
Healthcare Shares

Guess which All Ords ASX healthcare stock just surged 11% on FDA news

Investors are sending the ASX healthcare stock soaring on Monday.

Read more »

a man sits on a rocket propelled office chair and flies high above a city
Technology Shares

DroneShield share price rockets 9% on 'significant' new contract

ASX investors are sending the DroneShield share price flying higher on Monday.

Read more »

A smiling businessman in the city looks at his phone and punches the air in celebration of good news.
Share Gainers

Why Cettire, Gold Road, Imugene, and Paladin Energy shares are racing higher

These shares are ending the week with a bang. But why? Let's find out.

Read more »

A woman wearing headphones looks delighted and animated on news she's receiving from her mobile phone that she is holding close to her face.
Share Gainers

Why Brainchip, Fortescue, Mesoblast, and QBE shares are racing higher today

These shares are starting the year in a positive fashion. But why?

Read more »

Multiracial happy young people stacking hands outside - University students hugging in college campus - Youth community concept with guys and girls standing together supporting each other.
Share Gainers

These were the 5 best performing ASX 200 shares in 2024

Let's see why these shares delivered massive returns last year.

Read more »

A young man punches the air in delight as he reacts to great news on his mobile phone.
Share Gainers

These were the best ASX 200 shares to own in December

Let's see why these shares outperformed the market in December.

Read more »

Three happy office workers cheer as they read about good financial news on a laptop.
Share Gainers

Why DroneShield, Invictus Energy, Mesoblast, Weebit Nano shares are rising today

These shares are on course to end the year on a positive note. But why?

Read more »