Why the Worley (ASX:WOR) share price is climbing higher

In the 21st century, companies ignore sustainability at their own peril.

| More on:

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 Worley Ltd (ASX: WOR) share price is climbing higher in morning trade. At the time of writing, the Worley share price is up 2%, trading at $10.73. 

Below we take a look at the global engineering company's investor day announcement, released this morning.

What did Worley report?

Worley's share price is moving higher today. This positive movement comes after the company reported that it is on track to deliver improved performance for the second half of the 2021 financial year.

"Our actions have set us up for the future," Worley reported. Additionally, the company states that its performance has been in line with expectations as the company accelerates its strategic transformation.

The company said its backlog has increased by $600 million to $14.1 billion, up from $13.5 billion in the first half of the financial year.

Worley said it is below its target gearing ratio of 25–35%, reporting a strong cash result. The company's reduced cost base is part of a permanent structural change. It delivered an annualised ECR cost synergy target of $190 million as at April 2021. Furthermore, Worley reported that it's "on track to deliver annualised operational savings target of $350 million by June 2022".

The company cited there have been minimal project cancellations, while its global sales pipeline is increasing.

Worley is also continuing to increase its strong focus on environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) issues. Sustainability is already a growing part of its business, which accounted for 29% of aggregated revenue at H1 FY21. Additionally, the company stated that it has more favourable gross margins.

Sustainability opportunities represent 45% of its global factored sales pipeline.

"Our biggest role is supporting our customers on their sustainability journeys," Worley said, also noting that it is a top 20 ASX performer on ESG disclosure.

Pointing to the size of the potential market, the company estimated the world will need to invest more than US$1 trillion (AU$1.3 trillion) per year for the next 30 years to reach net-zero by 2050.

Share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, the Worley share price is up 23%. This is in line with the 23% gains posted by the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) over that same time.

Year-to-date Worley shares are down 5%.

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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 Market News

A young male investor wearing a white business shirt screams in frustration with his hands grasping his hair after ASX 200 shares fell rapidly today and appear to be heading into a stock market crash
Share Market News

Why this ASX uranium share is plunging 25% on Friday

Let's see why investors are smashing the sell button today.

Read more »

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 young man sits at his desk working on his laptop with a big smile on his face due to his ASX shares going up and in particular the Computershare share price
Share Market News

5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

A decent finish to the week is expected for Aussie investors.

Read more »

A smiling man at a shop counter takes payment from a female customer, with racks of plants in the background.
Best Shares

Here's why I think Wesfarmers shares are a great buy for any ASX investor

I argue that Wesfarmers offers investors both growth and income potential.

Read more »

A golfer celebrates a good shot at the tee, indicating success.
Share Market News

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

ASX investors finally enjoyed a win this Thursday...

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 »

Man looking at his grocery receipt, symbolising inflation.
Share Market News

What the latest US inflation print means for ASX 200 investors

The ASX 200 is likely to benefit if the US Fed cuts interest rates again in December. But will it?

Read more »