On a week when many investors have no doubt been distracted by the sell-off in their bank stocks and the sharp decline in the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) there has also been the opportunity to get up-to-speed with a range of exciting companies thanks to the Macquarie Australia Conference which has led to the release of numerous company presentations.
Here are a few growing businesses which caught my eye and could be worth a closer look by investors…
Austal Limited (ASX: ASB) – the shipbuilder has upgraded revenue guidance for financial year (FY) 2015 from $1.2 billion to $1.35 billion thanks in part to the effect of a weaker Australian dollar.
Austal already boasts an order book of $3 billion, however, there is also an exciting pipeline of opportunities to grow its order book further in the next few years. These opportunities include a potential extension of its primary US Naval programs, the Australian Navy's replacement of patrol boats and future frigates, as well as opportunities in the Middle East, Europe and Asia Pacific.
Japara Healthcare Ltd (ASX: JHC) – the residential aged care provider has reconfirmed guidance for the 2015 financial year of earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation of $50.3 million and a total dividend of at least 10.5 cents per share.
Japara has reported a positive trend in its key performance indicators since its initial public offering (IPO) approximately one year ago. Highlights include an increase in average occupancy to 94.4%, an increase in the average revenue per resident per day to $170.81 and a double-digit increase in the number of facilities and the number of operational places.
Austbrokers Holdings Limited (ASX: AUB) – Australia and New Zealand's leading equity-based insurance broking, underwriting agency and risk services group is facing a headwind in the form of a premium reduction environment in insurance broking, however, the group is still forecasting underlying profit growth of between 0% and 5% for the 2015 financial year.
Despite this rate headwind, there are still a number of reasons for a positive stance on the stock – management has reported a month on month improvement in the rate environment during the third quarter.
Secondly, Austbrokers has undertaken its largest acquisition spending in the group's history at $70 million year to date – this is set to underpin growth in future periods.
Savvy stock selection can make you rich
While there is never any guarantees that an investment will play out as you expect, identifying stocks with tailwinds, which are available at attractive valuations is certainly a good start….
