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

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

Why Evolution Mining, Lynas Rare Earths, Paladin Energy, and Sovereign Metals shares are racing higher today

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

Read more »

A young well-dressed couple at a luxury resort celebrate successful life choices.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Investors kept up the selling this session.

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

It was a rough start to the week for investors.

Read more »

Beautiful young woman drinking fresh orange juice in kitchen.
Share Gainers

Why Catalyst Metals, Lynas, Polynovo, and St George Mining shares are pushing higher today

These shares are starting the week with a bang. But why?

Read more »

A few gold nullets sit on an old-fashioned gold scale, representing ASX gold shares.
Gold

Guess which surging ASX gold share is leaping another 18% today on high-grade results

Investors are piling into this small-cap ASX gold share today. But why?

Read more »

Concept image of a businessman riding a bull on an upwards arrow.
Share Gainers

4 ASX 200 stocks smashing the benchmark this week

Investors have been bidding up these four ASX 200 stocks this week. But why?

Read more »

A man clenches his fists in excitement as gold coins fall from the sky.
Share Gainers

Why Capstone Copper, Catalyst Metals, DroneShield, and Wildcat shares are rising today

These shares are having a strong finish to the week. But why?

Read more »

A man in a cardboard rocket ship and helmet zooms across the salt flats.
Materials Shares

Guess which surging ASX All Ords lithium share is smashing the benchmark again today

Investors are piling into this surging ASX lithium share again on Friday. But why?

Read more »