The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) climbed higher today to 5,992 points.
At one point today the ASX 200 was actually in negative territory, hitting a low of 5,934 points. But there was an afternoon rally to ensure the ASX had another positive day.
Here are some of the main highlights from the ASX 200:
Carsales.com Ltd (ASX: CAR) share price driven higher by FY20 guidance
The online car classifieds business released an update today which included FY20 guidance.
Companies with a financial year end date of 30 June 2020 are close to finalising the year. Carsales wanted to provide the market with an estimate for its FY20 result.
The numbers were provided on a continuing operations basis, which excludes Stratton. All of the numbers are unaudited and are subject to the audit process.
Carsales also warned of uncertainty given the impact of COVID-19. Adjusted revenue, which includes $26 million of revenue billed but not charged, is estimated to be in a range of $419 million to $423 million. This would mean revenue will be flat or achieve growth of 1%.
FY20 Adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) is estimated to be between $228 million to $232 million, which would equate to growth of 5% to 6%.
Fy20 Adjusted net profit after tax (NPAT) is estimated to be in a range of $134 million to $138 million. This would equate to profit growth of 3% to 6%.
In terms of trading conditions, Carsales said that overall lead and traffic volumes have continued to improve as social distancing measures have eased. According to Carsales, between 22 April 2020 and 16 June 2020 lead volumes have grown very strongly on the prior corresponding period of 2019.
The trends in Brazil and South Korea have continued. Management said that Encar continues to perform well with key operating metrics of inventory, listing volumes and traffic are all growing with continued growth of revenue and EBTIDA on the prior corresponding period. However, escalation of COVID-19 in Brazil is affecting Webmotors' financial and non-financial metrics.
Carsales has refinanced its debt and also commented that it doesn't anticipate changing its dividend policy of paying 80% of adjusted net profit after tax.
Highs and lows of the ASX 200
Looking at the best and worst performances in the ASX:
The Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX: CUV) share price went up 8%.
A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) saw its share price climb 7.8%, perhaps due to a broker note.
The WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) share price went up 5.9%.
The share price of Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp Ltd (ASX: FPH) grew by 5.3%.
At the red end of the ASX, the worst three performers were:
The Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) share price declined 5.4%
Mayne Pharma Group Ltd (ASX: MYX) suffered a share price fall of 5.2%.
The Webjet Ltd (ASX: WEB) share price went down 3.2%.
CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) loses its chief financial officer
ASX 200 healthcare giant announced today that CFO David Lamont is leaving to join BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP).
Mr Lamont is credited with transforming CSL's finance function during a significant period of growth for the company. CSL said he was influential on several important projects including reshaping CSL's enterprise resource planning.
Mr Lamont said: "I am delighted to rejoin one of the best companies in the world. BHP has strong values and a robust financial position, making this an exciting opportunity to be part of a team that can generate returns to shareholders over the long term and make a positive difference to local communities and global markets. I look forward to working with Mike and the team."
There will be a handover period where the current BHP CFO ensures an orderly transition and Mr Lamont will fully take over in about six months.
