A number of companies have released their quarterly updates in recent weeks.
Analysts at Ord Minnett have been running the rule over these updates and have picked out two ASX 200 shares that impressed enough to be rated as buys.
Here's what the broker is saying about them:
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ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD)
The first ASX 200 share that impressed is ResMed. It is a developer, manufacturer, distributor, and marketer of medical device and cloud-based software applications targeting the management of sleep apnoea.
Ord Minnett described ResMed's result as "strong" and has bumped its earnings estimates higher to reflect this and its positive outlook. It said:
The company delivered a strong September quarter result, with 11% revenue growth translating to 35% earnings per share growth. Revenues were 3% ahead of consensus due to higher rates of flow generator growth. The gross margin of 59.2% aligned with expectations, while operating expenses were slightly ahead of forecasts. Net operating cash flow increased by 14% compared to the previous corresponding period, despite higher inventory due to rebalancing sea versus air freight. Net debt fell, while the value of share buyback program was boosted.
ResMed upped it FY25 EPS guidance thanks to jump higher flow generator revenues. Revenue growth for the current quarter is forecast at 10%. We forecast the company will be able to generate annualised EPS growth of 13% for the next few years, which justifies its current trading multiples. We ticked our price target up from $39.25 to $40.05 following the quarterly.
Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC)
As well as ResMed shares, Ord Minnett is tipping Whitehaven Coal as an ASX 200 share to buy following the recent flurry of quarterly updates.
It develops and operates metallurgical and thermal coal mines in New South Wales and Queensland.
Much like ResMed, the broker highlights that Whitehaven Coal delivered a solid quarterly update last month. It said:
The company had a solid September quarter of production and sales, with all mines delivering as planned or better. Group performance in Q1FY25 included managed run-of-mine production of 9.7Mt, and total equity sales of 6.4Mt. Net debt was $1.2 billion. Queensland operations achieved strong production and productivity improvements at Blackwater and Daunia, with run-of-mine (ROM)production up 11% and sales up 13%. Average coal price increased to $259/t.
New South Wales saw improved Narrabri production and focused on overburden removal. Run-of-mine production was down 12%, with equity sales down 16%. Average coal price was $211/t. Run-of-mine coal production is expected to increase in the second half of FY25. Global metallurgical coal production shortfalls and increased Indian demand are expected to drive prices higher, which will benefit Whitehaven.
In light of this, it has put a buy rating and $9.00 price target on its shares.
