The unexpected run of earnings and profit surprises in 2021 wasn’t enough to offset geopolitical concerns from Russia, sending the S&P/ASX 200 (ASX: XJO) down 1% on Tuesday.
The losses remain focused around the higher-valued ASX tech and discretionary sectors, which were down 3.2% and 2.7%, respectively. Energy has been the biggest beneficiary given Russia’s key role in global oil and gas supply, with the sector gaining 1.9%.
Cochlear surprises to the upside
The highlight, however, was Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH) with the hearing aid producer gaining 9% and supporting the entire healthcare sector.
The company surprised analysts by delivering 190% HY22 revenue growth on a 7% increase in volumes, but converting this into another 25% jump in profit to $158 million.
Higher margins were attributed to strong cost control with management guiding to profit growth in 2022 of between 13% and 22%.
Costa share price rises on international growth
Shares in Costa Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: CGC) also gained 8.7% after the company announced record international revenue in China and Morocco, which supported a 4.8% lift in full-year sales. Profit fell 22% due to weakness within avocado sales, but the company continues to show strong signs of recovery.
Coles overcomes comparables
Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) appears to be navigating the difficult ‘comparables’ that come with the bumper 24-month period for grocery retailers, reporting a 1% increase in revenue on 2021’s inflated levels.
Profit fell 2% to $549 million for the half but was well ahead of estimates, with COVID-related staffing costs continuing to bite.
Liquor sales gained 2.7%, but convenience stores continued to struggle, down 8.5% in what analysts described as a ‘solid’ result; the dividend remained at 2021 levels.
Nanosonics share price crumbles
Nanosonics Ltd (ASX: NAN) shares tanked another 13% despite the infection protection company reporting a 41% increase in first-half revenue. Investors appear concerned about the outlook, with full-year guidance of double-digit revenue growth.
Hub24 & Seven gain
Shares in Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB) recovered some lost ground, gaining 4.8% with the fast-growing investment and super platform provider delivering a doubling of profit to $14.2 million. This once again evidenced the earnings potential of this tech-driven sector once they reach critical mass; funds under administration climbed to $68.3 billion.
Seven Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: SVW) shares fell 3.1% after the company reported a doubling of profit, primarily due to the booking of a $757 million gain on its strategic acquisition of a controlling stake in Boral Limited (ASX: BLD).
ASX 200 today
Looking ahead, the ASX 200 is expected to edge lower when the market opens this morning. This comes following a negative lead from US stock markets, with all three benchmarks falling by at least 1%.