Why QBE and these ASX shares have just hit multi-year highs

The QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX:QBE) share price is one of three that climbed to multi-year highs on Friday…

| More on:

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

Last week the S&P/ASX 200 index overcame coronavirus concerns and climbed to a new all-time high.

This has unsurprisingly given investor sentiment a big lift and led to a number of shares racing to new highs of their own.

Three that have just hit new highs are listed below. Here's why they are flying high:

a woman

Adairs Ltd (ASX: ADH)

The Adairs share price stormed to a multi-year high of $2.71 on Friday. Investors have been buying the homewares retailer's shares following the release of a strong half year result. During the first half of FY 2020, Adairs delivered an 8.6% increase in sales to $178.9 million. This was driven by a 6.9% lift in like for like sales and a 31.6% jump in online sales to $31.6 million. The latter means that 18% of sales are now generated online.

Money3 Corporation Limited (ASX: MNY)

The Money3 share price continued its positive run and climbed to an all-time high of $3.04 at the end of last week. The small loans company's shares were on fire last week after the release of an impressive half year result. During the first half of FY 2020, Money3 delivered a 61.9% increase in normalised net profit after tax (NPAT) to $15.7 million. Looking ahead, management expects more of the same in the second half and has provided guidance for NPAT in excess of $30 million. It also expects to declare a minimum 10 cents per share full year dividend.

QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE

The QBE Insurance share price was on form last week and climbed to a multi-year high of $15.19 on Friday. This follows the release of the insurance giant's full year results on Monday. For the 12 months ended December 31, QBE reported a full year statutory net profit after tax of US$550 million and an adjusted net cash profit after tax of US$733 million. This was up 41% and 6%, respectively, on the FY 2018's result. Management expects a stronger performance in FY 2020 and has provided combined operating ratio guidance of 93.5% to 95.5%.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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 52-Week Highs

An excited man stretches his arms out above his head as he reaches a mountain peak representing two ASX 200 shares reaching multi-year high prices today
52-Week Highs

7 ASX All Ordinaries shares smashing new 52-week highs today

These shares are making investors very happy this Thursday.

Read more »

a young girl wearing a set of airplane wings stands on a tarmac with hands in the air and an excited look on her face as though she is about to take off.
Travel Shares

Qantas share price could surge to $10: JPMorgan

Top broker tips a 30% increase in the Qantas share price within 12 months.

Read more »

Two older male friends using tech to record their run.
52-Week Highs

2 ASX 200 shares smashing new multi-year highs on Wednesday

The market's blues aren't holding back these two ASX shares.

Read more »

A kid wearing a pilot helmet holds a paper plane up to the sky.
52-Week Highs

Qantas share price takes off to new multi-year high on Tuesday

The airline is reaching new heights. Why?

Read more »

a group of three electricity workers stand smiling wearing hard hats and high visibility vests in front of an array of high voltage power equipment.
52-Week Highs

Why did the Origin share price just hit a 3-year high?

It's been a good month for Origin investors. Here's why.

Read more »

three young children weariing business suits, helmets and old fashioned aviator goggles wear aeroplane wings on their backs and jump with one arm outstretched into the air in an arid, sandy landscape.
52-Week Highs

3 ASX 300 shares soaring to new 52-week highs on Friday

All three have recently posted impressive earnings.

Read more »

A mining worker wearing a hard hat, orange high vis vest and blue long-sleeved shirt raises his fists in celebration with an excited expression on his face
52-Week Highs

Why has the Fortescue share price hit a new 52-week high today?

There are a bunch of things that could be propelling the ASX iron ore pure play share today.

Read more »

Businessman cheering at desk with arms in the air
52-Week Highs

4 ASX 200 stocks smashing new 52-week highs on Wednesday

These four shares are defying the markets to push to new heights today...

Read more »