The Australian share market, or S&P/ASX 200 (INDEXASX: XJO)(ASX: XJO) index, is expected to open lower Monday morning, according to the Sydney Futures Exchange.
Here’s what you need to know:
SFE ASX 200 futures: -28
Australian Dollar ($A) (AUDUSD): 78.16 US cents
Dow Jones: up 1.4%
Oil (WTI): $US59.20 per barrel
Gold: $US1,316 per ounce
On Friday, London-listed shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) closed flat and up 0.8%, respectively.
Australian Investing News
This morning, Amcor Limited (ASX: AMC), the global packaging business, released its half year report to the ASX. Amcor, reporting in US dollars, increased revenue 1% to $4.5 billion with a 15% jump in profit, to $330 million.
“During the half year we have grown earnings, expanded margins and maintained strong
returns, with good progress on key investments,” CEO Ron Delia said. “Cash flow and the balance sheet remain strong which, along with our confidence in the earnings growth capacity of the business, enabled the Board to increase the interim dividend by 8% to 21.0 US cents per share.”
Aurizon Holdings Ltd (ASX: AZJ), a rail freight transport business formerly known as QR National, reported a 3% fall in half-year revenue and an underlying profit of $282 million, down 5%.
“During the half, Board and management have maintained a sharp focus on the key priorities highlighted to the market in 2017 and this is reflected in today’s solid results,” CEO Andrew Harding said.
WAM Capital Limited (ASX: WAM), a $1.5 billion investment company, reported a 47% rise in its half-year revenue with a corresponding 48% increase in profit, compared to the same half-year period in 2016.
For the six months to 31 December 2017, Praemium Ltd (ASX: PPS), a financial technology company, reported a 25% increase in revenue to $20.5 million. Profit attributable to its shareholders rose 26%.
Finally, retail heavyweight JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH) upped its half-year revenue 41% to $3.7 billion, with profit up around 37% to $152 million. A dividend of $0.86 per share was declared.
“It was another strong result for the JB HI-FI business in Australia, particularly through the important November and December periods,” CEO Richard Murray said. “We are pleased with the progress we have made at The Good Guys and are confident about the future opportunities for the Group.”
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