The S&P/ASX 200 (ASX: XJO) overcame increasingly weak global sentiment to post a gain of 0.6% on Wednesday.
Whilst the events in Ukraine and associated impacts on the price of energy remain a major concern, another bumper day for ASX reporting season pushed the market higher, with the technology and communication sectors faring best.
WiseTech impresses
WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) was a major highlight, gaining 4% after the company released half-year results and declared the biggest dividend on record. This was triggered by another 18% jump in revenue and an associated 74% improvement in profit after the company hiked pricing of its key tracking products.
Woolies cuts dividend
Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) delivered its first post-Endeavour report, which saw an unexpected 8% improvement in sales, to $31.9 billion, but an 11% fall in its profit margin.
The Omicron outbreak was the key influence, driving higher demand but also sending staffing and labour costs higher whilst putting pressure on the supply of key items.
The dividend was cut, albeit only slightly to 39 cents, down from 40 cents when the impact of Endeavour Drinks was included. Profit tripled but was skewed by a circa $6 billion sale of the Dan Murphy’s owners; Woolies shares gained 1.4%.
Wage growth below RBA target
Concerns about Australia seeing a similar surge in wage inflation like the US were allayed on Wednesday, with the annual rate for 2021 coming in at just 2.3% and likely skewed by late-year bonuses or job changes.
The quarterly increase was 0.7%, both in line with consensus, but unlikely to be enough to force the RBA’s hand as many are predicting.
Domino’s warning
Shares in Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP) fell heavily, finishing down 14% after management warned about the more challenging trading conditions ahead.
The company confirmed that the first six weeks of trading in 2022 are just 6% ahead of the previous year, with same-store sales growth of just 1.7%. Analysts were clearly concerned about this, and the ability to maintain any growth in the year ahead with just 23 new store openings.
Revenue increased 10%, with the company seeking to pass on inflation in both labour and food inputs by bundling up multiple offers to customers.
Accent sales struggle
Shares in footwear retailer Accent Group Ltd (ASX: AX1) gained 7.8% despite the company delivering a 72% fall in profit to just $14 million and declining to provide any guidance for FY22.
Sales increased 12% in the half year despite significant store closures impacting foot traffic to its stores. Same-store sales in the first eight weeks of the second half are already down double digits on strong 2021 comparables.
ASX 200 today
Looking ahead, the ASX 200 is expected to fall when the market opens this morning. This follows a negative lead from US stock markets, with the Nasdaq tumbling 2.6%.
