Here are the headlines from the S&P/ASX 200 (INDEXASX: XJO)(ASX: XJO) and Australian finance circles on Monday morning.
But first, here are the data points:
Australian Dollar ($A) (AUDUSD): 73.1 US cents
Dow Jones (DJI): up 0.4%
Oil (WTI): $US65.92 per barrel
Gold: $US1,192 per ounce
Australian Investing News
Making finance news today are a host of ASX 200 companies expected to report their financial results.
Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) released its 2018 financial report to the market today revenue growth of 3.5% to $57.2 billion and a net profit of $1.72 billion, up 12%.
In an announcement to the ASX, the supermarket heavyweight Woolworths also announced it will pay a final dividend of 50 cents per share plus a special dividend of 10 cents per share. Both dividends are fully franked.
Read more: “Woolworths to pay a fully franked special dividend”
Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) also released its 2018 financial results. The iron ore miner reported an 18% fall in revenue to $US6.9 billion and a final dividend of 12 cents per share.
“The Fortescue team has achieved an outstanding finish to FY18 with a record June quarter delivering total shipments of 170mt for the year,” Fortescue CEO Elizabeth Gaines said. “During FY18, we completed the restructure of Fortescue’s balance sheet reducing debt, improving terms to investment grade conditions and significantly lowering the overall cost of borrowings.”
Continue reading: Fortescue to pay 23c dividend
NIB Holdings Limited (ASX: NHF), the private health insurance company, revealed an 11% revenue jump in its 2018 financial year and a profit of $132 million, up 11%. Analysts had been expecting a profit of $126 million, according to Bloomberg. NIB will pay a final dividend of 11 cents per share.
Read more: nib’s profit jumps 11%
Veterinary and pet retail business Greencross Ltd (ASX: GXL) announced a 7% jump in revenue to $878 million and a profit of $20.7 million, down 51%. “FY18 was a year of substantial change for Greencross,” CEO Simon Hickey said. “Having reset the business, we believe Greencross is well positioned to deliver against our five strategic priorities and grow revenue and earnings in FY19.”
Read more: Greencross Profits Fails to Purr
Finally, Primary Health Care Ltd (ASX: PRY) shares have entered a trading halt pending a capital raising
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