Last week was easily the busiest week on the Australian share market so far in earnings season with a great number of popular shares reporting their results.
Whilst this week looks set to be a little quieter, there's certainly still a lot to look forward to.
Here is what I will be watching:
Monday.
There are a number of shares due to report their earnings today, including insurance giant QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE) and aged care provider Japara Healthcare Ltd (ASX: JHC). Elsewhere, the shares of both Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd (ASX: CCL) and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) go ex-dividend for their respective interim dividends. Eligible shareholders will receive these dividends in their nominated accounts on April 4 and April 10, respectively.
Tuesday.
On Tuesday Speedcast International Ltd (ASX: SDA) will report its half-year results. Its shares are up 46% since this time last year, so investors will no doubt be looking for a strong result to justify the premium. Popular small cap share LiveHire Ltd (ASX: LVH) is also expected to report its earnings. I'll be look for a significant rise in revenues to back up its sizeable market capitalisation. The shares of Greencross Limited (ASX: GXL) go ex-dividend.
Wednesday.
Private hospital operator Ramsay Health Care Limited (ASX: RHC) will take centre stage on Wednesday when it releases its half-year results. The market appears to be expecting a weak result from Ramsay, so I expect we could see a sizeable share price move higher if the result is stronger-than-expected. Fledgling infant formula company Bubs Australia Ltd (ASX: BUB) is also scheduled to report its earnings.
Thursday.
The first day of March is the official end of earnings season and will no doubt be a welcome relief to brokers and analysts. Whilst it looks set to be a quiet day, it will be a key day for dividend investors. Plenty of blue chip shares will go ex-dividend on Thursday, these include Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG), Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) and Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW).
Friday.
Another quiet day is expected on the market, with the only notable calendar entry being Altium Limited (ASX: ALU) shares going ex-dividend for its interim dividend. Eligible shareholders can then look forward to receiving this dividend on March 28.
