At lunch on Wednesday the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) has built on yesterday's gain and is up 0.1% to 6,085.3 points.
Here's what has been happening on the benchmark index so far today:
CSL share price drops lower.
The CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) share price has dropped 4% lower on Wednesday following the release of its half year results. Although the biotech giant delivered a strong result, I suspect the market was anticipating an increase to its guidance. Whereas management advised that it was tracking to the upper end of its existing guidance range.
Carsales disappoints.
The Carsales.Com Ltd (ASX: CAR) share price is down over 8% after the auto listings company announced a soft half year result. Carsales posted a 17% increase in revenue to $235 million, but a 2% decline in adjusted net profit after tax to $60.2 million. The majority of its revenue growth was driven by the acquisition of SK Encar.
CBA shares go ex-dividend.
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price is down 2.5% at lunch after its shares went ex-dividend for its $2.00 per share interim dividend. But if you exclude the dividend, its shares would be in positive territory today with Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) and the rest of the big four.
Northern Star storms higher.
A strong half year result means that the Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) share price is up 7% at lunch. This morning the gold miner delivered an underlying half year profit of $89.1 million on revenue of $633.5 million. This was an increase of 11% and 43%, respectively, on the prior corresponding period. Management also revealed that it was on track to achieve its full year production guidance.
Best and worst performers.
The best performer on the ASX 200 so far on Wednesday is the Northern Star share price with its 7% gain. Not far behind is the Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) share price which has pushed 5% higher after posting a 199% increase in underlying half year net profit after tax to $278.8 million. Going the other way is the Bapcor Ltd (ASX: BAP) share price which is the worst performer on the index with a 9% decline following its half year results release. The retailer's outlook for the second half appears to have spooked investors.
