It has been a disappointing day of trade for the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO). At lunch the benchmark index is down 0.9% to 6,129.8 points.
Here's what has been happening on the benchmark index today:
Blackmores CEO resigns.
The Blackmores Limited (ASX: BKL) share price is down 3.5% at lunch after the health supplements company announced the resignation of its chief executive officer, Richard Henfrey. Mr Henfrey has been in the role for around 18 months after replacing Christine Holgate in August 2017. No reason was given for the departure.
Wesfarmers shares trade ex-dividend.
The Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) share price is down over 6% at lunch. This morning the conglomerate's shares traded ex-dividend for its fully franked interim and special dividends. Both dividends were $1.00 per share and will be paid to eligible shareholders on April 10.
Afterpay share price lower on results release.
The Afterpay Touch Group Ltd (ASX: APT) share price is down 8% at lunch following the release of the payments company's half year results. Investors appear to be disappointed that in the first half of FY 2019 the company posted a loss after tax of approximately $22 million compared to $0.7 million a year earlier. This loss was largely down to significant items such as share-based payments (predominantly non-cash) of $18.1 million and one-off costs.
TPG Telecom warns of big write-downs.
The TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPM) share price has edged lower on Tuesday after the telco giant warned that the decision to scrap its mobile network buildout will impacts its interim profit result by $230 million. This is because the company will have to take it in one hit instead of amortising it over the space of a few years.
Best and worst performers.
The best performer on the ASX 200 at lunch is the Speedcast International Ltd (ASX: SDA) share price with a gain of 8%. This morning it announced its preliminary full year results and revealed revenue growth of 21% to US$623 million and underlying EBITDA growth of 7% to US$132 million. Going the other way is the Afterpay Touch share price, closely followed by the Alumina Limited (ASX: AWC) share price which is down 7.5% despite there being no news out of the alumina and bauxite company.
