ASX 200 lunch time report: CSL higher, NAB & Pact Group lower

CSL Ltd (ASX:CSL), National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX:NAB), and Pact Group Holdings Ltd (ASX:PGH) shares have been making a splash on the ASX 200 index on Wednesday…

| More on:
a woman

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The S&P/ASX 200 index has returned to form on Wednesday after trade war concerns eased. At lunch the index is up 0.1% to  6,575.7 points.

Here's what has been happening on the market today:

NAB third quarter update.

The National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) share price has edged lower following the release of its third quarter update. NAB advised that its cash profit for the period rose 1% over the same time last year to $1.65 billion thanks to an improvement in its net interest margin. One negative was loans that are 90 days or more past due climbed 14 basis points to 0.85%. This is the highest level since the fourth quarter of 2017.

CSL result impresses.

The CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) share price has pushed 5% higher today following the release of its full year results. The biotherapeutics company posted revenue of US$8,539 million and net profit after tax of US$1,919 million. In constant currency this was an 11% and 17% year on year increase. Looking ahead, CSL expects net profit after tax growth of 7% to 10% in FY 2020. This takes into account the one-off financial headwind of transitioning to a new model of direct distribution in China.

Computershare result.

Administration services company Computershare Limited (ASX: CPU) also released its full year results this morning. It posted a net profit of US$415.7 million on revenue of US$2.41 billion for the 12 months ended June 30. This was an increase of 38.5% and 4.8% respectively. The Computershare share price is down slightly at lunch.

Best and worst performers.

The best performer on the index today is the Aveo Group (ASX: AOG) share price with a gain of 5.5%. The retirement living company's shares surged higher after receiving a takeover approach. Going the other way is the Pact Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: PGH) share price with a decline of 16%. The packaging company's shares were crushed after the release of a bitterly disappointing full year result.

James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of CSL Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of National Australia Bank Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Computershare. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Market News

A man in a suit smiles at the yellow piggy bank he holds in his hand.
Share Market News

Forget Westpac shares, these ASX ETFs could be better buys

Here's why these funds could be quality picks for investors looking for alternatives to the banks.

Read more »

A male investor wearing a white shirt and blue suit jacket sits at his desk looking at his laptop with his hands to his chin, waiting in anticipation.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was another tough day for investors.

Read more »

Rising real estate share price.
REITs

Macquarie names its top 4 ASX REITs to buy today

Macquarie expects these four dividend paying ASX REITs will all surge higher in 2026.

Read more »

A doctor or medical expert in COVID protection adjusts her glasses, indicating growth or strong share price movement in ASX medical, biotech and health companies
Opinions

Forget CSL shares, I'd buy this booming biotech stock instead

This ASX biotech stock has caught my eye this year.

Read more »

Man with virtual white circles on his eye and AI written on top, symbolising artificial intelligence.
Broker Notes

Why this ASX AI stock could return 40% in 2026

Let's see which stock Bell Potter is tipping to rise strongly.

Read more »

A medical researcher rests his forehead on his fist with a dejected look on his face while sitting behind a scientific microscope with another researcher's hand on his shoulder as if giving comfort.
Healthcare Shares

Telix Pharmaceuticals shares crash 58% from their peak: Buying opportunity or time to sell up?

The biopharmaceutical company's shares are tipped to soar next year.

Read more »

Red buy button on an apple keyboard with a finger on it representing asx tech shares to buy today
Share Market News

Analysts name 2 top ASX 200 shares to buy today

Leading investment experts name two quality ASX 200 shares to buy now.

Read more »

Woman leaping in the air and standing out from her friends who are watching.
Broker Notes

This ASX 200 gold stock has surged 77% in 2025. Here's why Macquarie expects it to leap another 23%

Macquarie forecasts 23% upside for this surging ASX gold stock, and that doesn’t include the dividends!

Read more »