3 ASX 200 companies that smashed expectations this reporting season

Here are 3 ASX shares that impressed investors with their February reporting season results, sending stock prices higher.

| 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

As we roll into the busiest week of reporting season, now is a great time to take stock of the results to date. Armed with the most up to date information and guidance, investors can make fully informed buy, hold or sell decisions. 

ASX reporting season is as much about expectations as it is about results. Here are 3 ASX 200 stocks which have seen their share price rise since their results were released.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Limited (ASX: CBA

CBA shares are up over 7% since reporting FY20 interim results on Wednesday 12 February. The banks results showed a better than expected start to FY20, thanks in part to strong margins. 

The bank's operating income came in at $12,416 million, which was flat on the prior corresponding period. Half year cash earnings of $4,477 million came in ahead of the consensus estimate of $4,405 million.

CBA also declared a fully franked interim dividend of $2.00 per share, unchanged compared to the previous interim dividend.

JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH)

JB Hi-Fi released its FY20 interim results on Monday 10 February. The market loved the strong result, with JB Hi-Fi shares up over 11% on the day of release.

Total sales were up 3.9% to $4 billion. Earnings per share grew by 8.9% to 151.8 cents per share.

The JB interim dividend was raised 8.8% to $0.99 per share.

The strong result has allowed management to guide for FY20 sales of ~$7.33 billion. This is an increase on previous guidance of ~$7.25 billion.

Challenger Limited (ASX: CGF

The Challenger share price continued its strong 5 month run up when results were released on Tuesday 11 February. The stock price rose over 6% when the results were released, ending the week up 13%.

Challenger reported a 10% improvement in group assets under management of $86 billion, a 4% decline in normalised net profit after tax (NPAT) to $191 million, and a normalised return on equity of 15.2%.

CEO and MD Richard Howes noted, "Our business model, leading brand and diversified distribution have ensured we can continue to deliver solid earnings despite significant and ongoing challenges in our operating environment."

The company advised that it expects to fall within the top end of its FY20 NPAT guidance of $500 to $550 million and meet its return-on-equity target.

Motley Fool contributor Lloyd Prout owns shares in Challenger Limited and expresses his own opinions.. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Challenger Limited. 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 ⏸️ ASX Shares

a woman wearing a close-sitting hat featuring wires and thick computer screen glasses clutches her computer monitor and looks shocked and disturbed as she reads old-fashioned computer text from the screen.
Technology Shares

Here's why ASX 200 tech shares (ASX:XTX) outperformed today

ASX tech shares have taken a turn for the better today.

Read more »

Worker in hard hat looks puzzled with one hand on chin
Resources Shares

Why did the Rio Tinto share price (ASX:RIO) have such a lousy 2021?

We look at what happened to this ASX 200 mining giant's shares last year

Read more »

a miner wearing a hard hat smiles as he stands in front of heavy earth moving equipment on a barren mine site.
Share Gainers

Here's why the Rumble Resources (ASX:RTR) share price is climbing 5%

The mineral explorer's share price is on the rise amid promising drill results.

Read more »

share price high, all time record, record share price, highest, price rise, increase, up,
⏸️ ASX Shares

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares on Wednesday

Here are your top 10 biggest gainers in the ASX 200 on Wednesday.

Read more »

comical investor reading documents and surrounded by calculators
⏸️ ASX Shares

The ASX reporting wrap-up: WiseTech, Bravura, Seven Group

Just what the investor ordered. Here’s a recap of the companies that reported on Wednesday...

Read more »

Doctor performing an ultrasound on pregnant woman
⏸️ ASX Shares

The ASX reporting wrap-up: Ansell, Kogan, Nanosonics

Just what the investor ordered. Here’s a recap of the companies that reported on Tuesday...

Read more »

blue arrows representing a rising share price ASX 200
⏸️ ASX Shares

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares on Tuesday

Here are your top 10 biggest gainers in the ASX 200 on Tuesday.

Read more »

unhappy investor considering computer screen
Share Market News

The ASX reporting wrap-up: Charter Hall, Ampol, NIB Holdings

Just what the investor ordered. Here’s a recap of the companies that reported on Monday...

Read more »