Some of the biggest ASX 200 shares reported their earnings last week as the S&P/ASX 200 (INDEXASX: XJO) tumbled nearly 10% lower.
Last week I had my eye on Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT), Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) and A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M).
After another bumper run to start 2020, the Afterpay share price came crashing back down last week. Investors weren't thrilled by its half-year results and a broker downgrade while coronavirus concerns hit ASX 200 shares more broadly.
The Woolworths share price fell 10.70% while a2 Milk performed better than most and fell just 1.34% last week following its own first-half earnings.
With February done and dusted and earnings season wrapping up, check out the 3 ASX 200 shares that I'll be keeping my eye on in the first week of March.
Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA)
The Bega Cheese share price is on watch this morning as it reports its half-year results to the market.
It's an interesting time for the ASX 200 dairy group given the turmoil amongst ASX shares. I think the impact of the devastating bushfire season has been largely forgotten in February amidst the coronavirus panic.
The Bega share price has been under pressure in recent months as the bushfires threatened the Bega Valley.
I'm also keeping an eye on Rural Funds Group (ASX: RFF) for the same reason.
InvoCare Limited (ASX: IVC)
The InvoCare share price jumped last week and was the best performing ASX 200 share in an otherwise disappointing week.
A combination of the death rate returning to trend and operational efficiencies led to InvoCare reporting a 19.6% increase in operating earnings to $59.2 million.
It will be interesting to see if the InvoCare gains were just a flash in the pan or if it represents a turning point for the ASX share in 2020.
Saracen Mineral Holdings Limited (ASX: SAR)
Amidst a broader downturn, it's always worth watching ASX gold shares. Investors tend to turn to gold when times get tough as a defensive holding for their portfolios.
Given the huge correction in ASX shares that we saw last week, I wouldn't be surprised to see more money buying up Saracen shares this week as a leading gold miner.
