ASX 200 up 0.8%: ANZ to pay dividend, a2 Milk tumbles, CSL impresses

Australia and New Zealand Banking GrpLtd (ASX:ANZ) and CSL Limited (ASX:CSL) shares are making moves on the ASX 200 on Wednesday…

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

At lunch on Wednesday the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record another solid gain. The benchmark index is currently up 0.8% to 6,172.1 points.

Here's what is happening on the market today:

ANZ share price storms higher on Q3 update.

The Australia and New Zealand Banking GrpLtd (ASX: ANZ) share price is pushing higher today after the release of its quarterly update. That update revealed a solid 30% increase in cash profit from continuing operations to $1.5 billion in the third quarter. In addition to this, unlike some of its peers, ANZ has announced that it will pay a 25 cents per share fully franked interim dividend.

A2 Milk Company tumbles lower.

The A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) share price is tumbling lower following the release of its full year results. The fresh milk and infant formula company delivered a 32.8% increase in revenue to NZ$1,730 million. This was in line with its revenue guidance of NZ$1,700 million to NZ$1,750 million. On the bottom line, the company posted a 34.1% increase in net profit after tax of NZ$385.8 million. Investors appear to have been expecting an even stronger profit result.

CSL result impresses.

The CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) share price is storming higher after delivering a solid FY 2020 result. The biotherapeutics company posted sales revenue of US$8,797 million and a net profit after tax of US$2,103 million. This was a 7.2% and 9.6% increase, respectively, on the prior corresponding period. This was driven by solid growth from both its CSL Behring and Seqirus vaccines businesses during the year. Management is forecasting similar revenue and profit growth (in constant currency terms) in FY 2021.

Best and worst ASX 200 performers.

The best performer on the ASX 200 on Wednesday has been the WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) share price with a 23% gain. This follows the release of a strong full year result and positive guidance for FY 2021. The worst performer is the Resolute Mining Limited (ASX: RSG) share price with a 16% decline. This follows a military mutiny in Mali where the gold miner operates.

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. and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of A2 Milk. 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

Fancy font saying top ten surrounded by gold leaf set against a dark background of glittering stars.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Let's also take a look at what the various ASX sectors were doing this Wednesday.

Read more »

Two male ASX 200 analysts stand in an office looking at various computer screens showing share prices
Broker Notes

Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's what brokers are recommending as buys this week.

Read more »

A young women pumps her fists in excitement after seeing some good news on her laptop.
Share Gainers

Why Argosy Minerals, Immutep, Pointsbet, and Regis Resources shares are racing higher

These shares are having a strong session on Wednesday. But why?

Read more »

A young man clasps his hand to his head with his eyes closed and a pained expression on his face as he clasps a laptop computer in front of him, seemingly learning of bad news or a poor investment.
Share Fallers

Why Chalice Mining, Cleanaway, Kogan, and Perpetual shares are sinking today

These ASX shares are having a tough time on Wednesday. But why?

Read more »

Man looking at his grocery receipt, symbolising inflation.
Share Market News

Why the ASX 200 just crumbled on today's inflation print

ASX 200 investors are hitting the sell button following the latest Australian inflation news.

Read more »

man grimaces next to falling stock graph
Share Fallers

Why did this ASX 100 stock just crash 11%?

Cleanaway shares have been on a crazy roller-coaster over the past 24 hours.

Read more »

a man in a british union jack T shirt hurdles high into the air with london bridge visible in the background.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Nick Scali shares halted amid $60m capital raising and UK expansion news

This furniture retailer has its eyes on the UK furniture market.

Read more »

An arrogant banker pleased with himself and his success winks at his mobile phone while taking a selfie
Share Market News

Are ASX 200 bank shares like CBA 'too expensive' right now?

Are banks overpriced or good value today?

Read more »