At lunch on Friday the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is trading notably lower amid declines across most sectors. The benchmark index is currently down 0.9% to 6,070.6 points.
Here's what has been happening on the market today:
NEXTDC hits its guidance.
The NEXTDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) share price is trading higher today after investors responded positively to its full year results release. In FY 2020 the data centre operator delivered a 14% increase in revenue to $205.2 million. This was at the high end of its guidance range of $200 million to $206 million. It was the same for its underlying EBITDA, which came in $19.5 million or 23% higher year on year to $104.6 million. Over the 12 months, NEXTDC's contracted utilisation grew 17.4MW or 33% to 70MW.
Costa impresses for once.
The last few years have been difficult for Costa Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: CGC) and its shareholders. But it could finally be turning a corner now, judging by its half year results. The Costa share price is charging higher today after it reported a 6.8% increase in revenue to $612.4 million and a 12% lift in net profit after tax to $45.8 million. A strong performance by its International segment drove the solid profit growth.
Harvey Norman results.
The Harvey Norman Holdings Limited (ASX: HVN) share price has edged lower following the release of its full year results. This morning the retailer revealed a net profit after tax of $480.54 million. This was an increase of $78.22 million or 19.4% on FY 2019's profit. The company declared a fully franked final dividend of 18 cents per share.
Best and worst ASX 200 performers.
The best performer on the ASX 200 today has been the Costa share price with an 8.5% gain following its half year update. Going the other way, the worst performer is the Appen Ltd (ASX: APX) share price with a 7% decline. The artificial intelligence services company's shares have come under pressure since the release of its half year results. This morning analysts at Credit Suisse downgraded them to an underperform rating with a $29.00 price target.
