At lunch on Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on form again and pushing higher. The benchmark index is currently up 0.65% to 7,332.7 points.
Here's what is happening on the ASX 200 today:
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Telstra's half year results
The Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) share price is sliding today despite delivering underlying earnings growth during the first half. Telstra posted a 4.4% decline in revenue to $10.5 billion but a 5.1% increase in underlying EBITDA to $3.5 billion. The latter was supported by growth in the key mobile business and a 6.7% reduction in operating expenses to $7.4 billion. Telstra maintained its interim dividend at 8 cents per share.
Wesfarmers half year update
The Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) share price is sinking today after its half year results disappointed. The conglomerate reported broadly flat revenue but a 14.2% decline in net profit after tax to $1.2 billion. This reflects the loss of ~34,000 store trading days due to closures during COVID-19 outbreaks.
Woodside triples its profits in FY 2021
The Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) share price hit a 52-week high this morning after more than tripling its profits in FY 2021. Thanks to a modest increase in sales volumes and a surge in realised prices per barrel, Woodside reported a 93% increase in operating revenue to US$6,962 million and a 262% jump in underlying net profit after tax to US$1,620 million.
Best and worst ASX 200 performers
The best performer on the ASX 200 on Thursday has been the NRW Holdings Limited (ASX: NWH) share price with an 11% gain. This morning it reported a 26% increase in first half operating earnings. The worst performer has been the Wesfarmers share price with a 6% decline following its half year update.
