Profit Results

Australia's largest speciality clothing retailer announced a slash in its expected profit margins for the next year. Just Group Ltd. (JST) projected earnings per share to fall between 29.2 cents and 30.6 cents in the financial year ending July 31. This was a 12 percent cut in its 2008 forecast when it had projected bullish earnings last month itself.

Markets reaction to announcement from Futuris Corporation was sharp and devastating after it announced that its full year profit would be lower by nearly 20 percent. It also flagged it's non-performing and non-core assets on sale. The scrip remained battered throughout the day to close down at 36.5 cents or 27 percent at 97 cents which was lowest since August 2005. The shares have fallen nearly 55 percent this year.

AWB posted strong half- yearly results yesterday. It remains solid for two years despite facing consecutive drought years. The net profit after tax for the half year was $48.7 million which showed 96 percent increase from the corresponding year. EBITDA for past six months was up 53 percent to $110.7 million. The bottom line had provision of $26.4 million as a probable liability that may arise due to litigation by Standard Chartered Bank to AWB (USA). Standard Chartered has a long due dispute with AWB (USA) over a commercial promissory note. AWB kept its interim dividend of four cents.

The Macquarie Group posted their annual profit results today reflecting a 23 percent rise in their full year profit. It admitted in its statement that it would be difficult to match these records next year owing to the current economic conditions.
Macquarie Group recorded an annual profit of $8 billion for its financial year 2008 which was 23% up from previous year $1.46 billion. The full operating income reflected a 15 percent increase to $8.2 billion while Earning per share (EPS) increased 13 percent to $6.71.

The global media conglomerate reported a healthy third quarter profits. Most of the profits have been attributed to the growth in advertising revenue at Fox News and Fox Channel that pertain to its broadcasting and newspaper assets.

National Bank of Australia has reported an increase of 25.8% increase in its profits to 2.7 billion in the first half. The net income for the bank rose to AUD 2.69bn in 6 months ended March 31. The stocks were also traded at three months high in Sydney trading. NAB’s shares rose $12.4 or 4 percent to $32.24. The strong results were attributed to strong lending and deposit growth. It also included one time gain from Visa Inc.’s initial public offering.