Does poor stewardship mean a company is worth avoiding? Not necessarily, reveals Glenn Freeman in this week's top ten stories, which also include an overview of franking credits, and a look at what Telstra's result means.

3 undervalued companies with poor stewardship

It may sound counterintuitive, but bad managerial practices don't necessarily mean a company is worth avoiding.

Investing basics: your guide to franking credits

Franking credits are back in the news - but what are they and how do they impact your investment returns? 

Telstra on track to meet NBN challenge despite market backlash

The market reaction to Telstra's reported 28 per cent dip in profit and lower dividend for the first-half of 2019 is overdone and ignores the impressive growth in mobile customers, says Morningstar.

Transurban lifts revenue but profit drops

Transurban's first-half profit has fallen 61.8 per cent to $129 million after its costly acquisition of Sydney's WestConnex motorway scheme.

Hayne inquiry: PM slams call for 'reckless' bank law rush

Fresh financial accounts give you an opportunity to look under the hood of the companies you invest in. It’s also a great time to search for bargains.

Using correlation to help achieve real diversification

An understanding of correlation can help investors identify imbalances, assist building diversification and ultimately offset losses. 

US sales boost helps lift CSL H1 profit 68pc

Tumbling house prices may be forcing investors to question the merits of property investment versus other asset classes such as shares and bonds.

Politics, volatility and Hayne hit Challenger

Australia's largest provider of annuities, Challenger Financial (ASX: CGF) has blamed political uncertainty and market volatility for its 97 per cent plunge in profit for the first-half of fiscal 2019.

Baird a lead contender to become NAB chief

Former NSW premier Mike Baird has declined to say whether he's in line for the top job at NAB, but analysts and commentators alike consider him a "logical" successor to Andrew Thorburn.

Carsales outlook undented by lender writedown

Carsales.com has booked an 82 per cent fall in net profit after tax for first-half 2019, chiefly because of an anticipated $48 million impairment of its stake in Stratton Finance.