Morningstar Site Map

Harvey Norman has posted a 16.4 per cent drop in full-year profit to $375.4 million due to property revaluations and the furniture and electrical goods retailer's disastrous dairy farming investment.

A consortium headed by toll road operator Transurban has agreed to pay the NSW government $9.3 billion for a 51 per cent stake in the new WestConnex motorway.

Australian shares look set for a higher open despite falls on Wall Street overnight, as US stocks ended their four-day winning streak in the wake of growing trade anxieties.

Australian equities fund manager increases net profit just 2 per cent to $140.2m amid institutional outflows and growing popularity of passive investing.

An understanding of market capitalisation and its use in valuing, comparing and categorising stocks may help you build a diversified investment portfolio.

Investors considering an active fixed income fund should be aware of their asset manager's risk levels versus skill and track record, according to a Morningstar US study.

Investors are grappling with how to best position portfolios for what many experts believe is the latter part of the business cycle, writes J.P. Morgan's Kerry Craig.

Governments on both sides have meddled with super rules and you can be sure they will continue to raid the superannuation savings of Australians.

The relatively flat $579.3 million profit result from Australia's largest private hospital operator reflects tougher industry-wide conditions, says Morningstar's Chris Kallos.

Today's announcement of a $15 billion merger between Vodafone Australia and TPG Telecom would benefit Australia's telco sector, according to Morningstar's Brian Han.

Newly-listed oil refiner and retailer Viva Energy's half-year net profit has beaten its prospectus forecast on the back of inventory gains and higher oil prices.

Australian shares look set to open on a subdued note, despite a rise on Wall Street overnight, as local investors stay cautious ahead of key economic data later on Thursday.

For all the noise building around the Federal Government Royal Commission - Banks and Financial Services, Morningstar's senior banks analyst David Ellis reminds investors of a few home truths.

Westpac has become the first of the big four banks to raise interest rates, staging a 14-basis point rise, amid a record period of inertia by the Reserve Bank of Australia.

In our global climate of geopolitical crises, trade disputes and general uncertainty, a multi-asset approach to emerging market investing can be useful, says Morningstar UK's Dan Kemp.

Australian retirees are feeling the financial pinch as they face increases in the cost of health services, transport, and clothing.

Strong links to China and relatively low debt levels are among reasons for the Reserve Bank's bullish view on emerging Asia.

Building materials company Boral's 50pc jump in full-year profit for fiscal 2018 has surpassed Morningstar's expectations, driven by an uptick in non-residential construction activity.

New Zealand's A2 Milk Company has more than doubled its full-year profit thanks to continued strong demand for its baby formula in Australia and China.

Australian shares look set to open slightly lower on the back of a small rises on Wall Street overnight following a rally on positive developments in trade disputes, which have vexed the markets.

This European bank, UK oil major and established US software player still hold good investor value, says Franklin Templeton' s Peter Wilmshurst.

Shares in Blackmores Limited have leapt more than 9 per cent after the vitamin maker lifted its full-year profit nearly 19 per cent to $70 million.

The decision of fuel supplier Caltex to separate its retail and property assets would make sense in "liberating" further balance sheet value, says Morningstar.

Our tips on how to accumulate $1m in savings for a worry-free retirement again monopolised the attention of Morningstar readers along with our overview of the state of the global economy and a selection of five yield stocks worth considering.

Australian shares are likely to open subdued, despite across-the-board gains on Wall Street overnight, with last week's domestic political turmoil still weighing on sentiment.

Regularly checking your super fund performance can make a big difference to your income in retirement.

The childcare centre operator reported a $25.6 million in net profit for the first half of fiscal 2018, down 24 per cent from $33.7 million last year.

Plumbing supplies giant Reliance Worldwide has reported a flat full-year profit of $66 million, but is flagging greater-than-expected cost savings.

Network operator Spark Infrastructure has warned that further regulatory changes to the energy market risk raising consumer power prices as it increasingly shifts to renewables.

These Australian-domiciled software companies delivered solid results this earnings season, in a tech sector that continues to prioritise revenue over profit.

Australian shares look set to open largely unchanged despite Wall Street finishing on a high on Friday as Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell affirmed the US central bank's current pace of rate hikes.

Morningstar's Brian Han explains why corporate player Vocus faces a hard road ahead, and what a potential TPG-Vodafone merger could mean for the sector.

The private health insurer has lifted its market share and revenue, but says the outlook for growth in the domestic market is flat.

Star Entertainment Group's full-year profit has slumped 44 per cent to $148 million, on high costs and low house-win rates.

Your super is complicated, especially when it comes to fees. We run through what you're paying for - and how to reduce the charges eating into your returns.

The specialty drug-maker exceeded analysts' expectations on an adjusted basis, despite posting a full-year loss of $133.98 million.

With Scott Morrison set to become Australia's next Prime Minister - our sixth inside eight years - it's worth reflecting on how political events affect investor behaviour. 

The Australia dollar has jumped on news Scott Morrison has won the ballot to become Australia's next prime minister.

Brambles announced the separation of its $1.8bn fresh produce container business during its fiscal 2018 earnings call.

Medibank Private has posted a one per cent drop in full-year profit to $445.1 million as investment income declined while it improved margins in its core health insurance business.

It will be a rough ride but the Fed must exert its independence to stem inflation pressures and the onset of widespread tariff increases.

Construction giant Lendlease has reported full-year net profit after tax of $792.8 million, up 5 per cent on 2017, prompting Morningstar to boost its fair value estimate.

The Australian dollar was the worst performing major currency as political turmoil continued; local shares were down 1.5 per cent since the week's first leadership challenge.

Oil and gas producer Santos reported net profit of US$ 104 million for the first half of fiscal 2018, a welcome reversal of its US$ 506 million net loss a year earlier.

Flight Centre shares have plunged despite the bookings business lifting full-year profit by 13.9 per cent to $262.9 million and posting record results.

Australia's flagship carrier today reported a record $1.6 billion in profit before tax for fiscal 2018, up 14 per cent on 2017 and broadly in line with Morningstar's expectations.

Nine Entertainment profit is up 27% as it prepares for a merger with newspaper publisher Fairfax Media. The media company has confirmed a dividend of 5 cents a share.

Local shares opened slightly down again today amid continued uncertainty around Prime Minister Turnbull's political future as Liberal Party turmoil enters its second day.

Higher gold and copper prices buoyed Newcrest's profit 16pc. The miner has announced a final dividend of 11 US cents per share.

Asian shares have had a cautious start as a deadline for fresh US tariffs on China looms amid speculation US President Donald Trump's political position could be threatened by the legal woes of two former advisers.

Diversified miner South32 has lifted its full-year net profit eight per cent to $US1.33 billion ($A1.81 billion), helped by cost reductions and stronger commodity prices.

The energy infrastructure company edged ahead of full-year guidance yesterday when it posted a 3.3 per cent earnings increase, prompting a slight fair value increase from Morningstar.

Geopolitical turmoil and other international market movers play a part in this team's value-selection process, explains Franklin Templeton's Peter Wlimshurst.

The Australian dollar was supported by upbeat domestic economic news, faring surprisingly well despite ongoing political turmoil around Prime Minister Turnbull and the Liberal Party.

International visitor growth at Australia's busiest airport was a key contributor to its $174m net profit for the first half of fiscal 2018, though longer-term challenges loom.

Australian shares stayed in the red as of midday today, as domestic political uncertainty prompted investors to book profits.

Allegations of unfair franchisee payment structures has impacted Mortgage Choice's full-year profit after it was forced to change the remuneration structure. 

Telco company Vocus Group has announced it will not pay a final dividend due to competing demands for capital investment across the business

The beverage bottler posted $158m net profits for fiscal 2018, up 11 per cent on 2017 despite disappointing performance from its food operation.

Investors shouldn't read too much into early media reports of a proposed merger between TPG and Vodafone just yet, says Morningstar's Brian Han.

Australian shares are expected to open lower, as political turmoil following yesterday's unsuccessful spill motion against Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull took a heavy toll on local markets.

In the face of the worst drought in living memory, we take a look at how agriculture contributes to our economy, and what soft commodities might add to an investor's portfolio.

Australia's largest media commpany's $135.8 million net profit for fiscal 2018 is among its best results in several years, says Morningstar's Brian Han.

February's Papua New Guinea Highlands earthquake knocked 40pc off oil and gas exploration company Oil Search's profits

REA Group posted $279.9m in net profits for fiscal 2018, up 23 per cent on 2017, with still further room for growth, says Morningstar's Gareth James.

Australian shares have opened slightly higher, in line with a higher finish on Wall Street overnight, but gains could be capped as investors stay focused on local company results.

A tripling of profits at Ansell was shaded by US tariff-linked cost uncertainties, while Primary Healthcare posted a positive $8.9m result after fiscal 2017's impairments.

Fortescue Metals has reported US$ 879 million net profit after tax for fiscal 2018, 58 per cent down on last year's US$ 2.09 billion.

Investors shouldn't panic at the dire news headlines around Turkey's financial markets and falling currency, explains Karin Anderson from Morningstar US.

Australia's largest supermarket chain reported $1.7 billion net profit for the financial year ending 30 June, up 12 per cent on 2017 and broadly in-line with Morningstar's expectations.

The Tasmanian financial group posted $31.5 million in profit for fiscal 2018, up 5 per cent on last year but under Morningstar's forecast.

Healthscope has outlined a plan to set up a new property trust to hold its hospital properties and release capital, after posting a 50 per cent drop in full-year net profit.

Mining giant BHP's $3.7 billion profit result for fiscal 2018 was down on last year and below consensus, but shale assets sale has unlocked another record dividend. 

Australian shares look set to open higher on the back of a strong finish to the week on Wall Street, where investors were buoyed by reports of progress in tariff disputes between the US and trading partners China and Mexico.

Morningstar's overview of five yield stocks worth considering once again monopolised reader attention, followed closely by our articles on what it takes to make a million before retiring, and no-fee index funds. 

Ever dreamt of sipping cocktails on the beach while your passive income works its magic? We show you how. 

Appliance maker Breville is overvalued in Morningstar's eyes despite posting a 12 per cent jump in full-year profit.

Shareholders should expect more volatility ahead for embattled financial services group AMP, says Morningstar equities analyst Chanaka Gunasekera.

Shares in Link Administration Holdings rose more than 7 per cent by midday in response to its reported $143.2 million in profit for fiscal 2018, up 68 per cent on 2017. 

Industrial landlord Goodman Group has posted a 9 per cent increase in annual operating profit and expects to maintain that momentum by seizing on rapid changes in technology and supply chains.

ASX's 7 per cent growth in underlying net profit for fiscal 2018 has been attributed largely to a boost in IPO capital raisings, but Morningstar fears EPS growth rate can't last.

\n\nSuncorp remains attractive from an income perspective, despite posting a 1.5 per cent drop in full-year profit, says Morningstar analyst David Ellis. \n\n

Australian shares are likely to open flat, or slightly weaker, despite Wall Street rallying overnight, with investors staying cautious ahead of major local corporate earnings over the next two weeks.

Tariffs will raise the cost of goods and push inflation to levels not seen in the US for some time, says an old Republican friend.

A talented team, a combination of qualitative and quantitative research and clear, repeatable processes underpin this valuation-oriented approach, says Morningstar's Tim Wong.

Hitting the million-dollar mark before retirement is possible if you start early enough and follow a disciplined investment strategy, writes Emma Rapaport.

Treasury Wine Estates has posted a 34 per cent jump in full-year net profit led by surging demand in Asia.

Australia's largest oil and gas retailer posted $838 million in underlying NPAT for the financial year ending 30 June, doubling its 2017 result, but still undercut Morningstar's expectations.

Telstra's full-year profit has dropped 8.4 per cent to $3.56 billion, as the telco giant faces increasing competition and is hurt by the further rollout of NBN.

The US is the standout performer among global markets while Australia remains overvalued, according to the latest Morningstar Markets Observer.

Insurer QBE and mid-tier miner OZ Minerals have reported a boost in profits, while mining services company Downer EDI and funeral services provider Invocare have posted losses. 

Australian shares are likely to open lower amid falls on Wall Street overnight, escalating trade jitters, and caution ahead of results by several local frontline companies.

Despite the conglomerate recording a loss over the financial year to 30 June 2018, Morningstar remains encouraged by margin and business improvements.

ASX-listed biotech giant CSL has exceeded its profit expectations, lifting its full-year net profit by 29 per cent to $US1.73 billion ($A2.39 billion) on the back of new product launches and strong sales of products including its flu vaccines.

Online job search company Seek has posted an 84 per cent slide in profit, insurer IAG has disappointed, while a buoyant leasing market has helped Dexus Property Group boost profit by 37 per cent.

Morningstar increased its share price outlook for Woodside Petroleum following its reported US$ 566 million in profits for the half-year ended 30 June, 2018, up 12 per cent on last year.

Morningstar remains positive following Commonwealth Bank's full-year financial results, despite a terrible 12 months.

Australian shares are likely to open slightly lower, despite gains on Wall Street overnight, as a decline in commodities prices weighs on the local market.

\n\nDomino's Pizza shares have plunged after the chain missed its full-year earnings guidance, as Cochlear and Whitehaven Coal report full year net profits. \n\n

Media company Fairfax delivered an annual net loss of $63.8 million for fiscal 2018, hit by write-offs and costs around restructuring and redundancies. 

Asia share markets are trying to regain their footing as tremors from the collapse of the Turkish lira ebbed a little and Wall Street proved resilient to the shockwaves.

Australian futures are pointing to a higher start for the ASX but the currency crisis in Turkey has jolted global markets and local stocks face an uncertain day amid the volatility.

Australian shares look set to open steady on the back of a fall on Wall Street overnight as global jitters from Turkey's plummeting currency pressure markets.

The deepening currency crisis is putting pressure on emerging markets amid growing fears of a banking crisis, with mixed views on the potential for contagion.

Fidelity Investments in the US last week launched two index funds with zero fees, signalling a new chapter in the passive investing price war. 

\n\nElectronics retailer JB Hi-Fi's full-year net profits has jumped 35 per cent as real-estate property ad site Domain swings to a $6.2 million full-year net loss following its spin-off from Fairax.\n\n

The large-caps outgunned smaller companies over the financial year, but industry insiders question whether this will continue in the face of external threats.

Glenn Freeman's examination of five yield stocks worth considering caught our readers' attention this week while the decade of positive returns by Australian super funds continues to generate interest alongside our guide to this month's reporting season. 

UK-based multi-asset fund manager Investec has been increasing exposure to Australian and New Zealand bonds as recession fears prompt a re-think of traditional diversification strategies.

Reporting season can feel like a rollercoaster ride for investors. Emma Rapaport's latest Investing Basics article tells you important things you need to know to get through the month.

Infrastructure may sound like a dry word reserved for technocrats, but in the mind of the investor it's synonymous with tangible assets, predictable cash flows and steady returns.

Positive full-year results from digital real estate player REA and fund manager Magellan, tempered by a net loss for News Corp.

Self-managed super fund trustees are among the most at-risk investors as exchange-traded fund inflows continue to accelerate, according to a regulatory review.

Though the full financial effects are yet to be felt, the fiscal 2018 results from two of Australia's largest financial institutions contained both good and bad news.

Australian shares are expected to open higher despite falls in US stocks after gains in Apple and Amazon were offset by losses in energy and financial shares.

There is a disconnect between the level of confidence among Australia's business leaders and the demand for business credit.

Energy retailer AGL has nearly tripled its annual profit as Crown drops almost 70 per cent despite a boost in its VIP numbers.

US stocks could be taking a year off as the economic cycle matures, before taking the next step, amid concerns over growth, agreements and policy, writes Charles Schwab's Jeffrey Kleintop.

As Pakistan and Cambodia form new governments following their general elections, T Rowe Price's Eric Moffett examines how politics can affect profits in Asia.

Tabcorp has swung to a net profit of $28.7 million in 2017/18 following its merger with Tatts Group, with digital sales and the FIFA World Cup helping to lift the gaming giant's reach and revenue.

Commonwealth Bank has posted a drop in annual cash profit of $9.23 billion, hit by a $700 million fine after the nation's biggest bank broke anti-money laundering laws.

Morningstar has increased its fair value estimate for Amcor, saying its acquisition of US rival Bemis will cement its role as a global plastics giant.

AMP's first-half profit plunged 74 per cent to $115 million after the company set aside $290 million to refund and compensate customers it overcharged for financial advice.

These companies spanning the automotive and financial services sectors are tipped to deliver solid dividend yields over at least the next two years.

Australian shares look set to open steady on the back of a small dip on Wall Street overnight as falling crude prices and trade jitters held markets in check.

Trying to "keep up with the Joneses" only leaves you feeling more stressed and less capable of handling financial pressures, according to a Morningstar behavioural finance expert.

Fidelity's James Abela nominates these three smaller businesses from the healthcare, tourism and engineering sectors as companies of interest.

Electric car company Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, has tweeted possible plans to remove the company from public ownership, in what Morningstar suggests could be a direct dig at short-sellers.

Australian shares are expected to trade sideways, with gains in material stocks to be offset by lagging financials.

Investors would be wise to consider some insurance against a negative outcome to trade disputes, writes Morningstar's Peter Gee in his latest economic update.

Toll road operator Transurban has doubled its annual net profit to $485 million, driven by an increase in toll prices and higher vehicle numbers.

BlackRock's Australian concentrated industrials fund creator, Charlie Lanchester, explains his bold call to avoid holding banks and resource companies.

A Morningstar survey of the income potential and tax effectiveness of large-cap Australian equity funds caught our readers' attention this week alongside API's value-adding acquisition and a look at five top-ranked financial stocks. 

Australian shares look set to open steady on the back of a slight rise on Wall Street overnight as investors applauded a strong US earnings season.

A rise in trade tensions and recent falls in Chinese and Hong Kong indexes has raised buying opportunities, say Morningstar analysts, who have added Hang Lung Properties and MGM China to their list of companies to watch. 

Jobs site Seek has had nearly $700 million wiped off its market value after flagging a sharp slowdown in forecast earnings and revenue growth, as well as higher-than-expected investment costs.

This Australian equity fund's management team outlines what it loves and hates about Telstra, Wesfarmers, Qantas and other household names.

Supply-side pressures and the threat of a new technology solution support more bearish views on lithium, while bulls believe concerns are overdone.

The Australian share market is set to open higher on the back of Wall Street closing last week on a high as upbeat earnings helped US investors shrug off heightened trade tensions and weaker-than-expected July jobs growth.

Global trade tensions and their far-reaching implications have the potential to trigger a global economic recession within the next two years.

Market optimistically expects spot prices and capital restraint to continue to underpin high returns.

Coles demerger opens up new possibilities, but stops short of materially adding to underlying value.

August is once again upon us and Australian listed companies are reporting their results.

When it comes to the priorities of the Australian investor, diversification and tax effectiveness do not rate among the top three, according to the ASX Australian Investor Study 2017.

Morningstar's resources equity analyst, Mat Hodge, explains the mining giant's latest result and the market's negative reaction.

Weighing the pros and cons of exchange-traded funds, Emma Rapaport's latest Investing Basics article tells you all you should ever need to know about these popular products.

Is it 'one and done' for the Bank of England or the start of a new tightening phase? The answer will have profound implications for stock and bond prices.

The prospects for Brand Australia in China are on the rise, says BlackRock's Charlie Lanchester, who has some hidden tech-stock gems in mind. 

Apple has become the first $US1 trillion publicly listed US company, crowning a decade-long rise fuelled by its ubiquitous iPhone.

Australian shares look set to open higher despite a flat performance on Wall Street overnight which as trade-sensitive industrial companies helped drag the blue-chip Dow slightly lower.

With a Labor victory increasingly certain, taxes look set to be raised and self-funded retirees rounded up to support the cause.

Australian asset manager Pendal Group has joined California cloud-computing company ServiceNow and Italian electricity provider Enel as new entrants in Morningstar's list of Global Best Equity Best Ideas.

Electric cars may be ousting diesel vehicles, but the shipping industry is still reliant on the fuel, which is good news for the oil price, says Ashburton's Richard Robinson.

Australian shares look set to open lower amid a fall on Wall Street overnight as as gains in Apple shares were offset by a drop in energy and industrial companies.

These managed funds have underperformed in recent years, but could be due for a change in fortune.

The oil rally has dragged on India's market returns, but fund managers are bullish and note that stocks compound 20 per cent annually.

Morningstar has downgraded its fair value estimate for AMP, saying the revelations of the banking royal commission have been an "unprecedented disaster" for the once venerable wealth management giant.

The investment return outlook for Australia's big four banks may have divided commentators but there are other ASX-listed large-cap financial stocks worth watching.