Australia...One Hour In...ASX up 55 points

ASX200 up 55 points (0.8%) to 6862.

Be aware the following stocks go ex-dividend tomorrow; CBA 150c CPU 23c IAG 7c JHG 47.22c MFG 97.1c MIN 100c

Altium (+1.2%); cut its dividend and expects FY revenue to hit the lower end of its guidance range after 1H profit slipped 15% on the impact of the C-19 pandemic.
ANZ (+1.1%); is shutting 19 branches in NSW, Victoria and Queensland and more than 100 bank staff are expected to lose their jobs. The Financial Sector Union says the decision is “heartless”.
ASX (+0.3%); ASIC have said they are open to the idea of a bitcoin-linked ETF listing on the ASX.
Aurizon (+3.8%); said 1H profit declined by 22%, although the company raised its interim dividend by 5% as it reported steady underlying earnings on a year ago.
Bendigo Bank (+7.8%); said its 1H profit rose by 67%, with the company reporting very strong residential lending and customer deposit growth amid the pandemic.
Beach (); raised its annual production guidance, even as its 1H profit fell by 54% after its oil fetched a 40% lower price than a year earlier.
Cimic (+1.6%); SALD, a privately owned, UAE-based investment company, will purchase CIMIC’s 45% investment in BICC.
Coca Cola (+2%); Coca-Cola European Partners increased its takeover offer for Australian bottler Coca-Cola Amatil to $13.50, up from $12.75.
Contact Energy (TH); 1H profit $78m a little lower than consensus. As was dividend. Announced a NZ$325m capital raise.
Crown (+0.8%); CEO and MD Ken Barton has stepped down from his role with immediate effect. Helen Coonan will take the role of Executive Chairman on an interim basis, effective immediately.
GPT (+5.2%); said it made an annual net loss as the valuation of its portfolio of offices and shopping malls fell amid upheaval caused by the coronavirus pandemic. It remains optimistic on outlook.
Incitec Pivot (-1.5%); remains cautious on 1H earnings after saying that maintenance at one plant and unexpected outages at others would cost it roughly $26m in earnings.
JB HiFi (+2%); has posted record interim sales (+24%) after customers scooped up the retailer’s gadget and entertainment offerings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Outlook remains strong. Div $1.80 vs 90c on pcp.
Nearmap (+14.5%); said it is aware of a recent report by short-seller firm J Capital Research – which NEA said contains many inaccurate statements and makes unsubstantiated allegations of a very serious nature.
Orocobre (+6.5%); said there is only minor damage to its equipment and infrastructure post the earthquake in Naraha.
Seven West Media (+6.4%); reported a 1H profit as it offset the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on advertising with cost cuts.
Seven West Media (+6.4%); strikes a long term partnership deal with Google to provide news content.
Suncorp (-1.7%); ex div 26c. Trading down 18c.