Commonwealth Bank’s early sell-off weighed on the Australian sharemarket on Wednesday. The ASX 200 opened lower; while the All Ordinaries Index slipped 1.9 points. The Australian dollar neared US63¢.
Commonwealth Bank (ASX:CBA) posted a half-year profit of $5.13bn, up 8%, with revenue increasing 4% to $14.1bn. Operating expenses rose 6% due to inflation and technology investment, while net interest margin improved to 2.08%. The bank declared a fully franked interim dividend of $2.25 per share and maintained a strong CET1 capital ratio of 12.2%. Shares are trading 0.5% higher at $162.97.
Evolution Mining (ASX:EVN) posted a record half-year profit of $365m, up 277%, with EBITDA rising 77% to $1.014bn. It raised its dividend 250% to 7.0 cents and reinstated its DRP. Gold and copper output grew, cash flow surged, and key projects advanced, including a 10-year extension at Cowal. Shares are trading 1.37% higher at $6.305.
St Barbara (ASX:SBM) plans to separate its Atlantic Gold Operations in Canada to maximise value and attract local investment. Options include a sale, vend-in, or demerger. Post-separation, St Barbara will focus on its Simberi Gold Operations in Papua New Guinea. Shares are trading 6.55% lower at 25.7c.
Caprice Resources (ASX:CRS) reported high-grade gold at its Island Gold Project, with notable intercepts including 28m @ 6.4 g/t. Drilling confirmed multiple thick, shallow lodes across 5km, with mineralisation open in several directions. A 5,000m RC drill program is ongoing to define a maiden resource. Shares are trading 111.54% at 5.5c.
