The Australian share market was moderately lower at noon pulled down by weakness in commodity prices and on Wall Street.
All Ordinaries index was down 18.2 points, or 0.38 per cent, at 4,714.5.
Analyst said "Weaker commodity prices have prompted a bit of profit-taking and Wall Street had a choppy session overnight. The earnings season continues to do fairly well with most of the results in line or just above or just below expectations."
Medical diagnostic services provider Sonic Healthcare Ltd (SHL) has reaffirmed its full year earnings guidance after reporting a 13.7% jump in statutory profit to $155.2 million for the first half. Statutory revenue rose 3.5% to $1.49 billion for the six months to December 31, 2009 up from $1.43 billion in the first half of fiscal 2009. Looking ahead the company reaffirmed its guidance for net profit growth of 10 - 15% over the 2009 ordinary earnings of $315 million on a constant currency basis. Sonic declared an interim dividend of 24 cents a share. Shares in Sonic Healthcare fell 3.73% to $13.95.
Coal producer Gloucester Coal Ltd (GCL) has reported a 59% drop in earnings for the first half of fiscal 2010.Net profit after tax for the six months to December 31, 2009 came to $18.1 million down from $44 million in the first half of fiscal 2009 on the back of a 24% decline in revenue to $103.7 million. Looking ahead Gloucester says its outlook remains positive, with the outlook for coking coal very strong. In the 12 months to June 30, 2009 Gloucester Coal reported profit of $81.74 million.
The best performing sector at midday is the Real Estate Investment Trust index, up 2 points at 858.
The worst performing sector at midday is the Consumer Discretionary index, down 15 points to 1,606.
Gold is trading at US$1,114.75 an ounce and the Aussie dollar is trading at 90.09 US cents.
Quick trade JBH: in $20.02 out $20.14, Short AQA $10.
