Surprise rise at Aussie group
04 August 1999
Surprise rise at Aussie group
WESFARMERS, the diversified Australian industrial, retail and agricultural group, surprised markets yesterday (Tuesday) with better-than-expected earnings for the year to June.
Annual net profit rose 8.1% to A$179.4 million (£72.4m) on a 3% increase in sales to A$2.8bn (£1.1bn). But it reported lower earnings in fertilisers, chemicals and rural services.
The group said it planned to buy back up to 5% of its issued share capital over the next six months.
It also planned to diversify further by investing A$100m (£40m) in a new, privately owned equity fund.
- Farmers to insure against Australias natural disasters, FWi, 15 March, 1999
- Financial Times 04/08/99 page 20
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