The big themes from ASX reporting season

As ASX reporting season comes to an end, Commsec reflects on the key themes in its ‘Earnings season: Half-time report’. 

Here’s a closer look at some of the insights from the online stockbroking platform’s commentary.

By the numbers

As at 22 February, more than 80% of the companies that have reported results managed to produce a statutory profit. Commsec reveals that this figure is well up on the 75% that reported a profit during the August reporting season last year. 

In the six months to December 2020, 72 companies, or 85%, elected to pay a dividend. This compares to the 68% which paid a distribution back in June 2020. Of the 72 companies paying dividends, 47% lifted the amount, 15% kept the payout steady and 38% cut…