4 of the biggest news pieces from the ASX200 this week

The ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) was eventful this week, there were plenty of reports released. Here are four stories you may have missed that affected businesses in the ASX 200 index:

Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) 

In its half-year result Telstra reported that its total income fell by 2.8% to $13.4 billion, its underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) fell 6.6% to $3.9 billion, reported EBITDA was $4.8 billion and its net profit decreased by 6.4% to $1.2 billion.

Telstra said that after excluding the expected in-year NBN headwind, which Telstra continues to expect to be in the range of around $600 million to $800 million, underlying EBTIDA is expected to grow by up to $500 million.

The total interim dividend was maintained at 8 cents per share.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) 

Australia’s biggest bank reported this week. Statutory profit after tax rose 34% to $6.16 billion, including the $1.69 billion gain on the sale of CFSGAM.

Cash net profit was down 4.3% to $4.48 billion. Operating income of $12.4 billion was flat compared to the prior corresponding period. Operating expenses were up 2.6% to $5.43 billion.

The group net interest margin (NIM) was 2.11%, which was up 1 basis point on the second half of FY19.

The Board of CBA decided to maintain the dividend at $2 per share.

CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) 

CSL announced that it continues to deliver profit growth with net profit after tax (NPAT) of almost US$1.25 billion, which was up 11% in constant currency terms.

The healthcare giant said that there was strong growth in immunoglobulin products, the transition to own distribution model in China is progressing well, there has been continued evolution of the haemophilia therapies portfolio and the Seqirus influenza vaccines business delivered another strong performance.

Major capital projects at all manufacturing sites are progressing to support future demand and 20 new US plasma collection centres were opened in the first half.

CSL grew its interim dividend to US$0.95 per share. When converted to Australian currency, the interim dividend is approximately AU$1.42 per share, which is growth of 18%.

Blackmores Limited (ASX: BKL) 

Blackmores said this week that it expects to report first-half revenue of $303 million with underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) of $18 million in the first-half result later this month. Full-year net profit is expected to be in the range of $17 million to $21 million which includes impacts from the coronavirus.

Whilst there is an increase of demand for immunity products in Australia and Asia, the impact of the sales has been countered by supply chain disruptions across the region as a result of the contagion.

Some of Blackmores’ e-commerce partners have cancelled or modified February promotions with a slowdown of China inbound and internal freight, which has made it difficult to serve the local market demand with much needed products.

It’s anticipating at least two to three months of China sales and supply challenges due to the coronavirus.