ASX 200 (ASX:XJO) midday update: A2 Milk crashes, Woolworths tumbles

It has been an eventful day for the ASX 200…

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

At lunch on Wednesday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record a decline. The benchmark index is currently down 0.3% to 7,419.7 points.

Here's what is happening on the ASX 200 today:

Man looks shocked as he works on laptop on top a skyscraper with stockmarket figures in graphic behind him.

Image source: Getty Images

A2 Milk shares crash on investor update

The A2 Milk Company Ltd (ASX: A2M) share price is crashing today after the release of an investor update. That update laid out management's strategy which is focused on rebuilding the company into an exciting, innovative and sustainable growth company. However, the embattled infant formula company's plans reveal significantly lower margins compared to pre-COVID levels. It is also aiming to grow its sales to NZ$2 billion over the next ~five years. This compares to FY 2020's pre-COVID sales of NZ$1.73 billion.

Woolworths update

It has also been a disappointing day for the Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) share price. Its shares are tumbling following the release of an update at its annual general meeting. Although Woolworths revealed a 7.8% increase in group sales during the first quarter, it warned that momentum is slowing. The company advised that Australian Food sales have slowed in New South Wales as restrictions ease.

Codan's contract win

The Codan Limited (ASX: CDA) share price is falling today despite announcing a major contract win. Codan has secured a multi-year A$37.6 million contract to supply Domo Tactical Communications software defined mesh radios to a publicly listed global technology corporation as part of a sensitive military program. Not even management stating that it is "confident of delivering a new record first half result" at its annual general meeting has been able to stop its shares from falling.

Best and worst ASX 200 performers

The best performer on the ASX 200 on Wednesday has been the Reliance Worldwide Corporation Ltd (ASX: RWC) share price with a 5.5% gain. This morning Macquarie upgraded the plumbing parts company's shares to an outperform rating with a $5.95 price target. The worst performer on the ASX 200 has been the A2 Milk share price with an 11% decline following its update.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended Reliance Worldwide Corporation Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended A2 Milk and Reliance Worldwide Corporation Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Market News

Share Market News

Testing again

Read more »

Share Market News

Aaron Test 2

Read more »

Share Market News

Aaron Test

Read more »

Share Market News

JP Test

Read more »

Share Market News

JP Test

Read more »

Portrait of Discovery Fund portfolio managers Mark Devcich and Chris Bainbridge
Share Market News

Test

Portfolio managers Mark Devcich (left) and Chris Bainbridge. Image source: Discovery Fund test test

Read more »

a man in a hoodie grins slyly as he sits with his hands poised on a keyboard. He is superimposed with a graphic image of a computer screen asking for a password, suggesting he is a hacker.
Share Market News

Another ASX 200 company has been hit with a cyber incident. Here's what we know

Hackers have breached the systems of this ASX 200 company.

Read more »

a woman
Broker Notes

5 ASX 200 shares that inflation can't touch: expert

Regardless of whether you're a bull or a bear, cost pressures are a factor when buying stocks at the moment.

Read more »