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ASX:SHL 2 February 2026 - 19 February 2026

Sonic Healthcare stock jumps nearly 10% after profit lift, dividend hike, guidance held

Sonic Healthcare stock jumps nearly 10% after profit lift, dividend hike, guidance held

Sonic Healthcare shares jumped 9.9% to A$23.34 after half-year net profit rose 11% to A$262 million and revenue climbed 17% to A$5.45 billion. The company raised its interim dividend to 45 Australian cents, with the stock set to trade ex-dividend on March 4. Full-year earnings guidance was maintained. Management flagged a review of U.S. operations and a planned A$450–500 million sale-and-leaseback of its Brisbane lab.
19 February 2026
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Stock Market Today

  • Asia Markets Fall on Wall Street Losses, Iran Conflict Drives Energy Costs Higher, BOJ Rate Decision Awaited
    March 18, 2026, 10:10 PM EDT. Asia-Pacific markets dipped sharply Thursday, mirroring Wall Street declines after U.S. producer prices rose 0.7%, surpassing expectations amid rising energy costs fueled by the Iran conflict. The Dow hit a new yearly low, falling 1.63%, while S&P 500 and Nasdaq also dropped. Investors now focus on the Bank of Japan's rate decision, widely expected to hold at 0.75%. South Korea's Kospi lost 2.54%, hit by tech stocks Samsung and SK Hynix tumbling over 3%. Japan's Nikkei 225 led declines, down 2.58%. Elevated oil prices-Brent crude topped $107 per barrel-add pressure amid geopolitical tensions. The dollar's strength lifted the South Korean won past 1,500 against the dollar, prompting vigilance from Korean officials. Market watchers await further central bank signals on inflation and interest rates globally.
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