Company Interview / Market Update | Woodside, Domino's, Zip, Nine, Praemium, G8 Education, Helia

Woodside Energy's (ASX: WDS) full year net profit more than doubled as it nears a decision on building a natural gas-project in Louisiana that coincides with the U.S. government easing regulations. Woodside reported a net profit of US$3.57 billion for the full year- up from US$1.66 billion a year ago when it booked hefty impairment charges. A record year for oil and gas production in 2024 helped to offset a 6% drop in sales revenue as Woodside realized lower prices for its output. On an underlying basis, Woodside's profit totaled US$2.88 billion, down 13% on a year ago. It's paying a dividend of 0.53-US cents per share - down from $0.60 a year ago.

Domino's (ASX: DMP) says challenges remain - but that it is confident its strategic reset will bear fruit telling investors it is committed to delivering profitable growth, alonside franchise and shareholder returns. Domino's sales and earnings were lower - with same store sales growth of down 0.6%. Stronger performance in Australia was offset by continued weakness in Japan and France. The company has not provided guidance. It will pay a 55.5 cent interim dividend.

Nine Entertainment (ASX: NEC) is blaming weaker macro and advertisting market conditions - along with the loss of Meta revenues - for a drop in profitability. But it says the calendar year has started well - with audience numbers and advertising interest improving. It says ad revenue in the March quarter is expected to be in the high single digits. Stan's subscriber numbers are expected to consolidate in the second half - after a 16% rise in the first half. Nine says its cost-cutting program has delivered - but warns its strategic and cultural transformatino will lead to further restructuring in the FY25 and FY26. It's expecting further cost effeciencies through to the end of FY27 of more than $100 million - with between $10-$20 million to be realised this financial year - on top of the previously guided $50 million.

Zip (ASX: ZIP) has more than doubled its first-half cash earnings to $67 million, up from $33.2 million this time last yea,Cash earnings rose 117% as the number of transactions through its payments platform continued to grow, driven largely by younger US customers using Buy Now Pay Later. Revenue in the half rose almost 20% to $509.2 million. However profit from ordinary activities was down 70% in the period to $23 million. Zip did not declare a dividend.

G8 Education (ASX: GEM) has posted a 21% rise in full year profit to $67.7 million. Revenue rose 3.5% on the year to just over one billion dollars. Shareholders will receive a final dividend of 3.5 cents.

Praemium (ASX: PRS)has posted a 45% jump in first half proRevenue in the period was up 32% to $52.3 millionWith Praemium reporting an additional six million dollars from OneVueunds Under Administration were up 29% to $62.1 millioA fully franked interim dividend of one cent per security has been declared ..While CFO David Coulter has resigned.

Helia (ASX: HLI) Mortgage insurance firm dropped in full year profit to $231.5 m. Revenue fell 11% to just under $533For FY25, Helia is guiding insurance revenue in a range between 310 to 390Hepay a final dividend of 16 cents per share, along with a special dividend of 53 cents.