Thursday, August 14, 2013 sees reporting season continue to roll on.
Yesterday saw Stockland (ASX: SGP) turn in a 78% decline in profits – underlying profits were down a more modest, but still significant 27% – as it wrote down a significant slice of its residential property portfolio, and forecast a moderate 4% – 6% rise in profits next year.
That came hot on the heels of GPT Group's (ASX: GPT) 7% decline in profit on Tuesday, with the company saying the market had "softened in the last six months".
Other notable companies to report yesterday included Domino's Pizza (ASX: DMP), which unveiled an impressive 13% increase in net profit, on the back of same store sales growth of 2%, which was at the lower end of guidance.
Today's list of companies due to report is a long one. Some of the higher profile names that should be bringing results to market include bread and spreads maker Goodman Fielder (ASX: GFF), erstwhile struggling miner OZ Minerals (ASX: OZL) and the advertising agency that once carried John Singleton's moniker, STW Communications (ASX: SGN).
Foolish takeaway
Reporting season is a great opportunity to hear from companies in which you own shares or are interested. It gives an updated snapshot of business conditions and the risks and opportunities facing the company.
But it's also important not to overplay those numbers. They are signposts on the way to a brighter – or dimmer – future, and it's the long term that counts for Foolish investors!
Interested in our #1 dividend-paying stock? Discover The Motley Fool's favourite income idea for 2013-2014 in our brand-new, FREE research report, including a full investment analysis! Simply click here for your FREE copy of "The Motley Fool's Top Dividend Stock for 2013-2014."
More reading
Motley Fool advisor Scott Phillips does not own shares in any company mentioned in this article
