ASX 200 flat: Altium update disappoints, Metcash posts full year loss

Altium Limited (ASX:ALU) and SEEK Limited (ASX:SEK) shares have been making waves on the ASX 200 on Monday. Here's why…

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 Monday the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has recovered from a poor start and is trading roughly flat. The benchmark index is currently at 5,942.8 points.

Here's what has been happening on the market today:

Altium update disappoints.

The Altium Limited (ASX: ALU) share price is sinking lower today after the electronic design software company warned that it was likely to fall short of analyst consensus estimates in FY 2020. This is because the pandemic is impacting its performance during the latter weeks of the financial year. This is historically a strong part of the year for Altium.

Metcash results.

The Metcash Limited (ASX: MTS) share price has edged lower today after releasing its full year results. In FY 2020 Metcash delivered a 2.9% increase in revenue to $13 billion and a 1.8% decline in underlying earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) to $324.2 million. On the bottom line, the company posted a reported loss after tax of $45.9 million due largely to non-cash impairment charges to goodwill. Excluding these charges, profit after tax would have been roughly flat at $209.7 million

SEEK's encouraging update.

The SEEK Limited (ASX: SEK) share price is trading slightly higher after the release of a trading update. The job listings company's update revealed that its weekly billings have been improving since falling heavily at the peak of the pandemic. It also provided its expectations for the full year. It expects revenue of approximately $1,575 million and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) of ~$410 million in FY 2020.

Best and worst ASX 200 shares.

The Austal Limited (ASX: ASB) share price has been a standout performer on the ASX 200 on Monday. It is up 9% to $3.67 after revealing that the U.S. government will invest US$50 million into its U.S. business. The Altium share price is the worst performer on the ASX 200 today with a disappointing 10% decline after its update.

Wondering where you should invest $1,000 right now?

When investing expert Scott Phillips has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for over ten years has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

Scott just revealed what he believes could be the 'five best ASX stocks' for investors to buy right now. We believe these stocks are trading at attractive prices and Scott thinks they could be great buys right now...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 6 March 2025

James Mickleboro owns shares of SEEK Limited. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Altium and Austal Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended SEEK Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Market News

Red buy button on an apple keyboard with a finger on it representing asx tech shares to buy today
Broker Notes

Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week

Brokers gave buy ratings to these ASX shares last week. Why are they bullish?

Read more »

A male investor sits at his desk looking at his laptop screen holding his hand to his chin pondering whether to buy Macquarie shares
Opinions

Why the ASX share market tariff sell-off can accelerate your wealth

There’s a silver lining to this sell-off.

Read more »

Woman chooses vegetables for dinner, smiling and looking at camera.
Share Market News

Which ASX 200 market sector GAINED value during last week's rout?

The Australian share market was in turmoil over US tariffs last week, but one sector outshone its peers.

Read more »

A businessman hugs his computer and smiles.
Share Market News

3 ASX ETFs I would buy and hold for a decade

These funds could compound your wealth over the next 10 years.

Read more »

ASX shares Business man marking buy on board and underlining it
Broker Notes

10 ASX shares to buy after the market selloff

Analysts think these shares could be strong buys after recent weakness. Let's see what they are recommending.

Read more »

Unsure man analysing data on laptop.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

It was carnage on the ASX today.

Read more »

A male investor wearing a white shirt and blue suit jacket sits at his desk looking at his laptop with his hands to his chin, waiting in anticipation.
Share Market News

ASX 200 plunges as US tariffs fall-out continues

The ASX 200 benchmark index fell by almost 200 points on Friday.

Read more »

A man in his 30s holds his laptop and operates it with his other hand as he has a look of pleasant surprise on his face as though he is learning something new or finding hidden value in something on the screen.
Opinions

ASX shares are on sale! What are you buying?

Stocks are being hit hard. There are opportunities everywhere.

Read more »