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Interest Coverage Ratio:
A measure of a company's ability to make interest payments on its debt, calculated as EBIT divided by interest expense.

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Westpac Records Slight Profit Drop Amid Geopolitical Risk Concerns

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

In a cautious signal to the market, Westpac has recorded a marginal decline in its half-year profit, posting a $3.45 billion result, down by one per cent compared to previous figures.

This financial outcome marks the first under the direction of their new CEO, Anthony Miller, who commenced his role in December last year.

Westpac has flagged geopolitical unpredictability as a significant ongoing risk, reflecting a challenging environment for the financial sector.

Miller highlighted the bank's strong performance in business and institutional banking as a positive offset to other pressures. A noteworthy rise of 14 per cent in Australian business lending and a 15 per cent increase in institutional lending were key contributors to their results. This elevation underscores Westpac's strategic shift towards strengthening its business banking division.

The bank also noted a reduction in the impacts from inflation and high interest rates, as evidenced by falling credit impairment charges and a drop in stressed exposures, currently sitting at a low 1.36 per cent. This indicates a measure of resilience among Westpac's customers, who have navigated through substantial cost-of-living challenges in recent years.

With other major banks yet to report, Westpac's release sets a cautiously optimistic tone in the current economic climate. Keeping a forward-looking approach, Anthony Miller stated the bank’s intention to collaborate with the government on crucial issues such as housing provision and cash access sustainability, aiming to bolster competition and national growth.

Shareholders will receive an interim dividend of 76 cents, marking a moment of stability in an otherwise unpredictable financial landscape.

Published:Monday, 5th May 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

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Finance News

ANZ's Nuno Matos Takes Helm at Australian Banking Association

04 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

In a significant development for Australia's banking sector, Nuno Matos, Chief Executive Officer of ANZ Group, has been appointed as the new chair of the Australian Banking Association (ABA) council. This appointment marks a pivotal moment for the industry, as Matos brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the role. - read more

APRA Implements Cap on High Debt-to-Income Home Loans

04 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

In a proactive move to address potential risks in the housing market, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced the implementation of a cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, effective from February 2026. This measure is designed to curb the issuance of loans that could pose systemic risks to the financial system. - read more

Australian Home Prices Expected to Climb by 7% in 2026

04 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

Recent analyses indicate that Australian home prices are set to rise by approximately 6.9% in 2026, marking a significant upward revision from previous forecasts. This anticipated growth is attributed to constrained housing supply and a resurgence in buyer demand, following interest rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) in 2025. - read more

RBA's October 2025 Review: Navigating Global Financial Risks

26 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has released its October 2025 Financial Stability Review, providing a comprehensive assessment of the nation's financial system amidst a backdrop of global uncertainties. The report underscores that while Australia's financial institutions remain robust, external factors pose significant risks that warrant vigilant monitoring. - read more

Leadership Turmoil at Santos: CFO Sherry Duhe Steps Down

26 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

In a significant development within Australia's energy sector, Santos Limited's Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Sherry Duhe, has resigned after a brief tenure of one year. Duhe's departure is attributed to an 'untenable leadership environment' and irreconcilable differences with CEO Kevin Gallagher, raising questions about the company's internal governance and strategic direction. - read more

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