0038 GMT - The share price of Woolworths rises 9.6% to A$34.58 and a new 18-month high following a 1H result that comfortably beat consensus hopes. Jefferies analyst Michael Simotas says sales momentum improved through 1H, and a very strong trading update suggests Woolworths has regained sales leadership over Coles. "Margin was strong, which we attribute to cost out and strong supplier support and outlook commentary suggests low-mid single digit consensus upgrades," Jefferies says. It had a buy call and A$28.50/share-price target on Woolworths ahead of its 1H result today. (david.winning@wsj.com; @dwinningWSJ)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
February 24, 2026 19:38 ET (00:38 GMT)
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