Australia’s Telstra logs 9.4% rise in half-year profit

Australia's telecommunications giant Telstra reported a 9.4% increase in its half-year profit as of February 18, 2026, signaling strong operational performance in the sector. This growth reflects Telstra's ability to capitalize on market demand and possibly improved cost management. Meanwhile, QBE, a major Australian insurance company, experienced a surge in its full-year profit and announced a higher dividend, indicating robust financial health in the insurance sector. These developments highlight positive momentum in key Australian corporate sectors, which may influence investor sentiment and sectoral performance.