Every cloud has a silver lining, so the saying goes. So which WA companies delivered the best returns to investors as the cold winds of the global financial crisis wreaked havoc?
MANY of the misconceptions about e-commerce technology and the potential benefits to the corporate world have been re-evaluated since the dot.com crash of 2000.
IF deteriorating income streams and skyrocketing costs weren't enough, charities are now bracing for a tougher year ahead with an expected surge in demand for services through 2010.
Heavy equipment sales and rental company, Emeco Holdings has posted a net profit after tax of $13.3 million for the year to June 30, a fall of 14.5 per cent, which included significant one-off impairment and restructuring charges.
Cash Converters has posted a record profit of $16.2 million for the year to June 30, a gain of 6.5 per cent, on the back of healthy revenue growth driven by increased personal loans, financial services commission and corporate store revenue.
The state government has announced that publicly-owned generator Verve Energy and electricity retailer Synergy would not be re-amalgamated, as part of a strategy to secure Western Australia's future energy needs.
Automobile components and building materials manufacturer, Schaffer Corporation has posted a profit of $10.5 million for the year to June 30, down 4 per cent on last year's results against a 13 per cent fall in group revenue.
The peak body for the nation's construction industry believes a dip in constrution work in the June quarter is only the tip of the iceberg, predicting a sharp decline to unfold as the effects of credit crunch and economic downturn begin to show through.
Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett has cleared the last regulatory hurdle for the $50 billion Gorgon LNG project, leaving its joint venture owners free to make their final investment decision.
Small business hit as states ignore federal pay freeze; 'Budget curb' on crisis chopper; Labor rebuffs business over tougher consumer laws; Location, location, location, is Woolies' hardware quest; Suncorp freezes senior salaries, cuts bonus pool
Perth-based property fund manager Aspen Group has secured an investor to underwrite at least $5 million needed to meet loan requirements for its troubled Diversified Property Fund.
Lithium producer Galaxy Resources has secured a financing agreement with a Chinese private investment company worth up to $156 million enabling the development of two key projects.
Resources tax plan row flares; IR culture holding back productivity - Gillard; Conflict resolved - ASX powers shifted to ASIC; Wiluna mine production woes put more pressure on Apex; Galaxy tees up Great to bankroll lithium project
Mining, sampling and laboratory equipment producer, Essa is making further improvements in efficiency and implementing cost reductions in response to posting a net loss of $800,000.
Skills shortage 'to get worse'; Investors upbeat on Coles, but eye detail; Merger to fast-track mine; ASIC raises alarm over new CFD trade risks; Bad blood to hurt tourism
Perth property developer Cedar Woods has posted a $9.3 million profit, down 55 per cent from last year's $20.6 million, as a result of reduced sales of premium product, the impact of option expiries and impairment adjustments.
Following analysis of the state government's financial strategy, international ratings agency Moody's has confirmed Western Australia's Triple-A credit rating, ranking the state at the lowest possible level of risk.
Construction services outfit Global Construction Services has increased profits by more than 10 per cent for the year to June 30, climbing above $10 million despite a softening construction market especially in the residential segment.
The managing director of shipbuilder Austal has described the recovery of its order book as "slow but sure", as the Henderson-based company reports a significant fall in full-year profits.
Australia and New Zealand have joined forces in bidding for the $2.5 billion Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project for the state's Mid-West following discussions yesterday about rekindling the ANZAC spirit in terms of military alignment.
Australia's largest independently-owned mortgage broker, Mortgage Choice has been squeezed by the volatile housing finance market to post a net profit after tax on a cash basis of $13 million, a 23.9 per cent decrease on the FY08.
West Perth-based computer and office equipment financing company ThinkSmart has increased first half profit by 17 per cent despite a five per cent drop in revenue and says it remains on target to lift full year earnings.
Wesfarmers flayed despite big profit; Rio resists playing the Hu card; Future Fund stake in Telstra on the block; Union at war over penalties; Super funds face $2bn cut in fees
Australia's economic resilience in the face the global downturn has resulted in the nation being ranked in the world's top five safest countries in which to invest, a recent survey assessing economic, commercial, external and political risk has found.
The CBD has welcomed the latest retail addition to the Hay Street Mall with the opening of the $400 million enex100, which is also part of a broader mixed-use asset which incorporates a 24-level office tower housing over 2,000 people.
National property developer Peet has announced strong results in its year end profit statement, with an operating profit after tax of $31.2 million, excluding revaluation of assets.
The state's only listed financial planning firm, Plan B Group Holdings, suffered a tough year as falling equity markets eroded profits right across the financial services sector.
Nickel miner Mincor Resources has recovered from a big first-half loss to post a modest profit in the second half of the finacial year but it was not enough to save the group from an annual loss of $16 million.
Garrett last Gorgon bar; Qantas to jettison $1.5bn in costs; State tax in reform mix, says Henry; Write-downs cruel Iluka result as zircon sales fall; Major store deals 'real barrier to competition'
HEAVY-LIFT shipping carrier Schiffahrtskontor Altes Land (SAL) has expanded its Australian operations, opening an office in Fremantle as part of a strategic plan to service the Australasian resourc
