Qantas Airways Limited (QAN) said that September passenger numbers had increase by 6.6% from September 2008. Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPK’s) increased 2.7%, with revenue seat factor, a measure of how full the plane is with paying passengers, increase 3.9% to 83.7%. The airline also reported it had hedged 85% of its expected fuel requirement in 2009/10 at a worst-case crude oil price of US$88 per barrel.

Equity Trustees Limited (EQT) said based on current projections it is expected that the half year net profit after tax to 31 December 2009 would be about 20% below the prior comparative figure. The company said asset values in the first quarter were well below the corresponding prior year. Equity Trustees expects the second half to outperform the first half on the assumption that investment markets continue at or around present levels.

AGL Energy Limited (AGK) said reports in today’s media that it was unlikely to bid for Energy Australia assets were incorrect. The reports stemmed from comments managing director Michael Fraser that it may not be able to bid due to competition issues, however the energy company said it had not ruled out making an offer.

QBE Limited (QBE) said overall financial results for CY09 are on track, although a stronger dollar is impacting top line and NPAT. The company also downgraded its Gross Written Premium outlook for the year from an original forecast of $16.2 billion to $14.4 billion. QBE said higher than expected claims frequency from large individual risk claims were being offset by lower cost of catastrophes. Australia’s largest insurer said net investment yields were up on the half year due to strong equity markets and equity gains now partly protected by derivative hedge. The company expects overall premium rate to exposure for 2009 to increase by around 4%.