Australia's Viva Energy falls most in four weeks on weak HY earnings

Viva Energy VEA.AX falls as much as 5.6% to A$2.020; marks biggest intraday pct drop since July 29

Fuel retailer posts 67.4% y/y drop in HY net profit attributable on a replacement cost basis

Morningstar says refining segment earnings soft due to weak regional refiner margins; adds retail fuel margins hit by wage inflation, other factors

Co ramping to 20-25 store conversions/quarter toward converting half of convenience store chain Reddy Express into its unit OTR Group's stores by 2028 end

*Morningstar calls market's early reaction to this overly negative, overlooking higher profitability

Co declares interim dividend of 2.8 Au cents/share vs year-ago interim dividend of 6.7 Au cents

VEA last down 1.4%, taking YTD losses to ~20%