Daily FNArena News - Australia

A soft and volatile consumer environment has prevented GUD Holdings from issuing specific FY21 guidance but the outlook for automotive aftermarket revenue is robust.

Perpetual has taken a major step up in its global strategy with the acquisition of a stake in US fund manager Barrow Hanley, while signalling future dividend policy is likely to be lower.

Appen continues to impress brokers with its performance in the artificial intelligence and machine learning space and Wilsons is one of the latest to initiate coverage.

Coca-Cola Amatil’s sales trend improved in the month of June, but the future remains uncertain

Brokers have analysed the current state of play for Australian housing and how they see the rest of the year play out, including the impact on the building materials sector and housing-related retail

Covid-19 and lockdowns have accelerated the success of telehealth services with Australian companies among key beneficiaries

Origin Energy has reaffirmed energy markets guidance despite increased bad debt provisions, while adding asset impairments on lower oil price assumptions.

Weak LNG prices and asset impairments have prevailed, yet Woodside Petroleum remains committed to its growth plans.

Coal markets remain difficult. Hence, Whitehaven Coal is being cautious about capital allocation, and expansion projects are unlikely to get going until well into 2021.

Soft activity and higher-for-longer levels of discounting are expected to beset Altium in the first quarter of FY21 but the longer-term growth trajectory remains sound.