Daily FNArena News - Australia

BHP Billiton has set a new benchmark for profitability in corporate Australia, but the market is disappointed the company is not returning more to its shareholders.

Securities analysts remain positive to very positive on the near term prospects for Monadelphous and similar companies.

Domino’s Pizza reported a better than expected profit result yesterday but the market continues to focus on its European expansion plans, which offer significant long-term upside.

With the major retail banks having reported, analysts see the outlook for the sector as neutral to positive.

The market sold down Resmed after a lower than expected profit result as brokers cut earnings forecasts on the expectation the company will struggle to match previous strong growth.

Put in a dwindling performance and start thinking about how you might dig yourself out of a hole, and chances are someone might want to come and snap you up. And then there’s Coles.

National Hire has been on an acquisition spree that has seen earnings rise from $2m to $34m in three years. Brokers like the story going forward.

Intersuisse rates Territory Iron as a Speculative Buy, suggesting the upcoming start to production and the likelihood of exploration success could translate into share price gains.

ABN Amro Morgans suggests Clover is best left aside for the near term following a surprise profit warning.

Spotless Group has been out of favour in the market for some time and its latest result is unlikely to change this view given brokers have cut estimates to reflect ongoing margin pressure.