Daily FNArena News - Australia

Coles Group is implementing the Ocado online fulfilment platform over the next four years but brokers are unsure about the extent of the benefits.

Challenger is meeting the pressures on domestic demand by expanding its arrangements to include US-dollar denominated annuities in Japan.

Premier Investments is accelerating its emphasis on the Smiggle brand as it expands an online and wholesale business globally, although sales growth for established Smiggle markets eased back in the first half.

Westpac Banking Corp has recognised more salaried adviser remediation and brokers suspect this may just be the start of further provisions across the banking sector.

FNArena’s Monitor keeps track of corporate earnings result releases, including broker views, ratings and target price changes and beat/miss assessments.

St Barbara has encountered a setback in its feasibility study for the mass extraction project at Gwalia, resulting in a reduction to production guidance amid higher costs.

Wesfarmers intends to expand categories and online offerings at Bunnings although brokers point out the opportunities are not without risk.

Adverse seasonal conditions, supply issues and glyphosate safety concerns plagued Nufarm in the first half and continue to affect the company’s outlook.

TPG Telecom is in the line of fire as it awaits the decision from the ACCC on its merger with Vodafone Australia. Brokers suspect downside risk to the share price is considerable if the merger is disallowed.

The renewed alliance between Viva Energy and Coles is making life more difficult for Caltex, although brokers still envisage the long-term opportunity from convenience retailing is substantial.