Daily FNArena News - Australia

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.

Accelerating mining activity is expected to quickly lead to improvement for Ausdrill’s business as it consolidates recent mergers.

Brokers perceive Newcrest could add significant value to the Red Chris copper-gold project, in which it has acquired a 70% stake.

Appen is enhancing its data analytics technology with the acquisition of Figure Eight, which promises a recurring revenue base, increased scale and improved productivity.

NextDC performed poorly in the wake of the first half results and several brokers believe the numbers and the company’s strategy have not been well understood.

OZ Minerals plans to increase copper production at Carrapateena significantly, which is expected to more than offset the forecast decline in output from Prominent Hill.

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