Daily FNArena News - Australia

Conditions in the outdoor advertising sector have improved substantially in 2018 and APN Outdoor has upgraded its guidance.

Reliance Worldwide will acquire PTC fitting manufacturer John Guest and tackle expansion in Europe.

Wesfarmers will sell its troubled Homebase/Bunnings venture in the UK, a move welcomed by brokers as the financial outcome is better than feared.

Most brokers were surprised at the strength of Aristocrat Leisure’s first half results, welcoming the strongly positive contributions from Plarium and Big Fish.

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

Private health insurers are vulnerable, amid falling participation rates, to political manoeuvrings over the coming year which will result in downward pressure on premium increases.

TechnologyOne has guided to FY18 profit growth of 10-15%, which suggests a substantial turnaround is required in its consulting division.

Seven Group Holdings has reiterated upgraded FY18 guidance and briefed investors on its WesTrac and Coates Hire operations.

CSL is benefiting as new products replace older lines and new specialty treatments come on board, upgrading guidance and widening the margin outlook as costs are lowered.

Brokers are relieved at how Treasury Wine Estates dealt with speculation that inventory was building up in China. Nevertheless, they disagree on valuation.