Daily FNArena News - Australia

Brokers are keen on the deal between Galaxy Resources and POSCO that will allow for funding of the Sal de Vida lithium brine project in Argentina.

ALS is enjoying positive trends in geochemistry & metallurgy but its life sciences division still lags commodities as margin pressures remain stubborn.

Metcash signalled earnings are likely to be flat in FY18 and it may lose a customer from FY20. Brokers are underwhelmed by the news.

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.