Daily FNArena News - Australia

Aristocrat Leisure has hooked Big Fish, a US social casino app developer, which is expected to boost recurring revenue. The acquisition confirms a stronger focus on digital gaming.

Origin Energy has outlined substantial cost reductions for APLNG yet maintained FY18 production guidance.

Healthscope has provided more clarity regarding the new Northern Beaches Hospital in Sydney, although brokers remain wary of the longer term targets.

NBN Co will cease activating the HFC component of its broadband roll-out for 6-9 months in order to improve the service quality of current connections. Brokers suggest Telstra has a natural hedge in the near term, earning income from those still connected via traditional means.

South32 has moved towards the exit for South African thermal coal, beefing up the Klipspruit project while contemplating a listing of the division on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

Coca-Cola Amatil has brought forward spending plans to counter the slow demise of fizzy drinks, but is it just spending to stand still?

Brokers welcome the news that Automotive Holdings has finally offloaded its refrigerated logistics business, a division that has been a drag on the company for several years.

Webjet’s guidance to operating earnings of $80m is below most forecasts and includes a number of one-off costs. Brokers vary on their preparedness to look past these items.

Despite FY17 being beset by costs, Technology One expects profit growth to regain momentum in FY18.

The a2 Milk Co has impressed brokers with its substantial revenue and profit growth at the start of FY18, although projections are considered largely factored in to the stock.