Daily FNArena News - Australia

Brokers accept the outlook for Nufarm is improving on several fronts but many suggest the stock is fairly valued. Will acquisitions provide more impetus?

A resilient Premier Investments has highlighted for brokers how high-growth new brands can compensate for the weakness prevailing in apparel retail.

Christmas has come early for shareholders of Rio Tinto, which will increase the purchases of its shares by US$2.5bn, taking the total being bought back in 2017 to US$4.0bn.

Brickworks continues to derive benefit from strong construction activity on Australia’s east coast but, beyond the next 6-12 months, the outlook is more uncertain.

Brokers are positive about the acquisition of GU Corporate Health as it expands coverage in a growing segment, yet nib Holdings still faces an uncertain outlook in mainstream private health insurance.

Brokers assess the outlook for Synlait Milk, which has had a strong run up in its shares on the strength of its relationship with a2 Milk.

The outlook has dimmed for TPG Telecom as it battles to offset margin pressures from the NBN by aggressively rolling out its mobile network.

Department store Myer is hampered by a weak consumer outlook and having trouble growing revenue. The arrival of Amazon in Australia is only expected to aggravate the situation.

Confirming speculation, Evolution Mining has sold the Edna May gold mine, divesting its smallest and highest cost asset.

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare may be capable of producing mid-teens growth for the next few years but the substantial run-up in its shares signals the risks are on the downside.