Daily FNArena News - Australia

Online automotive business Carsales.com posted a messy first half result, leaving brokers questioning whether earnings momentum is losing traction.

Toll road builder/operator Transurban has raised FY17 distribution guidance. While brokers acknowledge the strong growth on offer, questions linger regarding the extent of optimism in forecasts.

National Australia Bank’s first quarter update held few surprises. Revenue growth was subdued and brokers are mindful of the challenges in maintaining the dividend pay-out.

Inefficiencies plagued James Hardie in the December quarter and FY17 guidance is downgraded. The key is whether the company continues to take US market share and secures price increases.

Diversified engineering & construction conglomerate, Downer EDI, is expertly managing the move to infrastructure from resources but brokers believe this is largely reflected in the share price.

A summary of the previous session’s corporate earnings result releases, including broker views, ratings and target price changes and beat/miss assessments.

Weak conditions in the UK caused financial technology provider GBST to hit the downgrade button. Scrambling to adjust forecasts, brokers still consider the long-term outlook is secure.

Education provider Navitas has cleared the headwinds brought about by the loss of its Macquarie University contract and brokers respond with several upgrades.

More copper and less gold production is expected from OZ Minerals in coming years and Carrapateena’s imminent feasibility study could be a catalyst for the stock.

Brokers slashed forecasts as software service provider, Aconex ((ACX)) substantially downgraded revenue expectations for FY17, raising questions regarding the reliability of its growth outlook.