Daily FNArena News - Australia

Expectations for the minerals and life sciences business of ALS Ltd have improved but questions remain regarding the timing of the turnaround.

The AGM update from telco Vocus Communications has weighed heavily on estimates and several brokers urge caution be applied to the stock.

Accounting software business MYOB is shaping up as a key player in the cloud but brokers are acutely aware that competition in that area is heating up.

Grocery, hardware and liquor wholesaler/retailer Metcash provided plenty for brokers to chew over in its first half results on a wide-ranging outlook for the stock.

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare has signalled robust growth in its hospital applications but remains hindered by a patent dispute with ResMed.

Enterprise software provider TechnologyOne continues to tick all the right boxes, although some brokers suspect the stock price is becoming a little heady.

Gold and copper miner Newcrest has provided further clarity on growth plans for its key producing mines. Not all brokers are convinced.

Michael Gable of Fairmont Equities suggests the pullback for Brambles could be over, with the lower Aussie providing a tailwind.

Department store Myer flagged a positive performance in the first quarter but most brokers are wary of the headwinds prevailing in retailing.

Mineral processor and iron ore and lithium miner Mineral Resources’ AGM revealed so much opportunity one broker was prompted to upgrade to Buy.