Daily FNArena News - Australia

Below peer earnings growth over the past two years has contributed to underperformance from UGL but Goldman Sachs sees scope for share price gains as earnings recover in coming years.

Bank of Queensland has cleared the decks with a massive capital raising while big bank deposit rates drop and softening house prices threaten negative equity in Australia.

Internal efficiencies and exposure to the resource sector have Skilled Group well placed for further earnings growth, predicts Moelis.

Sigma’s full year result showed improvement in many metrics but a tough industry outlook and a lack of compelling value are keeping brokers from taking a more positive view.

Scope for asset sales and strategic improvements to deliver upside and enhance distributions is enough for Moelis to rate Centro Retail as a Buy.

Is David Jones dead? What happened to high-flying Kathmandu? And what is Oroton doing so right? Stock analysts sum up this week’s retailer earnings results.

A Consumer Credit Expectations survey by Dun and Bradstreet shows Australian families are struggling to manage their debt levels, while a Genworth survey suggests homebuyer confidence is increasing.

While earnings growth should be strong and the company continues to expand its markets and geographical presence, Neutral ratings continue to dominate broker views on Campbell Brothers.

CBA’s Business Sales Index rose for the third month in a row in February, suggesting a recovery is gathering momentum despite still fragile consumer confidence.

The sale of interests in blocks where Horizon holds significant stakes is a positive for valuation and sees brokers reiterate Buy recommendations.