Daily FNArena News - Australia

Incitec Pivot remains a slave to the usual suspects – cropping conditions, explosives demand and pricing. A capital raising has alleviated some concerns for the balance sheet.

Scentre Group has decided to forgo a first half distribution to protect the balance sheet, and is waiting for stores to re-open before entering rent relief discussions with tenants.

Asset realisations are likely to be more difficult for Macquarie Group in the year ahead, along with heightened impairments, but brokers find many reasons why the wide-ranging investment business will prevail once again.

Orica has reduced the first-half dividend pay-out ratio to 40%, amid the pandemic uncertainty, although brokers assess the second half should reflect a return to better conditions.

FNArena’s Monitor keeps track of corporate earnings result releases, including broker views, ratings and target price changes and beat/miss assessments.

Goodman Group stands out as solid performer in an uncertain environment, but brokers anticipate the percentage of development work in its portfolio is close to peaking.

Fewer health insurance claims have been made while elective surgery is in hiatus but Medibank Private has deflected speculation about a windfall to profits.

JB Hi-Fi has had a stellar couple of months as consumers stock up on goods related to the home but this is likely to fade as the realities of higher unemployment and a softening housing market emerge.

St Barbara’s Simberi sulphides project has progressed to the final feasibility stage, but enhanced economics are highly dependent on the PNG government retaining its current mining act.

The trading performance of Collins Foods has exceeded broker expectations, amid robust consumer engagement with KFC Australia and despite a period of severe restrictions.