Stocks to watch on the Australian stock exchange on Thursday, May 29:

ALL – ARISTOCRAT LEISURE – up 17 cents, or 3.29 per cent, at $5.34

Poker machine maker Aristocrat Leisure expects strong annual profit growth after lifting its first half earnings nine per cent.

ALZ – AUSTRALAND – down three cents, or 0.7 per cent, to $4.23

SGP – STOCKLAND – up one cent, or 0.26 per cent, at $3.88

Property developer Australand is considering a sweetened $2.5 billion takeover bid from rival Stockland.

WDC – WESTFIELD GROUP – down 16 cents, or 1.45 per cent, at $10.85

WRT – WESTFIELD RETAIL TRUST – down four cents, or 1.22 per cent, at $3.24

A proposed split of shopping centre giant Westfield’s Australasian and international assets into separate entities faces stiff opposition when securityholders vote on the matter on Thursday.

WES – WESFARMERS – down 26 cents, or 0.6 per cent, at $43.26

Coles has opened up a new front in its battle with Woolworths, launching an overhaul of its liquor business.