Stocks to watch on the Australian stock exchange on Thursday, March 5:
API – AUSTRALIAN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES – up 3.5 cents, or 2.82 per cent, at $1.275
Australian Pharmaceutical Industries is forecasting a profit increase on the back of strong sales at its Priceline and Priceline Pharmacy outlets over January and February.
FXL – FLEXIGROUP – up 15 cents, or 4.29 per cent, at $3.65
SPK – SPARK NEW ZEALAND GROUP – down two cents, or 0.63 per cent, at $3.16
Australian finance group FlexiGroup will become New Zealand’s biggest IT leasing company, after snapping up Telecom Rentals.
IAG – INSURANCE AUSTRALIA GROUP – up four cents, or 0.69 per cent, at $5.80
Insurance Australia Group is facing claims of up to $90 million as a result of devastation caused by Cyclone Marcia in Queensland.
MQG – MACQUARIE GROUP – in trading halt, last traded at $73.52
Macquarie Group wants to raise $500 million to help fund its $4 billion acquisition of the AWAS aircraft operating lease portfolio.
NRT – NOVOGEN – up five cents, or 38.46 per cent, at 18 cents
A drug developed by an Australian biotech is showing promise in destroying stubborn brain cancer cells in children and adults.
OCP – OCEANIA CAPITAL – steady at $1.255
Investment company Oceania Capital has bought security screen supplier Crimsafe, with the business valued at $30 million.
WES – WESFARMERS – down 40 cents, or 0.92 per cent, at $43.26
The NSW government has approved ongoing operations at Wesfarmers Resources Bengalla coal mine in the state’s Hunter Valley.
