Stocks to watch on the Australian stock exchange today:
BPT – BEACH ENERGY LTD – steady at $1.575
Oil and gas producer Beach Energy has announced a $345 million capital raising to fund future exploration and growth.
CHC – CHARTER HALL GROUP – up two cents at $2.21
Property owner Charter Hall Group has paid $61.5 million for a 50 per cent stake in a Perth distribution centre leased by grocery wholesaler Metcash.
JHX – JAMES HARDIE INDUSTRIES SE – steady at $7.60
James Hardie Industries will pay $132.3 million into a compensation fund for asbestos victims after a recent legal victory over the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
LEI – LEIGHTON HOLDINGS LTD – in a trading halt, last traded at $23.75
Leighton Holdings shares are in a trading halt as the construction company considers potential changes to its financial guidance.
NUF – NUFARM LTD – down 14 cents at $4.96
Agricultural chemicals supplier Nufarm expects its full year operating profit to grow after a five per cent rise in the first half of its fiscal year.
RIO – RIO TINTO LTD – up 35 cents at $64.10
Mining giant Rio Tinto is considering selling its diamond business.
The world’s third biggest miner operates three diamond mines, Argyle in Australia (100 per cent interest), Diavik in Canada (60 per cent interest), and Murowa in Zimbabwe (78 per cent interest).
SGP – STOCKLAND – down 14 cents at $3.00
Property developer Stockland has cut its full year earnings guidance because recent interest rate rises have slowed property sales.
