Stocks to watch on the Australian stock exchange on Thursday:
CWN – CROWN LTD – up 12 cents at $12.34
A Deloitte report on Sydney’s proposed casino at Barangaroo will be made public once the state government makes a final decision on the project, says NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell. James Packer’s Crown Casino last year announced plans to build the $1 billion six-star hotel and casino, with the opposition giving it in-principle support.
HIL – HILLS HOLDINGS LTD – up 0.5 cents at $1.125
Hills Holdings is offloading its remaining building materials businesses so it can focus on selling more closed circuit TVs, antennas, alarms and other electronics products and services.
LNC – LINC ENERGY LTD – in trading halt, last traded at $2.67
Linc Energy shares have been placed in a trading halt ahead of an announcement about raising capital.
NUF – NUFARM LTD – Last traded at $4.77
Agricultural chemicals supplier Nufarm has slashed its outlook for the full fiscal year after booking a 53 per cent fall in first half profit.
QAN – QANTAS AIRWAYS LTD – up four cents at $1.76
Qantas and Emirates have been given the green light to form a global alliance, albeit with special conditions for flights across the Tasman.
QBE – QBE INSURANCE GROUP LTD – up 48 cents at $13.42
Global insurer QBE is on track to meet its financial targets this year as it embarks on a major transformation plan.
VAH – VIRGIN AUSTRALIA HOLDINGS LTD – up 1.5 cents at 41.5 cents
Virgin Australia has received approval from the High Court of Singapore for its purchase of Skywest Airlines.