The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) looks set to pick up where it left off on Monday. The futures market is pointing to a 6-point decline at the open, following the lead set by international markets overnight.
Here's a quick recap:
- FTSE 100 (UK): down 0.22%
- DAX (Germany): down 1.22%
- CAC 40 (France): down 0.98%
- Dow Jones (USA): down 0.09%
- NASDAQ (USA): down 0.06%
Telco group Spark New Zealand Ltd (ASX: SPK) today announced it intends to acquire 100% of TeamTalk Limited at an offer price of 80 cents per share – a 78% premium to the group's closing price on Friday last week. It is still a relatively small acquisition for the business but will require significant reinvestments.
Retail business Kathmandu Holdings Ltd (ASX: KMD) said it expects its first-half net profit after tax (NPAT) will be around $9.9 million, up from $9.4 million in the prior corresponding period. However, sales are expected to rise just 0.1%, or 3% at constant exchange rates.
Transurban Group (ASX: TCL) reported a 26.3% increase in its own revenue, together with a 31.9% increase in profit from ordinary activities. Its free cash also increased 47.5% to $680 million.
Cabcharge Australia Limited (ASX: CAB) announced a $20.7 million impairment charge after the market closed yesterday, reflecting deterioration in the trading profit of its stake in CityFleet Network UK since August.
Funeral home operator InvoCare Limited (ASX: IVC) announced it would close its Southern California funeral business but continue with its cremation services. It struggled to gain traction in the U.S. market and established it was unlikely to reach breakeven by the mid-2018 target date.
Shopping Cntrs Austrls Prprty Gp Re Ltd (ASX: SCP), a real estate investment trust (REIT), reported a 9.6% increase in funds from operations for the first half of financial year 2017. It also announced a 6.7% increase in distribution to unit-holders.
Finally, Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF) could receive some attention today after Credit Suisse increased its price target on the shares by 4.3% to $12.00.
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