Stocks to watch on the Australian stock exchange at noon on Tuesday:
ANZ - ANZ BANKING GROUP - up 54 cents, or 1.80 per cent, at $30.45
ANZ has lifted first quarter cash profit by more than 13 per cent to $1.73 billion on the back of growth in home lending and lower bad debts.
ANZ - ANZ BANKING GROUP - up 54 cents, or 1.80 per cent, at $30.45
WBC - WESTPAC BANKING GROUP - up 30 cents, or 0.94 per cent, at $32.07
Three more major banks in New Zealand are facing a legal bid seeking compensation for alleged excessive fees.
BKN - BRADKEN - down 57.5 cents, or 11.04 per cent, at $4.635
Engineering company Bradken says it's pursuing acquisitions and other business opportunities, while announcing its half yearly profit has fallen 18.5 per cent.
COH - COCHLEAR - down $5.925, or 10.06 per cent, at $52.965
Cochlear shares have tumbled 10 per cent after the hearing implants maker announced a 73 per cent slide in first half profit.
DJS - DAVID JONES - down 1.5 cents, or 0.48 per cent, at $3.095
The resignation of David Jones chairman Peter Mason could keep chief executive Paul Zahra in his job and pave the way for merger negotiations with rival Myer.
GNC - GRAINCORP - up 1.00 cent, or 0.13 per cent, at $7.72
Grains marketer GrainCorp will close its Murarrie plant in Brisbane and cut 130 jobs.
MQG - MACQUARIE GROUP - down $2.00, or 3.60 per cent, at $53.62
Investment bank Macquarie Group still expects a stronger full year performance as general market conditions continue to show signs of improvement.
WCB - WARRNAMBOOL CHEESE AND BUTTER FACTORY - last traded at $9.42
Saputo has increased its stake in Warrnambool Cheese and Butter Factory (WCB) to more than 80 per cent, edging the Canadian dairy giant's takeover of the Victorian company closer to completion.
