0304 GMT - CAR Group's bull at Citi sees mixed implications for the Australian classifieds group from what could be the bottom of the U.S. recreational vehicle cycle. Analyst Siraj Ahmed tells clients in a note that vehicle manufacturer Thor Industries' expectation of a mid-2025 market inflection aligns with his conclusions from discussions with CAR management. He says a recovery in volumes is positive but warns that improved current vehicle inventory could reduce the take-up of depth products commonly used to sell older vehicles. Citi has a buy rating and a target price of A$39.50 on the stock, which is down 2.9% at A$39.05. ([email protected])

0232 GMT - ANZ's appointment of a retail banker with global experience as its next CEO highlights the Australian lender's need to strengthen its retail franchise and competitive position, Morgan Stanley's Richard E. Wiles writes in a note. He tells clients that he would be surprised if Nuno Matos has a mandate for significant change when he becomes CEO next year, pointing to ANZ's praise for incumbent Shayne Elliott's strategy and groupwide simplification. Matos's priorities should include risk management, executive changes and completing its tech build, Wiles adds. MS has an underweight rating and A$27.80 target price on the stock, which is down 1.6% at A$29.55. ([email protected])

0224 GMT - Jarden analysts stay bullish on Woolworths despite uncertainty over the impact of recent strikes at the Australian supermarket operator's distribution centers. They assume a A$220 million hit to sales and a A$100 million hit to earnings, but tell clients in a note that the latter is conservative. They don't think there is much prospect of the stock outperforming over the near term until the one-off EPS impact of the strike is known. Yet they keep an overweight recommendation on the stock, citing the company's medium-term prospects. Target price falls 1.6% to A$36.70. Shares are flat at A$30.23. ([email protected])

0213 GMT - Sonic Healthcare could have to agree to asset divestments before antitrust regulators approve its acquisition of German lab group LADR, Jarden analysts say. They point out in a note that the Australian pathology provider already has a 20%-25% market share in Germany, which would surpass 30% with the deal and yet further with another deal slated for 2027. The analysts see risk of antitrust issues and warn that any forced asset sales could change the economics of the acquisition. Jarden lifts its target price 3.5% to A$29.04 and keeps a neutral rating on the stock, which is down 0.2% at A$28.55. ([email protected])

0139 GMT - Perpetual's deal to sell its corporate trust and wealth management businesses to KKR is probably dead, Citi analyst Nigel Pittaway says. He reckons that Australian government officials' signal that taxes associated with the deal would be higher than Perpetual envisaged it unlikely that either an independent expert or shareholders would approve it. He tells clients in a note that Perpetual could appeal against the ruling but that this is probably too difficult. Pittaway adds that Perpetual probably racked up significant costs exploring the transaction. Citi has a buy rating and A$22.50 target price on the stock, which is down 5.8% at A$20.63. ([email protected])

0041 GMT - Treasury Wine Estates' demonstration of its commitment to the China market should be positive for Australian producer's relations with the country's government, Citi analyst Sam Teeger says. He tells clients in a note that Treasury's deal to acquire a 75% stake in local vineyard improves its longer-term market access prospects and may help mitigate the impact of any future import tariffs. China-produced wines are growing in popularity and the acquisition helps the strategic focus on luxury product, Teeger adds. Citi has a buy rating and A$12.97 target price on the stock, which is up 3.9% at A$11.935. ([email protected])

2137 GMT - Australia's S&P/ASX 200 is on track for a flat open as investors weigh a soft lead by U.S. equities against the potential for more stimulus by China. ASX futures are barely moved ahead of Tuesday's session. U.S. indices slipped, with Nvidia losing ground after China announced an antitrust probe into the chip giant. The S&P 500 lost 0.6%, the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.6% and the DJIA slipped 0.5%. Yet Australian mining stocks could rise after China pledged to boost domestic demand and stabilize housing and stock markets. BHP and Rio Tinto shares surged in the U.S., while commodity prices rose, including for oil. ([email protected])

(END) Dow Jones Newswires