0211 GMT - Optus's price rises for its postpaid plans look supportive for revenue trends across Australia's mobile industry, Macquarie analysts say. They tell clients in a note that the A$5-a-month increase levied across the Singapore Telecommunications-owned operator's plans is larger than that seen in the most recent cycle of price rises. The analysts see the move as supportive for average-revenue-per-user trends, adding that the tariff for Optus's entry-level service is now closer to that of larger rival Telstra. Macquarie retains outperform ratings on Australia-listed operators Telstra and TPG Telecom. ([email protected])

0210 GMT - PMET Resources' environmental assessment submission is a key step in advancing the Shaakichiuwaanaan lithium project in Quebec toward development, says Euroz Hartleys. "Near-term catalysts include progression through the ESIA review process, permitting outcomes, updates to block models and economic studies, and advancement of the planned underground bulk sample program," says the broker. It reiterates a speculative buy rating on the stock, with a A$0.95 target. Shares are down 2.7% at roughly A$0.46, amid a pullback in Australian mining stocks. ([email protected]; @RhiannonHoyle)

0136 GMT - Australia's benchmark stock index gave back its early gains and slipped into the red as President Trump spoke about the Iran conflict in an address to the U.S. public. The S&P/ASX 200 was coming off its best day in almost a year and up another 0.6% just before Trump began speaking at midday Thursday, Australian Eastern Daylight Time. The ASX 200 reversed course seconds before the address began and, a half hour later, was 0.4% in the red. The heavyweight materials sector was the biggest drag on the ASX 200, while the energy, healthcare, tech, and consumer discretionary sectors were also in the red. ([email protected])

0045 GMT - Macquarie analysts admit their bullish calls on Nine Entertainment and oOh!media are early, considering the challenging near-term outlook facing Australia's advertising market. They tell clients in a note that valuations are at multiyear lows, and that both companies will have significant operating leverage when ad markets eventually improve. For now, things remain challenging. The analysts acknowledge that February advertising spending in Australia fell 5% from a year earlier, and that interest-rate rises could continue to weigh through October. Macquarie raises its recommendation on media conglomerate Nine to outperform from neutral, cutting its target price 4.2% to A$1.15. It keeps an outperform rating and A$1.40 target price on outdoor advertiser oOh!media. ([email protected])

0026 GMT - Arafura Rare Earths' signing of binding equity agreements with Germany and Australia takes its Nolans project one step closer to a final investment decision, says Canaccord Genuity. "With the funding pathway increasingly de-risked, we continue to look toward FID, project delivery and potential for pricing floors as potential catalyst for the shares," the broker says. It reiterates a speculative buy rating on the stock, with a A$0.35 price target. Shares are up 3.3% at A$0.315.([email protected]; @RhiannonHoyle)

2337 GMT - Morgan Stanley favors Coles over Woolworths as it dissects what food inflation means for Australia's big two supermarket chains. Analyst Melinda K. Baxter says food inflation supports earnings only when real volumes hold and promotional intensity remains disciplined. In that regard, MS expects competition on price to stay elevated. "We see some support to demand from trade down, private label adoption and continued at-home consumption," MS says. "Even so, these benefits are likely to be modest." Consumers are highly focused on value. Interest rates are rising and fuel prices have jumped on the Iran conflict. They are stretching household budgets more. "Coles enters this phase with stronger supermarket margin and better evidence it can reinvest in value while still expanding margins," MS says.([email protected]; @dwinningWSJ)

The probability of more action in the Middle East and oil price spikes leads Macquarie to upgrade Karoon Energy to neutral, from underperform. Karoon's share price has risen around 21% since late January. That compares to a 53% rise in the price of Brent, the benchmark crude-oil price. Macquarie more than doubles a forecast for Karoon's EPS this year, citing higher pricing for oil output from the Bauna field in Brazil and Who Dat field in the Gulf of Mexico. Its 2027 and 2028 EPS forecasts rise by 52% and 25%, respectively. Macquarie upgrades its price target on Karoon by 25% to A$2.00/share. Karoon is down 4% at A$1.91 today. ([email protected]; @dwinningWSJ)

2319 GMT -- The threat from high fuel prices to toll road owner Transurban looks relatively mild to Macquarie. But it would become more material if Australia pivots to rationing fuel. "Whilst elasticity around fuel costs is low at 0.13, it still implies a volume reduction of 4%," Macquarie says. It says the period from late-2007 to later-2008 is the closest example. Back then, interest rates rose twice, fuel costs lifted 20% and household budgets were squeezed. This saw demand fall 4% on some roads where there were no roadworks, Macquarie says. "Expectation of a 3-month elevated price is trivial at less than A$0.01 of cash flow, and we do not anticipate it to impact the dividend payout," it adds. Macquarie has a neutral call on Transurban. ([email protected]; @dwinningWSJ)

2154 GMT - Web searches for electric vehicles surged in Australia last month as the Iran conflict sent fuel prices higher. That's great for IPD Group as EV web searches signal intent, not just interest, says Shaw & Partners. Searches typically move ahead of capex decisions because buyers, fleet managers and property owners research charging feasibility, electrical upgrades, and total cost of ownership. "This matters because IPD Group sells into the build phase, not the consumer purchase itself," analyst Philip Pepe says. "Every EV requires electrical infrastructure, IPD Group's core domain." Shaw retains a buy call and A$5.35/share price target on IPD Group, which ended Wednesday at A$4.56. ([email protected]; @dwinningWSJ)

2128 GMT - Eagers Automotive's latest deal pleases its bull at Jefferies. Eagers is acquiring 49% of Grand Motors Group, which owns dealerships on Australia's Gold Coast and in Sydney. Analyst John Campbell says the deal should increase Eagers's share of the country's car market to 15%, from 14% in FY 2025. There's no risk that Australia's competition regulator will object to the deals, he says. Eagers has very little presence on the Gold Coast and has limited Sydney exposure, reducing competition concerns. "The deal also increases easyauto123 opportunities, improves back-office efficiencies and allows for tech sharing savings," Jefferies says. It retains a buy call and A$29.50/share price target on Eagers, which ended Wednesday at A$24.63. ([email protected]; @dwinningWSJ)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires