PRE-MARKET AUSTRALIAN, JAPANESE & SOUTH KOREAN STOCKS NEWS: Mazda Motor (7261 JT) and Subaru (7270 JT) to be included in Amazon Autos
AUSTRALIA
Evolution Mining (EVN AT) - Co. Q3 gold output 170,137 oz, copper output 10,768 tons, silver output 158,370 oz, net cash AUD 42mln at March 31, no material operational disruption from global fuel supply issues and has fuel contracts in place with major oil distributors fulfilling obligations. (Dow Jones Newsplus)
Lendlease (LLC AT) - Lendlease Global Commercial REIT to raise SGD 120.0mln via fixed rate perpetual securities, to pay 4.28% coupon on perpetual securities and to use proceeds to refinance existing debt. (Dow Jones Newsplus)
Nufarm (NUF AT) - Co. expects H1 (AUD) underlying EBITDA of 239mln-244mln, net debt 1.23bln at March 31 down 130mln Y/Y, targeting additional 50mln cost savings from strategy refresh and positive trading momentum continuing into April. (Dow Jones Newsplus)
Virgin Australia (VIR AT) - Co. expects H2 underlying EBIT higher than year ago and EBIT margin higher than year ago, around 5% growth in revenue per average seat kilometres in H2, around 6% growth in revenue per average seat kilometres in Q4 and total domestic capacity to increase by 1% in H2. (Dow Jones Newsplus)
Woolworths Group (WOW AT) - Co. is telling grocery suppliers it has no appetite for lifting shelf prices amid a cost-of-living crisis and heated competition with arch-rival Coles. (The Australian)
Yancoal Australia (YAL AT) - Co. to acquire 80% interest in Kestrel coal mine from EMR Capital and Adaro Capital for up to AUD 2.4bln including AUD 1.85bln upfront consideration and contingent cash consideration up to AUD 550mln. (Dow Jones Newsplus)
Energy - Australian Treasurer Chalmers has not ruled out extending cuts to fuel excise despite a stern warning from the IMF on spending, while around 20 commercial ships have passed through the Strait of Hormuz. (The Australian)
JAPAN
Asahi Kasei (3407 JT) - Co. to postpone the opening of a battery materials plant under construction in Canada until 2029 or later due to an expected lack of demand after Honda Motor (7267 JT), one of its main customers, delayed the launch of an electric vehicle plant in the country. (Nikkei)
DCM Holdings (3050 JT) - Co. FY (JPY) net rose 1% Y/Y to 17.3bln. (Newswires)
Ichigo (2337 JT) - Co. FY (JPY) net rose 9.5% Y/Y to 16.6bln. (Newswires)
Izumi (8273 JT) - Co. FY (JPY) net rose 37% Y/Y to 16.8bln. (Newswires)
J. Front Retailing (3086 JT) - Co. to buy treasury shares of up to 5mln shares. (Newswires)
Mitsubishi Estate (8802 JT) - Co. to build one of the largest food logistics facilities in Singapore with builder Shimizu (1803 JT). (Nikkei)
Seven & i Holdings (3382 JT) - Co. subsidiary 7-Eleven’s North American operator plans to close 645 stores in FY2026 while expecting to open 205 locations. (Newswires)
Sony Group (6758 JT) - Co. subsidiary Sony Ventures Corporation has completed the first closing of a new investment fund aimed at supporting venture companies. (Newswires)
Toho (9602 JT) - Co. to conduct an equity buyback of 7,500,000 shares representing 0.89% for JPY 13,000mln. (Newswires)
Toyota Motor (7203 JT) - Co. to recall 9,139 US vehicles over fuel pump failure increasing crash risk. (Newswires)
Automakers - Mazda Motor (7261 JT) and Subaru (7270 JT) to be included in Amazon Autos, an online service operated by US e-commerce giant Amazon, which has been broadened beyond the US to include Japanese carmakers. (Nikkei)
Other News
BoJ is said to be considering a sharp increase to its price forecast this month while weighing a possible growth outlook cut due to high oil prices, while views are reportedly split over Middle East-related caution and upside price risks, while a final decision is likely to depend on risks assessed up to the last minute, according to Bloomberg. (Newswires)
SOUTH KOREA
Samsung C&T (028260 JT) - Co. to partner with Kangbuk Samsung Hospital to build an AI wellness ecosystem in South Korea. (ChosunBiz)
Samsung SDS (018260 JT) - Co. to issue KRW 1.22tln convertible bonds to Startech AI. (Newswires)
Mazda and Subaru joining Amazon Autos signifies a strategic expansion for both automakers into online sales channels, tapping into Amazon's extensive reach. This collaboration could enhance their market presence and drive sales, particularly in the growing electric vehicle segment. It's important to watch how this partnership affects their stock performance and the broader auto sector's competitive landscape as online retail continues to evolve.