NZ stocks: NZSE-40 to end quietly

By ELLEN READ

The NZSE-40 index bows out as the market benchmark at the end of this week.

Whatever the index closes at on Friday will be the starting point for the new NZSE-50 next Monday.

Few brokers expect the change to have much impact on this week's trading.

Most are positive about the new NZSE-50 gross index, saying it will give broader coverage of the country's listed companies and be a better indicator of equity performance.

The week also sees the end of the season for reporting half and full-year profit results. While some firms will still be left to report when the week ends, most will have done so.

In the new continuous disclosure environment, results season doesn't hold quite the excitement - or terror - it used to, as companies are required to flag major diversions from forecasts rather than wait until reporting day to reveal all.

This week's results include:

* Sky City Entertainment: an expected first-half profit of around $46 million after tax.

* NGC shareholders will be looking for comments from the company on the regulatory situation and how the rundown in Maui gas will affect the bottom line.

* Air New Zealand: a first-half net profit of more than $70 million is expected as the company has been performing well. The Commerce Commission's final comments on Qantas and any reaction to these are also eagerly awaited.

* Tourism Holdings is expected to produce a solid result for New Zealand operations, but concerns continue about its Australian division.

* Auckland International Airport is tipped to deliver a first-half net profit of about $40 million, reflecting continuing strong growth in passenger numbers.

* Michael Hill International commented last week, so is unlikely to surprise. Its net half-year result is expected to be around $7.5 million.

* Ports of Tauranga's estimated $14 million net first-half profit will reflect its continuing growth.