Stocks to watch on the Australian stock exchange on Thursday, Oct 30:

AAD – ARDENT LEISURE – up 3.00 cents, or 0.88 per cent, at $3.44

Theme parks and family entertainment centres operator Ardent Leisure has lifted first quarter earnings, boosted by its businesses in the United States.

GPT – GPT GROUP – steady at $4.03

Property owner GPT has upgraded its full year earnings guidance thanks to increased demand for office spaces.

HSO – HEALTHSCOPE – up 4.00 cents, or 1.63 per cent, at $2.50

One of Australia’s largest private health care providers has been awarded the tender to build a $1 billion hospital on Sydney’s northern beaches.

JBH – JB Hi-Fi – up $1.33, or 9.00 per cent, at $16.10

It has been a slow start to the financial year for consumer electronics retailer JB Hi-Fi with sales down on a year ago.

MOC – MORTGAGE CHOICE – up 1.00 cent, or 0.38 per cent, at $2.62

Home loans broker Mortgage Choice expects to increase its profit this financial year amid Australia’s housing boom.

NAB – NATIONAL AUSTRALIA BANK – down 22 cents, or 0.64 per cent, at $34.38

National Australia Bank is expected to confirm a fall in annual profit and outline plans to sell off its troubled British operations when it unveils its annual earnings results.

NHF – NIB HOLDINGS – down five cents, or 1.58 per cent, at $3.12

Private health insurer nib is on track to lift its operating profit this year and expects to receive a long-term boost from growing healthcare spending and a shift towards private sector funding of the sector.

SXL – SOUTHERN CROSS MEDIA – up 10.5 cents, or 12.88 per cent, at 92 cents.

The company behind the Triple M and 2DayFM radio networks has struck a $3 million share distribution deal with its stars.

TAH – TABCORP – down three cents, or 0.74 per cent, at $4.00

A company set up by the Packer family has bought into gaming giant Tabcorp.

TGR – TASSAL – up 5.00 cents, or 1.37 per cent, at $3.71

Salmon farmer Tassal says the total weight of its live fish at sea is 37 per cent more than it was at this time in 2013.

TTS – TATTS – up 3.00 cents, or 0.90 per cent, at $3.36

Tatts holds its annual general meeting in Brisbane on Wednesday.