1047 [Dow Jones] Merrill Lynch reckons Asciano (AIO.AU) will...

1047 [Dow Jones] Merrill Lynch reckons Asciano (AIO.AU) will likely upgrade its earnings guidance. Says current guidance is for FY EBITDA of A$675 million-A$700 million, but analyst Matthew Spence sees scope for that to be boosted to more than A$720 million. Merrill Lynch's own forecast sits at A$750 million. Analyst adds Merrill's FY11 EBITDA forecast of A$895 million could prove conservative if AIO can continue to win Queensland contracts. Merrill Lynch has a Buy rating on AIO, and has added the stock to its Australia Focus 1 list, which represent the best ideas among its Buy-rated stocks. AIO at A$1.895, up 3 cents. ([email protected])