Stocks to watch at close on Wednesday

STOCKS of interest on the Australian Securities Exchange at close on Wednesday

STOCKS to watch on the Australian stock exchange at close on Wednesday:

AGK - AGL ENERGY - up 71 cents, or 4.94 per cent, at $15.08

AGL Energy's boss says the company has outstripped its rivals and tripled its full year profit because it didn't vigorously embrace a price-discounting war.

BCI - BC IRON - up 23 cents, or 5.68 per cent, at $4.28

Shares in iron ore miner BC Iron have reached an all-time high following a record production run.

MTS - METCASH - down 20 cents, or 5.8 per cent, at $3.25

Grocery wholesaler Metcash says a price war between Coles and Woolworths and weak consumer confidence continue to hurt smaller supermarket chains

TSE - TRANSFIELD SERVICES - up nine cents, or 11.1 per cent, at 90 cents

Construction and maintenance group Transfield Services will continue to axe jobs, cut costs and sell assets, after reporting a $250 million annual loss.

WCB - WARRNAMBOOL CHEESE - steady $4.45

The strong Australian dollar and high dairy prices have hit Warrnambool Cheese and Butter's annual profit, but the company maintains a glass half full outlook.

WOW - WOOLWORTHS - up 68 cents, or 2.01 per cent, at $34.59

Woolworths hopes the end of the federal election campaign will boost consumers' confidence and encourage them to spend more.

WTF - WOTIF.COM - down 32 cents, or 6.36 per cent, at $4.71

Online travel and accommodation agency Wotif.com's annual profit has slumped 12 per cent as tourists used the strong Australian dollar to journey further from home.