FTSE 100 microchip maker ARM Holdings sends out its first quarter numbers on Tuesday.
The release of a number of key smartphones by the leading brands, such as Apple and Samsung, should help. “With a strong number of licencing awards in recent quarters, investors will be expecting a follow through in the group’s royalty revenues sooner or later,” said broker the Share Centre.
It’s Tesco’s turn to send out its finals on Wednesday and write-downs are expected as the retailer faces falling sales, in part due to store closures.
A Barclays analyst noted a massive pension deficit and falling in profits are to be expected. With the write downs expected to be in the region of £3bn it is likely to represent a huge pre-tax loss.
New boss Dave Lewis faces a number of challenges in attempting to re-build its troubled balance sheet and rebuild shareholder value. “Investors thinking of picking up Tesco stock may be better off for now sitting on the side line, as aggressive right down capital rising can’t be ruled out via a rights issue,” added The Share Centre.
After last week’s Grand National, investors will be looking out for news about the level of William Hill’s online and mobile betting, suggests Sheridan Admans at The Share Centre.
Investors will also be hoping that there were not as many “customer-friendly” results in the first quarter as they last.
The market will also look out for news on how trading is going in the US and Australia, where William Hill continues to build up its presence.
AstraZeneca is out on Friday. The new management’s focus on the product pipeline has helped sentiment towards the shares.
However, investors will be looking out for commentary from management regarding the impact on sales for upcoming patent expirations, along with how much money is being spent on R&D and the progress on drug trials and the pipeline.
Deutsche Bank sees three key share price drivers over the remainder of 2015 for AstraZeneca.
Number one: pipeline news, notably the evolving data-set on the immuno-oncology franchise (2) quarterly financial and (3) possible business development (M&A/in-licensing) activity.
The broker has a share price target of 4850p with a ‘hold’ rating.
Announcements expected:
Monday
Finals: HSS Hire Group (LON:HSS)
Trading statement: Evraz (LON:EVR), Rio Tinto (LON:RIO)
Economic announcement: Producer Price Index (GER)
Tuesday
Interims: Egdon Resources (LON:EDR) ARM Holdings (LON:ARM) Associated British Foods (LON:ABF)
Trading statement: Informa (LON:INF) Pets at Home Group (LON:PETS) BHP Billiton (LON:BLT)
Finals: Toumaz Holdings (LON:TMZ)
Economic announcements expected: ZEW Survey (EU) (10:00)
Wednesday
Interims: Punch Taverns (LON:PUB) Fenner PLC (LON:FEN) Connect Group (LON:CNCT) Torchmark Corporation (LON: TMK) Sports Direct (LON:SPD)
Trading statements: Travis Perkins (LON:TPK) Reed Elsevier (LON:REL) Ladbrokes (LON:LAD) Croda International (LON:CRDA), Elementis (LON:ELM)
Economic announcements: BoE Interest Rate Minutes (09:30), Consumer Confidence Indicator (EU) (10:00), Crude Oil Inventories (US) (15:30)
Thursday
Finals: Air Partners (LON:AIP)
Trading statement: Taylor Wimpey (LON:TW.) William Hill (LON:WHM) WPP group (LON:WPP) Acacia Mining (LON:ACA) Cobham (LON:COB) Anglo American (LON:AAL) Computercentre (LON:CCC) Meggitt (LON:MGGT)
Economic announcements: UK Public Sector Finances (09:30), UK Retail Sales (09:30), Initial Jobless Claims (US) (13:30), New Homes Sales (US) (15:00)
Friday
Interims: AstraZeneca (LON:AZN)
Trading statement: Reckitt Benckiser (LON:RB.) Spectris (LON:SXS)
Economic announcements: IFO Business Climate (GER)