Tuesday 28 October

BP – third quarter results

BP has been a notable casualty from political unrest in Ukraine and Russia, which – combined with the ongoing fallout from the Gulf of Mexico disaster – have pushed the shares lower this year. The falling price of oil is also likely to weaken the company’s earnings prospects. Investors will be looking for guidance from management on the likely impact. Aside from the fall in the price of oil, it is likely that the company will continue the recent theme of improving levels of production.
The Share Centre currently lists BP as a BUY

Lloyds Bank – interim management statement

The banking sector has come under pressure again this year, despite the welcome news that European banks have passed their ‘stress tests’. Shareholders will be seeking an update on the group’s restructuring, including bad debts, costs and regulatory issues. As the group is geared to the UK, its outlook on the economy and housing market will also be of interest. The Share Centre lists Lloyds as a HOLD

Companies also reporting today include: Standard Chartered (interim management statement) – HOLD, BG (Q3 results) – BUY

Wednesday 29 October

Next – interim management statement

Next has been one of the few high street success stories in recent years, but the market will be looking to see if the weather continued to impact trading, following the company’s comments to that effect in late September. The strength of sales in its high street stores relative to online trading will also be important. Additionally investors will hope for guidance on full-year profit expectations. The Share Centre currently list Next as a HOLD

Companies also reporting today include: Antofagasta (Q3 production results) – HOLD and Standard Life (interim management statement) – HOLD

Thursday 30 October

Smith & Nephew – third quarter results

The group should continue to grow earnings, thanks to its emerging market operations. However, the market will be watching to see whether the group’s European operations can stay strong in the face of weakening economic data in the region. The Share Centre currently list Smith & Nephew as a HOLD

Aviva – interim management statement

Investors will be looking for evidence that Aviva is continuing cost reduction adn efficiency targets. Improvements here are key to the continuation of its recovery story. The development of annuity alternative products will also be under scrutiny. The Share Centre currently list Aviva as a BUY

Barclays (interim management statement)

BT – second quarter results

The latest figures for take-up of BT’s broadband and sports channel services will be closely watched, as will the strength of cash flow and any hints about future returns of capital to investors such as higher dividends. The performance of BT’s operations in Asia and Latin America, where it sees plenty of growth potential, will also be of interest to the market. The Share Centre currently list BT as a BUY

Royal Dutch Shell – third quarter results

St. James’s Place – third quarter results

Friday 31 October

WPP – third quarter results

Better than expected results from Omnicom have raised investors’ expectations for the third quarter. The summer interim results came in slightly ahead of market expectations and followers of the stock will be hoping for more of the same. Emerging markets will be in focus. 

RBS – interim management statement