Look ahead to FTSE 350, other companies reporting & economic events from 22 – 26 April

• Associated British Foods is bucking the trends in retail
• Margins and order intake in focus for Baker Hughes
• Lloyds will be looking for ongoing resilience from borrowers
• Meta’s capex discipline remains front and centre
• What progress has been made on Sainsbury’s three-year strategy?

Associated British Foods, Half Year Results, Tuesday 23 April

Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets, Hargreaves Lansdown

“Primark, owned by Associated British Foods, is bucking the trends in retail, and opening vast new stores while other chains are retreating from the high street. Primark has a razor-sharp focus on delivering fashion fans the styles they crave, helped by its sophisticated social media channels which pull in customers.

This expansion is driving sales upwards, with the US considered to be a key market for future growth. Given its highly successful bricks and mortar strategy, Primark has been super-cautious about dipping its toe into e-commerce, but it’s now taken a deeper plunge by rolling out click-and-collect more widely. Investors will be keen to see just how successful this foray is, and whether the delivery infrastructure can cope with demand.’’

Baker Hughes, Q1 Results, Tuesday 23 April

Derren Nathan, head of equity research, Hargreaves Lansdown

“Baker Hughes expects first quarter revenue to land between $6.1-$6.6bn. At the mid-point, that’s growth of 11% over the same period last year. Investors will be hoping for an uptick in order intake, which fell 14% in the fourth quarter of last year, to $6.9bn. But challenges remain in the onshore US market where drilling activity has been relatively weak. The number of active drilling rigs is holding up better in international markets, with all regions, bar the Middle East, reporting a month-on-month increase in March.  Investors will be looking for commentary on whether the company sees any impact from the recent escalation of tension in the region.

Management has delivered substantial margin improvement in recent years and that’s a continued area of focus. Analysts are expecting an underlying cash profit (EBITDA) margin of 14.5%, up from 13.7%. Baker Hughes plans to improve efficiency and increase higher margin services revenues from its growing base of installed technology. But it’s a fine balancing act as it looks to invest resource in beefing up its new energy solutions.”

Lloyds, Q1 Results, Wednesday 24 April

Matt Britzman, equity analyst, Hargreaves Lansdown

“Lloyds is the first of the major UK banks to report first quarter earnings next week. Markets expect weaker results than this time last year, with net interest margin expected to fall from 3.22% to 2.93%. While the drop is expected, and more a result of the particularly strong environment this time last year when rates were being hiked, anything lower than 2.90% would likely be punished.

There’s also the ongoing issue of an FCA investigation into motor financing to contend with. As one of the more exposed banks, Lloyds has already set aside £450mn in preparation for charges. It’ll be interesting to see whether management has any further commentary here, up to now details have been hard to come by. 

Loan defaults are the other key thing to watch, with analysts pencilling in £280mn of impairments. There is scope for a better result here and investors expect to hear commentary that borrowers remain resilient. Performance clearly peaked last year, but several tailwinds yet to play out could give room for upside. Of course, there are no guarantees.”

Meta, Q1 Results, Wednesday 24 April

Sophie Lund-Yates, lead equity analyst, Hargreaves Lansdown

“Facebook owner, Meta, set the bar high last quarter after beating expectations. Expectations are that first quarter revenue will be $34.5bn – $37.0bn, and any deviation from that will be sorely punished. The group’s benefiting from a resurgence in digital advertising, which came off the boil during the worst of the uncertainty in recent years.

A number that will be watched even more keenly than ad spending will be Meta’s expenses. The group has been forced to refocus on core activities and rein in its undefined and extravagant spending plans in recent memory, but it’s still looking to spend up to $99bn this year. There will be hope that some more detail on where this is being funnelled could be served up in next week’s results.”

Sainsbury, Full Year Results, Thursday 25 April

Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets, Hargreaves Lansdown

‘’Investors will be keen to see if there is more flesh on the bones on Sainsbury’s three-year strategy unveiled in February which is aimed at offering more food options and consistent value for shoppers. The plan was a little scant on detail, and while the direction of travel, with a doubling down on groceries, is the right way to go, a more in-depth road map would be welcomed to explain how it will be achieved.

Competition is super tough in the supermarket space, particularly for a mid-market name like Sainsbury’s with cost-of-living pressures meaning it needs to have an ever-sharper eye on offering value. Although it’s succeeded in seizing more market share, that’s put pressure on margins and investors will want to see how long this is likely to continue for. Retreating more from home wares and replacing shelf space with more grocery ranges is a big part of the plan, as the grocer takes advantage of customers who are willing to spend more on at home treats. The Taste the Difference range has seen encouraging increases in sales, and investors will want to see that momentum continuing.”

Among those currently scheduled to release results next week:

*Events on which HL will be providing updates