Earnings look ahead – easyJet, Anglo American, Diageo

A look at company earnings next week.

Chris Beauchamp ChrisB_IG
Chief Market Analyst, London

Publication date : 2018-01-19T15:55:28+0000

Source: Bloomberg

easyJet (Q1 earnings 23 January)

Recent difficulties appear to be behind easyJet, but healthy growth in earnings is still forecast. A new strategy has boosted passenger numbers, as the firm claws back market share. A 17% rise in earnings is expected for the year, and a solid yield of 2.2% means the firm remains attractive to income hunters, even if the yield is down from the two-year average of 4.5%.

The rally here from the lows of August has seen the shares recover to £15.66, last seen before the Brexit vote. A breakout from here would target £17.69. However, with momentum overextended we may see a drop to the July 2017 high at £14.42, although even a dip to £13.71 still constitutes a higher low and thus a bullish sign.

easyJet price chart

Anglo American (Q4 update 25 January)

An improving global economy and higher commodity prices continue to make mining companies attractive for investors. Anglo American's production update is likely to confirm further increases in output, which remains prudent given ongoing increases in demand, especially in places such as Asia. Almost half the analysts covering the firm have increased their price targets in the past month, but the consensus price target is still 8.5% below current forecasts, which compares to an average premium of 6.5% for comparable firms.

The mid-2017 slump in mining stocks is over, and in tandem with commodity prices, the sector has recovered impressively. Anglo American faltered at £18.00, but the price has still managed to clear the April 2014 highs. It might be worth keeping an eye out for a dip, in order to obtain a better risk-reward profile, with a pullback towards the November high of £15.34 a possible way to play this.

Anglo American price chart

Diageo (first-half earnings 25 January)

The drinks giant Diageo is expected to report headline earnings of 65p per share, up 15% over the year, while revenue is forecast to drop by 2% to £6.6 billion. Wide geographical distribution, plus an improving outlook, signals a continued good performance, with consumers spending more. A forward price to earnings (P/E) ratio of 21.5 is expensive, relative to the 20.5 two-year average, but this growth stock seems like one to keep on the radar.

Diageo’s shares remain in a strong trend, registering new higher highs and higher lows over the past 18 months. The pullback towards the 100-day simple moving average (SMA) of £25.82 marks the latest higher low and provides a good buying opportunity, with the expectation of a move back above £27.00.

Earnings look ahead – easyJet, Anglo American, Diageo

easyJet (Q1 earnings 23 January)

easyJet price chart

Anglo American (Q4 update 25 January)

Anglo American price chart

Diageo (first-half earnings 25 January)

Diageo price chart

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