Earnings look ahead: Carnival, Petrofac
Cruise line Carnival publishes full-year earnings, while Petrofac, the oil services firm, releases a third-quarter (Q3) statement.
Carnival Cruise Lines (full-year earnings 18 December)
Carnival is expected to report 10.6% growth in headline earnings per share, to 69.60 cents, while revenue is forecast to rise 4.5% to $4.45 billion. The average move on results day is 3.3%, while current options pricing suggests a move of 4.2%.
Recent increases in booking volumes have helped brighten the outlook for Carnival, but a tough first-half (H1) comparison means that the firm may struggle to convince investors that the outlook remains robust. However, the second half of the year will be easier, thanks to easier comparisons with storm-hit bookings. At 11.7 times forward earnings the shares are at their cheapest level since mid-2016, though the dividend yield is 3.6%, above the two-year average of 2.9%.
The shares have been in a descending channel since their peak in August 2017. While they rebounded from the October lows, the bounce petered out at £47, and a renewed push to the bottom end of the channel looks likely.
Petrofac (Q3 trading statement 18 December)
The ongoing Serious Fraud Office (SFO) investigation continues to cloud the outlook for Petrofac, but the firm continues to win new contracts, assuaging concerns about the potential impact of the investigation. However, the pipeline of bid opportunities remains strong, even if the recent rout in the oil price may crimp capital expenditure in the sector for the time being.
At 6.6 times forward earnings the shares remain cheap, but until the SFO investigation is ended the shares will likely remain under pressure and not receive a significant re-rating.
The share price has been in a falling wedge over the past month, but there is no sign of a break higher. Lower highs since the beginning of November mean that the price needs to close above £5.30p to break the bearish view.
This information has been prepared by IG, a trading name of IG Markets Limited. In addition to the disclaimer below, the material on this page does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. IG accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of these comments and for any consequences that result. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk. Any research provided does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Although we are not specifically constrained from dealing ahead of our recommendations we do not seek to take advantage of them before they are provided to our clients. See full non-independent research disclaimer and quarterly summary.
See your opportunity?
Seize it now. Trade over 17,000+ markets on our award-winning platform, with low spreads on indices, shares, commodities and more.
Live prices on most popular markets
- Equities
- Indices
- Forex
- Commodities
Prices above are subject to our website terms and agreements. Prices are indicative only. All share prices are delayed by at least 15 minutes.
Prices above are subject to our website terms and agreements. Prices are indicative only. All shares prices are delayed by at least 15 mins.
