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Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 71% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 71% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Earnings look ahead – easyJet, Anglo American, Diageo

A look at company earnings next week.

easyJet
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.

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. 

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.

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.

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