Analysts warned Chewy Inc needed to do more to showcase its potential after the pet food retailer’s surprise fourth-quarter profit was overshadowed by a mixed outlook.
Chewy reported per-share earnings of US$0.07 for the fourth quarter on Wednesday evening, outdoing analysts’ expectations for a US$0.04 loss, on the back of a 4% jump in revenue to US$2.83 billion.
Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO) is at risk of missing first-quarter consensus estimates, due in part to the slow uptake of its flagship Wegovy drug in the US, Jefferies analysts have warned.
As per the bank, sales over the first quarter will likely sit at 59.1 billion Danish Krone, 9% lower than consensus estimates of 64.7 billion Danish Krone.
Universal Music Group (EURONEXT:UMG) can mostly recover lost revenue from TikTok by selling additional products and services to the social media platform’s competitors, analysts at UBS believe.
Since early February, the music group has been making TikTok remove songs written or co-written by artists signed to UMG from the social media platform after the two companies did not renew their music licensing agreement.
Compass Group PLC (LSE:CPG) is "likely" to lift its financial outlook when it reports results, according to Citigroup.
The US investment bank thinks this will "drive improved sentiment" in the catering giant's shares following the numbers in mid-May.
Analysts launched a broadside at Virgin Money UK PLC's (LSE:VMUK) management after the board formally accepted Nationwide Building Society’s takeover offer.
Both parties have agreed to Nationwide’s 220p-per-share offer that values Virgin Money at £2.9 billion.
“It has been a long time since we started a year in a more positive frame of mind,” read the first line of Next plc’s annual report.
The sentiment was more than justified with today’s earnings beat and shareholder cash splash, with profit before tax for 2023 coming in at a record £918 million for the FTSE 100 clothing retailer.
Peel Hunt has given a bullish rating on healthcare-based REIT Primary Health Properties PLC (LSE:PHP, OTC:PHPRF) following a recent set of annual results.
The REIT reported net rental income of £149.3 million for 2023, a 5.5% increase from £141.5 million in 2022.
Shares in NatWest Group PLC (LSE:NWG) were boosted by JPMorgan research suggesting the government's exit from the shareholder register could be a little quicker than anticipated.
In a note, in which the American bank reaffirmed its "overweight" recommendation and 270p price target, JPM suggested potential regulatory changes could hasten the sell-off, which could be completed by next year.
Two investment banks initiated coverage of Air Astana (LSE:AIRA) with ‘buy’ ratings after the airline's floated in London last month.
Jefferies and Citi both highlighted the airline's unique position to capitalise on the Central Asian travel market, where it enjoys favourable market dynamics.
William Hill owner 888 Holdings PLC (LSE:888) reports results next week with a new management team in place, almost exactly the same situation as a year ago, which has caused investors and analysts to question if 2023 was just a dream.
“Bobby steps out of the shower,” was the headline for analyst Ivor Jones at Peel Hunt, with a reference to the infamous dream-sequence plot twist from Dallas.
Direct Line Insurance Group PLC (LSE:DLG)’s annual results were slightly confusing at face value.
The motor insurer wrote £3.1 billion of gross premiums in 2023 which, while up 27% year on year, still managed to undershoot consensus expectations by 10%.
This week's big strategic update from Unilever PLC (LSE:ULVR) appears to raise risks for advertising agencies that it uses, said UBS, reiterating its 'sell' rating on WPP PLC's (LSE:WPP).
Alongside scooping out its ice cream division, Unilever's announcement of an acceleration of its growth action plan also includes the launch of a €800 million productivity program, with various cost savings.
Shares in Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC (LSE:RR.) were up 2.7% after UBS raised its price target on Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC (LSE:RR.) to 550p from 400p and repeated its 'buy' advice.
The new valuation, predicated on the aero-engine maker's turnaround, stands at a 32% premium to the current price of 417.69, up 10.99p on the day.
Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL, ETR:APC) is reportedly set to be hit with an antitrust lawsuit by the US Department of Justice as early as Thursday, which analysts say will ultimately result in a fine.
Though the case will likely take years and eventually see Apple defend itself in a trial, Wedbush warned some sort of settlement would have to be sought down the line.
Aquis Exchange PLC (AIM:AQX) shares look "materially undervalued" at current levels said Panmure Gordon after reading this morning's final results for 2023.
The broker reiterated a 'buy' rating on the financial markets and technology group and a price target of 840p that is more than double the last close price of 360p, saying the rating and target reflect "so much potential unrealised in estimates or the rating".