Dixons is to become the umpteenth British retailer to attempt to crack the USA, in partnership with US mobile network operator Sprint.
Focus on Thursday, however, will be on trading in Europe. A number of the company’s competitors have reported a softening in sales of televisions sets, as watching TV on hand-held devices becomes more popular.
The market is expecting pre-tax profit of £377.5mln on sales of £10.66bn. The full-year dividend, which last year was 6p, could be cranked up to 7.77p, analysts reckon.
Mining giant Rio Tinto is to provide a production update covering the second quarter, and production is likely to have been affected by the weather in Pilbara, Australia.
“Rio has guided for 330Mt iron ore for the year, having produced 69.3Mt in Q1,” notes Numis Securities..
“After Q1, 82.5Mt will need to be produced in the remaining 3Q to hit guidance, which looks like a tall order. However, commentary is likely to point to completion of the 360 expansion and that production ramp up through H2 will make up the shortfall,” the broker added.
Significant announcements expected
Finals: Dixons Carphone (LON:DC.), Sports Direct (LON:SPD)
Trading statement: Anglo American (LON:AAL), Experian (LON:EXPN), Rio Tinto (LON:RIO)
The following widely-held stocks are trading ex-dividend on Thursday: WH Smith
Economic: EU – Consumer prices, ECB announcement. US – Weekly jobless claims