Full year results from the London Stock Exchange might be the group’s last as an independent entity … or they might not.
From looking like a done deal, its takeover by Deutsche Boerse now looks like it will collapse, with a squabble over how much power and influence should be transferred from London to Frankfurt reportedly being one of the major sticking points.
If it is to soldier on as an independent entity – at least until the next bid comes crashing in – it will want to buff up its figures and continue the upbeat tone from its third quarter trading statement.
Third quarter revenues were up 15% year-on-year while revenues for the first nine months of the year were up 11%, indicating accelerating growth.
All core divisions delivered good growth despite a backdrop of testing markets and economic uncertainty, the company said.
The spotlight may well focus on the Italian Bourse operation, as this was reportedly also a bone of contention between the Deutsche Boerse big-wigs and the LSE top brass.
Advertising giant WPP will be competing with the LSE for attention – and getting it, judging by the omnipresence of boss Sir Martin Sorrell on business channels whenever it releases a trading update.
Regarded as a good barometer of the economic markets of the countries in which it operates – which is practically all of them – the results will also no doubt feature Sorrell’s views on the Trump presidency.
Workwear and laundry outfit Berendsen PLC (LON:BRSN) has a bit of darning to do on its reputation after its third quarter trading update surprised the market with a profit warning.
“Continued operational instability during the peak summer months resulted in higher than expected costs in order to maintain customer service levels. Similar issues also impacted some parts of UK Workwear. As a result, BRSN expects EBITA of c£160m (2015: £153.8m),” notes broker Peel Hunt.
“The Excellence strategy being implemented addresses the issues outlined and will create the operational stability required,” the broker added.
Peel Hunt is forecasting underlying profit before tax of £140.5mln, a tad below the consensus of £141.6. Its forecast of 62.9p in adjusted earnings per share of 62.9p is bang in line with the market consensus.
Significant announcements expected
Finals: Berendsen PLC (LON:BRSN), London Stock Exchange Group PLC (LON:LSE), STV Group PLC (LON:STV), WPP group PLC (LON:WPP)