Companies Reporting: Ashtead, Currys, TUI

Our regular look at the FTSE 350 and other companies reporting from 9 – 13 December .

• Ashtead looks for stability after a rocky patch
• Currys investors seek strong device sales and a dividend for Xmas
• Can Tui carry its summer momentum into the winter season?

Ashtead Group, Q2 Results, Tuesday 10 December

Matt Britzman, senior equity analyst, Hargreaves Lansdown: Ashtead LON:AHT reports second-quarter results next week, following a tricky period in which investors are raising questions about whether the construction sector is on the precipice of a downturn. The market has definitely slowed, and recent poor performance can in part be attributed to overspending in a weakening market. But now that investment has stabilised and guidance has been reset, things are starting to look more optimistic.

Commentary around non-residential construction, given that lead indicators seem to suggest healthy growth, is worth paying close attention to. Mega projects in the US are another key demand driver, where Ashteads’ scale and expertise give it an advantage, so any developments there will be interesting. As far as numbers go, second-quarter revenue is expected to come in a fraction above $3bn, with an operating profit of $853mn.

TUI AG, Q4 Results, Wednesday 11 December

Matt Britzman: TUI [LON:TUI] has already offered a sunny outlook ahead of its fourth-quarter results next week, thanks to its upbeat trading statement in late September. Profits are expected to rise by at least 25%, a figure that might even prove to be modest.

The Markets and Airlines segments have been flying high this summer, buoyed by strong bookings and rising average selling prices. Encouragingly, that momentum seems to have carried into the winter season, with leisure spending still a top priority for consumers despite economic headwinds. Investors will be keen for more colour on how this trend is shaping up. It’ll also be interesting to see if the Holiday Experiences segment lives up to TUI’s raised expectations.

Currys, Half Year Results, Thursday 12 December

Derren Nathan, head of equity research, Hargreaves Lansdown: Currys LON:CURY has seen last year’s progress spill over into the current trading period, and next week we’ll find out if that’s persisted for the whole of the first half. The UK’s retail environment has had a mixed few months. And while consumer confidence has picked up lately, much still hinges on the vital festive trading season and of particular interest will be whether the latest AI powered household electronic devices have sold well on Black Friday.

Investors will also be hoping for a recovery in the Nordic region which has been dragging on group performance. Management’s previously hinted at the return of dividend payments, so any further direction on that is also something to watch, but there can be no guarantees.

• UK Stock Market News: Experian, Currys, Fiinu
• Currys shares pick up speed going into Christmas: is it time to buy?

This article has been brought to you in association with Hargreaves Lansdown. All opinions expressed in this article are from the analysts and do not necessarily represent the opinions of The Armchair Trader.

FTSE 100, FTSE 250 and selected other companies scheduled to report