Our regular look at the FTSE 350 and other companies reporting from 17 – 21 November.
Palantir looks to build on a strong end to last year
Novo Nordisk looks to its weight loss pill to revive fortunes
Will IAG’s capacity plans get reined back?
Palantir, Q1 Results, Monday 4 May
Matt Britzman, senior equity analyst, Hargreaves Lansdown: Palantir [NYSE:PLTR] reports next week with expectations already high following a strong run of execution and a well-established track record of outperforming both its own guidance and broader analyst consensus. Investors will be watching closely for continued momentum in US commercial growth, further progress on remaining performance obligations and sustained margin strength, all of which have underpinned recent results.
Based on that growing pattern of outperformance, solid forward revenue visibility, and what may have been a period of heightened demand across some of its government and defence-related operations, there’s scope for Palantir to deliver another earnings beat. The combination of pressure this year, coupled with a strong earnings growth outlook, means the price-to-earnings multiple is back down to levels not seen for over a year, which helps to ease a key investor concern – the valuation.
Novo Nordisk, Q1 Results, Wednesday 6 May
Derren Nathan, head of equity analysis, Hargreaves Lansdown: Novo Nordisk’s [CPH:NOVO] first-quarter results will provide a critical lens through which to assess whether bold strategic actions have managed to revive volume growth. Price cuts, higher-dose approvals and distribution partnerships for its weight-loss jab, Wegovy, have been key initiatives so far this year. The launch of Wegovy in pill form has also been a particular success, and investors will be keen to see if that momentum’s continued following the launch of a rival oral medicine by Eli Lilly.
Nonetheless, first-quarter revenue is still forecast to have fallen by about 3.2bn Danish kroner (DKK) to DKK 75bn. And achieving its modest full-year guidance, which currently pre-empts a revenue drop of between 5-13% this year, will likely be a key driver of sentiment. Clinical progress is another point of focus, and recent success in a clinical trial for sickle cell disease provided a timely reminder of Novo Nordisk’s rare disease capabilities, so keep an eye out for launch plans.
IAG, Q1 Results, Friday 8 May
Aarin Chiekrie, equity analyst, Hargreaves Lansdown: International Consolidated Airlines Group [LON:IAG] comes into first-quarter results on the back of a difficult period for the airline industry following the near-doubling of fuel prices. First-quarter numbers should hold up relatively well though, with underlying operating profits forecast to jump around 45% higher to £288mn in the historically quiet quarter. Much more important will be the outlook for the rest of the year, and a cautious tone is expected next week. IAG’s in a better position than most airlines to stomach the recent challenges thanks to its strong balance sheet and higher margins.