PREVIEW: BP Plc profits and dividend will be focus of Q1 results


(MENAFN- ProactiveInvestors - N.America)

The latest instalment of oil market woe comes from BP Plc (LON:BP.) as it releases results for the first quarter of 2016.

Market consensus is for net income of just US$140mln.

Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) in a note highlighted that the dividend would be a key focus for investors.

'BP usually formally reviews its dividend in Q1 and Q3 each year but in the current environment we suspect it is reviewed on a quarterly basis' RBC said in a preview note.

'We believe BP can fund the dividend out of its balance sheet in the near term but at current oil and gas prices is unlikely to cover it organically which limits potential for yield compression in the near-term.'

British American Tobacco first quarter results expected to be 'decent'

British American Tobacco (LON:BATS) is also in the schedule to lift the lid on the first quarter of 2016 and Jefferies reckons the numbers will be 'decent'.

Martin Deboo Jefferies analyst in a note said: 'Valuation normality is returning sparked by an improved EM fx environment and a stonking 2015 result ex. currencies.

'But there is plenty of valuation headroom left relative to better FY16 earnings optics and margin and cash runway beyond that.'

Currency may be a key factor as Deboo highlights that the 2015 earnings comparative was flat on an 'actual currency' basis whilst the same period is expected to be up by 'double digit' percentages.

Whitbread: Are Premier Inn & Costa Coffee going off the boil?

The Premier Inn and Costa Coffee owner Whitbread plc (LON:WTB) releases final results and investors will be keen to see relative performance of the two big brands which have recently seen softer like-for-likes.

Last week Berenberg repeated a 'buy' recommendation but cut its price target to 5000p from 6000.

'We continue to assert that the current price underappreciates the structural growth opportunity for Whitbread and creates a valuation anomaly that will unwind as current negative sentiment eases and the prospect of multi-year double-digit earnings growth is again recognised' said Stuart Gordon analyst at Berenberg.

Tuesday's stock market diary

Finals: Boohoo.com Cambian Horizon Discovery Group Whitbread

Interims: Redefine International

Trading statements: BP Plc (LON:BP.) Carpetright; Countrywide; Petra Diamonds British American Tobacco Jardine Lloyd Thompson St. James's Place; Standard Chartered


Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.