Wednesday preview: Atkins and Halfords Group results

Engineering giant Atkins (WS) is expected to confirm it has been trading in line with expectations in an update Wednesday ahead of its annual results.

Engineering giant Atkins (WS) is expected to confirm it has been trading in line with expectations in an update Wednesday ahead of its annual results.

The FTSE 250 company last month said it was on track to meet targets despite difficult market conditions and analysts predict the trend to continue in its next trading update.

"Its most recent update confirmed trading in line in tough markets and we expect a similar stance with the forthcoming full year update," Panmure Research said.

"Atkins remains a quality operation that we are long term positive on but for now the share price looks up with events. We have a neutral stance."

The broker recommended a 'hold' rating on the stocks.

Atkins also recently announced it was selling its UK Highways Services business to Skanska UK, a wholly owned subsidiary of Skanska AB.

Prof Dr Uwe Krueger, the group's Chief Executive Officer, said the disposal of the business was part of a strategy to focus on growth sectors in engineering, design services and project management.

Its latest results will coincide with a trading update from another FTSE 250 company, Halfords Group.

The retailer of car maintenance, cycling and touring products last reported a 1.6% increase in total revenue for the 15 weeks to January 2013 following strong performance at its autocentres.

Shares in Halfords and Atkins advanced in Tuesday afternoon trading.

Wednesday April 10th

INTERIM DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE

Colefax Group, Galliford Try, Haynes Publishing Group, Quayle Munro Holdings, Stewart & Wight, Utilico Investments Ltd (DI)

INTERIM EX-DIVIDEND DATE

Animalcare Group, Begbies Traynor Group, Catalyst Media Group, Edge Performance VCT 'H' Shares, Foresight 4 VCT, Manchester & London Inv Trust, Northamber, Plexus Holdings, St Ives, Thorpe (F.W.)

QUARTERLY PAYMENT DATE

XP Power Ltd. (DI)

QUARTERLY EX-DIVIDEND DATE

Assura Group Ltd., Middlefield Canadian Income PCC

INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS

Treasury Budget Statement (US) (19:00)

FINALS

Amiad Water Systems Ltd, InternetQ, Vernalis

SPECIAL DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE

Impellam Group, Utilico Investments Ltd (DI)

SPECIAL EX-DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE

James Halstead, Savills

TRADING ANNOUNCEMENTS

Atkins (WS), Halfords Group

FINAL DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE

CQS Rig Finance Fund Ltd., TUI Travel

FINAL EX-DIVIDEND DATE

Aer Lingus Group, Amlin, BBA Aviation, Berendsen, Bodycote, Charles Taylor, Chesnara, Chrysalis VCT, Dialight, Edinburgh UK Tracker Trust, Filtrona PLC, Fisher (James) & Sons, Fyffes, GKN, Herald Inv Trust, IMI, JPMorgan American Inv Trust, JPMorgan US Smaller Companies Inv Trust, Kerry Group 'A' Shares, LSL Property Services, Merchants Trust, Rotork, RPS Group, Savills, Secure Trust Bank, Shore Capital Group Ltd., Smurfit Kappa Group, St James's Place, Tamar European Industrial Fund Ltd., Ultra Electronics Holdings

RD

Recommended

The top funds to invest in
Funds

The top funds to invest in

Investors continued to the passive preference throughout May, while high-yields were also sought. We look at the top funds, stocks and trusts that inv…
5 Jun 2023
The ten highest dividend yields in the FTSE 100
Income investing

The ten highest dividend yields in the FTSE 100

Rupert Hargreaves takes a look at the companies with the highest dividend yields in the UK’s blue-chip index
20 Apr 2023
Best junior stocks and shares ISA platforms
Isas

Best junior stocks and shares ISA platforms

A junior stocks and shares ISA is a great way to save for your child tax-efficiently. But it can be confusing deciding which investment platform to ch…
28 Mar 2023
The outlook for Shell shares is mixed, despite bumper profits
Energy stocks

The outlook for Shell shares is mixed, despite bumper profits

With profits surging, it looks as if Shell is on a roll, but the company’s growth from here is hard to see as Rupert Hargreaves explains.
6 Feb 2023

Most Popular

Best savings accounts – June 2023
Savings

Best savings accounts – June 2023

Interest rates have been creeping up - we look at the best savings accounts on the market right now.
6 Jun 2023
Nationwide to give £100 cash boost to customers
Personal finance

Nationwide to give £100 cash boost to customers

Nationwide Building Society is giving customers £100 as it reinvests profits. Dubbed the Nationwide Fairer Share scheme, we look at who is eligible.
22 May 2023
How much will it cost you to retire early?
Pensions

How much will it cost you to retire early?

The pre-state pension income gap means couples may need an extra £136,000 if they want to retire at 60 – can you afford to retire early?
6 Jun 2023