The stock market's upcoming week is packed with critical releases from FTSE 100, FTSE 250, and other selected companies. But here's the catch: investors are bracing for a rollercoaster ride as companies grapple with various challenges.
The Week's Highlights:
March 2nd:
- Bunzl, Oxford Nanopore Technologies, Senior, RHI Magnesita, and Smith & Nephew will unveil their full-year results.
March 3rd:
- Aberdeen Group, Fresnillo, Greggs, Inchcape, International Workplace Group, Intertek Group, Johnson Service Group, Keller Group, and Morgan Advanced Materials will release their annual reports.
- Kier Group will provide half-year results.
March 4th:
- Beazley, Metro Bank Holdings, Quilter, Vistry, and Weir Group will share their full-year performance.
March 5th:
- Admiral, Aviva, Coats Group, Elementis, Endevour Mining, Entain, Funding Circle Holdings, Grafron Group, Harbour Energy, Hunting, Ibstock, ITV, Lancashire Holdings, OSB Group, Pagegroup, Reckitt Benckiser, Rentokil Initial, Serco Group, and Taylor Wimpey will all report their yearly figures.
March 6th:
- IMI will release its full-year results.
Admiral's Dual Challenge:
Admiral, a prominent insurance provider, is navigating a challenging landscape. While 2025 profits are anticipated to grow by 11%, this growth is primarily attributed to trends from 2024 and early 2025. The real question is, what's next? The insurance market is expected to soften in 2026 due to pricing dynamics, potentially squeezing margins. But here's where it gets controversial: we believe that an improving pricing environment could be on the horizon, setting the stage for a brighter second half and an even better 2027. However, some argue that the impact of AI-driven distribution and autonomous vehicles (AVs) could be more disruptive than anticipated, putting pressure on traditional insurers.
Greggs' Balancing Act:
Greggs, the beloved bakery chain, ended 2025 on a high note, with sales growth reaching 2.9% in the final quarter. This success was fueled by enhanced menus, extended opening hours, and 121 new shop openings. Despite this, pre-tax profit guidance for the full year remains at £173mn, a 9% dip from the previous year. As Greggs prepares to report next week, investors are eager to know how 2026 is shaping up. While cost pressures may ease, Greggs faces other hurdles, including tax rule changes, minimum wage adjustments, slowing economic growth, and cost-conscious consumers. These factors are expected to lead to flat underlying profits in 2026.
Taylor Wimpey's Uncertain Future:
Taylor Wimpey's full-year results, due next week, are unlikely to surprise, as key figures were released in January. Revenue rose by 12% to £3.8bn in 2025, driven by increased completions and higher selling prices. Operating profits are expected to be around £420mn, a marginal increase. However, the focus is on 2026. Will demand improve? Build-cost inflation is expected to remain low, but near-term house price trends may not favor Taylor Wimpey, impacting margins. Consequently, profit forecasts have been revised downward, with a small decline in operating profits anticipated for 2026.
This comprehensive overview is brought to you by Hargreaves Lansdown, offering insights into the week's market-moving events. Remember, investing involves risk, and past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Stay tuned for more expert analysis and sign up for our weekly newsletter to stay ahead of the curve.
Disclaimer: This article provides general market commentary and is not intended as personal investment advice. Investors should conduct their own research or seek professional guidance before making any investment decisions. The article's views and estimates are current as of the publication date and may change over time.
About the Authors:
Matt Britzman, a Senior Equity Analyst, and Aarin Chiekrie, an Equity Analyst, are part of the Hargreaves Lansdown Share Research team, offering in-depth insights into companies and sectors. Matt is a CFA Charterholder and holds the Investment Management Certificate, while Aarin, also a CFA Charterholder, brings a global economics perspective to the table.
