ITV expected to kick-off in Q2 with Euros boost

 

Adam Vettese, analyst at investment platform eToro, says: “Even with overall revenue down, it seems the message is not to panic as most of ITV’s releases are weighted to H2 and the Euros are coming up in the summer which will give a much needed boost to the coffers in terms of viewer numbers and in turn advertising revenue. Investors may be a little wary though as the firm heavily relies on this pipeline of shows to offset this sluggish start to the year, hampered by the US writers’ and actors’ strikes.

“More and more we consume our viewing content on streaming services online and ITV has made some marked improvements in this area with ITVX also a bright spot with growth in online ad revenue there.

“ITV says the 2026 KPIs are still on track and this was enough to give the shares a boost back in March, despite a dip in revenue. The question is at what point do they need to actually deliver in order for investors to keep the faith? Shares are up 20% this year and have started positively this morning, piling on the pressure for the next update.”

 

Balfour Beatty stacking momentum as major projects progress

 

Mark Crouch, analyst at investment platform eToro, says: “Balfour Beatty continues to build momentum in what is another positive trading update this morning. The construction firm expects an increase in profits from operations in 2024 and is progressing with several major projects.

“There had been concerns when the UK’s largest construction and infrastructure company’s order book had dipped but realistically this has had little to no effect. Deals in the pipeline now include BP and Equinor’s net zero Teeside Power project, and supporting Rolls Royce’s major expansion in Raynesway Derby.

“With a growing presence overseas, Balfour Beatty is now present in over 30 states in the US, providing investors with peace of mind the company is well diversified and pursuing multiple growth prospects. It’s no surprise then that Balfour’s share price is up nearly 15% this year and looks set to challenge the all-time high of 396p which was reached almost a year ago to the day.

“Still boasting a robust balance sheet and a significant net cash position, Balfour Beatty offers investors a blueprint of a business built on solid foundations.”

 

MPC voting pattern gives further impetus to FTSE gains

 

 

Adam Vettese, analyst at investment platform eToro, says: “It’s been a strong week for the FTSE 100, and after setting a record high just yesterday, the index spiked to a fresh high of 8394.01 on Thursday afternoon, after the BoE’s Monetary Policy Committee shifted closer to a rate cut.

“Though the MPC’s decision to keep the Bank Rate on hold at 5.25% was no surprise, two of the nine voting members – including Deputy Governor Dave Ramsden – pushed for a cut to 5% and this opens the door a touch wider on the possibility of easing at next month’s meeting.

“The FTSE’s advances have been broad, with roughly four index components rising for every one falling, though there was a sharp decline for private equity firm 3i after it reported full-year results. Although 3i delivered strong growth in its portfolio value and hiked its dividend, its gross investment return for the year was lower than 2023 and CEO Simon Borrows warned that geopolitical uncertainty continues to affect confidence in the mid-cap M&A market.”
 





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