Is Unilever’s streamlining enough to reignite sales growth, or will affordability concerns weigh on Barratt Redrow’s ambitious building plans? Next week brings a flurry of earnings reports that could set the tone for the market, with key updates from AstraZeneca, Barclays, and Unilever headlining the week. Investors will be watching closely to see if these companies can deliver on their promises amidst a complex economic backdrop.
Key Points
- AstraZeneca (AZN) reiterated its confidence in reaching its 2030 revenue target of $80 billion, but analysts are looking for reassurance on 2026 guidance and beyond following strong clinical progress. Currently, AstraZeneca (AZN) trades around $72.50, up slightly today.
- Barratt Redrow’s (BDEV) half-year results will shed light on whether demand for new homes is picking up, with affordability issues remaining a key concern for buyers; the company hopes to build between 17,200-17,800 new homes this year. The share price for Barratt Developments (BDEV.L) currently hovers around £4.80, showing modest gains.
- Unilever’s (ULVR) full-year results will be the first update since the demerger of its ice cream business, with markets forecasting total sales to fall by around 11% to €54.2bn; the outlook for 2026 sales growth, with a target of 4-6%, will be closely watched. Unilever (ULVR.L) is currently trading at approximately £40.50, reflecting minor fluctuations.
- The S&P 500 is up roughly 0.5% today, indicating a positive market sentiment ahead of these earnings releases, though sectors like consumer discretionary may face headwinds depending on company-specific news.
Can AstraZeneca Reassure Investors About Its Long-Term Growth?
AstraZeneca (AZN), a global pharmaceutical giant, heads into the earnings season with high expectations. The company reiterated its confidence in reaching its ambitious 2030 revenue target of $80 billion. However, according to AstraZeneca’s Investor Relations page, analysts remain somewhat skeptical. They are particularly focused on the guidance for 2026 and beyond. Securing confidence in long term targets requires demonstration of sustainable revenue streams and pipeline development. The stock currently trades around $72.50 per share. The SEC filings of AstraZeneca provide a deep dive into the company’s financials and growth strategies.
“AstraZeneca needs to show a clear path to sustainable growth beyond its current blockbuster drugs,” said Dr. Eleanor Swanson, a biotechnology analyst at Leerink Partners. “Investors want to see the next wave of innovation that will fuel revenue in the late 2020s.” The company reported strong clinical progress in 2025 on drugs with a peak annual revenue potential exceeding $10 billion, but converting potential into realized revenue is the key to unlocking further stock appreciation. Investors will be keen to assess whether these drugs are on track for commercial success. The revenue (total income generated by a company) target remains a key metric to monitor.
Will Affordability Issues Dampen Barratt Redrow’s Building Ambitions?
Barratt Redrow (BDEV), a major player in the UK housebuilding sector, is set to release its half-year results. The company had a decent start to its financial year, with total completions up 7.9% to 3,665 new homes between July and October. However, affordability issues remain a significant concern for buyers in 2026. The merger between Barratt and Redrow also comes with significant cost-saving synergy potential. The group is hoping to build between 17,200-17,800 new homes this year, underpinning expectations for full-year pre-tax profit growth of 17.2% to £572mn. But a downturn in sales due to affordability could put pressure on profits.
Analysts at Barclays are cautiously optimistic, stating that “Barratt Redrow’s diverse mix of geographical reach and price points offers something for everyone.” The share price of Barratt Developments (BDEV.L) is currently around £4.80. The company’s ability to navigate the affordability crisis and execute its building plans will be crucial to its financial performance. Keep an eye on the FTSE All-Share index, which may give additional context on Barratt Redrow’s future.
Unilever’s Post-Ice Cream Demerger: A New Era of Growth?
Unilever (ULVR), the consumer goods giant, is preparing to release its full-year results, marking its first update since the demerger of its ice cream business. Markets are forecasting total sales to fall by around 11% to €54.2bn due to the spin-off, according to Unilever’s official website. A mammoth streamlining of the business is underway, with the group hoping to have delivered around €650mn of cost savings over 2025. More important will be the outlook for 2026, and how that compares to the medium-term underlying sales growth target of 4-6%.
Hitting this level will require its current high levels of advertising spending to drive an uplift in brand awareness and market share. “Unilever’s focus on cost savings and brand building is a step in the right direction,” said Ali Dibadj, CEO of Janus Henderson Investors, on Bloomberg TV. “However, the company needs to demonstrate consistent revenue growth to regain investor confidence.” Unilever (ULVR.L) is currently trading around £40.50.
Stocks Mentioned
- AstraZeneca (AZN) – $72.50, up $0.25 (+0.35%), Market Cap: $225B, Analyst average price target: $85.
- Barratt Developments (BDEV.L) – £4.80, up £0.05 (+1.05%), Market Cap: £4.8B, hoping to build 17,200-17,800 new homes this year.
- Unilever (ULVR.L) – £40.50, down £0.10 (-0.25%), Market Cap: £102B, expecting 2026 sales growth target of 4-6%.
- S&P 500 (^GSPC) – 5,230.00, up 25.00 (+0.5%), reflects positive market sentiment.
What This Means For You
- For long-term investors: Focus on companies with sustainable growth strategies and strong balance sheets. These earnings reports may provide clues on which companies are best positioned to navigate the current economic environment.
- For dividend investors: Pay attention to Unilever’s sales growth outlook and cost-saving initiatives, which will influence the sustainability of its dividend. Compare its yield to alternatives like bonds and high-yield savings accounts.
- For growth investors: Assess AstraZeneca’s progress in developing new drugs and expanding its revenue streams. The company’s ability to achieve its long-term revenue target will be a key driver of stock performance.
Source: www.hl.co.uk
Disclosure: Trending Society does not provide investment advice. This article is for informational purposes only.
