Thursday preview: Morrisons, SSL, Begbies Traynor

20th Jan 2010 15:30

The Christmas trading statement from supermarket giant Morrisons could give investors a reason to cheer, with analysts expecting increased like-for-like sales and a rise in market share.UBS forecasts like-for-like sales growth of 6.8%, better than comparable figures from Tesco and Sainsbury, both of whom issued trading updates earlier this month.Tesco said last week that it enjoyed its best Christmas in three years as shoppers braved the winter weather to stock up on festive treats. In the six weeks to January 9, the firm posted a 5.1% year-on-year rise in like-for-like sales excluding petrol and VAT at its UK business, ahead of expectations. Champagne sales rose by 35% with the 'Finest' range also performing well, Tesco said.Sainsbury reported the final quarter of 2009 saw like for like (lfl) sales, excluding fuel, rise by 3.7% year on year, or by 4.2% with VAT excluded. Like for like sales, including fuel, rose by 3.8% in the 13 weeks to 2 January.Condom maker SSL International is also due to update the market. Swiss broker UBS forecasts a 6.6% rise in underlying sales at the group's Durex division, while underlying sales at Scholl Footwear are forecast to be up by 5.3%.INTERIMSBegbies Traynor Group, NCC GroupFINALS Minorplanet SystemsEGMSJessopsAGMSAberdeen Asset Management, Education Development International, Enterprise Inns, Euromoney Institutional Investor, Milestone GroupTRADING ANNOUNCEMENTSBlueBay Asset Management, Wm. Morrison, SSL International UK ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTSCBI Industrial Trends, Total OrdersPublic Sector Net Borrowing Requirements