The Stock Market's Big Week Ahead: What You Need to Know
The week commencing February 9, 2026, promises to be a pivotal one for investors, with a slew of major companies set to release their earnings reports. From FTSE 100 giants to selected international players, this week's announcements could significantly impact market sentiment. But here's where it gets interesting: will these results meet, exceed, or fall short of expectations?
What’s on the Agenda?
Our research team has highlighted several key companies to watch, each with its own story to tell. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
Monday, February 9th:
- HgCapital Trust: Full Year Trading Update
- Plus500: Full Year Results
Tuesday, February 10th:
- AstraZeneca: Full Year Results – Can they maintain their momentum and reassure investors about their 2030 revenue target?
- Barclays: Full Year Results
- BP: Full Year Results
- Coca-Cola: Q4 Results
- Coca-Cola HBC: Q4 Results
- Dunelm: Half Year Results
- TSMC: Corporate Sales Release
- TUI: Q1 Results
Wednesday, February 11th:
- Barratt Redrow: Half Year Results – Will affordability concerns dampen their ambitious growth plans?
- Renishaw: Half Year Results
- Shopify: Q4 Results
Thursday, February 12th:
- Ashmore Group: Half Year Results
- British American Tobacco: Full Year Results
- RELX: Full Year Results
- Schroders: Full Year Results
- Unilever: Full Year Results – How will their sales growth outlook fare post-ice cream demerger?
Friday, February 13th:
- Cameco: Q4 Results
- NatWest: Full Year Results
Diving Deeper into the Highlights
AstraZeneca: A Tale of Confidence and Skepticism
AstraZeneca enters this reporting season with a strong track record, having demonstrated robust performance in the final quarter of 2025. While there was no upgrade post-Q3, there’s a sense that results could surpass expectations. The market is looking for an 8.4% revenue growth to $58.6 billion and a 7.7% increase in operating profit to $18.3 billion. However, is the market’s optimism justified, especially regarding their ambitious 2030 revenue target of $80 billion? Analysts seem to need more convincing, making the 2026 guidance a critical focal point.
Barratt Redrow: Building Amidst Uncertainty
Barratt Redrow has had a solid start to its financial year, with a 7.9% increase in completions between July and October. Despite slight dips in sales rates due to pre-UK Budget jitters, the company remains optimistic. Their diverse portfolio, spanning various price points and geographical locations, positions them well to cater to a broad market. However, will affordability issues, a persistent concern in 2026, start to weigh on demand, particularly for higher-priced homes? The half-year results will provide crucial insights.
Unilever: Navigating Post-Demerger Waters
Unilever’s recent performance has been commendable, with all business units showing growth in Q3. The upcoming full-year results will be the first since the demerger of its ice cream business, which is expected to result in an 11% drop in total sales to €54.2 billion. However, a significant streamlining effort, aiming for €650 million in cost savings, is underway. Can Unilever maintain its medium-term sales growth target of 4-6% in 2026? This will largely depend on the effectiveness of their high advertising spend in boosting brand awareness and market share. We’re cautiously optimistic but acknowledge the challenges ahead.
Important Considerations
This article is not personal advice. If you’re unsure about any investment, seek professional guidance. Investing carries risks; the value of your investments can go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you invested. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and yields are variable and not guaranteed.
Join the Conversation
What are your thoughts on these upcoming earnings reports? Do you think AstraZeneca will meet its 2030 target? Will Barratt Redrow’s growth plans be hindered by affordability issues? And can Unilever sustain its sales growth post-demerger? Share your insights in the comments below!
Stay Informed
For more insights and analysis, sign up for our Share Insight newsletter. Delivered straight to your inbox every Friday, it’s your weekly dose of market news and expert commentary.
About the Authors
- Derren Nathan, Head of Equity Research, brings over 15 years of experience, driven by a passion for intellectual challenges and diverse ideas.
- Aarin Chiekrie, Equity Analyst and CFA Charterholder, offers regular research and analysis, with a keen eye on how global economic events impact individual companies.
Our Commitment to Quality
At Hargreaves Lansdown, our financial content review process ensures accuracy, clarity, and comprehensiveness. This article reflects our views as of February 6, 2026, and may be updated as new information becomes available.
