As the month of August enters its final week, many investors will be breathing a sigh of relief that the constant barrage of earnings results is nearly at an end.
So far this month the S&P/ASX 200 Index (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) has gained 1.5%, which would appear to confirm the view by many market participants that results and outlooks from this reporting season haven't been as bad as many were expecting. Having said that, many companies have simply chosen not to give any guidance on their earnings outlook!
While the majority of top companies have now reported, there are still a few blue chips and a number of other widely held companies still left to report next week. Amongst those are Flight Centre (ASX: FLT), which is expected to report a record profit and more than likely also a record dividend.
Woolworths (ASX: WOW) will be unlikely to surprise given the retailer provided the market with an update in July, however the higher than expected losses at the Masters Home Improvement chain may weight on the results.
AGL Energy (ASX: AGK) is reporting next week too. Given its peer Origin Energy (ASX: ORG) reported this week this will allow some perspective and comparison to be made on the state of the competitive retail energy market.
Qantas Airways (ASX: QAN) and Virgin Australia (ASX: VAH) will also both report next week. Like the energy market players, this will provide an opportunity for comparison between the two major domestic airlines to be drawn.
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Motley Fool contributor Tim McArthur does not own shares in any of the companies mentioned in this article.
