Balfour beats estimates with more buybacks on the way

 

Adam Vettese, market analyst at investment platform eToro says: “With the diversity of its range of projects, Balfour Beatty is well positioned and has posted some robust numbers to back it up. Huge infrastructure projects in the UK such as HS2 and the Hinkley point C nuclear plant have managed to offset some delays experienced across the pond.

“The growing order book is allowing the firm to continue shareholder returns via dividends and buybacks as well as profit coming in above analysts expectations.

“Shares have had a great year already, up some 35% and recently surpassed the record high seen way back in 2008. Investors will find this morning’s report decent reading and hope the trajectory continues. The question would remain whether a bit of profit taking kicks in in the short term.”

 

Pricey paper sees profits plummet

 

Adam Vettese, market analyst at investment platform eToro, says: “DS Smith shareholders have seen the stock propelled to record highs recently following the news of the takeover by US rival International Paper but in what could well be its last ever report as an independent company, the numbers don’t read quite so well.

“Profits have slipped as expected due to higher input costs. DS Smith’s customers are simply not stocking up like they were during the pandemic peak levels, therefore reducing the demand for packaging. The firm is trying to offset this by raising prices and has forecast some of the volume to return albeit at a fairly modest level.

“Whilst a near 40% decline in profit may usually be a cause for concern come the opening bell, it seems shares have held up pretty well given that the slump was expected. In addition to this, the takeover by International Paper will see further cost synergies as well as global reach going forward.”

 

An historic moment for bitcoin as price breaches $100k

 

 

Simon Peters, eToro Crypto Analyst:

 

“Even with this milestone reached, we’re still reasonably early in this bull market if past years and cycles are anything to go by. Historically the peak of the bitcoin bull market has formed 12-18 months after the block reward halving. With the most recent halving having occurred in April 2024, this puts a timeline of the end of 2025 or early 2026 for when the peak of the bull market should occur.

“With that being said, it is not unusual to see 20 to 40% drawdowns in the bitcoin price during bull markets. With the price reaching such a significant milestone as $100,000 and it being holiday season, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a pull back from this level, as investors take some money off the table before the trend continues on.”

Josh Gilbert, markets analyst at eToro:

 
“Bitcoin has hit the milestone USD $100,000 figure. Bitcoin reaching six figures is no small feat and goes to show the global adoption of this asset we’ve seen in recent years. For investors, this move higher doesn’t seem to be done for the year just yet, thanks to the powerful momentum currently driving this bull market. Bitcoin’s performance, if there was still any doubt, solidifies that it deserves a place within a diversified investment portfolio.

“If we look at past market cycles, it still feels like we’re reasonably early in this bull market. Reaching the $100,000 mark is undoubtedly a significant psychological level for many, and we may see some profit taking along the way. Investors must remember that an asset doesn’t go up in a straight line forever. Drawdowns for bitcoin are par for the course, but it feels like it’s going to take something big to slow down bitcoin right now. 


“Crypto assets are just the beginning. The underlying technology –blockchain – holds immense potential beyond just digital currencies. Just as the internet transformed communication, blockchain will reshape finance, ushering in a new era of innovation. The years ahead are exciting. This is just the beginning of widespread adoption, seamless integration with traditional finance, and robust regulatory frameworks.”



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