From an arts and crafts marketplace going public to the top dog in microprocessors trying to overcome weakness in the PC market, here are some of the things that will help shape the week that lies ahead on Wall Street.
Monday — Water Works
The new trading week kicks off with Layne Christensen (LAYN) posting quarterly results after the market close. The provider of global water management, construction and drilling solutions is expected to post another quarterly deficit, but revenue is supposed to inch marginally higher when pitted against the prior year’s fiscal fourth quarter.
It should still be a good quarter outside of the likely red ink. Layne Christensen revealed a few days ago that it had signed several significant new contracts during the quarter, worth roughly $110 million.
Tuesday — Intel Outside
Earnings season kicks off this week, and one of the big names reporting will be Intel (INTC). The semiconductor giant has been trying to retain its relevance as consumers move away from desktops and laptops to smartphones and tablets, but it hasn’t been an easy transition.
Intel warned last month that it will fall short of its earlier guidance. Weak demand for desktop PCs and economic uncertainties in Europe forced it to scale back its outlook: Its original target of $13.7 billion in revenue would be closer to $12.8 billion. We’ll find out where Intel ultimately landed when it reports fresh financials on Tuesday.
Wednesday — Taxing Situation
It’s April 15, and we all know what that means. Wednesday is the deadline to file tax returns for 2014. If you’re not ready — and you’re probably not alone — it’s not a big deal as long as you file an extension by the end of the day. That will buy you another six months, but sooner or later you’re going to have to settle up with Uncle Sam. Or you can mark the day with a discount or free item.
Thursday — Hello, Etsy
One of this year’s most anticipated IPOs will be Etsy, the fast-growing online platform that’s turned arts and crafts into a cottage industry for many artisans. There were 1.4 million active sellers on Etsy by the end of last year, and they’re there because there were also 19.8 million active buyers.
Artists sold $1.93 billion worth of merchandise through Etsy last year, 43 percent more than they did in 2013. Etsy is expected to price its IPO on Thursday. The initial pricing range is between $14 and $16, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if that figure inches higher ahead of Thursday’s debut. It will trade on Nasdaq with the obvious ticker symbol of ETSY.
Friday — We Bring Good Things to Life
Fridays are usually quiet on Wall Street, but that doesn’t apply during earnings season. General Electric (GE) will be reporting quarterly results on Friday morning. Analysts feel that GE will post a profit of $0.30 a share for the quarter. That’s less than the 33 cents a share it earned a year earlier, but the company has managed to beat Wall Street expectations in three of the past four quarters.
•Last Week’s Biggest Movers on Wall Street
•Wall Street This Week: Cyber Monday Fades, Retailers Report
•Week’s Winners and Losers: Pandora Jams, Costco Slammed
Leave a Reply