Companies reporting next week

WEDNESDAY'S Budget will dominate the week, but there will be a number of company announcements to keep the City busy.

The weeks kicks off with a first-quarter trading update from chip designer Arm Holdings on Monday. Although affected by the tech downturn, it is expected to show further growth in licensing revenues. First-quarter pre-tax profits are forecast to come in around £14.8m, a 7.2% rise against the previous three months.

On Tuesday, shareholders will be hoping for upbeat interim results from department stores group Debenhams. Fund manager Gerrard is forecasting pre-tax profits to rise from £80.8m to £87.6m, with continued strong sales growth.

Argos-to-Burberry group GUS will update the City on how it has fared during the second half year on Tuesday, when it issues a trading update.

Catalogue shop and luxury brands are both expected to show sales growth, while a mixed showing is forecast for its credit business Experian, which has been hit by tough conditions in the US over recent months.

On Wednesday, newsagent and distribution group WH Smith is expected to show a slide in interim pre-tax profits, from £100m to £95.8m. Most of the dip is being attributed to operating losses at its US businesses.

The City is expecting Associated British Foods to post an improvement in half year profits on Wednesday, boosted by growth at the Primark discount clothing chain and its grocery and ingredients arms. Pre-tax profits are forecast to rise £7m to £188m.

On Thursday, High Street fashion chain Arcadia - second only to Marks & Spencer in terms of market share - is expected to post strong interim figures.

The owner of Top Shop and Dorothy Perkins has already said profits before tax and one-off items unlikely to be less than £52m, boosted by growth across the group. Last year Arcadia posted pre-tax profits of £29.1m.