Q4 results likely a non-event; full-year earnings seen falling 3.9%

Singapore

WITH the corporate earnings season set to move into full swing over the next few weeks, analysts remain sanguine about the year that has just ended and are more focused on getting a glimpse of companies' upcoming performance in 2014.

Since three-quarters or nine months of FY13 earnings are already booked and reported for most companies, the fourth quarter is usually not expected to rock the boat significantly, unless there are unexpectedly large kitchen sinking provisions or write-downs. Of course, shareholders will be on the lookout for final dividend payments, particularly for high-yield stocks.