Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Earnings: Nice Profitability Expansion in a Challenging Year
Coca‑Cola Europacific Partners reported 2025 results with 2.3% revenue growth, 2.7% volume increase and a 5.4% rise in operating profit, driven by pricing power and efficiency initiatives despite headwinds in Germany and Indonesia. The firm’s profitability outperformed forecasts, prompting Morningstar to raise its fair‑value estimate to GBX 6,300, though shares trade about 15% above that level. Ready‑to‑drink alcohol sales surged 10%, adding a new growth pillar. Management reaffirmed 2026 targets of 3‑4% revenue and 7% profit growth, aided by FIFA World Cup activations.
Amundi Lists an ETF Dedicated to European Strategic Autonomy on Xetra
Amundi has launched a Luxembourg‑domiciled ETF that tracks the Euronext European Strategic Autonomy index, focusing on ten sectors deemed critical for Europe’s self‑sufficiency. The fund, listed on Xetra and also available in Paris, carries a 0.40% annualised total expense ratio...
UK Funds Remain Unloved Despite Impressive Year for FTSE 100
The FTSE 100 delivered a strong performance this year, climbing roughly 12% despite lingering macro uncertainties. Yet UK equity funds continued to see net outflows, with investors pulling about 15% less capital compared to the previous year. The reluctance stems...
UK Software Firm Pinewood's Stock Fell ~31% on February 16 After Apax Withdrew Its £575M Takeover Offer, Citing "Prevailing Challenging...
Apax Partners pulled its £575 million takeover bid for FTSE 250 software firm Pinewood on February 16, citing challenging market conditions. The withdrawal triggered an immediate 31% drop in Pinewood’s share price, the steepest decline in weeks. Analysts view the move as a...
10 Stocks the Best European Fund Managers Have Been Buying and Selling
Leading European large‑cap equity funds rebalanced portfolios in December, increasing exposure to financial services, healthcare and, to a lesser extent, industrials. At the same time, allocations to basic materials, consumer defensive and technology stocks were trimmed. ASML emerged as the...
Vicat - FY 2025 Results
Vicat reported FY 2025 organic sales up 3.3% year‑on‑year, accelerated to 8.1% in Q4, while EBITDA rose 3.7% LFL to €771 million with a stable 20% margin. Net debt fell €85 million, bringing leverage to 1.49 times, and free cash flow remained strong at...
Volkswagen Aims to Cut Costs by 20% by 2028 in Restructuring Plan, Report Says
Volkswagen announced a new restructuring plan aimed at cutting operating costs by 20% by 2028, building on a €10 bn savings target set three years ago. The initiative may involve plant closures and a further reduction of 35,000 jobs by 2030....
Software Maker Dassault Systèmes Falls 8% as AI Fears Persist; Europe Markets Edge Higher
European markets edged higher after the Munich Security Conference, but software giant Dassault Systèmes slumped 8% as lingering AI skepticism dampened investor sentiment. The conference underscored Europe’s push for greater defense spending and strategic autonomy, lifting defense‑related equities. Meanwhile, NatWest kicked...
EQS-CMS: Henkel AG & Co. KGaA: Release of a Capital Market Information
Henkel AG & Co. KGaA disclosed its weekly share‑buyback activity for 9‑13 February 2026, repurchasing 17,000 preferred shares and 18,000 ordinary shares on the XETR. The preferred‑share buyback cost €1.37 million at an average price of €80.56, while the ordinary‑share buyback cost €1.34 million...
Arqiva in Uncertainty over DTT Switch Off
Arqiva, the UK's sole national digital terrestrial TV and radio infrastructure provider, faces financial uncertainty as major shareholders reassess their stakes. Macquarie has divested its 26.5% holding, while Digital 9 Infrastructure (DGI9) is reviewing its 51.8% share and may write off...
One in Three French Car Manufacturing Jobs Was Lost in Dramatic 13-Year Decline
Employment in France’s automotive sector dropped from 425,500 in 2010 to 286,800 in 2023, a loss of nearly 139,000 jobs or 33 %. The decline was driven primarily by car manufacturers, which shed 46,000 positions, while parts suppliers lost 31.5 % of...
Unilever Earnings: Solid Volume Growth and Margin Expansion; Shares Fairly Valued
Unilever reported fourth‑quarter underlying sales up 4.2% with volume rising 2.1%, and delivered a full‑year operating margin of 20%, outpacing forecasts. Power brands now account for 79% of sales, reflecting a strategic shift toward higher‑margin categories. The company’s focus on...
'A Blow to the LSE': Industry Raises Concerns About Schroders Takeover
Nuveen, a US investment firm, has launched a £9.9 bn hostile bid to acquire UK asset manager Schroders. Industry voices warn the deal could further shrink the already limited pool of listed assets on the London Stock Exchange. Critics argue the...