European Stocks Rise on Strong Earnings and Geopolitical Easing

European markets showed positive momentum as earnings updates exceeded expectations. The stocks rallied in response to eased geopolitical worries, especially from a significant minerals deal between Ukraine and the U.S.

Date: 26-02-2025

AI Rating: 5

**Earnings Performance**

Convatec Group demonstrated strong performance with a profit before income taxes of $245.9 million for the year ending December 31, 2024, an increase from $167.4 million the previous year. Net profit rose to $190.5 million or 9.3 cents per share from $130.3 million or 6.3 cents per share, indicating a positive trend in earnings.

**Guidance and Growth**

The company projected double-digit adjusted earnings per share growth for 2025, suggesting confidence in its growth trajectory. Additionally, Convatec expects organic revenue growth to be 5-7% in its non-InnovaMatrix 3 segment, which constitutes 96% of total revenue for fiscal year 2024. This signals strong revenue growth expectations.

**Stellantis Performance**

In contrast, Stellantis reported a significant decline in earnings, with a staggering 70% drop in full-year earnings to 5.52 billion euros compared to 18.63 billion euros in the prior year. Earnings per share decreased to 1.84 euros from 5.94 euros, presenting a concerning view for investors regarding profitability and market performance.

**Net Income Declines for Stellantis**

With adjusted earnings per share reported at 2.48 euros, down from 6.42 euros the previous year, the steep decline in adjusted operating income by 64% to 8.65 billion euros is indicative of strong pressures on profit margins, further complicating the outlook for the company.

**Operational Insights**

Meanwhile, E.ON showcased a remarkable increase in net income to 4.5 billion euros compared to just 517 million euros the previous year, with earnings per share surging to 1.73 euros from 0.20 euros, marking a strong positive performance indicative of healthy operational efficiency.

**Market Sentiment**

Germany's consumer sentiment index and France's consumer confidence recovery present a mixed economic outlook, potentially diminishing investor confidence. The drop in the German consumer sentiment index to -24.7 raises concerns about future spending behavior, potentially affecting the broader market performance.

Stocks: CTLT STLA EONGY DRI Siemens