Europe: weekly earnings summary 9. May

The Italian bank's operating profit growth accelerated to 8.8% in the first quarter, supported by an increase in the loan portfolio and deposits, as well as strong asset management results. Net profit grew by 15%. Supported by strong results and an upgraded full-year guidance, the stock rose 7.4% over the week.

The world's largest brewer's operating profit and revenue grew by 12.0% in the first quarter. A positive surprise was the 0.8% growth in sales volumes, indicating that success is no longer driven solely by price increases. The results were well received by the market, and the stock rose 6.8% over the week.

The online retailer's revenue grew by 24% and operating profit by 38.9% in the first quarter, driven by the fast-growing B2B segment. However, costs related to the acquisition of About You led the company to a net loss of 87.6 million euros. The market focused on the loss, and the stock fell 5.1% over the week.

The eye care company's revenue grew by 9.8% in the first quarter thanks to the successful launch of new products. At the same time, operating profit plunged 37.6% due to costs related to an efficiency program, asset impairment, and higher tariffs. The market reacted sharply to the profit decline, and the stock plummeted 14.7% over the week.

The electrical equipment manufacturer's operating profit grew by 11.5% and revenue by 11.4% in the first quarter. The strong result was driven by high demand for data center solutions, especially in the US, which compensated for the weakness in the European construction market. The company confirmed its full-year guidance, and the stock rose 3.3% over the week.

The Italian bank's operating profit growth accelerated to 5.8% in the first quarter. Although revenue growth slowed, profitability improved significantly thanks to a 3.7% decline in operating expenses, achieved through the optimization of the branch network. The market reacted positively to the efficiency gains, and the stock rose 3.9% over the week.

The chemical company's difficulties deepened: first-quarter operating profit fell by 15.2% and revenue by 9.3%. The results were pressured by weak demand, high energy costs, and unfavorable exchange rates. Although the result barely exceeded expectations, management remained cautious, and the stock fell 3.3% over the week.

The automotive supplier showed signs of improvement. Although revenue fell by 10.4% in the first quarter, operating profit turned to a 6.1% growth. The results were driven by successful cost cuts and the sale of more profitable tires. The market highly valued the recovery in profitability, and the stock rose 15.5% over the week.

The aluminum producer's operating profit fell sharply by 45.2% in the first quarter, caused by lower alumina prices and a stronger Norwegian krone. Although the accounting net profit grew due to cost reductions, the drop in operating profit reflected the weakness of the core business. The stock ended the week with a 1.2% gain.

The German bank's operating profit growth accelerated to 10.7% in the first quarter, exceeding expectations. The result was supported by growth in corporate loan volumes and strong fee income. The bank raised its full-year guidance and rejected UniCredit's takeover bid, which supported the stock. The week ended with a 4.3% gain.

The reinsurance giant reported a strong first quarter, where operating profit turned from a decline to a 30% growth. The result was driven by lower-than-expected natural catastrophe losses and good investment returns. Although the results were strong, the stock fell 1.5% over the week due to an earlier dividend payment.