Core Insights - Microsoft shares experienced a decline of 6.2% in Frankfurt following the announcement of record spending on artificial intelligence in the last quarter and slower growth in cloud computing, raising concerns among investors [1] Company Summary - Microsoft reported a record expenditure on artificial intelligence in the last quarter, indicating a significant investment in this area [1] - The company also noted a slowdown in cloud-computing growth, which has contributed to investor worries [1]

Core Viewpoint - Lloyds Banking Group reported a 12% increase in annual profit, surpassing expectations, driven by higher income that compensated for nearly £1 billion ($1.38 billion) in charges related to compensating customers for mis-sold motor finance [1] Financial Performance - The annual profit rose by 12%, indicating strong financial performance [1] - The increase in income was significant enough to offset the nearly £1 billion in charges [1] Customer Compensation - The company faced nearly £1 billion ($1.38 billion) in charges for compensating customers who were mis-sold motor finance [1]

Core Viewpoint - EasyJet reported a wider first-quarter loss due to costs associated with its strategic expansion into Italian airports [1] Group 1 - The company is experiencing increased financial strain as it expands its operations [1] - The strategic move into Italian airports is a significant factor contributing to the wider loss [1]

Core Viewpoint - Wizz Air reported a third-quarter operating loss that met analyst expectations, while also raising its growth forecast due to additional Airbus deliveries and the return of operations [1] Group 1 - The company experienced an operating loss in the third quarter, which was in line with analyst predictions [1] - Wizz Air has recently increased its growth forecast, indicating a positive outlook for future performance [1] - The growth forecast improvement is attributed to the delivery of additional Airbus aircraft and the resumption of operations [1]

Core Viewpoint - French oil group Maurel & Prom reported weaker than expected full-year sales due to depressed oil prices [1] Company Summary - Maurel & Prom's full-year sales were impacted negatively by lower oil prices, indicating a challenging market environment for the company [1]

Core Viewpoint - Russia's second-largest oil producer, Lukoil, has agreed to sell its foreign asset management unit, LUKOIL International GmbH, to the U.S. private equity firm Carlyle Group [1] Company Summary - Lukoil is a major player in the Russian oil industry, being the second-largest oil producer in the country [1] - The sale involves LUKOIL International GmbH, which is responsible for overseeing Lukoil's foreign assets [1] Industry Summary - The transaction highlights ongoing trends in the oil and gas sector, particularly the involvement of private equity firms in acquiring foreign assets from major oil producers [1]

International bank ING Groep beat quarterly profit expectations on Thursday, boosted by strong interest and fee income for the last three months of 2025. ...

Core Viewpoint - French drugmaker Sanofi expects sales to grow by a high-single-digit percentage in 2026, driven by strong demand for its asthma drug Dupixent and newer medicines [1] Sales Growth Expectations - Sanofi anticipates a high-single-digit percentage increase in sales for the year 2026 [1] Key Products Driving Growth - The growth is primarily attributed to the strong demand for Dupixent, a blockbuster asthma drug, along with contributions from some newer medicines [1]

Core Viewpoint - Airbus anticipates that airlines in India will operate 2,250 commercial jets over the next decade, fueled by strong economic growth, a growing middle class, and an increase in first-time flyers [1] Group 1: Market Growth - The Indian airline market is expected to see significant expansion, with the projected number of commercial jets indicating robust demand [1] - Economic resilience in India is a key driver for this growth, suggesting a favorable environment for airline operations [1] Group 2: Demographic Factors - The expanding middle class in India is contributing to increased air travel, which is essential for the growth of the aviation sector [1] - A surge in first-time flyers is also expected to boost demand for commercial jets, highlighting a shift in consumer behavior towards air travel [1]

Group 1 - The company expects 2026 group sales to grow in the mid single-digit percentage range [1] - The company is targeting core earnings per share growth in the high single-digit range [1]