小摩：美股回购潮或见顶，欧股迎来超配时刻

Group 1 - The core focus of the news is on the significant increase in stock buybacks in the US, with a record nearly $960 billion announced over the past twelve months, which is 1.5 times the average of the past three years [1] - The increase in buybacks is driven by strong cash flow, with S&P 500 earnings forecasts being continuously revised upward, and free cash flow yield remaining above 3% [1][2] - The passage of the Comprehensive Budget Act by Trump allows for full expensing of capital expenditures and R&D, contributing an estimated $5 per share to S&P 500 free cash flow, further supporting buyback plans [1] Group 2 - Capital expenditures are rising, with equipment investment as a percentage of GDP increasing from 2.2% to 2.5%, and the combined capital expenditures and R&D of the seven largest US companies reaching $450 billion, indicating a potential strain on cash flow as companies balance buybacks and capital spending [2] - In Europe, the Stoxx 600's buyback yield has risen to 1.5%, but remains lower than the US's 3.2%, with earnings growth projected to improve significantly in 2026 due to fiscal stimulus, providing more room for buybacks and dividends [2][3] - The asset pricing is shifting towards Europe, with the combined equity yield of buybacks and dividends showing a positive spread over German ten-year bonds, while the US market has turned negative, indicating a relative attractiveness of European equities [3] Group 3 - In the US, technology and communication services account for 64% of buyback volume, but there are concerns about the sustainability of cash flow in these sectors as AI capital expenditures rise and profitability lags [4] - The potential shift in the main players of buybacks from US tech to European traditional sectors is highlighted, with a focus on sustainable cash flow as a key determinant for future buyback activity [4] - The overall message emphasizes the importance of cash flow in investment decisions, with a clear distinction between the dynamics in the US and Europe regarding profitability and capital expenditures [4]