Global Markets React to Corporate Spinoffs, Geopolitical Tensions, and Economic Data
Stock Market News·2025-11-04 22:09

Group 1: Magnum Ice Cream Co (MICC) Demerger and Listing - Magnum Ice Cream Co (MICC) is preparing for a triple listing on the London Stock Exchange, New York Stock Exchange, and Euronext Amsterdam, following its demerger from Unilever, expected in mid-November 2025 [1][2] - The demerger process is projected to incur costs of €800 million, with approximately 55% of these costs already incurred [1] - Unilever will retain a minority stake of less than 20% in Magnum for up to five years, which will be sold to cover separation costs and maintain capital flexibility [2] - Magnum reported €7.9 billion in revenue and €1.3 billion in adjusted EBITDA for 2024, holding an approximate 21% global retail market share [2] - The company has established a stable dividend policy, targeting a payout ratio of 40-60% of adjusted net income, with the first dividend expected in the first half of 2027 [2] Group 2: Corporate Earnings - Amgen (AMGN) reported a 12.4% year-on-year increase in sales to $9.56 billion, driven by strong performance from new inflammation drugs and cholesterol therapy Repatha [7] - Following its strong performance, Amgen raised its full-year profit and revenue guidance, with adjusted EPS now expected between $20.60 and $21.40 and revenue between $35.8 billion and $36.6 billion [7] - Super Micro Computer (SMCI) issued a weak profit forecast for the current quarter, adjusting its first-quarter fiscal 2026 revenue estimate to approximately $5 billion, down from $6-$7 billion [8] - Despite the short-term setback, Super Micro maintained its full-year revenue forecast of at least $33 billion, citing strong AI demand and a $12 billion backlog of new orders [8] - AMD (AMD) beat its Q3 expectations with revenues of $9.25 billion and adjusted EPS of $1.20, but its Q4 outlook did not meet investor expectations [8] Group 3: Canada's Financial Sector Reforms - Canada's government is targeting competition within its financial sector by tackling fees, simplifying the process for consumers to switch banks, and reducing regulatory burdens for smaller lenders [9] - The initiative includes prohibiting investment and registered account transfer fees, which currently cost Canadians an average of $150 per account [9] - The government plans to increase the amount of immediately available deposited cheque funds to $150 from $100 [9] Group 4: Economic Indicators - New Zealand's unemployment rate for Q3 rose to 5.3%, with no employment growth quarter-over-quarter and a year-over-year decline of -0.6% [11] - In the United States, API crude oil inventories surged by 6.5 million barrels, significantly exceeding forecasts that anticipated a draw of 2.4 million barrels [12]