Market Wrap: HSBC Shuffles Retail and Energy Ratings as Air Liquide Posts FY Results
Stock Market News·2026-02-20 07:08

Air Liquide - Air Liquide reported full-year revenue of €26.94 billion, slightly missing analyst estimates of €27.07 billion [10] - The company achieved recurring operating income of €5.58 billion, just below the anticipated €5.60 billion, with a recurring operating margin of 20.7% [2] - A dividend of €3.70 per share was announced, up from €3.30 the previous year, indicating management's confidence in long-term cash flow stability [3] HSBC - HSBC downgraded Walmart (WMT) from Buy to Hold due to cautious guidance for the 2026 fiscal year, citing tariff uncertainty and moderating inflation as potential headwinds [4] - The bank raised its price target for Merck & Co (MRK) to $135 from $120, highlighting the company's credible oncology strategy and management of patent cliffs [5] - HSBC also increased the price target for Occidental Petroleum (OXY) to $59 from $54, reflecting a positive outlook on the company's operations in the Permian Basin [5] MOL - MOL has been granted preferential access to Hungary's strategic crude oil reserves following the cessation of Russian crude deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline [6] - To address the supply gap, MOL is transitioning to maritime imports via the Adriatic port of Omišalj in Croatia, with the release of approximately 250,000 tons of strategic reserves deemed essential for refinery operations in Hungary and Slovakia [7] APAC Markets - The Hang Seng index experienced a sharp decline after the Lunar New Year holidays, influenced by a negative sentiment from Wall Street and concerns regarding private credit funds [8] - Big tech companies led the decline in Hong Kong, with investors adjusting expectations post-holiday [9] - Market participants are monitoring for potential support measures from Beijing to address ongoing producer deflation and weak consumer sentiment [9]

Market Wrap: HSBC Shuffles Retail and Energy Ratings as Air Liquide Posts FY Results - Reportify