Thyssenkrupp reaffirms its full-year outlook despite restructuring costs at its steel division and a weak industrial backdrop weighing on performance https://t.co/6F2K56XHjS ...

Core Viewpoint - TKMS, a German submarine maker, reported a record order backlog of $22 billion and raised its 2026 sales outlook due to increased demand for warships amid rising geopolitical tensions [1][2]. Group 1: Company Performance - TKMS has experienced a surge in investor demand for shares, driven by the war in Ukraine and U.S. pressure on Europe to enhance military capabilities [1]. - The company expects sales to rise by 2% to 5% in 2026, an increase from a previous forecast of a decline of 1% to an increase of 2% [3]. - In the first quarter of its fiscal year (October to December), sales fell by 1% to €545 million ($649 million), while adjusted operating profit remained stable at €26 million [4]. Group 2: Market Position and Strategy - The spin-off from former parent Thyssenkrupp was motivated by the need to compete more effectively in global submarine tenders, particularly in India and Canada [2]. - CEO Oliver Burkhard emphasized that the company is well-positioned as the only fully integrated maritime systems supplier in Europe to meet the growing demand for advanced maritime capabilities [2][3].

Investment Rating - The report indicates a positive outlook for European M&A activity, expecting continued momentum into 2026, with a strong case for consolidation across various sectors [3][4][6]. Core Insights - European M&A deal value increased by 12% in 2025, reaching approximately $820 billion, driven by a shift in investor asset allocation towards Europe [3]. - Corporate profitability in Europe has risen by 50% from pre-2008 levels, yet many companies remain sub-scale, indicating a strong need for acquisitions to build capabilities [5]. - A robust pipeline of announced but uncompleted deals, along with favorable capital availability and regulatory conditions, suggests sustained M&A activity in 2026 [6]. Summary by Relevant Sections 1. Banking Sector - European banking M&A has seen a doubling in deal volumes since 2020, driven by restored profitability and regulatory support for consolidation [13]. - Banks are expected to generate over $500 billion in excess capital above regulatory minima over the next three years, which will be increasingly deployed in M&A [15]. 2. Asset Management - The asset and wealth management sector is facing consolidation due to profit margin pressures, with predictions of a 20% reduction in the number of asset managers by 2030 [17]. - M&A activity is expected to intensify, with 100 to 200 transactions anticipated annually in Europe [19]. 3. Telecommunications - The European telecom market is maturing, necessitating M&A for value-accretive deals amid high investment needs for 5G and fiber [20]. - The average EU operator has about 5 million subscribers, compared to 107 million in the US, highlighting the need for consolidation [20]. 4. Defense Sector - Military spending in Europe is projected to grow at approximately 9% annually through 2030, leading to increased demand for production capabilities [23]. - M&A is shifting towards acquiring production capabilities, with a focus on modernizing technical advantages [25]. 5. Logistics - The logistics sector is prioritizing transformative M&A strategies to address e-commerce growth and traditional mail network contraction [28]. - Acquirers are focusing on contract logistics and technology capabilities as core to deal value capture [31]. 6. Pharmaceuticals - Pharma dealmaking is becoming essential as companies face patent expirations and pipeline gaps, with a focus on high-value assets [33]. - Transaction activity is expected to be dominated by selective, de-risked acquisitions and structured deals to manage valuation risks [36]. 7. Chemicals - The chemical industry is leveraging M&A to refocus portfolios on specialty segments and secure cash flow amid economic challenges [37]. - Larger transactions are aimed at building global platforms and enhancing sustainability efforts [39]. 8. Insurance - M&A activity in the insurance sector is driven by private equity consolidation, accounting for about 90% of transactions by volume [42]. - The report anticipates continued acquisitions of specialty underwriting franchises by strategic buyers [45]. 9. Private Equity - European corporates hold approximately €2.6 trillion in cash, creating opportunities for trade buyers of private equity-backed assets [48]. - In 2026, over 1,500 European PE-backed assets, representing $760 billion in enterprise value, could potentially come to market [49]. 10. Portfolio Rebalancing - Portfolio rebalancing is becoming a core theme in European M&A as companies respond to economic headwinds and high capital costs [56]. - One-third of European corporates deliver returns below their cost of capital, indicating a need for divestitures of non-core assets [56].

Thyssenkrupp is considering the sale of a roughly 30% stake in its Rothe Erde bearings business, people familiar with the matter said, in a deal that could value the asset at about €1.5 billion ($1.8 billion) https://t.co/OJfZwYDg7g ...

Core Viewpoint - Thyssenkrupp is in discussions to potentially sell its steel division to Jindal Steel International, with the process expected to occur in several steps as both parties work towards finalizing a deal for the complex business [1] Group 1 - Thyssenkrupp's steel division is being considered for sale, indicating a strategic shift in the company's operations [1] - Jindal Steel International is identified as a potential buyer, highlighting interest from Indian firms in European steel assets [1] - The negotiations are described as complex, suggesting that multiple factors are influencing the potential sale [1]

Core Viewpoint - Thyssenkrupp's steel unit is temporarily shutting down production of electrical steel in Europe due to the impact of cheap imports from Asia, which have affected its profitability [1] Group 1: Company Actions - Thyssenkrupp's steel unit will halt production of electrical steel, a crucial material for wind turbines and power grids [1] - The decision is a response to competitive pressures from low-cost imports, particularly from Asia [1] Group 2: Industry Implications - The shutdown of electrical steel production may have significant implications for the supply chain in the renewable energy sector, particularly affecting wind turbine manufacturing and power grid infrastructure [1] - The reliance on imports could lead to increased vulnerability in the European market for critical materials [1]

Core Insights - The earnings report signifies the conclusion of a difficult year for Thyssenkrupp, which is currently undergoing a restructuring initiative [1] Group 1 - Thyssenkrupp is in the midst of a restructuring push, indicating significant changes within the company [1]

Thyssenkrupp expects to swing to a loss in the current financial year, hit by persistent weakness in the automotive sector and hefty restructuring charges https://t.co/uXukmnBAqI ...

Core Viewpoint - Jindal Steel International considers government subsidies in Europe as a significant factor in its strategy for a potential acquisition of Thyssenkrupp's steel division [1] Group 1 - Jindal Steel International is actively pursuing a takeover of Thyssenkrupp's steel division, indicating a strategic move in the steel industry [1] - The head of Jindal Steel's European business emphasizes the importance of European government subsidies in shaping their acquisition strategy [1]

Core Viewpoint - Germany's most powerful union IG Metall stated that compulsory layoffs at Thyssenkrupp will remain a last resort, indicating a commitment to job security amid ongoing negotiations with management [1] Group 1 - IG Metall emphasized the importance of an agreement with management regarding layoffs, suggesting a collaborative approach to workforce management [1] - The union's stance reflects broader labor market trends in Germany, where job security is a significant concern for workers [1]