Expedia Inc. surged 10.6% to $190.80 after the travel technology company reported a 13% increase in gross bookings during the fourth quarter ending in December.

Revenue increased 10% to $3.18 billion from $2.89 billion, net income climbed 124% to $299 million from $132 million, and earnings per diluted share jumped 139% to $2.20 from 92 cents a year ago.

The company proposed a first quarter dividend of 40 cents per share, payable on March 27 to holders of record on March 6.

Expedia expects 2025 gross bookings and revenue growth of 4% to 6%.

Travel demand has remained steady in Asia Pacific, aided by the lifting of some visa restrictions in the region, as well as in Europe.

 

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. gained 0.04% to $270.50 after the hotel operator reported fourth quarter and record full-year results.

Quarterly revenue increased to $642 million from $601 million, net income surged to $505 million from $150 million, and earnings per diluted share rose to $2.06 from 57 cents a year ago.

Hilton repurchased 3.1 million shares of its common stock during the fourth quarter, bringing the total capital return, including dividends, to $781 million for the quarter and $3.0 billion for the full year.

For the first quarter of 2025, the company expects a 2.5% to 3.5% growth in revenue per available room, compared to the same period last year.

Hilton also estimated net income of $373 million to $388 million and earnings per share between $1.52 and $1.58 in the first quarter.

For the year 2025, the company expects net unit growth of 6% to 7%.

The company projects a full-year capital return of approximately $3.3 billion.

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp dropped 1.9% to $82.01 after the IT consulting and outsourcing company reported lower-than-expected profit in the fourth quarter ending in December.

Revenue increased to $5.08 billion from $4.76 billion, net income declined to $546 million from $558 million, and earnings per diluted share fell to $1.10 from $1.11 a year ago.

Order bookings in the fourth quarter increased 11% from a year ago.

The company’s health sciences segment surged 10.4% to $1.54 billion, products and resources was up 11.3% to $1.29 billion, financial services jumped 2.8% to $1.43 billion, and communications, media, and technology was up 0.4% to $811 million.

Sales in North America jumped 3.1%, while U.K. sales were down 5.1%.

For the current quarter, the company estimated revenue growth of 6.5% to 8% in the range of $5.0 billion to $5.1 billion in constant currency.

Full-year 2025 revenue is expected to increase by 3.5% to 6% from $20.3 billion to $20.8 billion, and earnings per share are expected to be between $4.90 and $5.06.

Cognizant repurchased 1.8 million shares for $140 million during the fourth quarter, and as of December 31, there was $1.2 billion remaining under its share repurchase authorization.

The company proposed a quarterly cash dividend increase of 3% to 31 cents per share, payable on February 26 to shareholders of record on February 18.

Toyota Motors Corp. gained 4.1% to $195.35 after the passenger car manufacturer posted improved sales for the nine-month period from April to December 2024, driven by higher demand for its hybrid electric vehicles.

Revenue in the period increased to ¥35.67 trillion from ¥34.02 trillion, and net income jumped to ¥4.1 trillion from ¥3.95 trillion a year ago.

Sales in Japan and North America decreased, but in Europe and Asia, they increased.

For the fiscal year ending on March 31, Toyota estimated revenues of ¥47 trillion, compared to its previous forecast of ¥46 trillion.

Net income is seen at ¥4.52 trillion, compared to the company’s previous forecast of ¥3.57 trillion.

Toyota estimated vehicle sales in 2025 to decline to 10.85 million from 11.09 million units last year.

The company proposed to repurchase up to 530 million shares for a maximum of ¥1.2 trillion from May 9, 2024 until April 30, 2025.

Yum! Brands Inc. gained 2.3% to $134.25 after the fast food chain reported rising Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut sales in the fourth quarter ending in December, but earnings declined.

Revenue surged 16% to $2.36 billion from $2.04 billion, net income fell 9% to $423 million from $463 million, and earnings per diluted share dropped 8% to $1.49 from $1.62 a year ago.

Same-store sales worldwide rose 1% in the fourth quarter ending in December, led by Taco Bell sales with a 5% increase, while Pizza Hut same-store sales declined 1%, and KFC remained flat.

The company swung to an operating profit of $2 million in the Habit Burger & Grill division, compared to a loss of $10 million a year ago.

Yum! The brand's board approved a 6% increase in the quarterly cash dividend to 71 cents from 67 cents per share, payable on March 7 to shareholders of record on February 21.

Costco Wholesale Corp. gained 2.1% to $1,042.9 after the wholesale retailer reported strong January 2025 sales.

Net sales increased 9.2% to $19.51 billion from $17.87 billion a year ago.

Comparable sales in January jumped 7.5%, and e-commerce sales climbed 13.6% from a year earlier.

Excluding the changes in gasoline prices and foreign exchange, comparable sales increased 9.8%, and e-commerce sales jumped 15.2% year-over-year.

U.S. Movers: Amazon.com, Expedia, Hilton, Verisign

Amazon.com Inc. dropped 2.9% to $231.98 after the company posted fourth-quarter sales, and sales growth outlook disappointed some investors.

Net sales increased to $187.79 billion from $169.96 billion, net income surged to $20.0 billion from $10.6 billion, and earnings per diluted share rose to $1.86 from $1.00 a year ago.

For the first quarter of 2025, the company estimated net sales growth of 5% to 9% to a range of $151.0 billion to $155.5 billion.

Operating income is expected to be between $14.0 billion and $18.0 billion, compared to $15.3 billion in the first quarter last year.

Amazon said it plans to boost capital expenditures to $100 billion in 2025, compared to $83 billion last year, as it continues to make investments in artificial intelligence.

The company faces increased competition from rivals, including OpenAI and Google.

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. gained 0.04% to $270.50 after the hotel operator reported fourth quarter and record full-year results.

Quarterly revenue increased to $642 million from $601 million, net income surged to $505 million from $150 million, and earnings per diluted share rose to $2.06 from 57 cents a year ago.

Hilton repurchased 3.1 million shares of its common stock during the fourth quarter, bringing the total capital return, including dividends, to $781 million for the quarter and $3.0 billion for the full year.

For the first quarter of 2025, the company expects a 2.5% to 3.5% growth in revenue per available room, compared to the same period last year.

Hilton also estimated net income of $373 million to $388 million and earnings per share between $1.52 and $1.58 in the first quarter.

For the year 2025, the company expects net unit growth of 6% to 7%.

The company projects a full-year capital return of approximately $3.3 billion.

Expedia Inc. surged 10.6% to $190.80 after the travel technology company reported a 13% increase in gross bookings during the fourth quarter ending in December.

Revenue increased 10% to $3.18 billion from $2.89 billion, net income climbed 124% to $299 million from $132 million, and earnings per diluted share jumped 139% to $2.20 from 92 cents a year ago.

The company proposed a first quarter dividend of 40 cents per share, payable on March 27 to holders of record on March 6.

Expedia expects 2025 gross bookings and revenue growth of 4% to 6%.

Travel demand has remained steady in Asia Pacific, aided by the lifting of some visa restrictions in the region, as well as in Europe.

Verisign Inc. dropped 0.08% to $220 after the provider of internet infrastructure and domain name registry services reported a 3.9% sales growth in the fourth quarter, but profit declined.

Revenue jumped to $395.4 million from $380.4 million, net income declined to $191.5 million from $265.1 million, and earnings per diluted share fell to $2.0 from $2.60 a year ago.

Verisign ended the fourth quarter with 169.0 million .com and .net domain name registrations in the domain name base, a 2.1% decrease from a year ago.

In the fourth quarter, the company processed 9.5 million new domain name registrations for .com and .net, as compared to 9.0 million for the same period in 2023.

Verisign repurchased 6.6 million shares of its common stock for $1.21 billion during the full year of 2024.

As of December 31, there was $1.02 billion remaining for future share repurchases under the company’s program, which has no expiration date.

U.S. Movers: Amazon.com, Expedia, Hilton, Verisign

Amazon.com Inc. dropped 2.9% to $231.98 after the company posted fourth-quarter sales, and sales growth outlook disappointed some investors.

Net sales increased to $187.79 billion from $169.96 billion, net income surged to $20.0 billion from $10.6 billion, and earnings per diluted share rose to $1.86 from $1.00 a year ago.

For the first quarter of 2025, the company estimated net sales growth of 5% to 9% to a range of $151.0 billion to $155.5 billion.

Operating income is expected to be between $14.0 billion and $18.0 billion, compared to $15.3 billion in the first quarter last year.

Amazon said it plans to boost capital expenditures to $100 billion in 2025, compared to $83 billion last year, as it continues to make investments in artificial intelligence.

The company faces increased competition from rivals, including OpenAI and Google.

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. gained 0.04% to $270.50 after the hotel operator reported fourth quarter and record full-year results.

Quarterly revenue increased to $642 million from $601 million, net income surged to $505 million from $150 million, and earnings per diluted share rose to $2.06 from 57 cents a year ago.

Hilton repurchased 3.1 million shares of its common stock during the fourth quarter, bringing the total capital return, including dividends, to $781 million for the quarter and $3.0 billion for the full year.

For the first quarter of 2025, the company expects a 2.5% to 3.5% growth in revenue per available room, compared to the same period last year.

Hilton also estimated net income of $373 million to $388 million and earnings per share between $1.52 and $1.58 in the first quarter.

For the year 2025, the company expects net unit growth of 6% to 7%.

The company projects a full-year capital return of approximately $3.3 billion.

Expedia Inc. surged 10.6% to $190.80 after the travel technology company reported a 13% increase in gross bookings during the fourth quarter ending in December.

Revenue increased 10% to $3.18 billion from $2.89 billion, net income climbed 124% to $299 million from $132 million, and earnings per diluted share jumped 139% to $2.20 from 92 cents a year ago.

The company proposed a first quarter dividend of 40 cents per share, payable on March 27 to holders of record on March 6.

Expedia expects 2025 gross bookings and revenue growth of 4% to 6%.

Travel demand has remained steady in Asia Pacific, aided by the lifting of some visa restrictions in the region, as well as in Europe.

Verisign Inc. dropped 0.08% to $220 after the provider of internet infrastructure and domain name registry services reported a 3.9% sales growth in the fourth quarter, but profit declined.

Revenue jumped to $395.4 million from $380.4 million, net income declined to $191.5 million from $265.1 million, and earnings per diluted share fell to $2.0 from $2.60 a year ago.

Verisign ended the fourth quarter with 169.0 million .com and .net domain name registrations in the domain name base, a 2.1% decrease from a year ago.

In the fourth quarter, the company processed 9.5 million new domain name registrations for .com and .net, as compared to 9.0 million for the same period in 2023.

Verisign repurchased 6.6 million shares of its common stock for $1.21 billion during the full year of 2024.

As of December 31, there was $1.02 billion remaining for future share repurchases under the company’s program, which has no expiration date.

Wall Street Indexes Lacked Direction After Nonfarm Payrolls Report Supported Higher-for-Longer Rate Case

Wall Street indexes lacked direction in early trading as investors reviewed the nonfarm payrolls update. 

The S&P 500 index decreased 0.1%, and the Nasdaq Composite declined 0.2% after the payrolls growth slowed in January from the previous month. 

Nonfarm payrolls increase slowed to 143,000 in January from the upwardly revised 307,000 in December. 

The jobless rate edged down 4.0%, and wages inched up 0.5% from the previous month and increased the annual growth to 4.1%, according to the latest data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The U.S. economy added an average of 166,000 jobs a month, totaling 1.99 million in 2024, slower than the average monthly increase of 225,000, totaling 2.7 million in 2022.

Despite the slowdown in job growth, policymakers are likely to focus on the wage increase, which is far higher and inconsistent with the Fed's target rate of 2%.

The change in total nonfarm payroll employment for November was revised up by 49,000 to 261,000, and for December was revised up by 51,000 to 307,000.

With these revisions, employment in November and December combined is 100,000 higher than previously reported.

U.S. Stock Movers 

Amazon.com Inc decreased 3% to $231.77 after the e-commerce company reported better-than-expected revenue and earnings in the latest quarter. 

However, the company's first quarter revenue growth outlook between 5% and 9%, the weakest on record, overshadowed quarterly results.

Pinterest Inc. jumped 21% to $40.75, and the online community platform operator reported a sharp increase in net income in the fourth quarter after the user base jumped.

Hershey Company increased 1% to $154.0 after the chocolate confectionery maker reported better-than-expected adjusted earnings and revenue in the fourth quarter.

Wall Street Indexes Lacked Direction After Nonfarm Payrolls Report Supported Higher-for-Longer Rate Case

Wall Street indexes lacked direction in early trading as investors reviewed the nonfarm payrolls update. 

The S&P 500 index decreased 0.1%, and the Nasdaq Composite declined 0.2% after the payrolls growth slowed in January from the previous month. 

Nonfarm payrolls increase slowed to 143,000 in January from the upwardly revised 307,000 in December. 

The jobless rate edged down 4.0%, and wages inched up 0.5% from the previous month and increased the annual growth to 4.1%, according to the latest data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The U.S. economy added an average of 166,000 a month, totaling 1.99 million in 2024, slower than the average monthly increase of 225,000, totaling 2.7 million in 2022.

Despite the slowdown in job growth, policymakers are likely to focus on the wage increase, which is far higher than consistent with the Fed's target rate of 2%.

The change in total nonfarm payroll employment for November was revised up by 49,000 to 261,000, and for December was revised up by 51,000 to 307,000.

With these revisions, employment in November and December combined is 100,000 higher than previously reported.

U.S. Stock Movers 

Amazon.com Inc decreased 3% to $231.77 after the e-commerce company reported better-than-expected revenue and earnings in the latest quarter. 

However, the company's first quarter revenue growth outlook between 5% and 9%, the weakest on record, overshadowed quarterly results.

Pinterest Inc. jumped 21% to $40.75, and the online community platform operator reported a sharp increase in net income in the fourth quarter after the user base jumped.

Hershey Company increased 1% to $154.0 after the chocolate confectionery maker reported better-than-expected adjusted earnings and revenue in the fourth quarter.

Europe Movers: Ashmore, Danske Bank, Henkel, Iveco, Legal & General

European markets extended their weekly advance a day after the Bank of England lowered its key lending rate by 25 basis points as widely expected. 

Germany's international trade shrank in 2024 amid weak domestic demand and rising global competition. 

The DAX index increased by 0.08% to 21,919.94, the CAC-40 index declined 0.05% to 8,003.78, and the FTSE 100 index dropped by 0.14% to 8,714.65.

The yield on 10-year German bonds inched lower to 2.36%, French bonds decreased to 3.08%, the UK gilts moved down to 4.47%, and Italian bonds edged lower to 3.43%.

Europe Stock Movers

Iveco Group NV soared 17% to €13.56, and the Italian truck and bus maker said it is considering spinning off its defense business.

Henkel AG advanced 1.8% to €84.96 after the German consumer products company said it plans to sell its retailer brand business to an affiliate of First Quality Enterprises. 

L'Oreal SA decreased 4% to €337.90 after the French cosmetics company reported weaker-than-expected fourth quarter sales. 

Sanofi SA declined 0.4% to €103.68, and the French healthcare company announced a €2 billion stock buyback plan.

Danske Bank AS soared 7.3% to DKK 234.30 after the Danish bank reported strong fourth-quarter financial results.

Legal & General Group advanced 3.5% to 247.88 pence after the British life insurance company agreed to sell its U.S. insurance entity for $2.3 billion to Japan's Meiji Yasuda. 

The U.S. entity comprises protection and pension risk transfer businesses.

Ashmore Group plc decreased 0.4% to 168.10 pence after the emerging markets-focused asset manager reported a 33% decrease in half-year profit.

Recent Earnings Movers

Maersk A/S gained 6.3% to 11,560 krone after the Danish shipping and logistics company estimated a 4% growth for fiscal year 2025.

Revenue in 2024 increased 8.6% to $55.48 billion from $51.06 billion, profit surged to $6.23 billion from $3.82 billion, and earnings per diluted share rose to $387 from $227 a year ago.

Revenue in the fourth quarter jumped to $14.59 billion from $11.74 billion, profit climbed to $2.11 billion from a net loss of $456 million, and earnings per diluted share rose to $132 from a loss of $27 a year earlier.

Maersk bought back class A and class B shares worth DKK 2.8 billion in the quarter, and the company launched a new stock repurchase plan worth DKK 14.4 billion for a period of twelve months.

The first phase of the stock buyback worth DKK 7.2 billion will run between February 7 and August 6.

The company proposed a dividend of DKK 1.120 per share, payable on March 21.

The shipping company's financial disclosure formats are one of the most shareholder-unfriendly of 4,000 companies reviewed by ticker.com. 

Carlsberg A/S gained 1.7% to 854.00 krone after the Danish brewer reported a 1.9% increase in revenue for fiscal year 2024, despite a weakness in the China market.

Revenue increased to DKK 75.01 billion from DKK 73.58 billion, profit surged to DKK 10.26 billion from a net loss of DKK 39.78 billion, and earnings per share rose to DKK 68.7 compared to a loss of DKK 299.7 a year ago.

In January, the company acquired Britvic plc for £3.3 billion, doubling its soft drinks exposure.

Carlsberg entered into a bottling agreement with PepsiCo for Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan as of the first quarter of 2026, and the company gained full control of the businesses in India and Nepal.

The company sold its Russian business, Baltika Breweries, for 34 billion rubles.

For fiscal year 2025, Carlsberg estimated organic operating profit growth of 1% to 5%, reflecting uncertainty in both Europe and Asia and the loss of the San Miguel brand.

The company’s board proposed a dividend of DKK 27.0 per share, at the same 2023 rate, for a total of DKK 3.6 billion, which equals a payout ratio of 49%.

TotalEnergies traded up 0.6% to €58.98 after the French oil and gas company reported lower sales for its fourth quarter ending in December, impacted by weaker refining margins and lower crude prices.

Revenue declined to $52.51 billion from $59.24 billion, net income dropped to $4.02 billion from $5.04 billion, and earnings per diluted share fell to $1.70 from $2.09 a year ago.

For fiscal year 2025, the company estimated a 5% increase in energy production, based on hydrocarbon and electricity production growth.

TotalEnergies proposed a 7% increase in the 2024 dividend to €3.22 per share and confirmed $2 billion of share buybacks per quarter in 2025.

The company paid dividends of approximately $7.72 billion in 2024, compared to $7.52 billion a year ago.

AstraZeneca Plc. gained 0.4% to 11,838 pence after the British-Swedish pharmaceutical and biotechnology company posted higher-than-expected earnings for the fourth quarter ending in December.

Revenue increased to $14.89 billion from $12.02 billion, profit jumped to $1.5 billion from $959 million, and earnings per diluted share rose to 96 cents from 62 cents a year ago.

The company’s best-selling drugs are Tagrisso for lung cancer, Farxiga for chronic kidney disease, and Ultomiris for an atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome.

AstraZeneca will pay dividends on March 24 and September 8 to shareholders on record as of February 21 and August 8, respectively.

Société Générale surged 2.4% to €35.78 after the French banking group reported better-than-expected earnings for the fourth quarter.

Net income increased to €1.27 billion from €612 million a year ago.

For the full year 2024, earnings per share rose to €4.38 from €2.17 a year ago.

Looking ahead to fiscal 2025, the bank estimated a 3% increase in revenue to €26.8 billion.

The company’s board proposed a cash dividend of €1.09 per share, payable on May 28.

Société Générale will also distribute €2.18 per share, equivalent to €1.74 billion, of which €872 million would be in a share buyback.

ArcelorMittal gained 1.05% to €27.90 after the Luxembourg-based steel manufacturer said its net loss shrank in the fourth quarter ending in December.

Sales increased to $14.71 billion from $14.55 billion, net loss shrank to $390 million from a loss of $2.97 billion, and basic loss per share declined to 51 cents from a loss of $3.57 a year ago.

Looking to fiscal year 2025, the company expects higher demand, and with low inventory levels, especially in Europe, restocking activity is likely to supplement demand improvements.

Ashmore Group Plc. dropped 0.9% to 170 pence after the British investment management company posted weak results for the six months ended in December.

Adjusted net revenue declined 14% to £79.9 million from £93.4 million, profit before taxes slumped 33% to £49.9 million from £74.5 million, and earnings per diluted share fell 37% to 5.4 pence from 8.5 pence, compared to the first half of 2024.

The company left its dividend unchanged at 4.8 pence per share.

Europe Movers: Ashmore, Danske Bank, Henkel, Iveco, Legal & General

European markets extended their weekly advance a day after the Bank of England lowered its key lending rate by 25 basis points as widely expected. 

Germany's international trade shrank in 2024 amid weak domestic demand and rising global competition. 

The DAX index increased by 0.08% to 21,919.94, the CAC-40 index declined 0.05% to 8,003.78, and the FTSE 100 index dropped by 0.14% to 8,714.65.

The yield on 10-year German bonds inched lower to 2.36%, French bonds decreased to 3.08%, the UK gilts moved down to 4.47%, and Italian bonds edged lower to 3.43%.

Europe Stock Movers

Iveco Group NV soared 17% to €13.56, and the Italian truck and bus maker said it is considering spinning off its defense business.

Henkel AG advanced 1.8% to €84.96 after the German consumer products company said it plans to sell its retailer brand business to an affiliate of First Quality Enterprises. 

L'Oreal SA decreased 4% to €337.90 after the French cosmetics company reported weaker-than-expected fourth quarter sales. 

Sanofi SA declined 0.4% to €103.68, and the French healthcare company announced a €2 billion stock buyback plan.

Danske Bank AS soared 7.3% to DKK 234.30 after the Danish bank reported strong fourth-quarter financial results.

Legal & General Group advanced 3.5% to 247.88 pence after the British life insurance company agreed to sell its U.S. insurance entity for $2.3 billion to Japan's Meiji Yasuda. 

The U.S. entity comprises protection and pension risk transfer businesses.

Ashmore Group plc decreased 0.4% to 168.10 pence after the emerging markets-focused asset manager reported a 33% decrease in half-year profit.

Recent Earnings Movers

Maersk A/S gained 6.3% to 11,560 krone after the Danish shipping and logistics company estimated a 4% growth for fiscal year 2025.

Revenue in 2024 increased 8.6% to $55.48 billion from $51.06 billion, profit surged to $6.23 billion from $3.82 billion, and earnings per diluted share rose to $387 from $227 a year ago.

Revenue in the fourth quarter jumped to $14.59 billion from $11.74 billion, profit climbed to $2.11 billion from a net loss of $456 million, and earnings per diluted share rose to $132 from a loss of $27 a year earlier.

Maersk bought back class A and class B shares worth DKK 2.8 billion in the quarter, and the company launched a new stock repurchase plan worth DKK 14.4 billion for a period of twelve months.

The first phase of the stock buyback worth DKK 7.2 billion will run between February 7 and August 6.

The company proposed a dividend of DKK 1.120 per share, payable on March 21.

The shipping company's financial disclosure formats are one of the most shareholder-unfriendly of 4,000 companies reviewed by ticker.com. 

Carlsberg A/S gained 1.7% to 854.00 krone after the Danish brewer reported a 1.9% increase in revenue for fiscal year 2024, despite a weakness in the China market.

Revenue increased to DKK 75.01 billion from DKK 73.58 billion, profit surged to DKK 10.26 billion from a net loss of DKK 39.78, and earnings per share rose to DKK 68.7 compared to a loss of DKK 299.7 a year ago.

In January, the company acquired Britvic plc for £3.3 billion, doubling its soft drinks exposure.

Carlsberg entered into a bottling agreement with PepsiCo for Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan as of the first quarter of 2026, and the company gained full control of the businesses in India and Nepal.

The company sold its Russian business, Baltika Breweries, for 34 billion rubles.

For fiscal year 2025, Carlsberg estimated organic operating profit growth of 1% to 5%, reflecting uncertainty in both Europe and Asia and the loss of the San Miguel brand.

The company’s board proposed a dividend of DKK 27.0 per share, at the same 2023 rate, for a total of DKK 3.6 billion, which equals a payout ratio of 49%.

TotalEnergies traded up 0.6% to €58.98 after the French oil and gas company reported lower sales for its fourth quarter ending in December, impacted by weaker refining margins and lower crude prices.

Revenue declined to $52.51 billion from $59.24 billion, net income dropped to $4.02 billion from $5.04 billion, and earnings per diluted share fell to $1.70 from $2.09 a year ago.

For fiscal year 2025, the company estimated a 5% increase in energy production, based on hydrocarbon and electricity production growth.

TotalEnergies proposed a 7% increase in the 2024 dividend to €3.22 per share and confirmed $2 billion of share buybacks per quarter in 2025.

The company paid dividends of approximately $7.72 billion in 2024, compared to $7.52 billion a year ago.

AstraZeneca Plc. gained 0.4% to 11,838 pence after the British-Swedish pharmaceutical and biotechnology company posted higher-than-expected earnings for the fourth quarter ending in December.

Revenue increased to $14.89 billion from $12.02 billion, profit jumped to $1.5 billion from $959 million, and earnings per diluted share rose to 96 cents from 62 cents a year ago.

The company’s best-selling drugs are Tagrisso for lung cancer, Farxiga for chronic kidney disease, and Ultomiris for an atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome.

AstraZeneca will pay dividends on March 24 and September 8 to shareholders on record as of February 21 and August 8, respectively.

Société Générale surged 2.4% to €35.78 after the French banking group reported better-than-expected earnings for the fourth quarter.

Net income increased to €1.27 billion from €612 million a year ago.

For the full year 2024, earnings per share rose to €4.38 from €2.17 a year ago.

Looking ahead to fiscal 2025, the bank estimated a 3% increase in revenue to €26.8 billion.

The company’s board proposed a cash dividend of €1.09 per share, payable on May 28.

Société Générale will also distribute €2.18 per share, equivalent to €1.74 billion, of which €872 million would be in a share buyback.

ArcelorMittal gained 1.05% to €27.90 after the Luxembourg-based steel manufacturer said its net loss shrank in the fourth quarter ending in December.

Sales increased to $14.71 billion from $14.55 billion, net loss shrank to $390 million from a loss of $2.97 billion, and basic loss per share declined to 51 cents from a loss of $3.57 a year ago.

Looking to fiscal year 2025, the company expects higher demand, and with low inventory levels, especially in Europe, restocking activity is likely to supplement demand improvements.

Ashmore Group Plc. dropped 0.9% to 170 pence after the British investment management company posted weak results for the six months ended in December.

Adjusted net revenue declined 14% to £79.9 million from £93.4 million, profit before taxes slumped 33% to £49.9 million from £74.5 million, and earnings per diluted share fell 37% to £5.4 from £8.5, compared to the first half of 2024.

The company left its dividend unchanged at 4.8 pence per share.

European Markets Extend Weekly Advances, German Exports and Imports Drop In 2024

European markets meandered after trading near record highs in the previous session, and investors kept their focus on corporate results. 

Benchmark indexes in Paris, Frankfurt, Milan, and London flatlined a day after the Bank of England lowered its key lending rate. 

The Bank of England trimmed its bank rate by 25 basis points to 4.5%, and policymakers struggled to balance concerns to promote economic growth and stubborn services inflation.

Germany's industrial output declined monthly 2.4% in December, rebounding from a downwardly revised decline of 1.3% in the previous month. 

On an annual basis, industrial production contracted 3.1%, accelerating from the 2.8% fall in the previous month, according to the monthly update released by Destatis.

In 2024, Germany's goods exports decreased 1% to €1.6 trillion, and imports fell 2.8% to €1.3 trillion, resulting in a goods trade surplus of €241.2 billion.

After a week of trading, the DAX index increased 2.6%, the CAC-40 advanced 2.4%, and the FTSE 100 index edged up 0.3%.

Europe Indexes and Yields

The DAX index increased by 0.08% to 21,919.94, the CAC-40 index declined 0.05% to 8,003.78, and the FTSE 100 index dropped by 0.14% to 8,714.65. 

The yield on 10-year German bonds inched lower to 2.36%, French bonds decreased to 3.08%, the UK gilts moved down to 4.47%, and Italian bonds edged lower to 3.43%.

The euro increased to $1.04; the British pound was higher at $1.24; and the U.S. dollar was higher and traded at 90.62 Swiss cents.

Brent crude increased $0.65 to $74.94 a barrel, and the Dutch TTF natural gas was higher by €0.17 to €49.91 per MWh.

Europe Stock Movers

Iveco Group NV soared 17% to €13.56, and the Italian truck and bus maker said it is considering spinning off its defense business.

Henkel AG advanced 1.8% to €84.96 after the German consumer products company said it plans to sell its retailer brand business to an affiliate of First Quality Enterprises. 

L'Oreal SA decreased 4% to €337.90 after the French cosmetics company reported weaker-than-expected fourth quarter sales. 

Sanofi SA declined 0.4% to €103.68, and the French healthcare company announced a €2 billion stock buyback plan.

Danske Bank AS soared 7.3% to DKK 234.30 after the Danish bank reported strong fourth-quarter financial results.

Legal & General Group advanced 3.5% to 247.88 pence after the British life insurance company agreed to sell its U.S. insurance entity for $2.3 billion to Japan's Meiji Yasuda. 

The U.S. entity comprises protection and pension risk transfer businesses.

Ashmore Group plc decreased 0.4% to 168.10 pence after the emerging markets-focused asset manager reported a 33% decrease in half-year profit.

European Markets Extend Weekly Advances, German Exports and Imports Drop In 2024

European markets meandered after trading near record highs in the previous session, and investors kept their focus on corporate results. 

Benchmark indexes in Paris, Frankfurt, Milan, and London flatlined a day after the Bank of England lowered its key lending rate. 

The Bank of England trimmed its bank rate by 25 basis points to 4.5%, and policymakers struggled to balance concerns to promote economic growth and stubborn services inflation.

Germany's industrial output declined monthly 2.4% in December, rebounding from a downwardly revised decline of 1.3% in the previous month. 

On an annual basis, industrial production contracted 3.1%, accelerating from the 2.8% fall in the previous month, according to the monthly update released by Destatis.

In 2024, Germany's goods exports decreased 1% to €1.6 trillion, and imports fell 2.8% to €1.3 trillion, resulting in a goods trade surplus of €241.2 billion.

After a week of trading, the DAX index increased 2.6%, the CAC-40 advanced 2.4%, and the FTSE 100 index edged up 0.3%.

Europe Indexes and Yields

The DAX index increased by 0.08% to 21,919.94, the CAC-40 index declined 0.05% to 8,003.78, and the FTSE 100 index dropped by 0.14% to 8,714.65. 

The yield on 10-year German bonds inched lower to 2.36%, French bonds decreased to 3.08%, the UK gilts moved down to 4.47%, and Italian bonds edged lower to 3.43%.

The euro increased to $1.04; the British pound was higher at $1.24; and the U.S. dollar was higher and traded at 90.62 Swiss cents.

Brent crude increased $0.65 to $74.94 a barrel, and the Dutch TTF natural gas was higher by €0.17 to €49.91 per MWh.

Europe Stock Movers

Iveco Group NV soared 17% to €13.56, and the Italian truck and bus maker said it is considering spinning off its defense business.

Henkel AG advanced 1.8% to €84.96 after the German consumer products company said it plans to sell its retailer brand business to an affiliate of First Quality Enterprises. 

L'Oreal SA decreased 4% to €337.90 after the French cosmetics company reported weaker-than-expected fourth quarter sales. 

Sanofi SA declined 0.4% to €103.68, and the French healthcare company announced a €2 billion stock buyback plan.

Danske Bank AS soared 7.3% to DKK 234.30 after the Danish bank reported strong fourth-quarter financial results.

Legal & General Group advanced 3.5% to 247.88 pence after the British life insurance company agreed to sell its U.S. insurance entity for $2.3 billion to Japan's Meiji Yasuda. 

The U.S. entity comprises protection and pension risk transfer businesses.

Ashmore Group plc decreased 0.4% to 168.10 pence after the emerging markets-focused asset manager reported a 33% decrease in half-year profit.

Nikkei 225 Halted 3-Day Rally, Household Spending Expanded In December but Fell In 2024

Stock market indexes in Tokyo trimmed weekly gains amid fears of a rate hike at the next policy meeting after household spending rose in December. 

The Nikkei 225 stock average and the TOPIX decreased 0.4% in Friday's trading, and they advanced about 0.5% in the week. 

Japan's household spending rose at a faster pace in December, increasing for the third month in a row amid rising food prices. 

Household spending in December advanced an annual 2.7% in December, the first increase in five months, driven by higher spending for vehicles boosted by winter bonuses.

Despite the jump in household spending in December, the average monthly spending in 2024 declined 1.1% after adjusting for inflation to 300,243 yen, or about $1,967.

The monthly survey of spending by households of two or more is released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. 

Food spending, which accounts for the bulk of spending, declined 0.4%, the fifth annual fall in a row. Poor weather drove prices of rice to a record high.

Food expenses soared to 28.3% of total household spending and surged to the highest since record keeping began in 2000.

Spending for transportation and communications fell 4.1%, utilities declined 6.8%, but housing cost increases slowed to 15.8% from 18.7% in the previous month.

The latest household spending data supported the Bank of Japan's case for a virtuous cycle of rising prices and wages to support additional rate increases, and the yen strengthened to 151.78 against the U.S. dollar. 

Japan Indexes and Stock Movers 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average declined 0.7% to 38,787.02, and the broader TOPIX fell 0.5% to 2,737.23.

Tokyo Electron Ltd. dropped 4.1% to ¥25,500.0 after the advanced semiconductor equipment company confirmed its expansion plans despite worries about intensifying competition and durability of industry growth. 

Konica Minolta declined 8% to ¥561.0, and the electronic goods maker said revenue increased but profit dropped in the nine-month period ending in December.

The medical imaging company said revenue increased 3.5% to 831.8 billion, net loss expanded to 13.2 billion yen from 4.4 billion yen, and diluted loss per share increased to 27.09 yen from 8.37 yen a year ago.

The company reiterated its full-year revenue increase estimate of 2.4% to 1.1 trillion yen and zero profit and earnings per share.