European markets climbed to new record levels on Thursday, buoyed by a strong wave of corporate results from major names including Legrand, Hermes and Siemens.
Investors largely brushed aside weaker-than-expected U.K. growth data. Britain’s economy expanded by 0.1% quarter-on-quarter in the fourth quarter, matching the previous period but falling short of forecasts for 0.2% growth, as business investment declined and the services sector showed little momentum.
On an annual basis, GDP rose 1.0%, below economists’ expectations of 1.2%.
In market action, the U.K.’s FTSE 100 hovered around flat territory, while France’s CAC 40 advanced 1.0% and Germany’s DAX gained 1.4%.
Among individual stocks, Legrand (EU:LR) rallied after the French electrical and digital infrastructure specialist increased its dividend and unveiled a 2026 revenue growth target of 10–15% at constant exchange rates.
Luxury house Hermes International (EU:RMS) also posted solid gains following another quarter of consistent revenue expansion.
Schroders (LSE:SDR) surged after agreeing to a £9.9 billion acquisition by U.S.-based asset manager Nuveen, a move that significantly boosted its share price.
Siemens (TG:SIE) jumped as well, with the German engineering group lifting its fiscal 2026 adjusted earnings outlook and reaffirming its revenue growth expectations after delivering first-quarter results ahead of forecasts.
EssilorLuxottica (EU:EL) climbed sharply after reporting an 18% increase in fourth-quarter sales, supported by strong demand for AI-enabled eyewear.
Ipsen (EU:IPN) advanced following robust 2025 results and an upbeat forecast for 2026 performance.
In London, British American Tobacco (LSE:BATS) edged higher after posting a 2.3% rise in annual profit and announcing plans for a £1.3 billion share buyback in 2026.
On the downside, Unilever (LSE:ULVR) slipped despite reporting 3.5% underlying sales growth in 2025, while Swisscom (TG:SWJ) declined after posting lower full-year net income for 2025.
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