Author: WSJ

ArcelorMittal posted slightly better-than-expected underlying earnings for the fourth quarter despite a negative impact from the disposal of its Kazakh operations, and said it sees improving steel demand conditions in 2024.

Siemens confirmed its outlook for 2024 after it reported an increase in profit for the first quarter, reflecting earnings growth across most of its businesses.

Publicis said it expected organic revenue growth of 4%-5%, slowing from the previous year, but ahead of consensus estimates of 3.7%.

AstraZeneca reported core earnings for the fourth quarter just short of consensus, but said it expected double-digit percentage growth in 2024.

Revenue in North Asia slumped 5.8% to EUR10.66 billion due to market softness in mainland China, the company said.

Gucci owner Kering warned that recurring operating income in 2024 would fall short of last year’s figure, particularly in the first half, with investments and a normalization of sales growth across the sector seen weighing on its profits.

The new report says five firms invested billions of dollars in Chinese companies developing technology allegedly used in human-rights abuses and by the country’s military.

Maersk suspended its share buyback program as it moved to preserve cash, with uncertainty surrounding disruption in the Red Sea and as industry overcapacity continued to drag on freight rates.

Unilever posted a better-than-expected operating profit for 2023, with underlying sales growth of 7%, and launched a buyback to start in the second quarter.

Musk, the billionaire owner of X, is soliciting people who want to sue Disney for discrimination. He says he is willing to help pay for their cases.