Palantir a high-risk investment with ’a one-of-a-kind growth and margin model’
Investing.com -- As the European first-quarter earnings season begins, Jefferies analysts identified four companies that could deliver positive surprises—Coca-Cola Hellenic, Compass, Novonesis, and Schindler—while flagging four that may disappoint: Dassault, Nestlé, Philips, and SKF.
Jefferies expects Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) Hellenic to report a "resilient start to the year" despite external volatility. The firm adds that the company is trading at a “meaningful discount to peers,” and analysts see upside risks from a favorable macro environment and strong execution.
Compass could also impress investors, with Jefferies forecasting "strong organic growth, margin expansion and positive order momentum." The firm sees upside to first-half revenue and EBIT expectations, with a reiteration of guidance likely to be well received.
For Novonesis, Jefferies predicts organic growth of 12%, ahead of consensus, driven by strong performance in Household Care. Analysts believe that "with its Q1/1H 2025 likely ahead of FY guidance, there remains upside risk throughout the year."
Despite weak China revenues, Schindler is expected to deliver "resilient earnings," helped by margin expansion from cost savings. Jefferies’ FY estimates are slightly ahead of consensus.
Jefferies sees Dassault Systèmes at risk of a valuation de-rating, expecting one of the lowest growth rates in its sector. "In spite of trading on one of the highest valuations, guidance suggests DSY will report amongst the lowest growth in the sector," analysts noted.
For Nestlé, a "weary start" to the year in the U.S. could weigh on earnings. Jefferies warned that recent outperformance could "unwind" as concerns grow about medium-term margin ambitions.
Philips is facing a "slow start to 2025," with analysts seeing a drop in sales and margin pressure. Jefferies believes the company’s heavily back-end-loaded full-year forecast remains a risk.
Lastly, SKF may struggle with higher steel prices and weak demand in the U.S. and China. Jefferies expects Q1 earnings and full-year forecasts to fall short of consensus, citing headwinds from foreign exchange and cost absorption challenges.