Dutch markets open higher but IMCD's 12.7% plunge overshadows gains
Dutch stock markets opened slightly higher on Tuesday, with the AEX index rising by 0.1 percent to 996.64 points. The MidKap index also saw a modest gain of 0.2 percent, reaching 1,020.80 points. However, not all companies performed well, as disappointing earnings reports weighed on some shares.
IMCD suffered the sharpest decline, with its stock plunging 12.7 percent to €77.60. The drop followed weaker-than-expected fourth-quarter results, including a full-year EBITA of €498 million—below the estimated €500.6 million. The company also reported a lower dividend payout compared to 2024, as net profit fell due to weaker demand, import tariff uncertainty, and geopolitical instability.
Elsewhere, ABN AMRO saw a 1.3 percent increase after receiving a buy rating from Citi. ArcelorMittal led the gains on the main index, climbing 2 percent. ASR also performed well, with shares rising 0.6 percent after announcing improved results and a new €190 million share buyback programme. CEO Jos Baeten expressed confidence in the company's outlook for 2025.
Unilever, however, slipped 0.6 percent following downgrades from Berenberg and DZ Bank.
The market's mixed performance reflected both positive analyst ratings and disappointing corporate results. While some companies like ASR and ABN AMRO saw gains, IMCD's sharp decline highlighted ongoing challenges in certain sectors. The overall trend suggested cautious optimism amid lingering economic uncertainties.
