The European inventory market this 12 months delivered some exceptional tales of transformation, innovation and resilience.
Main the cost had been firms that capitalised on sector-specific traits such because the inexperienced vitality transition, defence spending, and a resurgence in journey and know-how.
Here is how the 12 months’s prime performers inside European large-cap firms achieved their stellar outcomes.
10. SAP SE
SAP SE, the German enterprise software program chief, posted a 71.56% year-to-date acquire by means of Christmas 2024, pushed by robust progress in its cloud enterprise.
Cloud income rose by over 30% year-on-year, with strong demand for its S/4HANA Cloud platform.
SAP’s integration of generative AI into its software program choices and strategic acquisitions of area of interest AI startups additional cemented its place as a frontrunner in enterprise software program innovation.
9. Leonardo S.p.A.
Leonardo S.p.A., the Italian aerospace and defence large, achieved a 72.41% return to this point in 2024. Elevated defence budgets throughout Europe drove demand for Leonardo’s army applied sciences, together with file orders for helicopters. The corporate’s cybersecurity division additionally noticed vital progress, reflecting heightened world issues over digital threats.
8. argenx SE
Belgian biotech agency argenx SE delivered a powerful 76.01% year-to-date return, due to the continued success of Vyvgart, a blockbuster remedy for autoimmune ailments.
Strong gross sales within the US, Europe, and Japan drove income progress, whereas constructive scientific trial outcomes for its pipeline medication strengthened optimism concerning the firm’s future prospects.
7. NatWest Group
NatWest Group, one of many UK’s largest banks, has gained 82.22% year-to-date. Rising rates of interest within the UK and Europe considerably improved the financial institution’s web curiosity margins, whereas cost-cutting initiatives and powerful progress in mortgage lending and private banking deposits bolstered its monetary efficiency.
6. Rolls-Royce Holdings
Rolls-Royce Holdings continued its spectacular run with a 92.06% year-to-date acquire. The aerospace large benefitted from the rebound in worldwide journey, which boosted demand for wide-body plane engines. Rolls-Royce additionally streamlined its operations by exiting non-core initiatives, reminiscent of its electrical flying taxi enterprise, and reinstated dividends to sign its monetary well being to buyers.
5. Worldwide Consolidated Airways Group
Worldwide Consolidated Airways Group (IAG), the dad or mum of British Airways and Iberia, noticed its inventory rise by 94.52% to this point this 12 months, as world passenger journey surged again to pre-pandemic ranges.
The corporate leveraged robust demand for transatlantic and European routes, mixed with its rollout of fuel-efficient plane, to enhance revenue margins.
Moreover, IAG strategically expanded its market presence by buying further airport slots in high-demand cities like London and New York.
4. Rheinmetall AG
Rheinmetall AG, a German defence firm, posted a 115.89% acquire this 12 months, benefitting from a pointy improve in European defence budgets amid ongoing geopolitical conflicts. The corporate secured multi-year NATO contracts and expanded its ammunition manufacturing capabilities, positioning itself as a key provider for Europe’s rising safety wants.
3. UCB SA
UCB SA, a Belgian biopharmaceutical firm, achieved a 140.05% year-to-date improve, propelled by groundbreaking developments in its drug pipeline. The US FDA’s approval of its neurological remedy was a major milestone, complemented by robust gross sales of recent immunology therapies launched within the US and EU. Investor sentiment was additional buoyed by promising late-stage trial outcomes for a number of pipeline medication.
2. Kongsberg Gruppen ASA
Kongsberg Gruppen ASA, a frontrunner in defence and maritime methods, has delivered a exceptional 177.40% return year-to-date.
The corporate capitalised on surging demand for its missile methods and defence applied sciences, pushed by geopolitical tensions in Jap Europe.
Its enlargement into autonomous maritime methods additional cemented its place as a frontrunner in progressive applied sciences, leading to record-breaking revenues.
1. Siemens Vitality AG
Siemens Vitality AG is the undisputed prime performer of 2024, with a staggering year-to-date return of 326.00% by Christmas.
After resolving vital wind turbine high quality points that had plagued its efficiency in 2023, the corporate restored investor confidence by profitable file contracts for renewable vitality and hydrogen initiatives.
Siemens Vitality additionally navigated issues over insolvency earlier within the 12 months, securing government-backed ensures to stabilise its monetary place.
Classes from 2023: Can winners repeat?
Historical past means that sustaining stellar efficiency over consecutive years is a uncommon feat.
Amongst 2023’s top-performing shares, solely Rolls-Royce Holdings and Leonardo S.p.A. managed to keep up their positions in 2024’s prime 10.
Rolls-Royce gained 92.06% year-to-date, constructing on a 221.57% surge in 2023, pushed by aerospace restoration and streamlined operations. Equally, Leonardo rose 72.41%, following its 87.64% acquire in 2023, supported by elevated defence spending and cybersecurity demand.
Nevertheless, 2025 brings a number of challenges that might reshape market dynamics. The second Donald Trump presidency raises the chance of US commerce tariffs on European items, including stress to an already struggling automotive sector. German and French elections, European Central Financial institution charge cuts, and Russia’s conflict in opposition to Ukraine getting into its third 12 months will additional form market responses.
On this complicated surroundings, adaptability can be essential. Rising alternatives in inexperienced vitality, AI, and defence know-how are prone to drive the subsequent wave of winners.
Firms that may navigate geopolitical dangers and capitalise on evolving traits can be finest positioned to thrive.
For buyers, diversification and a concentrate on long-term resilience stay important.