1311 GMT - Publicis Groupe's shares would get a boost if the company decides to launch a stock buyback, but executives seem to prioritize mergers and acquisitions for now, Citi analysts say in a research note. Better-than-expected organic revenue growth and an outlook in line with forecasts weren't enough to support shares in the French advertising company on Tuesday, Citi says. "The bar for perceived AI losers is very high in the current environment as fear, not fundamentals, drives share price performance," the analysts say. "In our view, the market would have preferred management to use cash for a buyback rather than M&A." Shares fall 3.7%, having closed 9.2% lower on Tuesday. (adria.calatayud@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 04, 2026 08:12 ET (13:12 GMT)

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