1011 GMT - Publicis Groupe's lack of mention to 2026 buybacks might disappoint some investors and its merger-and-acquisition plans will require explanation, UBS's Jo Barnet-Lamb and Ashna Gautam say in a research note. The French advertising company expects to invest 900 million euros in acquisitions in 2026, which compares with 670 million euros last year, UBS says. Its fourth-quarter performance exceeded expectations, and guidance for 2026 looks solid, but this was broadly anticipated, UBS says. Publicis is unsurprisingly conservative on its outlook at this stage of the year, the analysts say. Shares fall 7.3% to 80.10 euros. (adria.calatayud@wsj.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
February 03, 2026 05:12 ET (10:12 GMT)
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