Sep 17, 2026 · 6 min
European stocks split between stronger demand and weaker forecasts
Next Sales Soar, Sodexo Up, Bilfinger Plunges
The episode connects sharp company-specific market moves with the longer-term challenge of planning cities for urban growth and technological change.
- 1Next raised its profit outlook as online and international demand strengthened.
- 2Sodexo gained after JPMorgan upgraded the stock and pointed to data-center opportunities.
- 3Bilfinger plunged after cutting its full-year sales forecast, while Dubai illustrates long-term smart-city planning.
Don't miss
Bilfinger’s record share-price decline after it cut its full-year sales forecast provides the episode’s clearest market shock.
The brief
The episode opens on a question larger than any single stock: how can cities absorb rapid population growth while building smarter infrastructure for the future?
Next raised its profit outlook on strong online and international demand, while Sodexo rallied after a bullish JPMorgan upgrade and discussion of data-center opportunities.
Bilfinger delivered the sharpest warning, plunging after cutting its full-year sales forecast and recording a record share-price decline.
The focus then shifts from markets to urban development, with AI presented as an accelerator for smart-city systems and Dubai as an example of long-term planning.
Taken together, the report contrasts near-term corporate guidance with the slower strategic work required to prepare cities for demographic and technological change.
What was said on this episode
6 statements · 4 positive · 1 negative · 1 mixed
Next benefited from strong online sales over the summer.
“it actually really benefited from very strong online sales over the summer.”
Listen at 0:59
Next’s overseas business is growing fastest.
“the fastest growth is actually coming from overseas.”
Listen at 1:07
Next’s international investments appear to have paid off.
“all of that seems to have kind of paid off.”
Listen at 1:20
Data-center campuses will significantly boost Sodexo and catering companies.
“that is going to be a significant boost for the likes of Sodexo and this catering sector.”
Listen at 3:16
Bilfinger suffered its largest recorded share-price drop, reaching 26%.
“it saw the biggest drop on record. We saw the shares down as much as 26%.”
Listen at 3:28
Bilfinger’s announced savings program might help.
“the savings program that the company has announced might help.”
Listen at 4:17
Statements are attributed to the speaker as said on the episode and reflect their view at the time, not PodLume's. They are not advice.
Featuring
Bilfinger
Bloomberg L.P.Listen to the full episode and explore every guest, topic, and moment on PodLume.