Additional European Equity News

Airline Names - France is pressing ahead with plans for higher taxes on airline tickets and operators of highways and airports to raise USD 110mln for railways. (Les Echos/Forbes) This follows reports earlier in the week. 

AstraZeneca (AZN LN) - Forxiga approved in China to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalisation in adult patients with symptomatic chronic heart failure. (AstraZeneca)

Equinor (EQNR NO) - Makes oil and gas discovery near the Fram Field in the North Sea. Preliminary estimates place the size of the discovery between 1.5-1.5mln SM3 of recoverable of oil equivalent, via NPD. (Newswires) 

Hikma (HIK LN) - Exclusive licensing agreement with SK Biopharmaceuticals for Middle East and North America, according to Reuters citing sources. (Reuters)

Kingspan (KGP LN) - H1 (EUR): Net 324mln (prev. 320mln YY), Trading Profit 436mln (prev. 434mln YY), Revenue 4.08bln (prev. 4.15bln YY). (Newswires)

Supermarket Names - Food stores sales volumes fell by 2.6% in July 2023, with supermarkets reporting that the wet weather reduced clothing sales, although food sales also fell back; retailers indicated that the increased cost of living and food prices continued to affect sales volumes. (ONS)

Severn Trent (SVT LN) - UK CMA clears Severn Trent/Andigestion deal. (Newswires)

Valeo (FR FP) - Sells propulsion systems business in Russia to NPK Avtopribor, no terms disclosed. (Newswires) 

Adyen (ADYEN NA) downgraded to Sell from Neutral at Bryan, Garnier & Co. 

BAE Systems (BA/ LN) upgraded to Buy from Hold at Kepler Cheuvreux

Kojamo (KOJAMO NO) upgraded to Buy from Hold at SEB

18 Aug 2023 - 07:29- EquitiesEconomic Commentary- Source: Newsquawk