1044 GMT - Allianz's 2 billion euro share buyback is a positive surprise and exceeded consensus forecasts, but the company's guidance leaves little room for growth, Jefferies analyst Philip Kett says. The German insurer guided for operating profit of 15 billion euros to 17 billion euros in 2025, compared to consensus at just slightly above 17 billion euros, Kett says in a note. Jefferies adds that though it doesn't expect consensus expectations to decline, it struggles to see incremental gains to earnings per share when consensus estimates are already slightly ahead of the top end of the guided range. Allianz shares trade 0.93% lower to 330.20 euros. (pierre.bertrand@wsj.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
February 28, 2025 05:45 ET (10:45 GMT)
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