In this article, we will look at the 10 Best European Stocks That Beat Earnings Estimates to Buy.
European stocks that beat earnings estimates are getting more attention as investors look outside the U.S. for companies that can still surprise on the upside. J.P. Morgan Asset Management points to “European equities: Earnings improvement,” noting that “Europe’s 2026 EPS estimate is now being revised up” and that “European valuations remain attractive relative to US equities.” Europe does not need to look like the fastest-growing market in the world to become interesting. It just needs improving expectations, reasonable valuations, and companies that can clear a still-muted bar.
That is where earnings surprises become important. AllianceBernstein says “companies outside of the US continued to enjoy positive payoffs for exceeding earnings forecasts,” which makes the beat-and-revision angle especially relevant for a European stock list. The point is not just that a company grew its earnings. It is that the market underestimated how much it could earn, and that gap can force analysts and investors to rethink the stock.
Against this backdrop, European companies that beat estimates deserve a closer look, especially when the surprise is supported by better margins, stronger demand, or room for further earnings revisions. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the 10 Best European Stocks That Beat Earnings Estimates to Buy.
Our Methodology
We used the Finviz screener to identify European stocks that beat earnings estimates. We then limited our final selection to companies that have recently reported noteworthy developments likely to impact investor sentiment. These stocks are also popular among analysts and elite hedge funds.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 498.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 303 percentage points (see more details here).
10. AerCap Holdings N.V. (NYSE:AER)
On April 30, 2026, TD Cowen analyst Moshe Orenbuch raised the price target on AerCap Holdings N.V. (NYSE:AER) to $175 from $170 and maintained a Buy rating, citing a broad-based Q1 beat driven by higher gains on sale. The firm also noted that 2026 EPS guidance was raised to $14.50.
Susquehanna analyst Christopher Stathoulopoulos lifted the price target to $170 from $165 with a Positive rating, saying a higher-for-longer fuel environment could pressure airline margins but pointing to AerCap’s portfolio management, aircraft supply constraints, and SLB opportunities as supportive of future lease revenue, with secondary market volatility continuing to support gains on sale.
Truist also raised its price target to $161 from $159 and kept a Buy rating following the earnings beat, noting strong sales gains reflect supply-demand imbalance and highlight the resilience of aircraft leasing despite pressures such as higher oil prices.
AerCap Holdings N.V. reported Q1 adjusted EPS of $5.39 versus $3.71 consensus and book value per share of $116.67 as of March 31, up about 20% year over year. CEO Aengus Kelly said the company delivered a “record quarter,” with strong demand for aviation assets, 286 transactions completed, and an 87% lease extension rate, while raising 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to $14.50 and announcing a $1.0B share repurchase program.
AerCap Holdings N.V. leases, finances, and manages commercial aircraft globally.
9. UBS Group AG (NYSE:UBS)
On April 29, 2026, UBS Group AG (NYSE:UBS) reported Q1 EPS of 94c compared to 51c last year, with revenue of $14.2B versus $12.6B and net profit of $3.04B compared to $1.7B. The company reported a CET1 capital ratio of 14.7% and tangible book value per share of $27.50. CEO Sergio Ermotti said the bank delivered “excellent financial results” while helping clients navigate a volatile environment, and highlighted progress on the Credit Suisse integration, including the transfer of all Swiss-booked client accounts.
The company said it completed client account migrations in Switzerland, positioning it to substantially complete the integration by year-end, while delivering an additional $0.8B in cost reductions for total cumulative savings of $11.5B. UBS also cited strong capital generation, with a 14.7% CET1 ratio, a 4.4% CET1 leverage ratio, mid-teens dividend growth accrual, and $0.9B in share repurchases, with plans to buy back $3B in shares by Q2 results.
UBS Group AG also outlined regulatory updates from the Swiss Federal Council, including changes to capitalized software treatment, revised prudential valuation adjustments, and proposals affecting foreign subsidiary investments. The company said these measures could require around $22B of additional CET1 capital at the UBS AG standalone level, with total incremental capital requirements of about $37B when including prior requirements tied to the Credit Suisse acquisition.
UBS Group AG operates a global wealth management and banking business across multiple segments.
8. BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP)
On April 28, 2026, BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP) reported Q1 underlying EPS of $1.24 versus 93c consensus and revenue of $53.37B compared to $45.75B expected. The company said performance reflected “strong operational and financial delivery,” supported by high plant reliability, refining availability, and increased production in the Gulf of America and at BPX Energy.
BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP) said it expects Q2 upstream production to be lower than Q1 due to seasonal maintenance in the Gulf of America and disruption in the Middle East, with volatility in oil and gas prices also affecting results. The company noted refining throughput will be impacted by higher turnaround activity, while margins across fuels and refining remain sensitive to supply costs and Middle East conditions. BP also plans to redeem EUR 2.5B of perpetual hybrid bonds in Q2 without replacement.
BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP) reaffirmed its FY26 capital expenditure guidance of $13B to $13.5B and said upstream production is expected to be broadly flat versus 2025, with oil stable and gas and low carbon energy lower. The company continues to expect $9B to $10B in divestment proceeds in 2026, including about $6B from the Castrol transaction, and Gulf of America settlement payments of around $1.6B pre-tax for the year.
Earlier in April, Scotiabank raised its price target on BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP) to $58 from $41 and maintained an Outperform rating as part of a broader update across integrated oil, refining, and large-cap E&P stocks. The firm said its sector view is mixed, with earnings forecasts generally above consensus for E&P companies but below for independent refiners, and noted investor focus may shift to whether recent oil market volatility affects activity levels in 2026.
BP p.l.c. (NYSE:BP) operates an integrated energy business across oil, gas, and customer-facing segments globally.
7. ING Groep N.V. (NYSE:ING)
On April 30, 2026, ING Groep N.V. (NYSE:ING) reported Q1 net result per share of 0.54 compared to EUR 0.47 last year, with a CET1 ratio of 13%. CEO Steven van Rijswijk said the quarter reflected “the resilience of our business” amid geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty, adding the company continues to support clients while executing its growth strategy and remains on track to meet its upgraded outlook.
On the same day, ING Groep N.V. said it completed the share buyback program announced on October 30, 2025, and launched a new program to repurchase up to EUR 1B in shares to maintain its CET1 ratio around 13%.
Earlier in April, Deutsche Bank raised its price target on ING Groep N.V.to EUR 29 from EUR 28 and maintained a Buy rating, while Citi increased its price target on ING Groep N.V. to EUR 28.70 from EUR 28.60 with a Buy rating.
On April 7, 2026, ING said it terminated the planned sale of ING Bank JSC to Global Development JSC after concluding the buyer was unlikely to obtain required approvals, adding it continues to pursue an exit from Russia and expects any alternative scenario to have a similar impact of about 7 basis points on its CET1 ratio.
ING Groep N.V. provides banking products and services across Europe and international markets.
6. LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (NYSE:LYB)
On May 1, 2026, LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (NYSE:LYB) reported Q1 adjusted EPS of 49c versus 28c consensus and revenue of $7.2B compared to $7.37B expected. CEO Peter Vanacker said results reflect “operational discipline and commercial execution,” while noting the global petrochemical cost curve has “materially steepened” due to the Middle East conflict. The company said it is increasing production to address supply gaps, leveraging low-cost North American assets and passing through higher input costs in Europe.
LyondellBasell said Q2 conditions are expected to drive sequential improvement across most businesses, supported by tighter supply and stronger pricing tied to disruptions in the Middle East. North America margins are expected to expand on export demand and crude-linked pricing, while Europe margins should improve following asset sales and wider polymer spreads despite lower volumes. The company is adjusting operating rates, including maximizing North American olefins and polyolefins output and raising European O&P rates to 80%, with Intermediates & Derivatives at 75%, while noting that ongoing geopolitical uncertainty may continue to impact supply and pricing.
Following the results, RBC Capital raised its price target on LyondellBasell Industries N.V. to $94 from $91 and maintained an Outperform rating, citing the Q1 performance and outlook for “significant Q2 uplift.” The firm said it has not seen demand destruction in the U.S. or Europe and noted polyethylene pricing remains below 2021 levels.
LyondellBasell Industries N.V. operates a global chemicals business.
5. Lloyds Banking Group plc (NYSE:LYG)
On April 30, 2026, UBS upgraded Lloyds Banking Group plc (NYSE:LYG) to Buy from Neutral and raised its price target to 115 GBp from 110 GBp previously. The firm described the business as “growing strongly” while trading at an undervalued level.
On April 29, 2026, Lloyds Banking Group plc (NYSE:LYG) reported Q1 EPS of 2.4p versus 1.7p last year and underlying net interest income of GBP 3.569B compared to GBP 3.294B. CEO Charlie Nunn said the group delivered “sustained strength” in financial performance, with income growth, cost discipline, and strong profitability, while maintaining a resilient business model amid economic uncertainty and reiterating its 2026 outlook.
The company continues to expect underlying net interest income above GBP 14.9B, a cost income ratio below 50%, an asset quality ratio of about 25 basis points, return on tangible equity above 16%, capital generation above 200 basis points, and a CET1 ratio of around 13.0%.
Lloyds Banking Group plc (NYSE:LYG) provides banking and financial services to retail and commercial customers in the United Kingdom.
4. Nokia Oyj (NYSE:NOK)
On April 29, 2026, Arete upgraded Nokia Oyj (NYSE:NOK) to Buy from Neutral with a EUR 10.60 price target. The firm noted the shares have re-rated on exposure to hyperscale data center spending, while AI and cloud accounted for 8% of Q1 sales.
Argus analyst Jim Kelleher also upgraded Nokia Oyj to Buy from Hold with a $15 price target following the Q1 report. Jim Kelleher cited AI-driven demand and a higher 2026 revenue growth outlook for the Network Infrastructure segment, adding that Mobile Networks has been stable and could begin to grow with rising AI data center traffic.
On April 23, 2026, Nokia Oyj reported Q1 comparable EPS of EUR 0.05 versus EUR 0.03 last year and revenue of EUR 4.5B compared to EUR 4.39B, with comparable net sales up 4%. The company said it delivered a “solid start,” with strong demand in AI & Cloud, where net sales rose 49% and accounted for 8% of group sales, alongside EUR 1B in orders. Network Infrastructure grew 6%, including 20% growth in Optical Networks, while Fixed Networks declined 13% as part of a shift toward higher-margin products. Nokia expects FY26 comparable operating profit of EUR 2B to EUR 2.5B, capital expenditures of EUR 900M to EUR 1B, and a comparable income tax rate of 26% to 27%, with higher capex tied to Optical Networks capacity and real estate projects.
Nokia Oyj provides mobile, fixed, and cloud network solutions across global markets.
3. NatWest Group plc (NYSE:NWG)
On May 1, 2026, NatWest Group plc (NYSE:NWG) reported Q1 EPS of 17.9p compared to 15.5p last year, with total income of GBP 4.36B, pretax profit of GBP 2B, a net interest margin of 2.47%, and a CET1 ratio of 14.3%. CEO Paul Thwaite said results reflect “strong performance,” with total income excluding notable items of GBP 4.2B and operating profit of GBP 2.0B, both higher year over year, alongside a return on tangible equity of 18.2%. Paul Thwaite also pointed to “positive momentum” supported by customer activity, growth across all three businesses, expanded capabilities, and productivity gains from using AI at scale.
NatWest Group plc (NYSE:NWG) said it now expects FY26 income excluding notable items to be at the top end of its GBP 17.2B to GBP 17.6B range based on current assumptions, while reaffirming the rest of its outlook and noting uncertainty in market conditions.
Prior to the earnings release, Keefe Bruyette has downgraded NatWest Group plc (NYSE:NWG) to Market Perform from Outperform previously, with a 650 GBp price target on the shares.
NatWest Group plc (NYSE:NWG) provides banking and financial services in the United Kingdom and internationally.
2. Garmin Ltd. (NYSE:GRMN)
On April 30, 2026, Morgan Stanley lowered its price target on Garmin Ltd. (NYSE:GRMN) to $249 from $252 and maintained an Equal Weight rating. The firm said Q1 results were modestly ahead of expectations, with Fitness continuing to stand out, and noted potential upside risk to estimates for the year.
On April 29, 2026, Garmin Ltd. reported Q1 adjusted EPS of $2.08 versus $1.84 consensus and revenue of $1.75B compared to $1.71B expected. Chief Executive Officer Cliff Pemble has said that the company delivered “remarkable financial results,” reflecting strong demand across its product lineup and its diversified business model. Garmin has reaffirmed its FY26 pro forma EPS outlook of $9.35 versus $9.39 consensus and revenue guidance of about $7.9B compared to $7.98B expected.
Prior to the earnings release, JPMorgan has raised its price target on Garmin Ltd. to $285 from $265 previously and kept a Neutral rating on the shares as part of a broader Q1 preview.
Garmin Ltd. designs and sells GPS-enabled navigation, communication, and fitness-related products globally.
1. nVent Electric plc (NYSE:NVT)
On May 4, 2026, Roth Capital raised its price target on nVent Electric plc (NYSE:NVT) to $185 from $135 and maintained a Buy rating after a strong Q1 performance. The firm cited an earnings beat, better-than-expected Q2 guidance, and a higher 2026 outlook, driven by accelerating AI data center demand, solid organic growth, and a growing backlog that improves visibility into 2026.
RBC Capital analyst Deane Dray also lifted the price target to $180 from $151 with an Outperform rating, pointing to a 15% operating earnings beat, and a 2026 EPS outlook raised 7% above consensus, alongside a doubling of organic sales guidance supported by data center, liquid cooling, and power utility momentum.
UBS analyst Neal Burk raised the price target to $200 from $164 and kept a Buy rating, citing favorable end-market exposure and continued execution. Barclays analyst Julian Mitchell increased the price target to $190 from $150 with an Overweight rating, noting the Q1 beat and saying the company’s “high growth” profile could support a valuation re-rating.
On May 1, 2026, nVent Electric plc (NYSE:NVT) reported Q1 adjusted EPS of $1.09 versus 64c consensus and revenue of $1.2B compared to $1.11B expected. CEO Beth Wozniak said the company delivered a “tremendous start,” with record sales and orders and backlog rising to $2.6B, supported by growth across all verticals led by data center demand.
nVent Electric plc (NYSE:NVT) provides electrical connection and protection solutions across global markets.
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