KION

Kion shares climbed nearly 6% to around €48 following a buy recommendation from Citigroup, reaching their highest price since May. Citi analyst Martin Wilkie sets a €62 price target and sees potential from AI in warehouse automation as well as a recovering forklift cycle. He also expects support in 2027 from a German investment package and considers competition from China in the high-end segment exaggerated. Rival Jungheinrich also rose and received a buy recommendation from Citi. » More on de.investing.com

Kion Group shares climbed 5.5% to €47.78 after Citigroup raised its rating from "Neutral" to "Buy" and lifted the price target from €46 to €62. Citigroup sees around 30% upside and gives three reasons: growing use of AI in warehouse automation, a cyclical recovery in forklift demand, and improved German economic data plus a government infrastructure package. The analyst also stresses that competitive risks from Chinese suppliers in the high-end segment are overstated. The stock had already recovered from its 52-week low and additionally benefited from an earlier positive analyst consensus (11 buy recommendations, 0 sells). » More on de.investing.com

Kion reported better-than-expected order intake, sales and operating profit for the second quarter and specified its annual targets with slightly lower midpoints of the forecast ranges. The adjusted forecast, however, remains above the analysts' average, so experts do not view this as a profit warning, but they acknowledge persistent problems in the forklift business. The stock nevertheless fell about 7.4% to €39 and is down 43% year-to-date, making it the laggard in the MDAX. » More on finanzen.net