Repeats to broader audience
** In a note on European financial technology, Citigroup says it expects consumer spending to remain broadly stable, but a prolonged conflict in the Middle East carries risks
** Citi says Europe is starting to close the integrated‑payments gap with the U.S., and its top stock pick Adyen ADYEN.AS is well positioned due to its data, fraud and risk tools
** Revolut securing full UK banking licence and expanding its stablecoin offering increases competitive pressure on Wise’s WISEa.L fees, the broker says
** It cuts Nexi NEXII.MI to "neutral", saying the Italian firm relies increasingly on partnerships to stay competitive, with near‑term growth and margin pressure limiting the stock's upside
** Separately, Goldman Sachs also downgrades Nexi to "neutral", based on largely similar reasoning; it also cuts Worldline WLN.PA to "sell" on strong competitive pressure and cash position limiting its ability to invest
** It upgrades Temenos TEMN.S to "buy" on improved demand for core banking software, which offers scope for a re-rating and M&A options
** Citi says voucher firms Edenred EDEN.PA and Pluxee PLX.PA remain focused on regulatory risks, though near‑term performance is helped by gift card campaigns and measures to offset a fee cap in Italy
CITI RECOMMENDATIONS:
COMPANY
RATING
OLD RATING
PT
OLD PT
Adyen ADYEN.AS
Buy
(unchanged)
EUR 1,800
(unchanged)
Temenos TEMN.S
Buy
Neutral
CHF 90
CHF 70
Pluxee PLX.PA
Buy
(unchanged)
EUR 22
(unchanged)
Edenred EDEN.PA
Neutral
(unchanged)
EUR 19
EUR 20
Nexi NEXII.MI
Neutral
Buy
EUR 3.40
EUR 5
(Reporting by Mirko Miorelli)
((Mirko.Miorelli@thomsonreuters.com))