cincodias.elpais.com
Thales Stock Soars Amid Geopolitical Instability and Trump's Return
Thales, a French defense company, experienced a 72% stock value increase in 2025 due to record profits and orders, fueled by increased international conflict and a shift in US foreign policy under Donald Trump's presidency, pushing Europe towards greater defense independence.
- What is the impact of Donald Trump's return to power on European defense companies, particularly Thales?
- Thales, a French defense company with a significant presence in Spain, has seen its stock value increase by 72% in 2025, driven by record orders (€50.6 billion) and profits (€1.42 billion) in 2024. This surge is partly attributed to increased international conflict and a shift in US foreign policy under Donald Trump's presidency.
- How has the geopolitical landscape, including the war in Ukraine and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, influenced the financial performance of Thales?
- The rise of Thales reflects a broader trend among European defense companies, seven of which are among the top ten performers in the Euro Stoxx 600 in 2025. This growth is fueled by geopolitical instability and a perceived need for increased European defense autonomy following a shift in US foreign policy under Trump, who has distanced the US from Europe while engaging more with Moscow.
- What are the potential long-term implications of increased European defense spending and the possibility of mergers between major European defense companies?
- The return of Donald Trump to the White House has created a more favorable environment for European defense companies. Trump's policies are pushing Europe towards greater defense independence, potentially leading to further consolidation within the European defense sector, possibly through mergers of major players like Thales, Airbus, and Leonardo. This trend may accelerate as Europe seeks to bolster its competitiveness and strategic autonomy.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the return of Donald Trump to the White House and his shift away from Europe as a positive development for European defense companies. The headline (though not provided) likely emphasizes the financial success of these companies, potentially overshadowing other important aspects of the situation. The positive quotes from the Thales executive are prominently featured, while potential downsides are largely omitted, creating a biased emphasis on the benefits of increased defense spending.
Language Bias
The article uses language that leans towards positivity when discussing the performance of Thales and the defense industry. Phrases such as "very benefitted," "record number of orders," and "very positive trend" contribute to a favorable impression. While not overtly biased, more neutral phrasing could enhance objectivity. For example, instead of "very benefitted," one could use "experienced significant growth."
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the positive impact of the return of Donald Trump to the White House on European defense companies, particularly Thales. However, it omits potential negative consequences of increased military spending, such as the opportunity cost of investing in other sectors or the potential for escalating conflicts. The article also doesn't explore alternative perspectives on the need for increased European defense spending or the potential drawbacks of large-scale European defense mergers. While acknowledging space constraints is understandable, the omission of these counterpoints creates a potentially biased narrative.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy by suggesting that Europe must choose between maintaining its relationship with the US and achieving defense sovereignty. It implies that these are mutually exclusive goals, ignoring the possibility of a cooperative approach or a more nuanced relationship with the US. This simplification could lead readers to accept a more extreme position than might be warranted.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the significant growth and profitability of Thales, a European defense company. This demonstrates positive economic growth and job creation within the European defense sector. The increase in defense spending, driven by geopolitical factors, further fuels this positive impact. The call for greater European consolidation in the defense industry also suggests potential for future economic growth and job creation through larger, more competitive entities.