Europe’s Quiet Revolution: How European Companies are Becoming Increasingly Shareholder-Friendly

A quiet revolution is underway in Europe's boardrooms. European companies are increasingly putting shareholders first through a combination of rising share buybacks, improved capital allocation, a greater focus on core business activities, and generous dividend payments. Allied to modest stock market valuations, especially relative to the supercharged US market, and Europe's lower market concentration risks, we believe this improved focus on shareholder returns adds to the attractions of European equities.