Stellantis Shares Stall at Close Despite More Favorable European Regulatory Outlook for Automotive
Stellantis shares ended Thursday, December 18, with a slight decline of 0.1%, closing at 10.01 euros compared to 10.02 euros the previous day. This near-stability occurred in a context of modest volumes, with only 0.05% of the capital traded, indicating investor caution despite favorable announcements from the European Commission regarding the easing of automotive emission standards.
Technical Recovery Continues
Technically, the stock continues its recovery that began last September. With a three-month gain of 21.68%, the share has significantly regained ground after reaching its lowest levels around 8.20 euros. The price is now comfortably above its key moving averages: the 50-day moving average at 9.21 euros and the 200-day moving average at 8.81 euros, validating a medium-term technical recovery. The relative strength index has reached 72, entering an overbought zone and suggesting a possible short-term consolidation phase. However, this bullish momentum remains fragile, as the stock is currently testing the major resistance at 10.41 euros. Over the past year, the decline remains significant at 21.48%, reflecting the operational difficulties faced by the group in 2024 and early 2025.
Positive Regulatory News
The manufacturer benefits from relatively positive regulatory news this mid-December. On December 16, the European Commission presented a package of measures aimed at relaxing automotive emission rules, including the principle of technological neutrality and the creation of a category for affordable small cars. These announcements, welcomed by Stellantis and Renault, have helped support European automotive stocks. Concurrently, the group has entered a strategic partnership with Cox Automotive to structure a remarketing ecosystem dedicated to used vehicles. Operationally, the company also announced the hiring of an additional 1,000 employees at its Windsor, Canada plant, marking a significant step in the creation of 1,500 jobs planned for the start of a third team in early 2026.
Mixed Analyst Recommendations
Analyst recommendations remain mixed, reflecting ongoing questions about the group's trajectory. In early December, Exane BNP Paribas downgraded its recommendation from neutral to underperform on December 11, breaking the stock's upward momentum. Conversely, Intesa Sanpaolo upgraded its recommendation to buy on December 5 with a target of 12 euros, while UBS also adopted a buy recommendation on December 3 with the same target. This divergence is due to anticipation of the new strategic plan from CEO Antonio Filosa, set to be unveiled in the first half of 2026, which will clarify the future of the group's 14 brands. According to several sources, the new leader is currently assessing the long-term viability of each brand, with some European brands like DS, Lancia, or Maserati under particular scrutiny due to their disappointing performance.
