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Stellantis reports 6% revenue increase and return to profit in Q1 2026
via Le Matin3 min read
Stellantis began 2026 with significantly improved indicators, achieving 38.1 billion euros in revenue, a 6% increase, and returning to a net profit of 0.4 billion euros. This marks a gradual return to profitability after a challenging 2025. The current operating income reached 1 billion euros, with a 2.5% margin, showing notable year-over-year progress driven by improved industrial execution and cost management. Industrial free cash flow remained negative at -1.9 billion euros, partly due to Q1 seasonality and exceptional charges from 2025, but the deficit was reduced by 37%. Stellantis strengthened its financial fundamentals by issuing 5 billion euros in hybrid notes, increasing liquidity to 44.1 billion euros, which is 28% of annual revenue. Commercial performance was generally positive, with North America leading with 6% sales growth, particularly for the Ram brand. Europe also progressed, supported by a diverse offering of thermal, hybrid, and electric powertrains, and maintained leadership in commercial vehicles. South America held its dominant position despite market share erosion, while Asia-Pacific saw a slight decline. The Middle East and Africa region showed resilience with stable sales and improved relative performance in a declining market. Stellantis is focusing on improving quality, production, and customer experience, with new models launched last year contributing to volume increases. The company plans to launch 10 new vehicles and six restyled models in 2026,
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Moroccan referee Jalal Jiyed, assisted by compatriots Zakaria Brinsi and Mustapha Akerkad, has been appointed by FIFA to officiate the World Cup 2026 group stage match between Portugal and Uzbekistan. South African Tom Abongile will serve as the fourth official, assisted by Zakhele Siwela. This marks the second assignment for the Moroccan trio, who previously officiated the Germany vs. Cura莽ao match. Portugal drew their first match against the Democratic Republic of Congo 1-1, while Uzbekistan lost 3-1 to Colombia. The upcoming match is crucial for both Portugal and Uzbekistan's qualification hopes. Notably, an Uzbek referee, Ilgiz Tantashov, recently officiated a match involving Morocco's Atlas Lions against Scotland.
Following Morocco's 1-0 victory over Scotland, coach Mohamed Ouahbi assessed the team's performance in the 2026 World Cup, where they have accumulated four points from two matches against Brazil and Scotland. Ouahbi highlighted the team's collective control and improved offensive intentions compared to their draw against Brazil. He noted that while Scotland played more directly with long balls, Morocco effectively countered their strategy. Despite their strong position, Ouahbi emphasized that qualification is not yet secured and the team's objective is to defeat Haiti in the final group match to ensure qualification and potentially secure first place. He also stated that he would field the best possible team against Haiti, considering player freshness, opponent profile, and match context, rather than systematically rotating the squad. Ouahbi also publicly supported captain Achraf Hakimi, who is facing legal proceedings, stating that Hakimi was focused, motivated the team, and played an excellent match. Ouahbi praised the team's mental fortitude and expressed confidence in their ability to advance to the round of sixteen as group leaders.
Bank Al-Maghrib has issued a warning to all banks regarding a global surge in cybercrime campaigns exploiting public interest in the 2026 World Cup. The central bank notes that these threats include the distribution of malware via fake applications or match streaming platforms, as well as phishing campaigns designed to trick users into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials and banking details. Bank Al-Maghrib urges banks to enhance customer awareness efforts and emphasize key vigilance rules. These include exercising caution before installing match-streaming applications, avoiding links received via email, SMS, or social media that offer broadcasts or promotional deals, verifying website authenticity before entering personal or banking data, and immediately reporting any suspicious activity or unauthorized transactions to the bank. The central bank also instructs banking institutions to relay these vigilance messages to their customers through appropriate communication channels.