The Austrian benchmark ATX index closed down 1.42 percent at 5,437.32 points on Thursday, erasing gains made the previous day. The ATX Prime, a broader measure of the Austrian market, fell 1.39 percent to 2,703.09 points.
The decline followed a rebound in oil prices, fueled by continued geopolitical instability in the Middle East. Concerns are particularly focused on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments, where traffic has been severely disrupted. Rising oil prices are intensifying fears of increased inflationary pressure and the possibility of interest rate hikes later in the year is being discussed among Eurozone monetary authorities.
Shares of Andritz, the Austrian industrial group, were particularly hard hit, falling 5.5 percent to a year-low after the company released its financial results. While the results largely aligned with preliminary figures released in February, analysts pointed to a lower-than-expected operational cash flow and expressed caution regarding the company’s optimistic outlook for 2027. Daniel Lion, an analyst at Erste Group, indicated limited upside potential for Andritz shares, citing reduced discounts compared to peers and the likelihood of earnings revisions.
In contrast, Zumtobel, a Vorarlberg-based lighting manufacturer, saw its stock rise by 0.7 percent. Despite reporting another decline in revenue for the third quarter of its 2025/26 fiscal year, improved margins were noted by Erste-Analyst Michael Marschallinger, who described the results as mixed. Addiko Bank shares fell 0.8 percent following the release of its financial results, which showed a slight decrease in net profit and the announcement of no dividend payout. The bank’s shares will move to the standard market segment of the Vienna Stock Exchange in April.
Deutsche Bank raised its price target for Verbund shares from 55 to 56 euros, while maintaining a sell recommendation. Analyst Olly Jeffery anticipates that rising energy prices and improved generation prospects will positively impact the company’s earnings. Verbund shares gained 0.3 percent to close at 61.85 euros. Porr, a construction company, saw a 0.5 percent increase to 39.00 euros after Warburg Research analyst Philipp Kaiser reaffirmed a buy recommendation, citing a surprisingly strong EBIT margin that confirmed the company’s strategic shift towards high-margin projects and cost control.
The situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains unresolved, with no immediate indication of a de-escalation in tensions.