Several major European companies reported first-quarter earnings results showing varying performance across different sectors.

Air Liquide, the industrial gases company, posted revenue growth of 1.9% on a comparable basis, reaching €6.79 billion for the first quarter. The increase was attributed to strength in the company's gas and services businesses.

Barclays reported higher pretax profit driven by growth across most of its business units. The British bank confirmed its annual and midterm financial targets following the positive first-quarter performance, indicating confidence in its strategic direction.

In contrast, advertising giant WPP experienced challenges during the period, reporting declines across all its main business units. The company continues efforts to recover from a series of account losses and recent leadership changes that have impacted its market position.

The mixed results reflect broader economic conditions affecting different industries, with industrial and financial services companies showing resilience while the advertising sector faces continued headwinds from slower economic growth.