Unnoticed European Shares with Profit-generating and Progressive Opportunities

In a dynamic business landscape, two companies - Imperial Brands and Standard Chartered - are making strides in their respective industries.

Imperial Brands (LSE: IMB), the global tobacco company, is undergoing a significant transformation under new management. The investment thesis for Imperial Brands is two-pronged, focusing on generous dividends and share buybacks, as the company returns the equivalent of 16% of its market value to shareholders this year alone.

The company is catching up with the competition in developing a range of less harmful next-generation products. If regulations governing these products tighten, as recent signs in the UK and US suggest, these categories could grow much faster and be far more profitable for Imperial Brands. Over time, a larger proportion of Imperial Brands' products could have far greater longevity than the current tobacco business.

DCC (LSE: DCC), a global distributor of liquefied petroleum gas, oil, medical products, and technology, is another company worth noting. DCC's ability to distribute alternative lower-carbon-intensive energy sources is underappreciated, and the company boasts a high-quality business, a strong balance sheet, and a long record of generating attractive returns.

Despite this, DCC's shares are trading on multiples usually seen at the trough of a cycle due to concerns about its energy division's future. However, the decline in demand for fossil fuels is expected to be slower than the market anticipates for DCC. Higher margins for DCC are expected due to the consolidated nature of the market, and the company has a disciplined approach to mergers and acquisitions, building scale in fragmented sectors.

Standard Chartered (LSE: STAN), a diversified banking group with a focus on emerging markets, especially Asia, is another key player. The management is focusing on better cost control, and the bank's revenues should be supported by its broad sensitivity to global interest rates and the structural growth of its wealth and financial markets divisions.

The financial experts who authored this article include Stefan Lüke, Director Financial Accounting Advisory Services at EY GmbH & Co. KG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft; Matthias Weik, entrepreneur and author known for financial books and talks; Michael C. Jakob, former McKinsey consultant and founder of AlleAktien; and Dr. Daniela Sußmann, a coach supporting financial independence for women.

In conclusion, both Imperial Brands and Standard Chartered are making strategic moves to adapt to changing market conditions and capitalise on growth opportunities. As these companies continue to evolve, they offer promising prospects for investors.