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US vs. Europe: The Widening Economic Gap
2 Feb
Summary
- US companies generated $6.7 trillion more revenue than European peers last year.
- European companies compensated with faster free cash flow margin growth.
- US companies invest significantly more in R&D and capital expenditures.

European businesses are being urged to divest from the US and reinvest domestically, yet an analysis reveals a widening economic chasm between the two regions. Last year, US companies generated $6.7 trillion more in revenue than their European counterparts, a figure projected to expand significantly.
While European firms matched US companies in free cash flow growth, they achieved this by expanding margins, not increasing revenue at the same pace. This difference stems from US companies investing nearly $9 trillion in R&D and capital expenditures over five years, compared to Europe's $4.7 trillion.
Looking ahead, analysts predict US companies will continue to outpace Europe in revenue and profitability growth. This trend is expected to result in US firms generating an additional $10.5 trillion in revenue and $2.1 trillion in free cash flow over the next four years.



