Exxon Mobil (XOM): Preparing for a Q1 2025 SetupHeading into Q1 2025, we believe NYSE:XOM could present a promising buying opportunity, and we are preparing a setup to align with our bias. Since April, we have been closely monitoring Exxon Mobil, and the technical picture continues to gain clarity as the stock respects both the range middle and range high. The wave ((b)) overshot wave A by a significant margin but still within acceptable limits for a flat correction.
Since the overshoot in early October, NYSE:XOM has seen a substantial decline—falling 17% over 75 days, a significant move for this stock. The primary driver behind this decline seems to be ongoing shareholder challenges. Over the last three years, Exxon Mobil has resisted calls for meaningful carbon emissions reductions, instead doubling down on traditional oil and gas operations. Legal action against shareholder activists pushing for emissions reduction targets has only added to the controversy, with proposed changes falling short of expectations.
The shareholder concerns highlight a critical point: some voting patterns defy logic when aligned with long-term goals. Questions remain about whether Exxon Mobil should, or can, prepare for a carbon-neutral future. The widely publicized shareholder vote in 2021, which many hoped would lead to substantial changes, seems to have produced minimal practical outcomes.
Despite these issues, we see potential for NYSE:XOM to resolve its challenges in the near future. From a technical standpoint, we observe a strong likelihood of a wave C drop into the $101–$92 range, which aligns with the 61.8%–78.6% Fibonacci retracement levels. This would be a key area to begin building a position.
Investment
Ford (F): Struggling to Reclaim ResistanceFord was unable to flip its resistance and is now back trading near the support level, with the situation becoming increasingly precarious. NYSE:F has closely followed the Elliott wave count until recently, but now signs of weakness are emerging. If the $9.4 support level is lost, it will invalidate the previous wave count.
Analysts remain pessimistic about Ford’s outlook due to persistent challenges. The company faces potential pricing pressures on internal combustion engine vehicles and continued struggles in the electric vehicle market amid an ongoing price war. Additionally, possible tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico under Donald Trump’s policies could further complicate the situation.
At this point, we do not see any compelling opportunities in the current market for $F. A long opportunity may arise only if Ford manages to reclaim the significant resistance level. Until then, the risk-to-reward ratio does not justify any immediate action.
Ryde Group's Big News: Licence Renewal & Share Price SurgeThe following is the transcript of the main video:
A new year gift from Ryde Group Limited (NYSE: RYDE)?
For the followers of RYDE, the big news and rally is finally here. RYDE has officially renewed its ride-hail service operator, and carpool service licenses for another three years.
This is a critical move that reinforces Ryde’s role as a leader in mobility, and quick commerce solutions in Singapore.
Since its launch in 2014, Ryde has revolutionised the industry with its driver-first approach.
Offering a 0% commission policy and unique benefits like a 1-day leave scheme, Ryde empowers drivers to earn more and live better. For riders, its advanced app delivers a seamless booking experience, AI-driven trip recommendations, and faster ride-matching.
RYDE also champions sustainability, expanding its electric vehicle fleet to align with Singapore’s green initiatives. By embracing innovation, the company is shaping a smarter, eco-friendlier urban mobility landscape.
Investors have taken notice too, on this news, RYDE’s share price has doubled, showcasing confidence in its innovative and sustainable vision for the future.
As a fellow investor too, this is a great chance to join into the rally if you missed the bottom!
Gold Next moveTimeframe :
D1 trendline broke + SBR
H4 Trendline + Bearish eng
H1 Trendline
D1 trendline has broken the trendline and support area so now its became, support become resistance (SBR), H4 has bearish engulfing at the trendline, H1 the trendline.
Entry:
Entry according to H1 TF, entry point is 2627.72 at the trendline.
Stop loss above the trendline 2638.70 and Target is previous low 2585.70
Tesla (TSLA): Profits Taken, Pullback AnticipatedWhat a rise by NASDAQ:TSLA !
The stock has now reached the targeted wave 3 zone, and we might see some asset rotation out of Tesla into underperforming stocks that could attract renewed attention and capital inflows. Many traders have booked significant profits on NASDAQ:TSLA , and larger players are likely to do the same in the coming sessions.
As usual, our focus remains on building a new position during a pullback. We are targeting the 38.2%–50% Fibonacci retracement levels, which should provide sufficient support for another push higher, potentially toward $585 or more. A key level to watch is the old all-time high. Should bulls defend it effectively, waiting for an entry at $371.35 might leave us sidelined.
However, we see no reason to force or rush an entry into NASDAQ:TSLA at the moment. Patience remains critical as we wait for the market to come to us.
Ryde Group: A Temporary Downtrend Presents a Long-Term ChanceRyde Group Ltd (NYSE: RYDE), a leading mobility and quick commerce platform from Singapore, has recently experienced a downtrend in its share price. While this might raise concerns, the current dip is best seen as temporary market volatility, not a reflection of the company’s fundamentals. With its recent expansion to serve international travellers, Ryde is positioned for growth, making this an opportunity for forward-looking investors.
On November 1, 2024, Ryde announced its app’s availability for international travellers visiting Singapore, tapping into the city-state's booming tourism industry. This move aligns with the growing demand for convenient and reliable transport services among tourists. The app’s real-time tracking features and global payment options are tailored for travellers, aiming to provide a seamless user experience.
Ryde stands out in the competitive ride-hailing sector with its 0% commission policy, which benefits its driver-partners and ensures a high-quality rider experience. This commitment to safety and fairness continues to attract both users and drivers, strengthening its market position.
The recent decline in Ryde’s share price does not align with its strong fundamentals and growth trajectory. The company’s strategic expansion into tourism, coupled with its innovative business model, positions it for significant revenue growth. Singapore’s rebounding tourism market provides a clear avenue for Ryde to capitalise on increased demand.
For investors, the current dip offers a chance to invest in a company poised for long-term success. As its initiatives gain traction, Ryde’s share price is likely to reflect the underlying growth in its business.
Conclusion
Ryde Group’s recent share price movement is a short-term fluctuation that doesn’t capture the company’s growth potential. With a clear strategy to expand into tourism and a robust operational model, Ryde is positioned for sustainable success. Investors looking for value in the mobility sector should consider this a timely opportunity to enter before the stock rebounds.
Is the AI Revolution Built on a House of Cards?In the treacherous landscape of technological ambition, Nvidia emerges as a cautionary tale of unchecked corporate hubris and potentially unsustainable growth. What appeared to be an unstoppable technological juggernaut now reveals deep fissures in its seemingly impenetrable facade, with mounting challenges threatening to unravel its carefully constructed narrative of AI dominance. Specific challenges underscore this fragility: comments from Microsoft's Satya Nadella suggest a potential moderation in AI chip demand, while Alphabet's Sundar Pichai has highlighted that "the low-hanging fruit is gone" in AI model development.
Beneath the glossy veneer of technological innovation lies a troubling reality of regulatory scrutiny and market volatility. Nvidia faces a perfect storm of challenges: a potential slowdown in AI chip demand, an aggressive antitrust investigation by Chinese regulators, and growing skepticism from industry leaders. The competition is intensifying, with Amazon developing its own Trainium AI chips, and Broadcom positioning itself to capture significant market share with custom AI chip solutions projected to reach $90 billion in the next three years. OpenAI co-founder Ilya Sutskever's stark statement that "we've achieved peak data" further undermines the narrative of unbridled AI growth.
The broader implications are profound and deeply concerning. Nvidia's struggles represent a microcosm of the larger technological ecosystem—a world where innovation is increasingly constrained by geopolitical tensions, regulatory challenges, and the harsh economic realities of diminishing returns. Despite massive capital expenditures by tech giants—with Microsoft nearly doubling its spending to $20 billion and Meta increasing expenses by 36%—only 4% of US workers use AI daily. This stark disconnect between investment and actual utility exposes the potential fragility of Nvidia's market position, with analysts suggesting that 2024 may have been the peak in terms of percentage increase for AI-related infrastructure spending.
20% downside risk still persists MT ; Long term upside 100%- In the short term, NYSE:UBER price can go down to test $47 at 200 SMA on weekly timeframe.
- This will present a solid opportunity to buyer Uber at an attractive valuation.
Risks & Opportunities:
- Many investors are selling it because of AV i.e waymo & robotaxi by tesla.
- These AVs are not a risk for at least 3-5 years. On top of that, Uber is a global platform which allows one to use the same app in various countries.
- AVs are capital intensive and will eat up lot of capital from Google & Tesla. It is not scalable beyond US where there's huge population like Asia or where the roads aren't good, traffic signs are confusing. Therefore, there will always be a demand for rideshare with an actual driver.
- Rideshare with driver will always be cheaper to operate in countries where population is high & labour is cheap like south America, asia, south-east asia. It is capital light because car is of the cab driver whereas for AV, the car needs to be modified, infrastructure needs to be maintained, software updates, car maintainence etc can't compete with rideshare with human driver.
- Uber is a "verb" for ride hailing and can be used as a benchmark for right pricing as local taxi drivers might dupe tourists.
- CEO Dara is amazing and has turned Uber from a loss making company to a profit generating machine. His execution is top class.
- I remember when Uber & Lyft used to trade hand in hand till 2022. But Dara's execution proved Uber to be a rideshare winner.
- Uber should perform well even if we hit a recession because in a recession although there would be demand compression but the supply of drivers will increase ( gig economy ) so price paid to driver will decrease ( simple supply & demand ) which will lead to stabilization of margins.
- People ain't stopping to buy food from uber eats as they are too lazy to cook and won't stop taking rides if they have to go from A to B. Plus, in a recession, people are likely to invest less in buying new car which can be seen from cooling down of auto industry despite several rate cuts.
Disclaimer:
- I'm nibbling Uber as it goes down and want to build this as my biggest position for a safe & asymmetrical returns of 60-100%+
Atour: The Smart Way to Invest in China's Hospitality Market◉ Abstract
Atour Lifestyle Holdings Limited is taking advantage of China's fast-growing hotel industry. The hospitality sector of China is expected to reach $157.46 billion by 2032, growing at a rate of 8.23% each year. This growth comes from a strong economy, more people moving to cities, and an increase in travel. Atour uses a smart business model that allows for quick expansion while keeping costs low. They offer a variety of hotel brands and even sell sleep-related products.
In FY23, Atour's sales jumped to $657.4 million, a 106% increase from the previous year, along with strong earnings growth. With over 83 million members in its loyalty program and a focus on great customer experiences, Atour is set for continued success in China's hospitality market.
Overview of the Hotel Service Industry in China.
Continue reading full article here:
◉ Overview of the Hotel Service Industry in China
China's hotel service industry is on the cusp of a remarkable growth spurt, fueled by the country's soaring economy, rapid urbanization, and an unprecedented surge in domestic and foreign travel.
● Projected Market Value: $157.46 billion by 2032
● Growth Rate: 8.23% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) from 2024 to 2032
◉ What's Driving this Growth?
● Economic Growth: China's economy continues to expand, boosting disposable incomes and travel budgets.
● Urbanization: As more Chinese citizens move to cities, they're seeking better travel experiences and accommodations.
● Increased Travel: Both domestic and foreign travel are on the rise, driving demand for hotels and travel services.
As China's hotel service industry experiences rapid growth, Atour Lifestyle Holdings NASDAQ:ATAT Company has established itself as a prominent force in the market. By delivering a unique blend of comfort, style, and local charm, Atour is redefining the hospitality landscape in China.
Atour's strategic focus on mid-to-upscale hotels enables the company to provide immersive local experiences, innovative design, and exceptional service. This distinctive approach has fostered a loyal customer base and positioned Atour for continued success in China's burgeoning hotel market.
◉ Investment Advice
💡 Buy Atour Lifestyle Holdings NASDAQ:ATAT
● Buy Range - 27 - 27.5
● Sell Target - 36 - 37
● Potential Return - 30% - 35%
● Approx Holding Period - 12-14 months
◉ Business Model
Atour Lifestyle Holdings Limited utilizes an asset-light, franchise-oriented business model that enables rapid expansion and operational efficiency in China's hotel industry. Here are the key components:
● Manachised Model: Atour primarily operates through a "manachised" model, where franchisees handle capital expenditures and hotel leases while Atour provides management and training. This approach minimizes operational costs and maximizes revenue from franchise royalties.
● Diverse Brand Portfolio: The company offers various hotel brands, including Atour, Atour S, Atour X, and ZHOTEL, catering to different market segments and customer preferences.
● Retail Integration: Atour has expanded into retail by selling sleep-related products, generating significant revenue and enhancing the guest experience.
● Customer Loyalty Programs: The A-CARD loyalty program boasts over 63 million members, driving customer retention and engagement through various benefits.
● Digital Capabilities: Atour leverages technology for a seamless customer experience, allowing easy online bookings and efficient communication during stays.
● Focus on Experience: The company emphasizes delivering unique lifestyle experiences through thematic hotels and tailored offerings.
◉ Key Competitors
1. Huazhu Group (H World Group): A leading competitor with over 10,150 hotels, Huazhu operates a similar manachised model and has been expanding rapidly, making it one of the largest players in the market.
2. Jin Jiang International: With a vast portfolio exceeding 12,000 hotels, Jin Jiang is another major competitor that employs a mix of franchising and management strategies.
3. GreenTree Hospitality Group: Focused on midscale accommodations, GreenTree operates around 3,000 hotels and utilizes a franchise-based model with manachised elements.
4. BTG Homeinns Hotels: Known for its budget offerings, BTG Homeinns has a significant presence with thousands of hotels primarily targeting domestic travelers.
5. Plateno Group (7 Days Inn): Operating primarily in the budget segment, Plateno utilizes a manachised approach to grow its network of over 3,000 hotels.
These companies dominate the domestic market, while international brands like InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts lead the high-end segment.
◉ Strategic Initiatives Powering Atour's Growth Trajectory
● Expanded Hotel Network: 140 new hotels added in Q3 and 732 under development, increasing capacity and driving revenue growth.
● Upscale Brand Introduction: SAVHE Hotel launch in core business districts, enhancing occupancy and average daily rate (ADR).
● Retail Segment Growth: 107.7% year-over-year GMV growth in 'deep sleep' products, boosting revenue and net margins.
● Membership Base Expansion: Over 83 million members, increasing revenue potential through customer loyalty and repeated business.
◉ Revenue & Profit Analysis
● Year-on-year
➖ FY23 sales reached $657.4 million, a remarkable 106% increase from $328 million in FY22.
➖ EBITDA surged to $142 million, up from $36 million in FY22.
➖ The EBITDA margin widened to 21.6% from 11.15% in the same period.
● Quarter-on-quarter
➖ Q3 sales reached $270 million, a 9% increase from $247 million in Q2 and a 52% jump from $177 million in Q3 2023.
➖ Q3 EBITDA climbed to $72.6 million, up from $56.2 million in Q2.
➖ Q3 diluted EPS rose to $0.39 (LTM) from $0.30 (LTM) in Q2 2024.
◉ Valuation
● P/E Ratio
ATAT has a P/E ratio of 24x, which is fairly valued when compared to the peer average of 23.7x.
● PEG Ratio
With a PEG ratio of just 0.15, ATAT appears to be undervalued based on its anticipated earnings growth.
◉ Profitability Analysis
With a 30.7% ROCE, ATAT demonstrates its expertise in generating substantial profits through efficient capital allocation.
◉ Cash Flow Analysis
ATAT achieves remarkable growth in operational cash flow, rising 582% to $280 million in FY23 from $41 million in FY22.
◉ Debt Analysis
ATAT's debt-to-equity ratio stands at 0.67, signaling that debt is not a significant concern for the company.
◉ Top Shareholders
➖ Mr. Haijun Wang, CEO of Atour Lifestyle Holdings, holds a significant 19.2% stake.
➖ Trip.com Group Limited holds approximately 13.6% stake.
◉ Technical Aspects
➖ The weekly chart indicates that after a long period of consolidation, the stock price has formed a Rounding Bottom Pattern and is likely to break through its strong resistance zone soon.
➖ A Pole & Flag pattern has formed on the daily chart, with the stock price targeting higher levels following a successful breakout.
◉ Conclusion
Following a thorough analysis, we believe Atour presents a lucrative investment opportunity. With its appealing valuation, impressive financial track record, and strategic growth initiatives, Atour is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing tourism sector. The company's commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences further strengthens its potential for long-term growth and value creation for shareholders.
In-Depth Technical Review on Agape ATP Corporate (NASDAQ: ATPC)The following is the transcript of the ATPC analysis video.
Agape ATP Corporation’s (NASDAQ: ATPC) daily chart reflects a prolonged period of consolidation, following sharp price volatility earlier in the year.
Notably, the share price has stabilised around the $1.40 to $1.50 range for the past weeks, suggesting that a base may be forming after its earlier decline.
From a technical perspective, the MACD indicator provides valuable insight. The MACD line (represented in blue) has remained close to the signal line (orange) with minimal divergence, indicating a lack of decisive momentum for now.
Additionally, histogram bars oscillate around the zero line, suggesting that buying and selling pressures are relatively balanced.
Turning to the Relative Strength Index (RSI), the indicator is currently hovering around 46.7, which places it in the neutral zone. This suggests that the stock is neither overbought nor oversold, aligning with the lack of a clear directional trend.
A move above 50 could signal increasing bullish momentum, while a drop below 40 would reflect growing selling pressure.
Zooming out, the share price has been in a downtrend since mid-year but appears to have found a floor near the $1.40 level. While short-term volatility has subsided, the lack of volume and weak momentum indicators signal that traders are awaiting a catalyst to trigger the next significant price movement.
In summary, ATPC’s technical indicators – the flat MACD and neutral RSI – suggest the stock is currently in a consolidation phase. Moving forward, traders should monitor any significant breakout above resistance above USD 1.50 level for a trend reversion confirmation.
Best long setup for FY 2025 & 2026 with 100% return!- Looking at the higher timeframe @ Monthly
- It seems like NYSE:NKE is under corrective wave (4) and looking for the bottom.
- It appears that Nike has already bottomed around 70s if not this might bottom around $63 which aligns with 200 SMA on a monthly timeframe.
- This is one of the safest long setup I have screened so far which can return 100% by end of FY 2025 or mid 2026 from the lows.
- I have put NYSE:NKE on the watchlist and slowly building position.
- NYSE:NKE is one of those gems in the market where most stocks are overvalued and overbought. This stock has brand value and is under pressure because of macroeconomy. Macro will improve by 2026 and stock will bottom before anyone expects as it is always forward looking.
Macroeconomic analysis, positioning, technical analysis. Short GHello everyone, today I want to share a trading idea that recently triggered my short entry.
The GBP/AUD pair is hovering near period highs not seen since 2020.
I think in the short term we might witness some pullback. Let’s analyze the situation.
MACROECONOMIC ANALYSIS
- Data
The latest data reflects a marked improvement in the Australian labor market, with the unemployment rate beating expectations. A rise to 4.2% was forecasted, but the figure dropped to 3.9%. This comes after the RBA decided to keep the reference rate unchanged, adopting a dovish tone compared to recent statements. It remains to be seen if this data could shift the narrative once again.
- Economic growth
The positioning and momentum on the pound indicate confidence that the economy could grow by 2025 or that inflation will remain stickier than expected. This affects the BOE’s monetary policy decisions. Interest rates have risen more than in other economies and are now at their peaks. On the other hand, the BOE recently adopted a dovish tone, suggesting the possibility of four rate cuts in 2025.
In a recent article, Goldman Sachs highlighted that the UK’s growth might underperform expectations. UK GDP is expected to grow by 1.2% in 2025, slower than the Bank of England's 1.5% projection and slightly below Bloomberg's consensus estimate of 1.3%. The team predicts growth of 0.4% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the last quarter of 2024, with a slowdown to around 0.25–0.30% quarterly for the remainder of the year. They also foresee inflationary pressures easing through 2025, paving the way for deeper rate cuts than currently priced in by the market.
www.goldmansachs.com
- Interest rates
Interest rates in the UK have risen more than in other economies, reaching a peak of 4.6%, reflecting aggressive rate policies. Meanwhile, AUD/USD movements appear closely tied to Chinese rates, which are at historic lows, potentially priming for a rebound and, consequently, a recovery in the cross, due to potential stimulus measures for the Chinese economy.
POSITIONING
- COT (Commitment of Traders)
Let’s analyze the COT to check for extremes on either side.
www.tradingster.com .
Long positioning on the pound is at its highest since 2018, while for the Australian dollar, we are in negative territory after a decline. Momentum does not favor either currency, as traders are offloading or increasing short positions.
SEASONALITY
We are entering a period of strong negative seasonality for the pound, which typically tends to decline from the first week of December until the end of the month.
TECHNICAL ANALYSIS
From a chart perspective, the pair has just broken a dynamic trendline support on the 4H chart after a strong rally to period highs. The RSI clearly shows overbought conditions with bearish divergence.
Entry: Upon the break or retest of the trendline.
Stop Loss: Above the volume area signaling the break.
Take Profit: Near the volume area supporting the price.
Thanks for your attention!
BBW: One of the Great Wealth Transfer BeneficiariesHey, all. Wanted to get a video made for the first time in a few weeks. I have a position in NYSE:BBW that has been doing well. In my opinion, this is a stock that is geared for further upside. Earnings have been coming in consistent and they have done a good job with their product offerings as I found out when visiting their website recently.
I do think NYSE:BBW can continue the growth, especially as more Millenials and Gen-Z have kids. The Baby Boomer generation will want to spend money on their grandkids and that should drive up cute stuffed animal sales. At any rate, please do your own research and invest carefully and wisely!
Hope you enjoy the video, and best of luck out there!
Ryde's Zero-Commission Model: A Disruptive Shift!!The e-hailing industry thrives on competition, but few have innovated as boldly as Ryde.
Traditionally, e-hailing platforms operate by charging drivers a commission fee on each trip, often ranging from 10% to 25%.
While this provides platforms with a steady revenue stream, it has long been criticised for cutting into drivers’ take-home pay. Ryde’s new model of zero-commission charged on drivers eliminates this commission structure entirely, ensuring they retain the full fare for every ride.
To make this approach viable, Ryde has introduced a nominal platform fee for riders, charging S$0.55 for trips costing S$18 or less, and S$0.76 for rides above S$18. For non-cash payments, a small transaction fee of 1.9% plus S$0.24 is applied. This transparent pricing strategy balances affordability for riders and operational sustainability for the platform.
By adopting this model, Ryde directly addresses a key pain point in the e-hailing industry: the financial strain faced by drivers. Empowering drivers to earn more from their rides not only increases their financial stability but also fosters greater loyalty to the platform. This innovative approach positions Ryde as a driver-friendly alternative, distinguishing it from competitors that rely heavily on commissions to generate revenue.
For riders, the benefits are equally significant. Ryde’s pricing remains competitive despite the introduction of platform fees. Transparency in fare calculations builds trust among passengers, ensuring they know exactly what they are paying for. In an industry where fare structures are often complex and opaque, this clarity enhances the user experience and strengthens Ryde’s reputation as a reliable and ethical service provider.
Now is the time to watch Ryde closely. Its innovative business model has already begun to draw attention, and the potential for growth is significant. The zero-commission structure is likely to increase driver participation, enabling Ryde to expand its services and reach. Furthermore, its ethical and transparent approach builds trust among both drivers and riders, laying a strong foundation for continued success.
Ryde’s decision to embrace innovation and fairness demonstrates its adaptability in a rapidly evolving industry. This willingness to challenge the status quo makes it more than just another e-hailing platform. Ryde represents a shift towards a more equitable future in ride-hailing, one where drivers, riders, and the platform itself can thrive together. In an era where consumers and stakeholders value ethical practices, Ryde is not just a company to watch—it’s a company worth supporting.
HSBC: Opportunities Arises in Southeast Asia’s Healthcare SectorSoutheast Asia's healthcare sector is experiencing a seismic shift, driven by rising affluence, an aging population, and rapid advancements in medical technology. HSBC’s latest outlook highlights the immense growth potential in the region’s healthcare market, underpinned by increasing demand for better medical infrastructure, innovative treatments, and wellness solutions.
With Southeast Asia’s population exceeding 685 million, the region is facing a dramatic demographic transition. By 2050, the proportion of people aged 60 and above is expected to double to 22.2%, creating significant demand for healthcare services, particularly in addressing aging-related conditions like dementia, mental health, and mobility challenges.
While countries like Singapore and Malaysia have relatively high physician-to-population ratios, nations such as Indonesia and the Philippines lag, putting additional strain on already stretched systems.
This demographic shift is compounded by rising wealth, with GDP per capita on a purchasing-power-parity basis projected to reach USD23,260 by 2029. Increased affluence is driving higher healthcare expenditure, with Malaysia and Singapore, for instance, significantly boosting their healthcare budgets in 2024. Across ASEAN, total healthcare expenditure rose by 42% from 2016 to USD156.3 billion in 2021, a trend expected to continue as governments and private entities ramp up investments in the sector.
The region is undergoing a rapid build-out of medical infrastructure, from hospitals and clinics to senior care facilities. Additionally, medical tourism continues to flourish, with Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore emerging as key destinations. By 2029, the industry is expected to more than double, surpassing USD100 billion annually.
Southeast Asia is grappling with a surge in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. For example, the number of people living with diabetes in Indonesia tripled over the last two decades and is expected to grow by another 47% by 2045. This has spurred demand for innovative treatments, advanced medical equipment, and research collaborations to address these escalating health challenges.
Source: HSBC's Report
While many companies are vying for a share of the expanding Southeast Asian healthcare market, one emerging player, NASDAQ-listed Agape ATP Corporation (ATPC), recently made headlines. The company announced the signing of three Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with prominent healthcare institutions in Indonesia.
These agreements aim to advance medical research, introduce innovative treatment strategies, and bolster training programs targeting respiratory diseases like tuberculosis (TB) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This strategic move positions ATPC as a promising beneficiary of the region’s healthcare transformation and underscores the opportunities for businesses willing to innovate and invest in the sector.
As Southeast Asia's healthcare landscape continues to evolve, companies like ATPC exemplify how strategic initiatives can align with the region’s growing needs, paving the way for sustainable growth in one of the world's fastest-changing markets.
“How Short-Sellers Have Distorted Ryde Group's Share Price"Ryde Group Limited (NYSE) , a promising mobility solutions provider in Southeast Asia, has recently seen its stock price impacted by heightened short-selling activity. While the fundamentals of the company remain solid, the data suggests that aggressive shorting has created a misleading picture of its value, adding volatility and artificial downward pressure to its share price.
As of November 15, 2024, Ryde had 232.67k shares sold short, representing 1.45% of its float of 11.8 million shares. Although the percentage may seem small, Ryde’s low float amplifies the impact of short-selling on price movements.
A smaller float means fewer shares are available for trading, so even a modest short interest can disproportionately sway market sentiment, pushing prices lower than the company’s fundamentals would warrant.
Interestingly, while the short interest decreased significantly from 443.39k shares in the prior month, the presence of short-sellers remains a factor in suppressing the stock’s performance.
The current short ratio of 0.39 suggests that while some short positions are being covered, the lingering activity continues to weigh on investor confidence. This sustained pressure creates a negative feedback loop, where price declines caused by shorting further deter potential buyers, compounding the artificial undervaluation.
Adding to the picture is Ryde’s low institutional ownership, which stands at only 1.06%. Institutions typically provide stability to a stock by holding significant positions and countering speculative trading activity. In Ryde’s case, the limited presence of institutional investors has left the company more vulnerable to short-seller tactics. However, this lack of institutional ownership contrasts sharply with the company’s 34.51% insider ownership, which demonstrates strong internal confidence in Ryde’s long-term growth potential. Such a high percentage of insider holdings suggests that those closest to the company—its executives and key stakeholders—firmly believe in its business model and future prospects.
!The short information above was extracted from Yahoo Finance.
The effects of this short-selling activity are especially concerning because they appear disconnected from Ryde’s underlying fundamentals. Short-sellers often exploit temporary market conditions or investor uncertainty, which can lead to exaggerated declines in stock prices. For a company like Ryde, whose operational and financial health remains stable, this downward pressure creates a misleading narrative that does not align with its true value. Such distortions make it challenging for the market to accurately price the company, potentially causing long-term investors to overlook its potential.
In conclusion, while Ryde’s stock price has been affected by short-sellers, the company’s strong insider confidence and promising fundamentals suggest that its current valuation may not reflect its true worth. Investors who are willing to look beyond the short-term volatility caused by speculative trading may find an opportunity to capitalise on the eventual rebalancing of the market’s perception of Ryde Group Limited.
S&P 500 Daily Chart Analysis For Week of Dec 6, 2024Technical Analysis and Outlook:
During this week's trading session, the S&P 500 index demonstrated a consistent and measured sleepwalking upward trajectory towards our target of Outer Index Rally 6123, with potential for further advancement to the subsequent Outer Index Rally level at 6233. This notable ascent toward the target of 6123 is anticipated to result in a pullback to the Mean Support level of 6049, thereby facilitating the next phase of the bullish trend.
Corcept Therapeutics: A Shining Star in US BiotechCorcept Therapeutics is making waves in the booming U.S. biotech scene, with its stock surging 46.2% over the past six months. The company, known for its Cushing's syndrome drug, Korlym, reported a staggering 39.1% year-over-year sales increase, reaching $310.6 million in H1 2024. With a market cap of $4.42 billion, Corcept is actively developing new treatments like Relacorilant, which shows promise in clinical trials.
Despite a high PE ratio of 35.3x compared to the industry average of 19x, its strong revenue growth and commitment to R&D position it as a solid investment opportunity in the fast-growing biotech market projected to reach $1,786 billion by 2033.
◉ The US Biotech Industry Outlook
The biotech boom in the U.S. is hotter than a California summer! Fueled by groundbreaking tech and government cheerleading, the industry is soaring higher than a SpaceX rocket. According to Vision Research Reports, the market is projected to soar by 12.4% CAGR from 2024 to 2033. This rapid expansion is driven by advancements in areas like genomics, gene editing, and personalized medicine, positioning the U.S. as a global leader in healthcare innovation.
➖ The US biotechnology market size was valued at $552.43 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to hit around $1,786 billion by 2033.
➖ Key players like Abbvie Inc., Genentech Inc., and Amgen Inc. are leading the market.
Acknowledging the remarkable expansion of the biotech sector, we are taking a closer look at a stock that is showing considerable strength in its technical chart, complemented by robust financial performance.
◉ Company Overview
Corcept Therapeutics NASDAQ:CORT is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative treatments for severe endocrine, oncologic, and metabolic disorders. Their lead product, Korlym, is approved for Cushing's syndrome, a rare endocrine condition. Corcept is also advancing several pipeline candidates, including relacorilant for Cushing's syndrome, treatments for various cancers, and potential therapies for neurological conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Founded in 1998, Corcept is based in Menlo Park, California.
◉ Significant Stock Performance of Corcept Therapeutics
Corcept Therapeutics Incorporated's stock price has risen 46.2% in the past six months, despite a 2% industry decline. This surge is attributed to strong demand for Korlym, the company's sole marketed drug used to treat Cushing's syndrome, a condition that is primarily cured with mifepristone.
◉ The Economic Impact of Korlym
The primary source of revenue for Corcept emanates from the sales of Korlym. The drug has showcased remarkable growth, evidenced by a 39.1% year-over-year sales increase, culminating in $310.6 million during the first half of 2024. This growth is attributed to robust demand and an unprecedented number of patients being prescribed the medication.
◉ Corcept's Stock Growth Factors
● Potential of Relacorilant: Positive GRACE study results suggest relacorilant could be a valuable treatment for Cushing's syndrome, potentially driving revenue growth.
● Pipeline Diversification: Corcept's ongoing exploration of relacorilant in GRADIENT study demonstrates commitment to expanding pipeline.
● Regulatory Progress: Successful completion of GRACE study positions Corcept for a new drug application in late 2024.
● Market Need: Successful relacorilant could fill significant unmet medical need for Cushing's syndrome.
Investent Advice by Naranj Capital
Buy Corcept Therapeutics NASDAQ:CORT
● Buy Range- 38 - 40
● Target- 55 - 58
● Potential Return- 35% - 40%
● Invest Duration- 12-14 Months
◉ Market Capitalization - $4.42 B
◉ Peer Companies
● Prestige Consumer Healthcare NYSE:PBH - $3.644 B
● Jazz Pharmaceuticals NASDAQ:JAZZ - $6.766 B
● Amphastar Pharmaceuticals NASDAQ:AMPH - $2.423 B
● Organon NYSE:OGN - $5.142 B
◉ Relative Strength
➖ The chart distinctly demonstrates that NASDAQ:CORT has significantly surpassed the US Smallcap 2000 index, attaining an impressive annual return of 30%, marking a remarkable accomplishment.
◉ Technical Aspects
● Monthly Chart
➖ The historical chart shows that the stock price is trending upward, marked by a sequence of higher highs and higher lows.
➖ Having recently moved out of the parallel channel, the price is set for additional gains.
● Daily Chart
➖ After an extended period of consolidation, the stock price has formed an Inverted Head & Shoulders pattern.
➖ Post-breakout, the stock has stabilized above the breakout point and is now striving for new highs.
➖ A surge in trading volume suggests that buyers are currently showing significant interest.
◉ Revenue & Profit Analysis
● Year-on-year
➖ In the fiscal year 2023, revenue experienced a significant increase of 20.4%, amounting to $482.4 million, compared to $401.9 million in fiscal year 2022.
➖ However, EBITDA faced a downturn, decreasing to $108.3 million in FY23 from $113.9 million in FY22.
➖ The EBITDA margin also saw a reduction, falling to 22.46% from 28.34% in FY22.
➖ Moreover, diluted earnings per share (EPS) rose by 8% year-over-year, climbing to $0.94 in FY23, up from $0.87 in FY22.
**While the growth in EBITDA might raise some concerns, it's crucial to acknowledge that the company is heavily investing in its research and development sector, and this investment has seen substantial increases over the years.
● Quarter-on-quarter
➖ In the most recent June quarter, the company reached an impressive achievement, with quarterly sales hitting a record high of $163.8 million. This represents a 12% increase from the $146.8 million reported in the March quarter and a substantial 39% growth compared to $117.7 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.
➖ Additionally, EBITDA rose from $29.6 million to $36.2 million during the latest quarter.
◉ Valuation
◉ PE Ratio
● PE vs Median PE
➖ Corcept Therapeutics sustained a median price-to-earnings ratio of 19.7x from December 2019 to 2023.
➖ Presently, with a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.3x, the stock seems to be relatively expensive.
● PE vs. Peers PE
➖ CORT's Price-To-Earnings Ratio stands at 35.3x, making it quite pricey when compared to the average of its peers, which is only 13.6x.
● PE vs. Industry PE
➖ CORT's valuation seems high, as it has a Price-To-Earnings Ratio of 35.3x, which is considerably above the US Pharmaceuticals industry average of 19x.
◉ PB Ratio
● PB vs. Peers PB
➖ The current price-to-book (P/B) ratio suggests that the stock is slightly undervalued, sitting at 7.4x compared to the peer average of 10.8x.
➖ However, it's important to note that a P/B ratio of 7.4x is typically seen as significantly overvalued.
● PB vs. Industry PB
➖ When we analyze the P/B ratio against the industry standard, CORT stands out as being notably overvalued, with its P/B ratio of 7.4x far exceeding the industry average of just 1.7x.
● PEG Ratio
➖ The stock currently seems to present a compelling investment opportunity, featuring a PEG ratio of 0.84.
◉ Cash Flow Analysis
➖ In FY23, operating cash flow increased to $127 million, compared to $120.3 million in FY22. However, it's essential to recognize that when examining the overall trend from FY19 to FY23, there has been a decline in cash flow from operations.
◉ Debt Analysis
➖ CORT operates without any debt, showcasing the robust financial health of the company.
◉ Top Shareholders
➖ Blackrock presently possesses a significant 15.8% ownership in this stock, while The Vanguard Group maintains approximately 9.1% stakes.
◉ Conclusion
Following a comprehensive examination of technical and fundamental metrics, our assessment indicates that Corcept Therapeutics possesses substantial growth potential within the US biotechnology sector. Notwithstanding elevated valuations, the company's increasing research and development expenditures demonstrate a strong commitment to its future prospects. Consequently, we consider Corcept Therapeutics a prudent investment choice at this juncture.