Linde plc | LIN Linde, Timeless Excellence
Linde is a timeless business with even better stability than other basic materials businesses. The company works in gases and has a near-unbroken EPS growth record of 8% annually
Linde is a market leader, and if you invest in the company, you're investing in the world's largest company for industrial gases. The company was originally a result of a takeover of British BOC in 2006, and again the 2018 merger of Linde and Praxair, a US company.
On the macro upside, there was a 1) supportive regulatory framework in the USA and in the EU on green opportunities and hydrogen, 2) the Ukraine invasion was also a key catalyst towards the energy transition, 3) the EU chip acts with €43 billion in supporting funds as well as the United States Chips and Science Act development for a value of approximately $52 billion, and 4) higher needs of specialty gas in EV car. Related to the micro upside, the company is more diversified on a GEO revenue basis and sells different product solutions starting from cylinders to bulk liquid. In addition with a follow-up note titled "Positive News Ahead", we reported Linde's lower cost structure with the Frankfort delisting. Aside from removing the dual listing expenses, we positively view this development because US companies' P/E multiple are usually higher compared to the EU one.
To support our MACRO buy case recap, in the second quarter, Linde announced two new projects with Evonik and Heidelberg Materials (both companies covered by our internal team). The company signed a long-term agreement to produce green hydrogen for Evonik in a 9-megawatt alkaline electrolyzer plant in Singapore. With Heidelberg, Linde will build a large-scale carbon capture close to the Lengfurt plant in Germany. As a reminder, cement production is estimated to be responsible for around 7% of global
in 2022, APD's earnings per share were at $8.38, and Linde's earnings per share were fairly similar at $8.23. For 2023, Air Products and Chemical EPS guide a midpoint at $11.40 while Linde's EPS is forecasted at $13.65. Looking at the ROCE, in Q4 2022, APD stood at 11.7% and Linde at 13.4%. In the last quarter, APD’s ROCE was flat on the two-year comparison, while Linde’s after-tax ROCE reached 24.0%.
While there are some business & regional nuances between the two leading companies (for instance, APD is lacking U.S. packaged gas business), here at the Lab, we believe are more inclined toward Linde, particularly when organic growth has been fairly similar. Cross-checking APD and Linde's last quarter results, we should recall that on a comparable basis, the German player volumes were flat with an average selling price up by 8%. On the other hand, APD increased its volume by 6% with an increase in the average selling price of 8% too. APD adj EBITDA grew by 13% while Linde achieved a plus 11%. However, Linde's EU exposure is greater than APD. Therefore, this is supportive of Linde's bottom line. In numbers, excluding the Engineering divisional performance, Linde's EMEA sales reached $2,177 million and represented 29.72% of the company's total sales. Compared to Q1 2022 number, turnover grew by 10% and was driven by a 13% of cost pass-through increase.
Stockstowatch
Berkshire Hathaway | No More Apple Pie & Bank Bread!No More Apple Pie and Bank Bread | Buffett’s Recipe for Market Caution
Berkshire Hathaway has recently disclosed its earnings amid fluctuating around a $1 trillion valuation. A notable update is its continued reduction of stakes in overvalued assets, including a 20% decrease in holdings of Apple and Bank of America, boosting its cash reserves to $325 billion
Although Warren Buffett himself isn't favoring share buybacks at present, Berkshire Hathaway stands as a compelling investment option
Why Berkshire Hathaway's $325 Billion Cash Pile Signals Market Caution
The company's net earnings remain subject to significant fluctuations due to rules requiring valuation changes of investment holdings. However, there was a slight decline in operating earnings, mainly driven by lower insurance underwriting income. Despite this, that segment is historically volatile, and year over year aka YoY, the company has maintained strong performance.
Yea2date aka YTD, operating earnings have risen over 10%, totaling just under $33 billion compared to just below $29 billion last year. This points to an annualized earnings estimate of approximately $44 billion, implying a price2earnings aka P/E ratio of about 22, without factoring in over $320 billion in cash and significant investment holdings.
Excluding cash and investments, the adjusted P/E ratio is closer to single digits. Share buybacks have paused, reflected in a ~1% decrease in the outstanding shares YoY, signaling Berkshire's assessment of current market valuations.
Segment Highlights
The various business units within Berkshire Hathaway showcase its robust asset base and earning capacity. Insurance underwriting income saw a sharp YoY drop, but other business areas performed strongly. Income from insurance investments remained solid, and BNSF, its railroad subsidiary, also showed strong results despite a double digit YoY decline.
Berkshire Hathaway Energy continues its growth, cementing its position in the utility sector with significant renewable energy ventures. For context, NextEra Energy (NEE), with a market capitalization of $160 billion, posted quarterly earnings around 10% higher.
Berkshire's other controlled and non-controlled businesses contribute over $13 billion annually, underpinning its diversification and consistent earnings performance. This strength across segments underscores its formidable financial health.
Market Context
Currently, market valuations are elevated by historical standards.
Excluding periods of earnings dips, market enthusiasm is exceptionally high, with the S&P 500 P/E ratio nearing 30x, approaching levels last seen in 1999. Buffett and Berkshire appear to view a 3% yield from such a P/E as unattractive, especially when bonds offer higher returns.
The 2008 Playbook
Berkshire's track record of effectively utilizing its cash reserves is notable. Excluding its insurance float, the company still holds $150 billion in cash.
During the 2008 financial crisis, Berkshire leveraged its liquidity for strategic investments in companies like General Electric, Swiss Re, Dow Chemical, and Bank of America, as well as finalizing the full acquisition of BNSF in 2010. This proactive use of capital proved advantageous.
The current strategic sale of assets suggests Berkshire is preparing for potential market downturns. Given high S&P 500 valuations, reallocating part of an S&P 500 position into Berkshire Hathaway could be wise, ensuring exposure to a cash-rich portfolio capable of seizing future opportunities. Meanwhile, Berkshire’s earnings are valued lower than the broader market, potentially minimizing major downturn risks.
Investment Risks
A key risk is that timing the market is inherently challenging, with the adage "time in the market beats timing the market" serving as a caution. If Berkshire's market outlook is incorrect, its $300+ billion in cash could underperform while broader markets remain strong, which would diminish its appeal as an investment.
Final Thoughts
Berkshire Hathaway has taken the bold step of liquidating some of its most significant and priciest holdings, opting to incur capital gains taxes to increase liquidity. This move has bolstered its cash position to $325 billion, $150 billion above its float level. Meanwhile, its strong operational businesses continue generating healthy cash flow.
Drawing on its successful strategies during the 2008 crisis, Berkshire appears to be positioning itself for another downturn amid current high market valuations. We advise investors to consider shifting part of their S&P 500 exposure into Berkshire Hathaway for enhanced diversification and potential benefits in a market correction, long story short Berkshire Hathaway remains a robust investment opportunity but wont make millionaire!
What do you think moonypto fam?
Long Lamb Weston $LW
🍟 NYSE:LW is one of the largest producers of frozen 🥔products
🍟 Large supplier to $ NYSE:MCD MCD NYSE:LW
🍟 Stock is bouncing after Jana Partners took a stake and the latest earnings
🍟 Unusual Call Options Activity using @Tradestation shows accumulation
🍟 Upside potential 25% to target 🎯 $96
Dang, those 🍟🍟 are getting salty 👿
Microsoft’s Big Moves This Quarter | From Activision to AI AgentMicrosoft’s Revenue Surge: The Power of AI, Gaming, and Strategic Investments
Microsoft has released its Q1 FY25 earnings for the quarter ending in September
The stock saw a 6% drop, indicating the results fell short of investors' high hopes. Trading at over 30 times projected earnings for next year, expectations for Microsoft were significant.
CEO Satya Nadella stated
“Our AI business is set to exceed an annual revenue run rate of $10 billion next quarter, making it the fastest business in our history to reach this milestone.”
This means that AI will soon account for about 4% of Microsoft's total revenue in under three years a remarkable feat for a global giant.
If you need a quick summary, here are three main points:
1. ☁️ Azure’s growth is slowing. As Microsoft’s key player in the AI competition, Azure grew 34%, down slightly from 35% in the prior quarter (after adjustments). This comes as Google Cloud raised the bar, with its growth accelerating from 29% to 35% during the same period.
2. 🤖 AI growth is limited by hardware supply, as capacity struggles to meet demand. Data center expansion is a long-term process, and Microsoft is investing heavily in infrastructure, aiming for a growth boost by 2025.
3. 👨👩👧👦 Consumer-focused products like Gaming and Devices are underperforming. Although not essential to Microsoft's core business, their poor performance has impacted overall results.
Here’s a breakdown of the insights from the quarter.
Overview of today’s insights:
- New segmentation.
- Microsoft’s Q1 FY25 overview.
- Key earnings call highlights.
- Future areas to monitor.
1. New Segmentation
Revised Business Segments
In August, Microsoft announced a reorganization of its business segments, effective this quarter. The purpose? To better align financial reporting with the current business structure and strategic management.
Summary of the main changes
- Microsoft 365 Commercial revenue consolidation: All M365 commercial revenue, including mobility and security services, now falls under the Productivity and Business Processes segment.
-Copilot Pro revenue shift: Revenue from the Copilot Pro tool was moved from Productivity and Business Processes to the More Personal Computing segment under Search and news advertising.
-Nuance Enterprise reallocation: Revenue from Nuance, previously part of Intelligent Cloud, is now included in Productivity and Business Processes.
-Windows and Devices reporting combination: Microsoft now reports Windows and Devices revenue together.
Impact of These Changes:
Core Segments Overview:
In summary:
- The Productivity and Business Processes segment has grown significantly.
- The Intelligent Cloud segment has decreased due to the reallocation of Nuance and other revenue.
Products and Services Overview:
- M365 Commercial now includes Nuance, shifted from the Server products category, along with integrated mobility and security services.
- Windows & Devices have been merged into a single, slower-growth category.
Additional Insights:
- Azure, Microsoft's cloud platform, is reported within 'Server products and cloud services.' Although its growth rate is shared by management, exact revenue figures remain undisclosed.
Azure’s past growth figures have been adjusted for consistency, with the last quarter’s constant currency growth recast from 30% to 35%, setting a higher benchmark. Tracking these metrics is challenging due to limited revenue disclosure, but this recast indicates Azure's raised growth expectations.
2. Microsoft’s Q1 FY25 Performance
Financial Summary:
-Revenue: Up 16% year-over-year, reaching $65.6 billion (exceeding estimates by $1 billion). Post-Activision Blizzard acquisition in October 2023, the growth was 13% excluding the merger.
New Product and Services Segmentation Results
- Server products & cloud services: $22.2 billion (+23% Y/Y).
- M365 Commercial: $20.4 billion (+13% Y/Y).
- Gaming: $5.6 billion (+43% Y/Y), influenced by Activision.
- Windows & Devices: $4.3 billion (flat Y/Y).
- LinkedIn: $4.3 billion (+10% Y/Y).
- Search & news advertising: $3.2 billion (+7% Y/Y).
- Enterprise & partner services: $1.9 billion (flat Y/Y).
- Dynamics: $1.8 billion (+14% Y/Y).
- M365 Consumer products: $1.7 billion (+5% Y/Y).
Core Business Segments Breakdown:
- Productivity and Business Processes: Increased 12% Y/Y to $28.3 billion, supported by M365 Commercial, especially Copilot adoption.
- Intelligent Cloud: Grew 20% Y/Y to $24.1 billion, with Azure AI driving growth.
- More Personal Computing: Grew 17% Y/Y to $13.2 billion, including a 15-point boost from Activision. Devices fell, but search and ad performance improved under new segmentation.
Key Observations:
- Microsoft Cloud revenue climbed 22% Y/Y to $39 billion, making up 59% of total revenue (+3 percentage points Y/Y).
- Azure continues to drive cloud services and server products' growth.
- Xbox growth has surged due to the Activision acquisition since Q2 FY24, expected to stabilize by Q2 FY25.
- Windows OEM and devices combined, showing a 2% decline in Q1 FY25.
- Office rebranded to Microsoft 365; updated naming will be used starting next quarter.
- Margins: Gross margin at 69% (down 2pp Y/Y, 1pp Q/Q); operating margin at 47% (down 1pp Y/Y, up 4pp Q/Q).
- EPS: Increased 10% to $3.30, beating by $0.19.
Cash Flow and Balance Sheet:
- Operating cash flow: $34 billion (52% margin, down 2pp Y/Y).
- Cash**: $78 billion; Long-term debt**: $43 billion.
Q2 FY25 Outlook:
- Productivity and Business Processes: Anticipated 10%-11% Y/Y growth, steady due to M365, Copilot inclusion, and expected LinkedIn growth of ~10%. Dynamics set to grow mid-to-high teens.
- Intelligent Cloud: Projected 18%-20% Y/Y growth, slightly slowing, with Azure growth expected between 28%-29%.
- More Personal Computing: Forecasted ~$14 billion revenue, declines in Windows, Devices, and Gaming anticipated, with some offset from Copilot Pro.
Main Takeaways:
- Azure's growth slowed to 34% Y/Y in constant currency, with AI services contributing 12pp, up from 11pp last quarter. This marks a dip from the recast 35% prior and included an accounting boost.
- Capacity limitations in AI persist; more infrastructure investments are planned, with reacceleration expected in H2 FY25.
- Commercial performance obligations grew 21% to $259 billion, up from 20% in Q4.
- Margins were pressured by AI infrastructure investments; Activision reduced the operating margin by 2 points.
- Capital expenditures increased by 50% to $15 billion, half dedicated to infrastructure, with further Capex growth expected.
- Shareholder returns included $9.0 billion through buybacks and dividends, matching Q4 repurchases.
Earnings Call Highlights:
Azure AI saw a doubling of usage over six months, positioning it as a foundation for services like Cosmos DB and SQL DB. Microsoft Fabric adoption grew 14% sequentially, signaling rapid uptake.
AI Expansion: GitHub Copilot enterprise use surged 55% Q/Q, with AI-powered capabilities used by nearly 600,000 organizations, a 4x increase Y/Y.
M365 Copilot has achieved a 70% adoption rate among Fortune 500 companies and continues to grow rapidly.
LinkedIn saw accelerated growth in markets like India and Brazil and a 6x quarterly increase in video views, aligning with broader social media trends.
Search and Gaming: Bing’s revenue growth surpassed the market, while Game Pass hit a new revenue record, propelled by Black Ops 6
Capital Expenditures: CFO Amy Hood highlighted that half of cloud and AI investments are for long-term infrastructure, positioning the company for sustained growth.
4. Future Outlook
Energy Needs: Microsoft, facing higher power demands, plans to revive a reactor at Three Mile Island with Constellation Energy by 2028 to power its AI data centers sustainably.
Autonomous AI Agents: Coming in November, these agents will perform tasks with minimal human input, enhancing efficiency. Copilot Studio will allow businesses to customize these agents, with 10 pre-built options to start.
Industry Impact: Salesforce has launched Agentforce, signaling increased competition. CEO Mark Benioff recently compared Microsoft’s Copilot to the nostalgic Clippy, stoking rivalry.
For further analysis stay tuned
AMD’s Earnings Stumble | A Golden Opportunity for Investors?Post Earnings Dip, Is AMD ready for a 2025 Comeback?
Shares of Advanced Micro Devices dropped over 10% after releasing its third quarter FY2024 earnings report, which fell short of investors’ expectations. Although the results were not poor, the market had high hopes given AMD's premium stock valuation. The company did surpass revenue projections, but its non GAAP EPS matched market expectations plus the midpoint of its fourth-quarter revenue forecast slightly missed estimates.
In my prior analysis, I upgraded AMD from a sell to a buy after a 20% dip, which realigned market expectations. Since that upgrade, the stock has climbed 15%, outperforming the S&P 500 Index by 9%. The recent earnings-driven decline has brought AMD's stock price close to my previously mentioned level.
While the gaming segment saw a sharper decline in revenue in 3Q, the Data Center GPU division continued to exhibit strong growth, boosting overall revenue growth and improving margins. I believe AMD is still in a strong position to further accelerate revenue growth and margin expansion in the fourth quarter and beyond. As a result, I see the post-earnings dip as a buying opportunity and maintain my buy rating on the stock, supported by its anticipated growth phase justifying its premium valuation.
For 4Q FY2024, AMD projects 21.6% YoY revenue growth at the midpoint of its guidance, with a $300 million potential variance. This growth is expected to be driven by continued expansion in Data Center GPUs. Although the midpoint guidance is slightly below market consensus, I believe AMD could exceed this number, given its track record. My estimate suggests a 24% YoY revenue increase, or $150 million above the midpoint.
3Q EPS Analysis Shows Margin Pressure
AMD has shown consistent margin improvement since 4Q FY2023, though the pace in 3Q didn't meet expectations. EPS aligned with estimates despite revenue exceeding forecasts, indicating margin challenges. Non-GAAP gross margin rose by 50 bps sequentially, while non-GAAP EBIT margin showed strong improvement, rising by 350 bps QoQ.
AMD forecasts a 4Q non-GAAP gross margin of 54% and operating expenses of $2.05 billion, driven by a favorable mix from its Data Center segment, which now represents 52% of total revenue. Management noted that gross margins in the Data Center segment are below the company average, focusing on customer needs and market growth for future gains. This contrasts with NVIDIA (NVDA), which reportedly has higher Data Center margins, though specific figures are not disclosed.
With a 4Q revenue consensus at $7.65 billion, AMD projects a non-GAAP EBIT margin of 27.2%, suggesting an additional 200 bps sequential increase. The company appears well-positioned for both revenue growth and margin improvement, despite its valuation declining after the recent stock pullback.
4Q EPS Outlook Signals Continued Growth
Although 3Q non-GAAP EPS met expectations, AMD’s growth accelerated from 18.1% YoY in 2Q to 32% in 3Q. However, the selloff post-earnings implies that investors anticipated even higher growth. Based on 4Q guidance, I estimate AMD’s non-GAAP EPS at $1.10, marking a 44% YoY increase.
AMD's FCF profile also improved, generating $496 million in 3Q, a 13% QoQ increase despite a one-time acquisition-related expense of $123 million. Higher capital expenditures are expected in FY2025 to support MI300 growth and maintain momentum.
Market Expectations and Valuation Impacts
Before the 10% post 3Q selloff, AMD’s EV/EBITDA TTM was higher than NVIDIA’s, but they are now on par, despite AMD’s margins and growth trailing NVIDIA's. AMD’s non-GAAP EV/EBITDA forward multiple is 46.3x, compared to NVIDIA’s 42.6x, and its forward P/E ratio is 50.4x, 17% above its 5-year average and higher than NVIDIA’s 49.7x.
While AMD's premium valuation can be justified given its growth acceleration, NVIDIA’s triple-digit EPS growth is not expected to continue. Moreover, NVIDIA’s gross margin recently declined, reinforcing the case for AMD’s valuation as it expands its growth in FY2025.
AMD’s stock has retraced to a 0% YTD return due to margin concerns and underperformance in Gaming and Embedded segments, though the latter is gradually recovering. However, the company’s strong Data Center gains and continued margin expansion indicate a solid growth phase. The recent selloff has recalibrated market expectations, and with ongoing AI-driven demand, AMD’s growth is likely to extend into FY2025, making the pullback an attractive buying opportunity.
What you think, Are you Moonish on AMD?
Estee Lauder’s 26% Plunge: Revenue Miss & All Short Targets Hit!Estee Lauder (EL) Stock Analysis:
Estee Lauder (EL) saw a dramatic 26% drop, marking a significant bearish turn as all short trade targets on the 15-minute timeframe were swiftly reached. The chart reflects intense selling pressure, with shares plummeting after disappointing earnings and cautious guidance.
Key Trade Details:
Entry Level: 88.29
Target Levels:
TP1: 87.89
TP2: 87.29
TP3: 86.58
TP4: 86.17
Stop Loss: 88.62
Key Market Insights:
Revenue Miss and Guidance Withdrawal: Estee Lauder missed revenue expectations, reporting a 4% YoY decline, and pulled its fiscal 2025 outlook, signaling incremental uncertainty in the Chinese market and Asia’s travel retail sector. The company now plans to provide only quarterly guidance.
Challenges in China and Travel Retail: Weak consumer sentiment in China and reduced demand in Asia travel retail, including low conversion rates in Hong Kong, led to a 5% drop in organic net sales, impacting overall performance.
Summary:
Estee Lauder’s sharp decline capitalized on bearish momentum, achieving all short trade targets quickly. The disappointing earnings, along with withdrawn guidance, underscore the headwinds Estee Lauder faces in a slowing global economy, particularly in Asia. This setup demonstrates the high-risk, high-reward potential for short-term trades in volatile stocks.
Tharimmune (THAR) Soars with Positive EMA Feedback!Analysis:
Tharimmune (THAR) is showing strong upward momentum on the 15-minute timeframe, setting up for a promising long trade. Recent entry at 5.23, with clear targets ahead:
Target 1: 7.31
Target 2: 10.69
Target 3: 14.07
Target 4: 16.16
Key Driver:
Positive regulatory feedback from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) on Tharimmune’s TH104 clinical program for treating chronic pruritus in primary biliary cholangitis has fueled significant investor interest, pushing the stock upward.
Technical Overview:
The chart illustrates a breakout pattern with well-defined support and resistance levels. If momentum continues, the stock is positioned to hit all targets as shown using the Risological Swing Trader as investor confidence builds.
OLA ELECTRIC Plummets as Complaints Soar – BUT, We Made Money!OLA ELECTRIC Stock Analysis:
Ola Electric (OLAELEC) recently experienced a significant downturn, with all targets met in a notable short trade on the 15-minute timeframe. The ongoing downtrend can be attributed to multiple external pressures:
Massive Customer Complaints: India’s Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) reported over 10,000 complaints within a year related to Ola’s after-sales services, billing inaccuracies, and delays. This high volume of complaints is unprecedented, prompting government intervention.
Consumer Protection Action:
Ola Electric received a show-cause notice from Indian authorities, demanding an explanation for the alleged violations of consumer rights and trade practices. The repercussions could include directives for customer compensation or even financial penalties.
Service Overload at Centers:
Numerous reports indicate that Ola’s service centers are struggling to keep up with demand, leading to extensive backlogs and dissatisfied customers. According to analysts, many centers appear overwhelmed, further deteriorating Ola's brand image.
Market Sentiment Impact:
Following these revelations, Ola’s share value has sharply fallen, reversing the gains from its August IPO. The stock has lost nearly 40% in recent weeks, with negative sentiment further amplified by viral customer complaints on social media.
With external pressures mounting and consumer confidence waning, Ola Electric’s stock faces a challenging recovery path. The short trade setup capitalized on this decline, achieving all preset targets amidst the company’s reputational crisis.
Key Levels:
Entry: 93.86
Targets Achieved: TP1 at 90.87, TP2 at 86.04, TP3 at 81.21, TP4 at 78.22
Stop Loss: 96.27
Ola Electric’s road ahead remains uncertain as regulatory scrutiny intensifies and consumer trust continues to erode.
Antony Waste is certainly not waste.Antony Waste Handling Cell Ltd. engages in the provision of solid waste management services. Its services include waste collection and transportation, mechanized and non-mechanized sweeping, waste processing and treatment, and waste to energy.
Antony Waste Handling Cell Ltd. CMP is 736.75. The positive aspects of the company are Annual Profit Growth higher than Sector Profit Growth, Rising Net Cash Flow and Cash from Operating activity and Company able to generate Net Cash. The Negative aspects of the company are High Valuation (P.E. = 24.5), High promoter stock pledges, Stocks Underperforming their Industry Price Change in the Quarter and MFs decreased their shareholding last quarter.
Entry can be taken after closing above 747 Targets in the stock will be 784 and 821. The long-term target in the stock will be 848 and 900. Stop loss in the stock should be maintained at Closing below 671 or 605 depending upon your risk taking ability.
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for educational purpose, analysis and paper trading only. Please don't treat this as a buy or sell recommendation for the stock. We do not guarantee any success in highly volatile market or otherwise. Stock market investment is subject to market risks which include global and regional risks. We will not be responsible for any Profit or loss that may occur due to any financial decision taken based on any data provided in this message.
Alkem looks alrightAlkem Laboratories Ltd. engages in the development, manufacture, and sale of pharmaceutical products. It produces branded generics, generic drugs, active pharmaceutical ingredient, and nutraceuticals.
Alkem Laboratories Ltd. CMP is 6039.55. The positive aspects of the company are Company with Low Debt, Company with Zero Promoter Pledge, Stocks Outperforming their Industry Price Change in the Quarter and MFs increased their shareholding last quarter. The Negative aspects of the company are High Valuation (P.E. = 35.2), Declining Net Cash Flow : Companies not able to generate net cash and Increasing Trend in Non-Core Income.
Entry can be taken after closing above 6105 Targets in the stock will be 6202 and 6315. The long-term target in the stock will be 6442. Stop loss in the stock should be maintained at Closing below 5818 or 5363 depending upon your risk taking ability.
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for educational purpose, analysis and paper trading only. Please don't treat this as a buy or sell recommendation for the stock. We do not guarantee any success in highly volatile market or otherwise. Stock market investment is subject to market risks which include global and regional risks. We will not be responsible for any Profit or loss that may occur due to any financial decision taken based on any data provided in this message.
SAP’s Cloud & AI MomentumSAP’s Cloud and AI Momentum: Why This Tech Giant Remains a Top Buy in 2024
SAP is a Germany based company specializing in enterprise application software
It operates through three key segments:
1.Applications, Technology & Services: This segment focuses on selling software licenses, subscriptions to SAP’s cloud applications, and related services. It encompasses support services, various professional services, implementation services for SAP’s software products, and educational services to help customers effectively use SAP solutions
2.SAP Business Network:This segment includes SAP’s cloud-based collaborative business networks and related services. It covers cloud applications and professional and educational services related to the SAP Business Network. This segment also encompasses cloud offerings developed by SAP Ariba, SAP Fieldglass, and Concur, which facilitate supplier collaboration, workforce management, and expense management.
3.Customer Experience:This segment offers both on-premise and cloud-based products designed to manage front-office functions, focusing on customer experience management. It provides solutions that help businesses enhance and streamline interactions with customers.
These segments enable SAP to offer a wide range of solutions, addressing enterprise needs from back-office functions to collaborative networks and customer-facing operations.
SAP remains a top pick, with clear growth momentum that could accelerate further and potential for margin improvements. My buy rating remains unchanged.
SAP reported its Q3 2024 earnings, showing a 10% year-over-year revenue increase in constant currency (CC) to €8.5 billion, maintaining the same growth momentum as Q2 2024. The highlight is the cloud segment’s revenue growth, reaching €4.35 billion, with a y/y CC growth rate accelerating from 25% in Q2 2024 to 27% in Q3 2024. This aligns well with my expectations, as the current cloud backlog (CCB) grew by 29% y/y CC, improving 100 basis points from Q2 2024. By product category, the Cloud ERP Suite showed 36% y/y CC growth, a 300bps sequential improvement. License revenue, though still declining, saw a slower drop from -27% in Q2 to -14% in Q3, and maintenance revenue declines also eased from -3% to -2%. This solid revenue performance contributed to a strong profit outcome, with adjusted EBIT beating estimates by approximately 9% at €2.24 billion, and a major free cash flow (FCF) beat of €1.25 billion, far surpassing the consensus of -€676 million.
Given this strong performance, it wasn’t surprising that management raised guidance, which is certainly encouraging. They now forecast adjusted EBIT in the range of €7.8 to €8 billion, a €150 million increase at the midpoint, implying y/y growth of 20% to 23% CC, up from the previous 17% to 21%. Cloud and software revenue guidance also increased by €400 million at the midpoint, with a new range of €29.5 to €29.8 billion, reflecting 10% to 11% y/y CC growth versus the previous 8% to 10%. Additionally, adjusted FCF is now projected between €3.5 to €4 billion, compared to the prior €3.5 billion.
I am confident that SAP can meet these targets for several reasons. First, the S/4HANA migration remains strong, as indicated by 29% y/y CC CCB growth and 36% y/y CC growth in the Cloud ERP Suite, which accounts for approximately 84% of total cloud revenue. Second, nearly one-third of deals signed in the quarter involved AI, highlighting increased demand for embedded AI solutions. This reinforces my previous view that AI adoption is driving SAP’s cloud migration efforts, as customers must utilize the cloud to fully leverage these AI capabilities. Notably, SAP is moving to the “expand” phase of its strategy by adding generative AI (GenAI) capabilities.
With SAP introducing more AI features, the company is well-positioned to continue capitalizing on this growth driver. For example, its AI-based assistant, Joule, now offers collaborative agent capabilities, allowing it to manage multiple AI agents for complex tasks—resulting in significant productivity gains. Additionally, the Knowledge Graph, a part of SAP’s GenAI suite, connects language and data to help users navigate SAP systems more efficiently. SAP has over 100 GenAI use cases and has added more than 500 skills to Joule so far, suggesting substantial growth potential.
AI adoption remains robust, as evidenced by AI’s central role in SAP’s sales strategy. Around 20% of deals now include premium AI features, and all ERP and LoB deals involve discussions around AI, signaling that AI is a key growth driver for SAP, especially considering that AI integration was minimal a few years ago.
I reaffirm my model assumptions and see continued attractive upside potential, even after SAP’s strong year-to-date share price rally. SAP is increasingly likely to achieve 10% growth for FY24, with further acceleration expected in FY25/26, driven by strong cloud migration and rising AI demand. Management’s upward revision of FY24 adjusted EBIT indicates that earnings margins will improve. Year-to-date, the adjusted earnings margin stands at around 21.1%, making my full-year target of 21.5% feasible. As growth accelerates and SAP completes its restructuring (which impacts 9,000 to 10,000 positions as announced in January 2024), margins should rise to the mid-20% range. I’ve added 300 basis points based on trends from FY22 to FY24. Additionally, with no visible slowdown in growth momentum, I expect the market to continue valuing SAP at a premium, at 36x forward PE compared to the three-year average of 23x.
The macroeconomic environment poses risks, especially if supply chain challenges persist or interest rates rise. Political uncertainties, such as the upcoming U.S. election, could lead to reduced business investment, impacting corporate IT budgets and SAP’s sales. Additionally, if SAP’s S/4HANA and cloud products underperform, or if there are delays in product development or launches, investor expectations may be disappointed, particularly regarding S/4HANA.
To conclude, I maintain my buy rating on SAP. The company’s strong Q3 2024 performance and revised guidance have reinforced my positive view. The accelerating growth in cloud revenue, driven by solid S/4 HANA migration and increased AI adoption, is highly encouraging. While macro risks remain, SAP’s robust fundamentals and favorable growth outlook support a buy rating.
AFFIRM HOLDINGS (AFRM) Short Trade Setup and AnalysisAFFIRM HOLDINGS (AFRM) on the 15-minute timeframe:
Trade Summary
Position: Short Trade
Entry: $46.84
Stop Loss: $48.47
Take Profit Targets:
TP1: $44.84 (Hit)
TP2: $41.59 (Hit)
TP3: $38.34 (Pending)
TP4: $36.33 (Pending)
Technical Analysis
The price action for AFRM has shown a steady downtrend in alignment with the bearish market sentiment. The position was initiated near the entry point of $46.84, with the Risological dotted trendline indicating a continuous bearish pressure, thus validating the short entry.
With TP1 and TP2 already achieved, the price is moving in line with the projected downtrend. The decreasing volume and proximity to the trailing targets suggest that there is further room for downside potential, aiming towards TP3 and TP4.
Market Insights
Volume: 5.59M (below the 30-day average of 9.08M), indicating moderate sell-off interest.
Key Levels:
Day’s Range: $40.63 - $42.47, which reflects a steady decline.
52-Week Range: $16.50 - $52.48, showing that the stock is approaching the lower side of its yearly range.
Upcoming Earnings: In 12 days, which could further influence AFRM’s trend based on market expectations.
This technical setup aligns with the broader market indicators and the prevailing bearish momentum in AFRM. Further downside potential remains viable as the trend continues.
Tesla’s Autonomous AmbitionsMusk’s Vision vs. Reality: Tesla’s Path to Revolutionizing Transportation
Tesla recently experienced its best trading day since 2013, with the stock soaring 23% following the release of its Q3 earnings report. While the financial results were solid, investors are largely drawn to Elon Musk’s ambitious vision for autonomy a vision that presents significant challenges but holds substantial potential
Tesla’s rebound in deliveries, higher profit margins, and an unexpected forecast projecting 20% to 30% sales growth for next year reinvigorated investor confidence after a somewhat muted response to the October 10th 'We, Robot' event
The event showcased new products like the highly anticipated Cybercab (robotaxi) and Optimus (a humanoid robot) Despite the excitement, the presentation lacked detailed information, causing Tesla’s stock to decline by nearly 10% the following day
Despite being over 20 years old, the investment appeal of Tesla is still driven more by its future potential than its current state. Musk envisions mass-producing autonomous vehicles and robots, aspiring to make Tesla the largest company globally. Traditional valuation models based on recent performance can’t fully capture this long term vision
Tesla’s journey can’t be understood in isolation
Just three days after the 'We, Robot' event, SpaceX successfully launched its Starship spacecraft for the fifth time. The SpaceX “chopsticks” system successfully caught the Super Heavy booster after liftoff a crucial step toward making the booster completely reusable. This breakthrough could transform space travel by significantly reducing turnaround times and reshaping cost structures.
Elon Musk, at the helm of both Tesla and SpaceX, has a talent for transforming bold ideas into reality. SpaceX’s success in making rockets reusable has drastically reduced the cost of space travel, demonstrating that affordability can drive broader adoption.
This strategy mirrors Tesla’s vision for autonomous vehicles: by creating self-driving cars like the Cybercab, Tesla aims to reshape transportation with similar cost-efficiency principles. However, as with any disruptive technology, the range of possible outcomes is vast.
A balanced perspective considers Musk’s track record while acknowledging that his timelines can often be highly optimistic.
In 2021, Benedict Evans described Musk as “a bullshitter who delivers.” Whether Tesla’s vision for full autonomy will come to fruition remains uncertain, and fully autonomous fleets could still be years away. Nonetheless, Musk’s accomplishments with SpaceX add weight to Tesla’s ambitions, granting him credibility in the eyes of many.
The question remains: Will Musk’s ambitious autonomy vision fully take shape?
Today’s highlights:
- Tesla Q3 FY24 Results
- Key takeaways from the 'We, Robot' event
- Notable quotes from the earnings call
- Insights on Waymo, Uber, and the future of ridesharing
Tesla Q3 FY24 Overview
Tesla’s revenue is primarily generated from three segments
1. Automotive (80% of revenue): This includes the sale of electric vehicles, such as models S, 3, X, Y, and the Cybertruck.
2. Services and Other (11% of revenue): This segment encompasses vehicle services, the Supercharger network, and sales of automotive parts and accessories.
3.Energy Generation and Storage (9% of revenue): Revenue from solar products and energy storage solutions like the Solar Roof and Powerwall.
Key Metrics for Q3 FY24:
-Production: 470,000 vehicles produced (+9% YoY, +14% QoQ).
-Deliveries: 463,000 vehicles delivered (+6% YoY, +4% QoQ), which was slightly below analysts’ expectations of 464,000 and fell short of the Q4 2023 record of 484,000 deliveries. Despite price cuts over the last two years, Tesla’s auto sales growth has leveled off.
Financial Highlights:
-Revenue: $25.2 billion, an 8% YoY increase but fell short of expectations by $0.5 billion.
-Gross Margin: 20% (+2 percentage points QoQ and YoY).
-Operating Margin: 11% (+5 percentage points QoQ, +3 percentage points YoY).
-Adjusted EPS: $0.72, beating estimates by $0.12.
Gross Margin Insights:
-Automotive Gross Margin: 17% (excluding regulatory credits), up from 15% in Q2 and 16% a year earlier. The cost per vehicle dropped to an all-time low of $35,100. Notably, the Cybertruck achieved a positive gross margin for the first time. The automotive segment included $326 million in software revenue.
-Services and Other Gross Margin: Reached 9%, marking the 10th consecutive quarter of positive margins and a new record high.
-Energy Generation and Storage Gross Margin: The highest margin segment at 31%, also hitting a record high.
Overall, while Tesla faced some delivery shortfalls and plateauing auto sales, it managed to improve profitability across its segments, with key milestones in cost reductions and positive trends in gross margins.
Tesla’s Margins and Cash Flow Performance
Tesla’s industry-leading margins are driven by three major advantages:
1.Economies of Scale: Achieved through its expansive gigafactories.
2.Direct-to-Consumer Sales**: Tesla sells directly online and through its showrooms, bypassing traditional dealership networks.
3.Low Marketing Costs: Tesla spends very little on advertising compared to traditional automakers.
While Tesla expects its margins to expand over time due to growth in its non-automotive segments and software sales, its automotive margins have been pressured by price cuts in the last two years to sustain demand.
Cash Flow Highlights:
-Operating Cash Flow**: Increased by 89%, reaching $6.3 billion
-Free Cash Flow**: Jumped by 223%, hitting $2.7 billion
These cash flow figures stood out in the quarterly report, demonstrating Tesla’s ability to fund its ambitious plans for autonomy despite heavy investments in AI.
Guidance
1.FY24 Improvement: Tesla now expects slight growth in vehicle deliveries for FY24 (previous guidance indicated “notably lower” growth), implying a record-setting Q4 to make up for a weaker first half. Energy storage deployment is projected to more than double.
2.FY25 Outlook Surprise: During the earnings call, Musk forecasted 20% to 30% delivery growth in FY25, surpassing market expectations. A new, more affordable model is anticipated to launch in the first half of FY25, potentially easing investor concerns about competition.
3.New Product Strategy: The upcoming affordable vehicles in 2025 will be based on Tesla’s existing platform, indicating less dramatic cost reductions than previously suggested. However, the Robotaxi will bring a fresh manufacturing strategy.
Key Takeaways
1.Volumes Rebounded: After a 7% decline in deliveries during the first half of 2024, volumes recovered in Q3. Prices have stabilized, and Tesla’s focus on reducing unit costs contributed to improved automotive gross margins. Management’s priorities remain on unit volume and maintaining low inventory levels.
2.More than Just EVs: Non-automotive segments, such as Energy and Services, accounted for 20% of Tesla’s revenue this quarter, up from 16% a year ago. Likewise, these segments contributed about 20% of Tesla’s gross margin, nearly double from the previous year. As these segments grow, their impact on Tesla’s profitability will become increasingly significant.
3.Operating Margin Gains: Improved by 3 percentage points year-over-year:
-Negative Impact: Price cuts, mainly due to financing incentives.
-Positive Impact**: Lower costs per vehicle, growth in non-auto segments, FSD revenue, increased deliveries, and higher regulatory credit revenue.
4.Free Cash Flow Surge: Doubled sequentially to $2.7 billion. Capital expenditures increased by 43% to $3.5 billion, largely driven by investments in AI infrastructure. Tesla plans to spend over $10 billion on AI this year.
5.Strong Balance Sheet: Tesla maintains a net cash position of nearly $30 billion, which management believes provides ample liquidity to support its product roadmap and sustain positive cash flow margins.
We, Robot’ Event Takeaways
Key insights from the recent announcements include:
- Cybercab (Robotaxi): Tesla introduced the much-awaited Cybercab, a sleek two-seater, but key technical details—such as sensor configurations and processing capabilities—were notably absent. Musk’s decision to forgo lidar technology, a feature commonly used by competitors like Waymo, could potentially raise regulatory concerns about safety and compliance.
1.Optimus (Humanoid Robot): While the Optimus robots were a hit at the event, performing tasks like serving drinks and dancing, this entertaining display overshadowed the reality of how far the technology is from practical use. Reports indicated that the robots were primarily operated by humans, raising questions about their actual autonomous capabilities and readiness for industrial applications.
2.Robovan: A surprise announcement was the debut of the Robovan, a versatile vehicle intended for both mass transit and cargo transport. Its stylish Art Deco-inspired design drew attention, but like the Cybercab, it lacked concrete details or technical insights to convince analysts that the product is close to entering production. The presentation didn’t provide enough information to quell investor skepticism about its feasibility.
3. Full Self-Driving (FSD) Progress: Elon Musk projected that Tesla’s FSD technology would achieve full autonomy by 2026, with the Cybercab and current models (like the Model 3 and Model Y) spearheading this effort in Texas and California. However, Musk’s history of ambitious FSD promises has been met with ongoing skepticism, and this presentation did little to change that. No new safety data or significant updates were provided to address reliability concerns, leaving regulatory and safety issues unresolved. Tesla still faces significant challenges in proving its FSD capabilities are ready for public use without human oversight and in obtaining regulatory approval at both federal and state levels.
4.Market Reaction: Analysts expressed mixed feelings about the event. While some found the futuristic concepts inspiring, others noted the lack of substantial progress and the vague nature of Musk’s promises. This left investors questioning how close Tesla truly is to achieving its autonomy and robotics goals. For many, the event leaned more towards spectacle than solid evidence of progress.
Shareholder Deck Updates
1.Supercharger Network: Tesla’s Supercharger Network received widespread industry support, with most automakers now adopting Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS). This acceptance is likely to boost Tesla’s Services segment and improve its margins in the long term. The number of Supercharger stations increased by 20% year-over-year to 6,706. Tesla also rehired some of the nearly 500 Supercharger team members who had been laid off earlier in the year, indicating renewed focus on this segment.
2.Market Share: Tesla’s market share remained steady in North America and Europe on a sequential basis, but saw a noticeable improvement in China, signaling stronger competitiveness in the region.
These details paint a picture of a company with promising ambitions but facing significant challenges in bringing its bold visions to reality. Investors will be watching closely for concrete progress and clearer timelines moving forward.
Key Updates from the Earnings Call
Full Self-Driving (FSD) Progress
- Tesla has surpassed 2 billion miles driven using its FSD (supervised) technology, which forms a core part of the company’s data advantage. This milestone underpins Tesla’s long-term autonomy thesis. Additionally, Tesla launched **FSD version 12.5** and introduced the Actually Smart Summon feature, enabling vehicles to autonomously drive to their owners in parking lots.
AI Training Capacity
- Musk shared that Tesla expects to have **nearly 90,000 H100 clusters dedicated to AI training** by the end of the year, enhancing the company’s machine learning capabilities.
Energy Storage Deployments
- Tesla deployed **6.9 GWh of energy storage** in Q3, although this fell short of the record 9.4 GWh achieved in Q2. The 40 GWh Megafactory in Lathrop is ramping up production, reaching 200 Megapacks in a single week. The **Shanghai Megafactory** is set to start shipping Megapacks in Q1 2025 with a run rate of 20 GWh. Tesla noted that energy deployments are inherently lumpy due to factors such as customer readiness and geographic order locations.
Key Quotes from the Earnings Call
Elon on the Cybercab:
- “I do feel confident of Cybercab reaching volume production in ‘26. We’re aiming for at least 2 million units a year, maybe 4 million ultimately.”
Musk envisions the Cybercab becoming a global, high-volume autonomous vehicle service. However, achieving this scale requires overcoming two major challenges: delivering level 5 autonomy at a competitive cost and navigating regulatory approval across regions with varying laws, road conditions, and weather considerations.
- Musk also dismissed the notion of a regular low-cost model, stating, “I think having a regular $ 25,000 model* is pointless.” He emphasized focusing on the Cybercab as a generational leap forward.
Musk on FSD:
- “Our internal estimate is **Q2 of next year** to be safer than human and then to continue with rapid improvements thereafter.”
He expressed confidence that full autonomy could be achieved in 2025 with existing vehicle models, although regulatory hurdles and safety standards remain significant barriers.
On Tesla’s Ridesharing App
- Tesla is already testing a *ridesharing capability* in the Bay Area for employees, with safety drivers currently in place. Musk anticipates launching the service for the public in California and Texas next year, pending regulatory approval. He added, “**I’d be shocked if we don’t get approval next year**,” but acknowledged that regulatory timelines are out of Tesla’s control.
Musk on Optimus:
- “We’re the only company that really has all of the ingredients necessary to scale humanoid robots.” He believes that the *Optimus robot* could become the “most valuable product ever made,” owing to Tesla’s combined AI and manufacturing advantages. However, the product remains at an early development stage and will likely take years to fully commercialize.
On Tesla’s Valuation:
- Musk reiterated his bold prediction: “Tesla will become the most valuable company in the world and probably by a long shot” He argued that Tesla’s strategic focus on future advancements in energy, transport, robotics, and AI sets it apart from competitors who are only targeting short-term trends.
Waymo, Uber, and Rideshare Future
There are two distinct paths to achieving full autonomy
1.Waymo’s Approach: Waymo focuses on highly structured, geo-fenced environments with extensive pre-mapping and sensor-based systems like lidar to ensure safety.
2.Tesla’s Approach: Tesla aims to develop a generalized self-driving system that works with computer vision and AI, relying on its fleet’s extensive data advantage and scaling software improvements. However, Tesla’s reluctance to use lidar technology and regulatory challenges could hinder its timeline for achieving level 5 autonomy.
These differing strategies highlight the varied paths to delivering a future of autonomous transportation, with each approach facing unique technical and regulatory hurdles.
Levels of Autonomy
- Tesla's FSD (Supervised): Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system remains at **Level 2**, meaning it still requires driver supervision to operate. In contrast, **Waymo** operates at **Level 4** in certain cities, where its vehicles can drive without human intervention, albeit under specific conditions.
-Jumping Levels: Musk’s vision for the Cybercab aims to skip from Level 2 to **Level 5 autonomy**, which implies no need for human input at all—a huge leap.
Technology Approach
-Tesla’s Strategy: Tesla relies on a **camera and AI-only approach**, focusing on software and data scalability rather than expensive hardware. Musk’s bet is that advanced software can eventually solve all driving scenarios.
- Waymo’s Strategy: Waymo uses a **hardware-intensive model** with a combination of LiDAR, radar, and cameras**, providing highly precise navigation. However, the reliance on multiple sensors leads to higher production costs per vehicle, around **$200,000** each.
Scaling Challenges
-Waymo’s Limitation: The high cost of Waymo's vehicles has hindered its ability to scale quickly, while Tesla plans to leverage its extensive fleet data to improve its autonomous systems over time.
-Tesla’s Repeated Delays: Despite its aspirations, Tesla’s full autonomy timeline has faced numerous delays. Scaling quickly while achieving robust and safe autonomy remains a significant challenge for the company.
Safety and Regulation
-Waymo’s Approach: Waymo has built trust with regulators by deploying vehicles cautiously in select cities and prioritizing safety, but its operations remain limited geographically.
-Tesla’s Regulatory Hurdles: The Cybercab’s design lacks traditional controls like steering wheels and pedals, raising concerns about regulatory approval. These changes could face substantial scrutiny, particularly if safety standards require features Tesla’s design omits.
Tesla and Uber: Competitors or Partners?
-Potential Partnership: Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi found the Cybercab vision "pretty compelling" and didn’t dismiss the possibility of a collaboration. Uber already partners with Waymo to offer autonomous rides in cities like **Phoenix, Atlanta, and Austin**. Khosrowshahi’s openness to partnership means there’s potential for Tesla's Cybercab fleet owners to list their vehicles on Uber to boost earnings.
-Hybrid Model: By leveraging Uber’s vast network, Tesla could quickly gain scale in local markets, especially given Uber’s capability to serve diverse customer needs. This could lead to a hybrid model where Tesla’s autonomous vehicles are available on Uber alongside other options.
Regulatory Challenges: An Obstacle to Elon’s Vision ?
-Waymo’s Critique: Former Waymo CEO John Krafcik criticized the Cybercab, highlighting its impracticality for a large-scale robotaxi business. Waymo’s approach focuses on accessibility and safety with taller vehicles and high-mounted sensors, whereas Tesla’s design was light on crucial technical details.
-Possible Lidar Mandate: Krafcik also noted that if regulators eventually require LiDAR technology for safety compliance, Tesla’s camera-only approach could face a significant setback. Regulatory decisions are beyond Tesla’s control and could fundamentally reshape its autonomy strategy.
-Musk’s Political Maneuvering: Musk’s political activities and controversies could complicate Tesla’s regulatory relations. Building strong connections with regulators is critical, given their power to greenlight or halt the Cybercab’s deployment.
Final Thoughts
The coming years will be pivotal for Tesla as it strives to overcome both techno logical and regulatory challenges. The success of Tesla’s autonomy plans hinges not just on its technological progress but also on its ability to navigate complex and varied regulatory frameworks worldwide. Whether Musk’s bold vision for full autonomy becomes a realityor remains a distant dream will depend on a combination of innovative breakthroughs and the company’s capacity to gain and maintain regulatory approval.
Are you Moonish on Tesla or not?
Indian hotels on a high. Indian Hotels Co. Ltd. engages in the ownership, operation, and management of hotels, palaces, and resorts. It operates through India and Overseas geographical segments.
Indian Hotels Co. Ltd. CMP is 691.25. The positive aspects of the company are Company with Low Debt, Company with Zero Promoter Pledge, Strong cash generating ability from core business and Book Value per share Improving for last 2 years. The Negative aspects of the company are High Valuation (P.E. = 76.6), Declining profits and Increasing Trend in Non-Core Income.
Entry can be taken after closing above 693 Targets in the stock will be 706 and 722. The long-term target in the stock will be 738. Stop loss in the stock should be maintained at Closing below 649 or 596 depending upon your risk taking ability.
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for educational purpose, analysis and paper trading only. Please don't treat this as a buy or sell recommendation for the stock. We do not guarantee any success in highly volatile market or otherwise. Stock market investment is subject to market risks which include global and regional risks. We will not be responsible for any Profit or loss that may occur due to any financial decision taken based on any data provided in this message.
Vimta Labs trying to be victorious.Vimta Labs Ltd. engages in the provision of contract research and testing. It services include cGMP laboratory services; analytical food and water; preclinical research; clinical research; biopharma; environmental assessments; and clinical reference lab.
Vimta Labs Ltd. CMP is 558.20. The positive aspects of the company are Company with Low Debt, Company with Zero Promoter Pledge, Mutual Funds Increased Shareholding in Past Month and Good Aggregate Candlestick Strength. The Negative aspects of the company are High Valuation (P.E. = 30.2), Declining Net Cash Flow and Inefficient use of assets to generate profits.
Entry can be taken after closing above 569 Targets in the stock will be 599, 617 and 643. The long-term target in the stock will be 667 and 702. Stop loss in the stock should be maintained at Closing below 517 or 503 depending upon your risk taking ability.
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for educational purpose, analysis and paper trading only. Please don't treat this as a buy or sell recommendation for the stock. We do not guarantee any success in highly volatile market or otherwise. Stock market investment is subject to market risks which include global and regional risks. We will not be responsible for any Profit or loss that may occur due to any financial decision taken based on any data provided in this message.
KPI GREEN Stock Plummets – All Short Targets Smashed in 15-MinKPI GREEN Stock Technical Analysis:
KPI Green on the 15-minute timeframe has completed its short trade with a clear break below the Risological dotted trendline, and all targets have been successfully hit.
Key Levels:
Entry: 811.55
Stop Loss (SL): 820.70
Target 1 (TP1): 800.25
Target 2 (TP2): 782.00
Target 3 (TP3): 763.75
Target 4 (TP4): 752.50
Observations:
The price respected the resistance offered by the Risological trendline and steadily declined.
Bears are in control, with the stock making lower highs and lower lows throughout the session.
The short trade played out perfectly for KPI Green, hitting all predefined targets. Watch for potential consolidation or further breakdown below TP4 for more opportunities.
Can Tencent salvage Ubisoft's sinking ship?Ubisoft’s stock pumped 35% couple of days ago following a Bloomberg report suggesting that Tencent may either acquire the company or take it private
Although the French gaming company didn’t confirm or deny the speculation, it did state that it’s considering "all strategic options" for the benefit of its stakeholders and will notify the market when necessary
If Tencent proceeds, it would mark another significant acquisition in a wave of major gaming deals over recent years:
- Activision Blizzard acquired by Microsoft for $69 billion in 2023.
- Zynga acquired by Take-Two for $12.7 billion in 2022.
- ZeniMax Media acquired by Microsoft for $7.5 billion in 2021.
- Savvy Games acquired by Scopely for $4.9 billion in 2023.
- Bungie acquired by Sony for $3.7 billion in 2022.
- Glu Mobile acquired by EA for $2.4 billion in 2021.
- Keywords Studios acquired by EQT for $2.4 billion in 2024.
Ubisoft’s valuation sits at just $2 billion, nearly 90% below its peak in 2021! The stock fell by more than 40% in September alone, so this recent surge is only a brief reprieve. Given its diminished value, a potential buyer offering a premium wouldn’t necessarily be a massive win.
So, how should we interpret this news, and what can we anticipate for future gaming M&A activity? Let’s break it down.
Key Points
1.Ubisoft’s Challenges
2.Potential Buyers
3.IP Gold Rush
4.Future of Gaming M&A
1. Ubisoft’s Challenges
Ubisoft has faced setbacks including canceled games, delays, and a dip in quality in the post-pandemic era. Let’s take a look at the fiscal year 2024, which ends in March.
Consider this metric reflects the total amount spent by users within a period, covering game sales, in-game purchases, subscriptions, and downloadable content (DLC). It’s an important measure of business performance, with net bookings recognized as revenue over time, depending on content delivery and user engagement
Key takeaways:
Digital-first: 86% of Ubisoft's net bookings come from digital sales (premium, free-to-play, and subscriptions). It was 12% in 2013, illustrating the transformative past decade.
Far behind on mobile: Ubisoft has trailed its peers, with only 7% of revenue coming from mobile. In contrast, nearly half of the industry’s revenue comes from smartphones.
Margins improved after cost-cutting: Digital games are a high gross margin business, particularly with the back catalog (title released in previous years) making up nearly two-thirds of net bookings. Targeted restructurings impacted FY23, making the short-term margin trend misleading. Ubisoft laid off 1,700 employees between September 2022 and March 2024, roughly 6% of its workforce.
Short-lived turnaround: FY23 was a challenging year, with Net bookings collapsing by 18% with the underperformance of Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope and Just Dance 2023. In FY24, Net bookings rebounded sharply, growing 34% with the successful release of Assassin’s Creed Mirage and The Crew Motorfest.
FY25 Collapses in a Week: After the underperformance of Star Wars Outlaws (released at the end of August and originally expected to be a blockbuster) and the delayed launch of Assassin’s Creed Shadows from November to February, Ubisoft revised its FY25 net bookings forecast down to €1.95 billion, a 16% decline year-over-year (compared to the "solid growth" expected earlier). The company now anticipates barely breaking even on an adjusted basis.
The decision to delay Assassin’s Creed Shadows just weeks before its scheduled release was influenced by the poor reception of *Star Wars Outlaws*. However, the three-month delay might not be enough to resolve concerns over game quality or criticisms from the Japanese community regarding historical and cultural inaccuracies.
But that’s not all!
In addition to these financial and operational difficulties, Ubisoft has faced allegations of a toxic workplace. Several former executives from the *Assassin’s Creed* studio were arrested as part of an investigation into sexual assault and harassment.
This situation mirrors the downfall of Activision Blizzard in the months leading up to its acquisition by Microsoft, which leads us to potential buyers for Ubisoft.
2. Potential Buyers
Ubisoft remains a family-run company, largely overseen by its founders.
The latest annual report reveals the following voting rights:
- The Guillemot family controls 20.5%
- Tencent owns 9.2%
In September, minority shareholder AJ Investments claimed it had gained backing from 10% of shareholders and called for Ubisoft to be sold or taken private, estimating a fair value of €40 to €45 per share. With shares currently trading at €13, this seems highly optimistic.
So, who are the likely candidates for a Ubisoft buyout?
Key Players:
-Tencent: Already a significant shareholder, Tencent could increase its stake or seek majority control. As the largest gaming company globally by revenue, Tencent has a history of acquisitions, such as its purchase of Finnish publisher Supercell (*Clash of Clans*) for $8.6 billion in 2016. However, Tencent's aggressive expansion has drawn regulatory scrutiny, especially in the US and Europe, which could complicate any attempt to acquire majority control of Ubisoft.
Guillemot Family: The founding family might be interested in reclaiming greater control of Ubisoft and steering it in a new direction. To finance the buyout, they could collaborate with a private equity firm or a strategic investor. However, given Ubisoft's current size and the significant cost associated with a buyout, it could be difficult for the Guillemot family to pursue this path on their own.
Other Potential Investors: Private equity firms or strategic investors within the gaming sector might also join a buyout consortium. These investors could be drawn to Ubisoft’s valuable intellectual property (IP) and see potential for a turnaround under new leadership.
Gaming Companies: Besides Tencent, the largest gaming revenue players in 2023 are highlighted in the visual.
-Apple and Google: Although both tech giants have been expanding into gaming, acquiring Ubisoft seems unlikely given their current antitrust scrutiny.
-NetEase, EA, and TakeTwo: These companies would find an Ubisoft acquisition to be a straightforward studio consolidation. NetEase, in particular, might find it appealing to broaden its console and PC presence in the West, but Tencent’s involvement could complicate this.
-Sony and Microsoft: As first-party publishers, both would benefit from boosting their subscription services with exclusive content. They’ve aggressively acquired studios in recent years. Given that the Activision Blizzard deal was approved, there’s no reason a Ubisoft acquisition couldn’t pass as well. In their latest fiscal year, gaming accounted for 32% of Sony’s revenue and less than 9% of Microsoft’s.
3. IP Gold Rush
In the gaming industry, intellectual property (IP) is crucial. Iconic franchises like *Call of Duty*, *Mario*, and *Grand Theft Auto* are multi-billion-dollar assets that significantly impact a company’s future. As a result, many companies are eager to acquire established IPs or gain access to the teams behind them.
Why is IP so valuable?
-Lower risk: Developing a new AAA game can cost hundreds of millions and take years, with no guarantee of success. Acquiring a popular IP allows companies to tap into an existing fanbase and reduces the risk of failure.
-Brand power: Consumers are more inclined to purchase games with familiar characters, worlds, or studios behind them. Well-known creators like Hideo Kojima (*Metal Gear*) and Hidetaka Miyazaki (*Elden Ring*) are just as significant.
-Content scalability: Famous IPs can generate revenue through sequels, spin-offs, and licensing deals. Large publishers have the infrastructure to maximize returns across multiple channels.
This strategy isn’t unique to gaming. Media giants follow similar patterns:
-Amazon’s acquisition of MGM: In 2021, Amazon acquired MGM for $8.5 billion, gaining access to franchises like *James Bond* to enhance its Prime Video content.
-Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm and Marvel: These acquisitions have delivered massive returns through movies, TV series, and licensing opportunities.
Why now?
-Consolidation pressure: Subscription services and cross-platform gaming are driving consolidation. Big companies want to secure valuable IPs to differentiate their services and attract loyal customers. Meanwhile, smaller studios are more open to selling early to avoid competing in an increasingly crowded and capital-intensive market.
-Value in ownership: Owning IPs in gaming allows companies to create expansive worlds and engage players long-term through updates, expansions, and live services. This keeps players coming back and generates recurring revenue, which is harder to achieve in video content.
-Cross media expansion: Popular games can expand into movies, TV series, or theme parks. For instance, *The Last of Us* became a hit HBO show, and Sony is developing TV adaptations for Horizon Zero Dawn and God of War. This leads to more revenue, a broader audience, and long-lasting IP appeal.
The Ubisoft Angle
Ubisoft’s IPs, like *Assassin’s Creed*, *Far Cry*, and *Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six*, have significant potential for future growth, despite recent struggles. However, realizing that potential might require new leadership or a fresh strategy, which a new owner could provide.
Even though Ubisoft faces challenges, its strong portfolio might attract various buyers. For the right acquirer, Ubisoft's problems could represent a chance to buy low and rework its creative direction.
As more studios seek to hedge their risks in this changing industry, we can expect more mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the future.
4. The Future of Gaming M&A
The gaming industry is constantly evolving, and several trends are fueling a surge in mergers and acquisitions:
-Mobile-first: Mobile gaming is the largest and fastest-growing segment, making companies with a strong mobile presence attractive. Examples include Playrix (Gardenscapes,Homescapes) and Scopely (MONOPOLY GO!,Stumble Guys)
-Cross-platform: Cross-platform play is becoming the standard, and companies with expertise in this area are in high demand. Unity and Epic Games play vital roles with their popular game engines, while major studios are also building in-house solutions.
- Cloud gaming: Still in its early stages, cloud gaming has the potential to revolutionize how games are played. Companies with cloud infrastructure are becoming more valuable, with leaders like Microsoft (Game Pass Ultimate), Sony (PlayStation Plus Premium), and NVIDIA (GeForce Now) pushing the trend.
-Metaverse: Beyond AR/VR, virtual worlds like *Roblox* and *Fortnite* have created immersive, social spaces that keep players engaged beyond traditional gameplay. Companies developing these experiences are attractive targets for firms looking to capitalize on this trend.
-Web3 & Blockchain: Web3 games enable decentralized ownership and in-game economies powered by blockchain. This trend lets players own and trade digital assets, opening new revenue streams and drawing interest from companies exploring the intersection of gaming and crypto.
-AI driven studios: AI is already influencing game development, and its role will only grow. Companies with AI expertise, particularly in game design and player behavior analysis, are becoming highly sought after. As AI reduces development costs, budgets could shift towards live services and marketing.
The Big Picture
The gaming industry is consolidating, with major players acquiring valuable studios and IPs. While there will always be space for indie games—especially as AI lowers the barrier to entry—industry consolidation will likely strengthen the top companies and leave less room for those in the middle.
If a company like Ubisoft, valued at over $12 billion in 2021, is struggling to survive on its own, the future looks bleak for many smaller studios
ZensarTec Ready to Rally! Waiting for Targets to Fire!Technical Analysis:
ZensarTec on the 15-minute timeframe is poised for a long trade after a solid entry signal. The price is currently moving upward, following the support from the Risological Dotted Trendline, confirming the strength in momentum.
Key Levels:
Entry: 680.00
Stop Loss (SL): 658.20
Target 1 (TP1): 706.90 (Next target)
Target 2 (TP2): 750.50
Target 3 (TP3): 794.05
Target 4 (TP4): 821.00
Observations:
The price has recently shown signs of strength, bouncing off the Risological Dotted Trendline and gaining bullish momentum.
With volume support, the price is likely to hit the initial target of TP1 soon, potentially leading to a cascade of target completions.
ZensarTec is gearing up for an upward breakout as it tests its first target. Watch for TP1 to confirm and the possibility of higher targets being hit as bullish momentum builds. Stay tuned for a strong price movement ahead!
WAAREE Short Trade Targets in Play, Massive Drop to 1571!WAAREE (15m time frame), Short Trade
Entry: ₹1,763.00
Current Price: ₹1,571.00
All Targets Done!
Key Levels:
Entry: ₹1,763.00 – After confirming a strong bearish signal, short entry was executed.
Stop-Loss (SL): ₹1,767.60 – Placed above key resistance to protect against potential reversals.
Take Profit 1 (TP1): ₹1,757.30 – First target triggered, confirming downward movement.
Take Profit 2 (TP2): ₹1,748.10 – Critical support level broken.
Take Profit 3 (TP3): ₹1,738.90 – More aggressive downside level confirmed
Take Profit 4 (TP4): ₹1,733.25 – Final target hit for deep correction in this trend.
Trend Analysis:
WAAREE’s price continues to plunge after a decisive break below multiple support levels, confirming strong selling pressure. With the current price at ₹1,571, this trade has captured a significant move, with further downside potential still in play.
BlueStarCo Soars from 747.95 to 1926: All Targets Reached!BlueStarCo has shown a remarkable bullish run since entering at 747.95 on 6th September 2023. The price has not only reached all take profit targets but also surged far beyond expectations, currently trading at 1926.
Key Levels:
Entry: 747.95 – This marked the point where the bullish momentum took hold.
Stop-Loss (SL): 724.85 – Positioned below the entry to minimize downside risk.
Take Profit 1 (TP1): 776.55 – Reached early in the trade, confirming a strong start.
Take Profit 2 (TP2): 822.80 – Hit as the upward momentum continued.
Take Profit 3 (TP3): 869.10 – Met, indicating strong sustained buying pressure.
Take Profit 4 (TP4): 897.65 – Final target hit, followed by a significant price surge beyond all targets.
Trend Analysis:
The price action has been well-supported by the Risological dotted trendline, confirming a consistent uptrend. The continuous rise from the entry point shows no signs of reversal, with the current price sitting at 1926, nearly doubling the initial entry value. Traders who held on to this trade have seen tremendous returns, and further gains are still possible as the momentum remains strong.
Titagarh Rail systems catching the train. Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd. operates as a holding company, which engages in the manufacture and sale of freight wagons, passenger coaches, and steel castings. It operates through the following segments: Freight Rolling Stock, Passenger Rolling Stock, Shipbuilding, and Others. The Others segment includes miscellaneous items like specialized equipment's for defence, bridge girders, tractors, and others.
Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd CMP is 1197.50. The positive aspects of the company are Company with Low Debt, Rising Net Cash Flow and Cash from Operating activity, Annual Profit Growth higher than Sector Profit Growth AND Strong Annual EPS Growth. The Negative aspects of the company are High PE (PE=55.3), High promoter stock pledges AND Companies seeing significant coronavirus impact.
Entry can be taken after closing above 1283. Targets in the stock will be 1338, 1509 AND 1596. The long-term target in the stock will be 1710, 1795 AND 1876. Stop loss in the stock should be maintained at Closing below 1049.
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for educational purpose, analysis and paper trading only. Please don't treat this as a buy or sell recommendation for the stock. We do not guarantee any success in highly volatile market or otherwise. Stock market investment is subject to market risks which include global and regional risks. We will not be responsible for any Profit or loss that may occur due to any financial decision taken based on any data provided in this message.
Kopran can climb further. Kopran Ltd. is a holding company, which engages in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and related products. It operates through the following business units: Formulations, and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients. The firm's products include Amyn, Lokit, and Ciproquin.
Kopran Ltd CMP is 320. The positive aspects of the company are Company with Low Debt, Company with Zero Promoter Pledge, FII / FPI or Institutions increasing their shareholding, Annual Profit Growth higher than Sector Profit Growth AND Mutual Funds Increased Shareholding in Past Month. The Negative aspects of the company are Declining Net Cash Flow : Companies not able to generate net cash AND Stocks in the sell zone based on days traded at current PE and P/BV.
Entry can be taken after closing above 321. Targets in the stock will be 330 and 342. The long-term target in the stock will be 352 AND 368. Stop loss in the stock should be maintained at Closing below 291.
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for educational purpose, analysis and paper trading only. Please don't treat this as a buy or sell recommendation for the stock. We do not guarantee any success in highly volatile market or otherwise. Stock market investment is subject to market risks which include global and regional risks. We will not be responsible for any Profit or loss that may occur due to any financial decision taken based on any data provided in this message.
Nike - Catch this reversal!NYSE:NKE continues its overall uptrend despite the recent drop of -60% to the downside.
All you need in order to catch the reversal of the decade is simply one line: a support trendline. Nike is currently approaching a support trendline, which has been sending prices higher for the past 30 years. Just this fact alone makes me believe that we will see (much) higher prices on Nike over the next couple of weeks and months, but we still need bullish confirmation first!
Levels to watch: $70
Keep your long term vision,
Philip - BasicTrading
