NSTviral: Netizen shares good experience with Malaysia's healthcare system

KUALA LUMPUR: A social media post on the exceptional care offered by the Malaysian healthcare system, as well as its affordability, has caught the attention of netizens.

On the social media platform X, the netizen, Richard Ker (@richardker), posted about his 82-year-old father who recently went through a significant surgical procedure requiring local anaesthesia.

In the post which has since gone viral with over 180,000 views, he shared about the healthcare system in Malaysia, highlighting the remarkable care that his father received.
https://www.nst.com.my/news/nst-viral/2023/10/963393/nstviral-netizen-shares-good-experience-malaysias-healthcare-system

Positive JB retail market underpinned by upcoming RTS Link

KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 5): The Johor Bahru retail market landscape is poised for exciting growth with the upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, which is expected to transport around 10,000 passengers per hour in each direction, according to Allan Soo RE Consultants principal, Allan Soo.

In the presentation in Johor Bahru Retail Market Conference 2023 held in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, Soo shared that the overall retail market in Malaysia started slowing down in 2Q2023. However, it is on the uptrend in Johor Bahru, thanks to the large primary catchment population of 1.08 million in the metro areas and Singaporeans, who make up at least another half a million of catchment population.

“It is supported by a secondary catchment population in the suburbs of 700,000. The city centre also benefits from a transient, travelers crowd, both from Johor and other states. The daily crossings (between Singapore and Johor Bahru) are 320,000. It is one of the busiest international crossings in the world. When the RTS is ready, the number will be even greater. There is no other (retail) market like this,” he shared.

https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/685022

Hospitals to gain from return of medical tourism

KUALA LUMPUR: Hospitals under IHH Healthcare Bhd and KPJ Healthcare Bhd appear to be going strong despite concerns about rising costs.

The demand for private healthcare is seen to be sustainable due to surging cases of chronic diseases across the globe, according to Kenanga Research.

Medical tourism have also returned to the country with much vigour, the research house said.

According to Kenanga Research, IHH is on track to meet its financial year 2023 (FY23) revenue per inpatient growth projection of 10% to 15%, following an 18% increase in FY22.

https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2023/10/04/hospitals-to-gain-from-return-of-medical-tourism

4) YTLDC will roll out total 500MW of green data centre over next 10 years with total investments of RM15 billion. The 1st phase of 72MW is under construction (48MW secured with SEA Group) and will start contributing earnings in early 2024.

Data centre means higher demand for transformers.

This is good for Success Transformers (SUCCESS, Stock code: 7207), this is a laggard for data centre play theme

Indo Tech Transformers June 2023 Sales at Rs 93.22 crore, up 72% Y-o-Y, net profit jump 188% Y/Y

Reported Standalone quarterly numbers for Indo Tech Transformers are:
Net Sales at Rs 93.22 crore in June 2023 up 72.37% from Rs. 54.08 crore in June 2022.

Quarterly Net Profit at Rs. 3.54 crore in June 2023 up 187.8% from Rs. 1.23 crore in June 2022.

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/earnings/indo-tech-trans-standalone-june-2023-net-sales-at-rs-93-22-crore-up-72-37-y-o-y-11179361.html

Did you miss ITMAX which has surged a lot due to business in Johor? Want some other indirect proxy to UEMS/ Johor story?

SUCCESS is an indirect Johor proxy play. This company produces transformers which is used when Data Centre is built.

More data centre in Johor MEANS higher transformer demand MEANS higher earnings for SUCCESS.
Stock Code: 7207

Why does data center need transformer?
Transformers ensure stable power, distribute it efficiently, and protect data center equipment from electrical issues.

From its latest quarterly result...
"In the transformer products, we are experiencing robust demand from data centres, industrial machinery and the medical industry. The recent need for efficient cloud storage management has further driven growth of transformer demand in the data centre industry."

https://www.bursamalaysia.com/market_information/announcements/company_announcement/announcement_details?ann_id=3381717

Did you miss UEMS which has quadrapled from 23 sen to 92 sen? Want some indirect proxy to UEMS/ Johor story?

SUCCESS is an indirect Johor proxy play. This company produces transformers which is used when Data Centre is built.

More data centre in Johor MEANS higher transformer demand MEANS higher earnings for SUCCESS.
Stock Code: 7207

Why does data center need transformer?
Transformers ensure stable power, distribute it efficiently, and protect data center equipment from electrical issues.

From its latest quarterly result...
"In the transformer products, we are experiencing robust demand from data centres, industrial machinery and the medical industry. The recent need for efficient cloud storage management has further driven growth of transformer demand in the data centre industry."

https://www.bursamalaysia.com/market_information/announcements/company_announcement/announcement_details?ann_id=3381717

Case in point:
The top 6 lowest PE stocks in the list performance today: +0.2%
The 6 highest PE stocks: +3.6%

The 2nd highest PE stock UEMS +7% today!

Using only PE to evaluate property companies is not suitable because some have a lot of landbank to be developed in the future.

Did you miss UEMS which has quadrapled from 23 sen to 92 sen? Want some indirect proxy to UEMS/ Johor story?

SUCCESS is an indirect Johor proxy play. This company produces transformers which is used when Data Centre is built.

More data centre in Johor MEANS higher transformer demand MEANS higher earnings for SUCCESS.
Stock Code: 7207

Why does data center need transformer?
Transformers ensure stable power, distribute it efficiently, and protect data center equipment from electrical issues.

From its latest quarterly result...
"In the transformer products, we are experiencing robust demand from data centres, industrial machinery and the medical industry. The recent need for efficient cloud storage management has further driven growth of transformer demand in the data centre industry."

https://www.bursamalaysia.com/market_information/announcements/company_announcement/announcement_details?ann_id=3381717

The most bullish Target Price by brokers is 92 sen and it is already hit. This is rare.

This is an indirect Johor play since most of the new data centre is setup / built in Johor.

Quarter will be in the red, just dont know whether smaller loss or bigger loss.

Jet fuel price has increased a lot after Brent Crude Oil surge

This company produces transformers, so it is a Data Centre and Cloud story.

Why does data center need transformer?

Transformers ensure stable power, distribute it efficiently, and protect data center equipment from electrical issues.

From its latest quarterly result...
"In the transformer products, we are experiencing robust demand from data centres, industrial machinery and the medical industry. The recent need for efficient cloud storage management has further driven growth of transformer demand in the data centre industry."

https://www.bursamalaysia.com/market_information/announcements/company_announcement/announcement_details?ann_id=3381717

Johor's housing market is attracting property buyers from Singapore

https://www.nst.com.my/property/2023/06/919882/johors-housing-market-attracting-property-buyers-singapore

CHINESE stocks listed in Hong Kong advanced on Monday (Sep 4) after the nation rolled out further property support measures including lower down payments for homebuyers and looser mortgage rules at major cities.

The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index gained as much as 2.4 per cent, with property names China Resources Land and China Overseas Land & Investment leading the advance. A Bloomberg Intelligence gauge of developer shares jumped more than 5 per cent. The Hong Kong stock market was closed due to a typhoon on Friday. The CSI 300 Index of shares rose 1 per cent to add to Friday’s gains.

Shares of Country Garden Holdings jumped nearly 9 per cent. The distressed builder has wired a coupon payment coming due on a ringgit-denominated bond, according to people familiar with the matter.

Property Stocks Lead China Rally as Stimulus Measures Lift Mood

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-09-04/chinese-stocks-in-hong-kong-jump-after-more-property-easing?srnd=premium-asia

UEM Sunrise to exit South Africa with sale of Roc-Union stake for RM29.5m under strategic plan

KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 28): UEM Sunrise Bhd will be exiting the South African market with the proposed disposal by its indirect wholly owned subsidiary UEM Sunrise South Africa Proprietary Ltd of an 80.4% stake in Roc-Union Proprietary Ltd and claims of total shareholder advances worth 118.4 million rand (RM29.5 million).

https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/680428

Sold non core business to concentrate Iskandar development is positive to share price...

RHB Raise Sime Prop Target Price to RM0.93

Maintain BUY, with new TP of MYR0.93 from MYR0.67, 35% upside and
c.3% yield. 2Q23 earnings missed expectations, but we note that 2H is
typically stronger. With 1H property sales at MYR1.5bn, management
raised its sales target to MYR2.7bn (from MYR2.3bn). This is still
conservative, in our opinion, considering current bookings worth MYR1.9bn
to be (partially) converted to contractual sales in 2H. We raise our TP to
reflect better market sentiment ahead, given the lifting of the political
overhang post state elections.

China’s Country Garden says US$100 bil Forest City project in Johor on track

KUALA LUMPUR/HONG KONG (Aug 28): Embattled Chinese developer Country Garden said on Monday (Aug 28) that its US$100-billion Forest City project in Johor, Malaysia was proceeding as planned and it had sufficient assets, despite concerns over its financial strength.

“Our company’s projects in Malaysia are operating normally and the sales performance is strong,” the developer’s Singaporean and Malaysian unit said in a statement, adding that its overall operation in the region was “safe and stable”.

https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/680381

33 sen dividend ! Share price 70 sen. First time saw dividend yield almost 50%.

https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/680039

I anticipate exceptional earnings this week

RHB just upgraded the Target Price to 92 sen from 70 sen previously

Scientex partners Sime Darby Beyond Auto to promote EV adoption

KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 16): Scientex Bhd plans to establish electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at selected locations within its housing developments in Malaysia.

https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/678931

CGS-CIMB said cement industry's prospects will look brighter post the fourth quarter of calendar year 2023 once there is clarity on the MRT3, Bayan Lepas Light Rail Transit and HSR, which have a combined value of circa RM90 billion.

https://www.edgeprop.my/content/1906899/malayan-cement-key-beneficiary-hsr-and-mrt3-says-cgs-cimb

Hume Industries will also benefit because it produce cement like Malayan Cement

Hume Cement shares up 24% after 3Q net profit jumps 14-folds

HUME Cement Industries Bhd stock price surged 24% to RM1.19 with close to 4.3 million shares exchanging hands this morning, after third-quarter net profit jumps 14-folds to RM20.71 million.

https://themalaysianreserve.com/2023/05/17/hume-cement-shares-up-24-after-3q-net-profit-jumps-14-folds/

Scientex buys land in Johor Bahru city centre to build 12,000 affordable homes

Scientex has a lot of landbank in Johor too.

https://www.nst.com.my/business/2023/07/927665/scientex-buys-land-johor-bahru-city-centre-build-12000-affordable-homes

Perth property market predictions
Westpac has projected an annual price growth of 8.0% in Perth’s property market in 2023, followed by an additional 8.0% in the next year.

Supply issues, however, remain a challenge, with property listings on REIWA‘s website falling to a 13-year low this June.

https://thepropertytribune.com.au/market-insights/perth-house-prices-forecast-to-grow-by-8-next-year-and-population-set-to-grow/

Sunway is investing another RM169 million more in Iskandar

https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2023/08/14/sunway039s-unit-inks-share-transactions-agreement-with-iasb-and-sidsb

That means Johor property market is really positive, because Sunway won't simply spend money !

Hup Seng Industries reports over 2-fold profit jump in 2Q

Hup Seng Industries Bhd will focus on maintaining its market share and product competitiveness in order to increase the popularity of Hup Seng biscuits in the industry.

The food and beverage company expects the biscuits market to grow as it is a popular and alternative staple food.

“The group envisages that the industry is poised to continue to grow and evolve to meet the changing demands of consumers and will strive to continue to maintain and improve product quality,” it said in the notes accompanying its financial results.

https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2023/08/09/hup-seng-industries-reports-over-2-fold-profit-jump-in-2q

AirAsia ramps up flights to China amid surge in travel demand

AirAsia Malaysia (AK) is set to resume Kota Kinabalu-Hangzhou starting 2 September
AirAsia X Malaysia (D7) will increase Kuala Lumpur to Beijing (Daxing) to five flights weekly beginning 1 September; to Shanghai seven flights weekly commencing 15 September; to Hangzhou four flights weekly starting 30 September

https://newsroom.airasia.com/news/airasia-ramps-up-flights-to-china-amid-surge-in-travel-demand

Earnings for Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific soar to HK$4.3 billion in first half of 2023

Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific Airways has reported a net profit of HK$4.26 billion (US$546 million) for the first half of 2023, its first in three years as the city’s flagship carrier moves past the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in an improving business environment.
The figures released on Wednesday represented a turnaround in performance for the airline and prompted Cathay to announce that it planned to buy back company shares held by the Hong Kong government and purchase up to 32 Airbus aircraft.
“We’ve been cash generative for the whole of 2023 and we’re extremely pleased with the performance year to date. We expect to continue to see a solid performance throughout the rest of the year,” Cathay Pacific Group chairman Patrick Healy said.

https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3230465/earnings-hong-kongs-cathay-pacific-soar-hk426-billion-first-half-2023-marking-first-profit-3-years

Canadian low-cost airline, Flair Airlines' Strong Performance Continues In July

Flair Airlines continues to have an incredible summer, boasting higher on-time performance than most Canadian airlines and very high load factors. The Canadian low-cost carrier flew almost half a million passengers in July.

https://simpleflying.com/flair-airlines-strong-performance-continues-july-2023/

Hong Kong-based international airline, Cathay Is Bullish on Prospects as Profit Soars to 13-Year High

Airline plans to redeem full government stake within a year

Cathay intends to buy up to 32 Airbus aircraft before October

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-08-09/cathay-pacific-s-profit-surges-to-550-million-in-wake-of-crisis

Air passenger traffic up 31% in June 2023 - IATA

https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2023/08/09/air-passenger-traffic-up-31-in-june-2023---iata

Total air passenger traffic in June 2023 grew by 31 pct year-on-year (y-o-y) as the post-Covid recovery momentum continued, reaching 94.2 per cent of the pre-pandemic levels, said the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

American ultra-low-cost airline Allegiant Reports Its Highest Quarterly Operating Revenue Ever

Allegiant Air posted a stunning profit of $88.5 million for Q2, thanks to robust leisure demand and network expansions.

Operating profits increased by 411.1%, and revenues substantially increased to $683.8 million, the highest in the airline's history.

The airline remains focused on labor contracts and solidifying operations, with new routes added and the arrival of its first Boeing 737 MAX expected later this year.

https://simpleflying.com/allegiant-highest-quarterly-operating-revenue-ever/

SIA Group reports record QT profit

SINGAPORE, 7 August 2023: The SIA Group posted a net profit of $734 million in the first three months of FY2023/24, the highest quarterly performance in its history, as the airline reports travel demand driving record load factors.

Near-term forward passenger bookings remained robust on the back of solid demand for air travel through the mid-year school holidays and the start of the summer travel season.

https://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2023/08/sia-group-reports-record-qt-profit/

Japan Airlines Group Reports First Net Profit In Four Years

Japan Airlines Group (JAL Group) reported positive earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) and net profit in the first quarter of FY23Q1.

The group's operating profit was 31.3 billion yen ($219 million), with a net profit of 23 billion yen ($161 million), and revenue increased by 42% compared to last year's first quarter.

JAL Group's domestic traffic has returned to 100% of pre-pandemic levels, and its low-cost carrier ZIPAIR experienced significant growth in passenger numbers and revenue.

https://simpleflying.com/japan-airlines-group-first-net-profit-four-years/

India’s low cost airline, IndiGo Reports Its Highest-Ever Quarterly Net Profit of $373 million

IndiGo has reported its highest-ever quarterly profit of almost ₹31 billion ($373 million) for Q1, a massive shift from last year's net loss of ₹10 billion ($128 million) for the corresponding period.

Factors contributing to IndiGo's success include increased scale of operations, lower fuel costs, and favorable foreign currency movement, resulting in a 30% year-on-year increase in revenue.

IndiGo added 12 passenger aircraft in the last quarter and had a 63.2% market share by June end.

https://simpleflying.com/indigo-highest-ever-quarterly-net-profit/

Mexican low-cost airline, Viva Aerobus Records $24 Million Net Profit In Q2

Viva Aerobus had a strong second quarter, with a 25.4% increase in operating revenue and a $24 million net income, driven by higher demand in domestic and international markets.

The airline's performance in the first half of 2023 exceeded the total revenue of the entire year of 2019, thanks to effective revenue streams and low fares to stimulate demand.

https://simpleflying.com/viva-aerobus-24-million-profit-q2/

Record Month: Ryanair Carries 1.3 Million More Passengers Than Ever Before

Over 18.7 million passengers were carried by the low-cost carrier during July, smashing its previous monthly record set in June.

August is predicted to be just as busy for Ryanair, with poor weather in the UK and Ireland prompting last-minute vacations.

https://simpleflying.com/ryanair-record-passengers-july-2023/

Finnish airline Finnair swings to profit in Q2 as demand recovers

HELSINKI, July 21 (Reuters) - Finland's national carrier Finnair reported on Friday a swing to profit in the second quarter helped by recovering demand.

Comparable operating profit was 66.2 million euros ($73.7 million) against a year-earlier loss of 84.2 million euros.

https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/FINNAIR-OYJ-1412456/news/Finnish-airline-Finnair-swings-to-profit-in-Q2-as-demand-recovers-44385771/

It is very likely that AAX earnings will be much better when the news is announced in 3 weeks time !

British Airways owner IAG and Air France-KLM report record profits

Airline earnings boosted by soaring demand for travel, higher fares and continued recovery from Covid-19 crisis

https://www.ft.com/content/bf5d9815-2251-4739-b9f1-1838e30fc981

When earnings for airlines around the world hit record profit, what do you think AAX profit will be when it is out in 3 weeks time?

Air France - KLM registered RECORD operating profit

1. Air France-KLM Group achieved its highest-ever operating profit margin of 9.6% in Q2 2023, driven by increased passenger volumes and reduced fuel costs.

2. Revenues climbed by 14.1% to €7.62 billion ($8.38bn) in Q2, while fuel costs fell by 11%, contributing to record figures.

3. The group's net debt decreased to €4.9 billion ($5.4bn) in Q2, down from €6.3 billion ($6.9bn) at the end of 2022, as the fleet returned to 95% of 2019 capacity levels.

https://simpleflying.com/air-france-klm-group-604-million-q2-net-income/

Absolutely fantastic news! Airlines' earnings are soaring to new heights all around the world! It's a delightful sign of progress and prosperity for the entire aviation industry!

AirAsia Malaysia and AirAsia X are cashing in on high demand from China by adding more aircraft and routes between the two countries - by Michael Doran

AirAsia X has made a remarkable recovery in the second quarter of 2023, carrying over 70 times more passengers compared to the same period last year.

The airline has expanded its operations and added more aircraft to meet the growing demand for flights, particularly to destinations in China.

https://simpleflying.com/airasia-x-returns-a330s-traffic-soars-china-routes/

Turnaround: Croatia Airlines Reports $1.87 Million H1 2023 Profit

Croatia Airlines has reported a net profit of €1.69 million for the first half of 2023, a significant improvement from last year's net loss of €21.8 million.
The airline saw a 39% increase in passengers compared to the first half of 2022, but still falls short of pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

https://simpleflying.com/croatia-airlines-187-million-h1-2023-profit/

Saudi Arabian low cost airline operator (flynas) Reports 26% Surge In Passengers For 1st Half of 2023

https://simpleflying.com/flynas-increases-passengers-1st-half-2023/

Largest Japanese Airline (ANA) Reports 1st Q1 Operating Profit In 4 Years

All Nippon Airways (ANA) has recorded a profitable Q1 for the first time in four years thanks to a surge in passenger traffic both domestically and internationally.
The airline's international revenue almost tripled compared to last year, and domestic revenue was up by 40%.

https://simpleflying.com/ana-1st-q1-operating-profit-4-years/

Singapore Airlines achieved record profit.

Singapore Airlines Ltd. reported its biggest quarterly net income ever and said it expects demand for air travel on all routes to remain robust through the summer peak season as it expands capacity.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-07-27/singapore-airlines-posts-record-quarterly-profit-with-98-jump