Investors are keeping a close watch on the Fed in recent times, as it gears up for the rate cut announcement. Eyes and ears are also on indications of the Fed’s future course of action. However, instead of brooding too much on these, investors can benefit from stocks that are cash cows and offer higher returns. Cash is the lifeblood of any business. It offers strength, vitality and flexibility to make investment decisions, and the fuel to run its growth engine. Moreover, cash shields a company from market t ...

Here are five stocks added to the Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) List today:Qifu Technology, Inc. (QFIN) : This credit-tech platform providerhas seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 20.5% over the last 60 days.Alpine Income Property Trust, Inc. (PINE) : This real estate investment trust has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 5.1% over the last 60 days.AXIS Capital Holdings Limited (AXS) : This company which provides a broad range of s ...

Here are three stocks with buy ranks and strong growth characteristics for investors to consider today, September 11:Atour Lifestyle Holdings Limited (ATAT) : This hospitality management company carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 9.9% over the last 60 days.Atour Lifestyle Holdings has a PEG ratio of 0.46 compared with 1.52 for the industry. The company possesses a Growth Score of A.Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) : This ...

In the equity market, investments need to be prudently hedged to overcome uncertainties and limit losses related to external shocks. A question that often arises is whether one should resort to a value strategy that seeks discounted stocks or opt for growth investing in times of extreme market instability. The investing track of Warren Buffett over the past few decades and his gradual shift from being a pure-play value investor to a GARP (growth at a reasonable price) investor might give us all the answers. ...

Atour Lifestyle Holdings Limited Sponsored ADR (ATAT) appears an attractive pick given a noticeable improvement in the company's earnings outlook. The stock has been a strong performer lately, and the momentum might continue with analysts still raising their earnings estimates for the company.Analysts' growing optimism on the earnings prospects of this company is driving estimates higher, which should get reflected in its stock price. After all, empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends i ...

Shares of Atour Lifestyle Holdings Limited Sponsored ADR (ATAT) have gained 13.6% over the past four weeks to close the last trading session at $18.95, but there could still be a solid upside left in the stock if short-term price targets of Wall Street analysts are any indication. Going by the price targets, the mean estimate of $27.95 indicates a potential upside of 47.5%.The mean estimate comprises four short-term price targets with a standard deviation of $3.07. While the lowest estimate of $25.20 indica ...

While "the trend is your friend" when it comes to short-term investing or trading, timing entries into the trend is a key determinant of success. And increasing the odds of success by making sure the sustainability of a trend isn't easy.Often, the direction of a stock's price movement reverses quickly after taking a position in it, making investors incur a short-term capital loss. So, it's important to ensure that there are enough factors -- such as sound fundamentals, positive earnings estimate revisions, ...

2 Sep 2024 CMB International Global Markets | Equity Research | Company Update Atour Lifestyle (ATAT US) Guidance raised again plus massive dividends The hotel sector continues to be under pressure in 3Q24E and we are still cautious about a potential improvement in 4Q24E. However, Atour's retail sales business and better-than-expected sales of hotel supplies can still more than offset the drags from its hotel segment. Moreover, the new dividend payout policy is a big positive surprise and could raise its FY ...

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Atour Group (ATAT.US) and raises the target price to $24.0, indicating a potential upside of 28.3% from the current price of $18.7 [4][12]. Core Insights - Atour Group recorded revenue of RMB 1.8 billion in Q2 2024, representing a year-on-year growth of 64.5%, slightly exceeding expectations. This growth is attributed to the rapid expansion of franchise stores and retail business revenue [3][4]. - The company has raised its full-year store opening and revenue guidance, reflecting confidence in achieving performance targets amid increasing competition [3][4]. - The retail business saw a remarkable growth of 153.6% in Q2 2024, with quarterly revenue surpassing RMB 500 million, driven by an improved online platform and brand marketing efforts [3][4]. Revenue and Store Expansion - As of the end of Q2 2024, Atour Group had 1,412 operating stores, with 123 new stores opened in Q2 2024, marking the highest quarterly opening since its listing. The company aims to reach 2,000 stores by 2025 [3][4]. - The full-year store opening guidance for 2024 has been increased to 400 stores from the previous 360, and the revenue growth target has been raised to 48%-52% from 40% [3][4]. Financial Performance - The report projects significant revenue growth for Atour Group, with expected revenues of RMB 7.1 billion in 2024, RMB 9.1 billion in 2025, and RMB 10.6 billion in 2026, reflecting year-on-year growth rates of 52.6%, 28.2%, and 16.2% respectively [7][10]. - Core net profit is forecasted to reach RMB 1.3 billion in 2024, RMB 1.6 billion in 2025, and RMB 1.9 billion in 2026, with year-on-year growth rates of 39.3%, 28.8%, and 19.2% respectively [7][10]. Shareholder Return Plan - Atour Group announced a three-year shareholder return plan starting in 2024, committing to distribute dividends amounting to no less than 50% of the previous year's net profit. A dividend of $0.15 per share has been declared, totaling $62 million [4][6].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the company [1] Core Views - The company reported Q2 2024 revenue of 1.8 billion RMB, an increase of 64.5% year-on-year, and a net profit of 304 million RMB, up 27.1% [1] - The RevPAR for Q2 was 359 RMB, down 6.5% year-on-year, but still 107% of the same period in 2019, indicating a strong recovery [1] - The company continues to strengthen its position in the mid-to-high-end business travel market, with registered members reaching 76 million, a 73% increase [1] - The company has raised its annual store opening target to 400, with 123 new stores opened in Q2, marking a record high for the quarter [1] - Retail business revenue grew by 154% in Q2, benefiting from online channel promotions and new product launches [1] Summary by Sections Financial Performance - Q2 2024 revenue was 1.8 billion RMB, with a year-on-year growth of 64.5% - Adjusted net profit for Q2 was 328 million RMB, up 31.6% [1] - EBITDA for Q2 was 419 million RMB, a 25.3% increase [1] Operational Metrics - Q2 RevPAR was 359 RMB, down 6.5% year-on-year, but occupancy rate (OCC) improved slightly to 78.4% [1] - The company’s ADR was 441 RMB, down 7.2% year-on-year [1] Market Position - The company has a strong presence in the mid-to-high-end business travel market, with a 19.3% share of corporate agreement room nights [1] - The number of stores reached 1,412, a 37% increase year-on-year, with a pipeline of 712 new stores [1] Shareholder Returns - The company announced a shareholder return plan, committing to distribute at least 50% of the previous fiscal year's net profit as dividends over the next three years [1]