4 September 2025 | 7:23AM HKT The 720: Asia Leaders Conference Day 1 Takeaways, Global Strategy, Commodity Views, Asia Strategy Earnings Revisions In Focus | Asia Leaders Conference Day 1 Takeaways Consumer | Anta, Laopu Gold, Yum China, Guming, Miniso, CR Beer, Xtep, Galaxy, Melco, Hindustan Unilever Anta - solid multi-brand operation to drive long-term sustainable growth - Buy (on CL). We believe market has largely digested the mediocre 3QTD trading for Anta core and Fila post guidance revisits during int ...

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The report focuses on the **Global MNCs China Sentiment Index** for the second quarter of 2025, indicating a general improvement in sentiment among multinational corporations (MNCs) towards China, influenced by tariff negotiations and expectations of policy easing [1][2][12]. Core Findings 1. **Sentiment Index Increase**: The sentiment reading for MNCs rose by 3 points to **28** in 2Q25 from **25** in 1Q25. The percentage of MNCs with a positive outlook increased to **58%**, up from **51%** in the previous quarter [3][14]. 2. **Sector Performance**: Out of 12 sectors, **nine** showed a quarter-over-quarter improvement in sentiment. The **Real Estate**, **Financials**, and **Industrials** sectors experienced the most significant increases, while **Utilities**, **Information Technology**, and **Energy** sectors saw declines [5][27]. 3. **Theme Analysis**: The most notable improvements were observed in the **Supply Chain** (up **17 points**), **Cost** (up **15 points**), **Trade/Tariff** (up **12 points**), and **Multipolar Impact** (up **10 points**). Conversely, sentiment towards **Labor** and **Regulations** declined [4][12]. Regional Insights - Sentiment scores improved significantly in the **EU** and **US** regions, with increases of **29 points** and **16 points**, respectively. In contrast, Japan's sentiment dropped by **28 points** [29]. Economic Context - The macroeconomic environment in China has shown signs of deterioration, prompting discussions about more accommodative policies. The State Council emphasized the need to stabilize the housing market and meet annual economic targets, indicating potential localized easing measures in the housing sector [12][13]. - The A-share market has rallied to new 10-year highs, driven by better liquidity and expectations of easing policies, although caution is advised regarding the sustainability of this rally [14]. Company-Specific Insights - **US Industrials Company**: Expressed optimism about a potential bottoming out in the Chinese market, attributing this to tariff negotiations [22]. - **Brazilian Materials Company**: Noted that the Chinese government achieved over **5% GDP growth** in the first half of 2025, leading to expectations of mild economic incentives [22]. - **US Consumer Discretionary Company**: Reported a **12% increase** in e-commerce sales, with Greater China organic sales growing by **2%** [23]. - **European Healthcare Company**: Mentioned that while stimulus activity is increasing in China, consumer sentiment remains subdued [24]. Trade and Tariff Implications - An African Materials Company highlighted the persistent weakness in China's property markets, which has been somewhat offset by strong exports despite a **2% contraction** in steel output [25]. - A European IT Company is on track to reduce the share of US products sourced from China from **40%** to **10%** by year-end, reflecting ongoing adjustments to tariff policies [25]. Conclusion - The overall sentiment towards China among global MNCs has improved, driven by easing tariff tensions and expectations of supportive economic policies. However, challenges remain, particularly in specific sectors and regions, necessitating close monitoring of economic indicators and policy developments [12][14].

Startup Focus - Health startup aims to reduce doctors' paperwork burden [1] Industry Trend - The healthcare industry is exploring solutions to streamline administrative processes [1]

[Applause] Good morning and thank you very much for having me. When I first saw the theme of this year's TEDex event, Catalyst, moments that spark unforgettable change, it got me to reminisce and reflect about the key moments in my own life. Moments that translated into decisions that led me down my own entrepreneurial journey.An entrepreneurial journey that I'm going to share with you today. Close to nine years ago, back in my hometown of Quoalumpo, Malaysia, I found myself utterly lost trying to look afte ...

Group 1 - The article reviews TransMedics Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: TMDX) and previously rated it as a "Strong Buy" due to its disruptive role in the healthcare industry [1] - The company is recognized for its growth potential and innovation within the healthcare sector [1]

Core Viewpoint - Solventum has successfully completed the sale of its Purification & Filtration business to Thermo Fisher Scientific for $4.0 billion, marking a significant step in its transformation strategy and capital allocation plan [1][2]. Group 1: Transaction Details - The sale was finalized for $4.0 billion in cash, with net proceeds expected to be $3.4 billion after customary adjustments [1][2]. - Solventum plans to primarily use the proceeds to pay down outstanding debt, thereby reducing leverage and enhancing financial flexibility for future investments [2][7]. Group 2: Financial Guidance and Impact - Solventum has updated its full-year 2025 guidance to account for the effects of the P&F divestiture, including a reduction in net interest expense that is anticipated to offset the financial impact of the sale [3][4]. - The company expects organic sales growth in the range of +2.0% to +3.0%, with adjusted EPS increased to a range of $5.88 to $6.03 from a prior range of $5.80 to $5.95 [8]. - Free cash flow is projected to remain stable at $450 million to $550 million, and net interest expense is expected to decrease to $400 million from a previous estimate of $450 million [8]. Group 3: Strategic Focus - The transaction is part of Solventum's three-phased transformation plan aimed at delivering long-term shareholder value and improving operational execution [2][7]. - The company will continue to provide transitional services and perform certain manufacturing and distribution activities for Thermo Fisher post-transaction [4].

NEW YORK, Aug. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) between December 12, 2024 and June 30, 2025, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”), of the important September 8, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline. SO WHAT: If you purchased Centene securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. ...

Industry Partnership - Eli Lilly is partnering with Chinese online healthcare platform JD Health [1] Market Expansion - The partnership aims to sell Eli Lilly's blockbuster drugs for obesity and diabetes online in China [1]

Here are the latest moves in Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway portfolio, including his new bets on Lennar (LEN), D.R. Horton (DHI), Nucor (NUE), and, most notably, UnitedHealth Group (UNH). https://t.co/c8nwjlEfnR ...

Core Viewpoint - Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. is investigating potential claims against Hims & Hers Health, Inc. due to a class action complaint alleging breaches of fiduciary duties by the company's board of directors during a specified class period [1][2]. Group 1: Legal Investigation - The law firm is representing long-term stockholders of Hims & Hers who held shares between April 29, 2025, and June 23, 2025, and is encouraging them to discuss their legal rights [1][3]. - A class action complaint was filed on June 25, 2025, concerning the alleged misleading statements and omissions made by the company during the class period [1][2]. Group 2: Allegations Against Hims & Hers - The lawsuit claims that Hims & Hers made false statements regarding its collaboration with Novo Nordisk A/S, particularly about the availability of the weight-loss drug Wegovy for its subscribers [2]. - Specific allegations include that Hims & Hers misrepresented the approval of its compounded semaglutide products and the partnership with Novo, which purportedly misled investors and led to a significant decline in the company's stock value [2].