Shares of convenience store operator Alimentation Couche-Tard jumped after the company reported growth in earnings and its top executive said it’s looking at a number of acquisition targets https://t.co/gfHn5Wbxqy ...

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The focus for 2026 in Asian markets will shift from AI-driven stocks to growth opportunities beyond AI, dividends, and previously overlooked stories in Asia [2][12][14] - Key themes include structural stories in energy self-sufficiency, new technology, financial deepening, and the growth of formal retail in ASEAN [12][14] Company-Specific Insights 1. Harbin Electric (1133 HK) - **Sector**: Electrical Equipment - **Market Cap**: USD 3.648 billion - **Current Price**: HKD 15.53; **Target Price**: HKD 22.00 - **PE Ratio**: 10.7; **PB Ratio**: 1.6; **ROE**: 16.2% - **Key Points**: - Benefiting from China's push for energy self-sufficiency, particularly in coal and nuclear power [16][18] - Expected earnings CAGR of 34% from 2024-2027 [19] - Potential inclusion in Stock Connect in 2026 [19] 2. Horizon Robotics (9660 HK) - **Sector**: Auto Components - **Market Cap**: USD 14.901 billion - **Current Price**: CNY 8.44; **Target Price**: CNY 11.00 - **Key Points**: - Positioned to benefit from the growth of autonomous driving technology [23][25] - Expected revenue CAGR of 64% from 2025-2027 [27] 3. Goldwind Science & Tech (002202 CH) - **Sector**: Electric Utilities - **Market Cap**: USD 8.753 billion - **Current Price**: CNY 15.35; **Target Price**: CNY 20.40 - **Key Points**: - Leading manufacturer of wind turbines with strong demand in emerging markets [30][32] - Expected net profit growth of 58% in 2025 [32] 4. Trip.com Group (TCOM US) - **Sector**: Internet Software & Services - **Market Cap**: USD 48.707 billion - **Current Price**: USD 74.52; **Target Price**: USD 90.00 - **Key Points**: - Dominates China's online travel market with over 50% GTV [39] - Expected revenue growth of 15% CAGR from 2025-2027 [39] 5. BOCHK Holdings (2388 HK) - **Sector**: Commercial Banks - **Market Cap**: USD 54.013 billion - **Current Price**: HKD 39.70; **Target Price**: HKD 45.20 - **Key Points**: - Benefits from increased cross-border opportunities and offers a 5.5% dividend yield [44][46] 6. PB Fintech (POLICYBZ IN) - **Sector**: Internet Software & Services - **Market Cap**: USD 8.999 billion - **Current Price**: INR 1,734.70; **Target Price**: INR 2,250.00 - **Key Points**: - Operates India's largest online insurance marketplace [49] - Expected revenue CAGR of 30% from 2025-2028 [51] 7. Phoenix Mills (PHNX IN) - **Sector**: Real Estate Management & Development - **Market Cap**: USD 6.904 billion - **Current Price**: INR 1,714.80; **Target Price**: INR 2,110.00 - **Key Points**: - Largest mall operator in India, evolving into a mixed-use developer [54][56] 8. E-Mart (139480 KS) - **Sector**: Multiline Retail - **Market Cap**: USD 1.482 billion - **Current Price**: KRW 79,000.00; **Target Price**: KRW 120,000.00 - **Key Points**: - Trading at 0.2x PB, highlighting deep value [59] - Transformation into a multiline retailer with various catalysts for growth [60] 9. E Ink Holdings (8069 TT) - **Sector**: Technology - **Market Cap**: Not specified - **Current Price**: TWD 169.00; **Target Price**: TWD 305.00 - **Key Points**: - Holds over 90% of the global e-paper market and expanding capacity [62] 10. ICTSI (ICT PM) - **Sector**: Transport & Logistics - **Market Cap**: Not specified - **Current Price**: PHP 558.50; **Target Price**: PHP 630.00 - **Key Points**: - Offers growth and yield at attractive valuations [62] 11. City Developments (CIT SP) - **Sector**: Real Estate Management & Development - **Market Cap**: Not specified - **Current Price**: SGD 7.43; **Target Price**: SGD 11.00 - **Key Points**: - Positioned to benefit from a turnaround in Singapore's property sector [62] 12. Sumber Alfaria Trijaya (AMRT IJ) - **Sector**: Retail - **Market Cap**: Not specified - **Current Price**: IDR 1,895.00; **Target Price**: IDR 2,900.00 - **Key Points**: - Expected to benefit from policies boosting consumption in Indonesia [62] Additional Insights - Asian dividends have doubled over the last 20 years, indicating potential for further increases in payout ratios [12] - The report emphasizes the importance of EPS growth for continued market gains, particularly in China [12][14]

Core Points - Casey's General Stores will release its second quarter fiscal 2026 results after market close on December 9, 2025, followed by a conference call on December 10 at 7:30 AM Central [1][2] - Casey's operates approximately 2,900 convenience stores and is the third-largest convenience store retailer and fifth-largest pizza chain in the U.S. [3] Financial Information - The second quarter earnings release is scheduled for December 9, 2025, with a subsequent conference call to discuss the results [1] Company Initiatives - Casey's, in partnership with Dr Pepper®, is conducting a tuition giveaway offering five $20,000 tuition prizes through the end of the year [5] - The company is running a round-up campaign to support military servicemembers, aiming to raise $1.3 million for related charities [6] - Casey's annual Cash for Classrooms campaign raised $1.3 million this year, with applications for 2026 grants now open for K-12 schools [7]

Core Points - Murphy USA Inc. announced the appointment of Mindy K. West as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2026, succeeding Andrew Clyde, who will retire on December 31, 2025 [1][3][4] - The Board reaffirmed its 50/50 long-term capital allocation strategy, which includes a new share repurchase program and an increase in the quarterly cash dividend [2][5][7] Leadership Transition - Mindy K. West has been with Murphy USA since 1996 and has held various leadership roles, including Chief Operating Officer since February 2024 [3][4] - Andrew Clyde, the outgoing CEO, will remain with the company as a non-executive advisor until February 2027 to ensure a smooth transition [4][6] Capital Allocation Strategy - The Board approved a new share repurchase program of up to $2 billion, set to begin after the current $1.5 billion program is completed, of which $337 million remains [5][7] - A quarterly cash dividend of $0.63 per share was declared, reflecting a 19% increase from the previous quarter, with an annualized dividend of $2.52 [5][7] Growth and Reinvestment - The company plans to open 50 or more new-to-industry (NTI) locations annually, supported by a robust pipeline and recent acquisitions [8] - Management intends to increase reinvestment in existing locations starting in 2026, funded by tax benefits from recent legislation [8][9] Financial Position - Murphy USA aims to maintain a conservative balance sheet, targeting a long-term debt-to-earnings ratio of under 2.5x [9]

Company Overview & Strategy - Wawa's focus on food and customer experience has cultivated a loyal customer base, sometimes described as a "cult-like following" [2][9][10] - The company differentiates itself by transforming traditional gas station negatives into positives, focusing on quality and service [9] - Wawa aims to be the best, not necessarily the biggest, prioritizing organic expansion over mergers and acquisitions [16] - Employee ownership, with nearly 40% of the company owned by employees, fosters commitment and better customer service [10] Financial Performance & Expansion - Wawa's revenue has more than doubled and its workforce has grown by nearly 90% over the past decade [3] - The company has an aggressive expansion plan, aiming for 1,700 locations by 2030 [16] - Annual customer traffic has grown by 3% since 2015, serving nearly 1 billion customers per year [17] - Expansion has been funded without mergers or acquisitions, with annual revenue rising by $4 billion during its expansion from 6 to 12 states [16] Market Dynamics & Competition - The convenience store industry is becoming increasingly competitive, with fast food chains expanding options and offering value deals [4][15][20] - Wawa faces competition from other convenience stores, fast food chains, and grocery stores offering pickup and delivery [20] - Morning meal traffic increased by 5% at food-forward convenience stores like Wawa, while QSRs only increased by 1% in August 2025 [8] - Wawa raised prices by about 22% between 2019 and 2025, aligning with most competitors [23] Risks & Challenges - Maintaining quality and customer service during rapid expansion is a key challenge [18] - Reliance on third-party suppliers for fresh food poses operational vulnerabilities [19] - The company has experienced some misses, such as its pizza in 2023 and initial drive-thru concept [21][22] - High inflation poses a major risk, potentially impacting customer spending [23]

Doubts emerge over Seven & i’s planned listing of its North American convenience store unit after Couche-Tard abandons $46 billion takeover bid https://t.co/y1cb4zaoIE ...