Lucas Cheah : $Dell Technologies (DELL.US)$ - Earnings Prospects Analysis
1. Enterprise IT Demand
Dell’s Infrastructure Solutions Group (ISG) segment, which includes servers, storage, and networking, has become a key revenue driver as enterprises invest in digital transformation, cloud adoption, and edge computing. With enterprises prioritizing hybrid cloud and edge computing, ISG revenue is expected to grow, supporting Dell’s profitability despite cyclicality in the broader tech market.
2. Decline in PC Market
Dell’s Client Solutions Group (CSG) segment, which includes desktops and laptops, has faced headwinds due to the post-pandemic slowdown in PC demand. While CSG revenue may remain under pressure in the near term, Dell’s strength in commercial PCs, which have higher margins than consumer PCs, helps mitigate some of the impact.
3. Growth in Cloud and Edge Computing
Dell’s APEX platform, which provides cloud-like subscription services for on-premises IT infrastructure, is gaining traction as companies seek flexible and scalable solutions. This aligns with the growing preference for hybrid cloud architectures. The shift to a subscription-based model enhances recurring revenue, improves customer retention, and provides greater earnings visibility over time.
4. Macroeconomic Risks
Dell’s earnings are sensitive to macroeconomic conditions, such as rising interest rates and tightening IT budgets. Economic slowdowns could delay enterprise spending on IT infrastructure and reduce demand for PCs. However, its diversified portfolio across segments and geographies helps mitigate this risk.
In summary, Dell Technologies’ strong foothold in enterprise IT and its focus on subscription-based services provide solid long-term growth potential. While PC market weakness and economic headwinds may impact near-term earnings, its innovation and strategic pivot toward hybrid cloud and edge computing position it well for future opportunities.

Lucas Cheah : $Dell Technologies (DELL.US)$  benefits from strong enterprise IT demand, particularly in servers and storage solutions. For example, its PowerEdge servers are widely adopted in data centers, supporting growth in its Infrastructure Solutions Group. However, the decline in global PC sales post-pandemic impacts its Client Solutions Group. Dell’s focus on hybrid cloud and edge computing, such as APEX as-a-Service offerings, presents long-term growth potential.
$CrowdStrike (CRWD.US)$  cloud-native Falcon platform is a leader in endpoint security, driving high retention rates and customer growth. For instance, its expansion into identity protection and cloud workload security has attracted large enterprise clients. Increasing cybersecurity threats fuel demand, but competition from Palo Alto Networks and high R&D expenses could pressure margins.
$HP Inc (HPQ.US)$  faces near-term headwinds from declining demand in PCs and printers. However, its subscription-based services like HP+ in printing offer stable, high-margin revenue. For example, HP’s focus on commercial PCs and innovation in 3D printing provide niche growth opportunities. Cost-cutting initiatives are helping offset weaker consumer demand.
In summary:
• $Dell Technologies (DELL.US)$ : Strong enterprise IT growth through servers and hybrid cloud; faces PC market challenges.
• $CrowdStrike (CRWD.US)$ : Robust cybersecurity demand via Falcon platform; expanding into identity and cloud security.
• $HP Inc (HPQ.US)$ : Weaker PC/printer demand, but growth in services like HP+ and 3D printing offers potential.

Lucas Cheah : $YTLPOWR (6742.MY)$  - Earnings Prospects Analysis
1. Core Power Generation Business
YTL Power derives a significant portion of its earnings from power generation assets in Malaysia, Singapore, and the UK. In particular, the PowerSeraya unit in Singapore has been a major revenue driver, benefiting from favorable electricity tariffs and operational efficiency.
2. Water and Sewerage Services in the UK
Wessex Water, YTL Power’s regulated utility in the UK, contributes steady cash flow. This business's regulated nature ensures predictable returns, though it faces potential risks from regulatory pricing reviews.
3. Telecommunications Segment (YES)
YTL Power’s telecommunications arm, YES, is gaining traction in Malaysia with its focus on affordable data plans and 5G network rollout. As one of the key players in Malaysia’s 5G infrastructure, YES is well-positioned to capture market share in the rapidly growing digital economy.
4. Investments in Renewable Energy
YTL Power invests in renewable energy projects, such as solar farms and battery storage systems, to align with global decarbonization trends. This diversification supports its sustainability goals and enhances future revenue streams.
5. Risks and Challenges
YTL Power operates in regulated industries, exposing it to risks from policy changes and tariff revisions. For instance, changes in electricity pricing structures in Malaysia or the UK could impact revenue.
In summary, YTL Power is well-positioned for sustained growth, supported by diversified revenue streams and strategic investments. For future earnings contributions, investors should monitor the performance of its renewable energy projects and the progress of its 5G rollout.

Lucas Cheah : $Walmart (WMT.US)$   focus on groceries and essential goods ensures stable revenue even during economic uncertainty. Its growing e-commerce platform and international expansion, such as Flipkart in India, add new revenue streams. However, inflation and labor costs could pressure margins.
$NVIDIA (NVDA.US)$   leadership in AI and data center GPUs, such as the A100 and H100, drives strong growth prospects. Its gaming segment is recovering with new product launches, while its automotive and AI solutions offer additional revenue streams. Valuation and competition from AMD are key risks.
$XPeng (XPEV.US)$  emphasis on smart EV technology and international expansion supports growth potential. Its XPilot autonomous driving system and the G6 SUV are key differentiators. However, competitive pricing and lower-than-expected deliveries could weigh on near-term margins.
$NIO Inc (NIO.US)$   premium EV positioning and Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model provide recurring revenue and strong customer retention. Expansion into Europe and steady vehicle delivery growth bolster prospects. Challenges include competition from Tesla and high R&D costs.
In summary:
• $Walmart (WMT.US)$  : Stable, defensive with e-commerce growth.
• $NVIDIA (NVDA.US)$  : High growth from AI and data centers, with some valuation risks.
• $XPeng (XPEV.US)$  : Innovative but faces margin pressure from competition.
• $NIO Inc (NIO.US)$ : Premium EV player with recurring revenue potential.

Lucas Cheah : $NVIDIA (NVDA.US)$ - Earnings Prospects
1. Leadership in AI and Data Centers
Nvidia is a dominant player in GPUs for AI applications and data centers. Demand for its A100 and H100 GPUs, crucial for training AI models, has surged as businesses and cloud providers expand AI capabilities, driving significant revenue growth in its data center segment.
2. Gaming Segment Recovery
Nvidia's gaming segment, powered by its GeForce GPUs, is benefiting from recovering demand and new product releases, such as the RTX 40 series. Increased interest in high-performance gaming and the metaverse could further support this segment’s earnings.
3. Expansion into Automotive
Nvidia’s Drive platform for autonomous vehicles is gaining traction, with partnerships from companies like Mercedes-Benz. As autonomous driving technology advances, Nvidia’s automotive segment has the potential to become a key growth driver.
4. High Valuation and Competitive Pressures
While Nvidia’s prospects are strong, its high valuation reflects high growth expectations. Additionally, competition from companies like AMD and upcoming AI-focused chipmakers may pressure market share and pricing in the future.
In summary, Nvidia’s earnings prospects are robust due to its leadership in AI, data centers, and gaming. Expansion into automotive further supports growth potential, though high valuation and competitive pressures remain key considerations.

Lucas Cheah : $PDD Holdings (PDD.US)$  - Comprehensive Earnings Prospects Analysis
1. Strong Core E-commerce Business
Pinduoduo has carved a niche in China's e-commerce market by focusing on social commerce, where users share product deals via social networks to get discounts. Its appeal to price-sensitive consumers has driven substantial user growth, particularly in lower-tier cities. Pinduoduo’s "team purchase" model encourages group buying, significantly boosting transaction volumes and user engagement.
2. Expansion into Global Markets with Temu
PDD Holdings launched Temu to tap into the global e-commerce market, starting with the U.S. and expanding into Europe. Temu focuses on offering low-cost goods directly from Chinese manufacturers, undercutting competitors in price.
3. Innovation and R&D Investments
PDD Holdings is investing heavily in digitizing China’s agricultural supply chain, helping farmers reach urban consumers directly through Pinduoduo. This initiative aligns with government priorities and strengthens its rural penetration.
4. Challenges and Risks
PDD faces fierce competition from giants like Alibaba’s Taobao/Tmall and JD.com in China, as well as global players like Amazon in international markets through Temu. This rivalry could lead to pricing pressures and higher marketing costs.
Like other Chinese tech companies, PDD is exposed to regulatory scrutiny. Government policies on data security, anti-monopoly practices, or labor rights could impact its operations.
PDD Holdings’ earnings prospects are robust, driven by the growth of its core e-commerce platform Pinduoduo, international expansion through Temu, and strong advertising revenue. However, challenges such as fierce competition, regulatory scrutiny, and potential margin pressures from global expansion require careful navigation.

Lucas Cheah : $Walmart (WMT.US)$ - Earnings Prospects
1. Strength in Grocery and Essentials
Walmart’s focus on groceries and everyday essentials positions it well to maintain steady revenue, even during economic slowdowns. For example, its grocery segment accounts for significant sales and is a consistent revenue driver due to its resilience against economic volatility.
2. E-commerce Expansion
Walmart’s investments in online shopping and delivery services, such as Walmart+ and InHome Delivery, support growth in e-commerce. Its omnichannel strategy, integrating physical stores with digital sales, helps it compete with Amazon and attract more customers.
3. International Growth
Walmart’s operations in countries like Mexico, Canada, and China and its stake in Flipkart in India provide growth opportunities in international markets. Expansion in these regions helps diversify revenue streams and reduce dependency on the U.S. market.
4. Cost Management and Inflation Pressures
Walmart’s scale allows it to manage supply chain costs effectively, but inflationary pressures on labor and logistics could weigh on margins. Its ability to offer competitive pricing while protecting profitability will be crucial.
In summary, Walmart has strong earnings prospects due to its grocery dominance, e-commerce growth, and international diversification. However, inflation and margin pressures pose challenges to near-term profitability.

Lucas Cheah : Both $XPeng (XPEV.US)$  and $NIO Inc (NIO.US)$  are key players in China’s burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) market, with unique strengths and challenges shaping their earnings prospects. Here's a detailed analysis:
$XPeng (XPEV.US)$
1. Growth in Smart EV Technology:
XPeng’s focus on advanced autonomous driving features, such as its XPilot system, positions it as a leader in smart EV technology. For example, the company’s G6 SUV integrates cutting-edge software and hardware, appealing to tech-savvy consumers and differentiating it from competitors.
2. International Expansion:
XPeng is expanding into European markets like Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, where EV adoption is high. This diversification provides additional revenue streams beyond the domestic market.
$NIO Inc (NIO.US)$
1. Premium Positioning:
NIO targets the higher-end EV market, with vehicles like the ET7 sedan and ES8 SUV, offering luxury features and excellent build quality. Its innovative Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model reduces upfront costs for customers and generates recurring revenue.
2. Expansion Beyond China:
NIO is also focusing on international markets, particularly in Europe, where premium EVs are in demand. This complements its domestic growth strategy.
$XPeng (XPEV.US)$  offers potential for tech-focused growth, while $NIO Inc (NIO.US)$  provides stability with its luxury market and recurring revenue streams. Both companies are positioned for success in the EV market, but NIO’s premium pricing and diversified revenue model may offer more consistent earnings growth.

Lucas Cheah : For the rest of the year and until January, I’m focusing on sectors resilient to economic uncertainty and those poised for growth, like healthcare, technology, and energy.
Industries/Stocks to Monitor/Buy:
Healthcare: $UnitedHealth (UNH.US)$ and $Pfizer (PFE.US)$ for stability and consistent demand.
Technology: $NVIDIA (NVDA.US)$  and $Microsoft (MSFT.US)$  benefiting from AI and cloud growth.
Energy: $Exxon Mobil (XOM.US)$ and $NextEra Energy (NEE.US)$  driven by high demand and the renewable transition.
These sectors balance defensiveness and growth, making them ideal for navigating year-end market conditions.