Balance of trade (BOT)

Unveiling Opportunity: Exploring the Potential of European Equities

European markets have long been overshadowed by their U.S. counterparts, particularly the S&P 500, which commands global investor attention. However, this underappreciation masks the unique opportunities that European indices offer. Despite challenges such as geopolitical tensions and slower growth forecasts, European markets present compelling prospects for traders and investors. And importantly, 2025 was a reminder that “U.S. always leads” is not a permanent rule - major European benchmarks like the DAX outperformed the S&P 500 on the year, reinforcing the case for keeping Europe on the radar. To fully appreciate the potential of European equities, it’s essential to understand how to gain exposure to these markets, explore their key indices, and compare them to their U.S. counterparts like the S&P 500. Along the way, we’ll uncover why these indices deserve a place in your trading arsenal. Gaining Exposure to European Markets Through Indices One of the most efficient ways to access European equities broadly is through index trading. Unlike individual stocks, which require extensive research and carry higher idiosyncratic risk, indices offer diversified access to entire sectors or regions. For those interested in European markets, three key indices stand out: Euro Stoxx 50, CAC 40, and the DAX. These indices represent the largest and most liquid companies in their respective regions, making them ideal for traders seeking exposure to European equities. An Overview of Key European Indices Euro Stoxx 50: Often referred to as the "blue-chip" index of Europe, the Euro Stoxx 50 comprises the 50 largest and most liquid companies across the Eurozone. Key constituents include multinational giants like ASML Holding (semiconductors), LVMH (luxury goods), and SAP (software). This index serves as a barometer for the health of the Eurozone economy. CAC 40: Representing France’s top-performing companies, the CAC 40 tracks the performance of 40 leading firms listed on Euronext Paris. Notable constituents include LVMH, Airbus, and BNP Paribas. The index is heavily influenced by the French economy, with a strong focus on luxury goods, energy, and financial services. DAX: Germany’s flagship index, the DAX, comprises of the 40 largest companies traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Heavyweights like Volkswagen, SAP, and Bayer dominate this index. As Europe’s largest economy, Germany’s industrial prowess heavily influences the DAX’s movements. How Do These Indices Compare to the S&P 500? Performance Year-over-Year (YoY) Over the past five years, the S&P 500 has often outperformed its European peers – particularly during U.S.-led tech-driven rallies. However, 2025 was a notable exception: European performance strengthened meaningfully, with Germany’s DAX and the Euro Stoxx 50 outperforming the S&P 500 on a full-year basis. According to latest data: S&P 500: The S&P 500 delivered a calendar-year 2025 total return of 17.88%.1 (For reference, S&P 500 price return in 2025 was 16.39%2 - the difference is dividends. Over a longer horizon, the S&P 500’s annualized total return over the last 10 years (2016-2025) works out to roughly ~14-15%3 per year (CAGR computed from yearly total returns). Euro Stoxx 50:The Eurozone’s Euro Stoxx 50 benchmark gained 22.1%4in 2025. CAC 40: France’s CAC 40 logged roughly a 10.4%5 gain in 2025, lagging other major European markets amid political turbulence and fiscal-debt concerns. DAX:Germany’s benchmark DAX rose 23.0%5 in 2025 - its best year since 2019, supported by policy support themes and a broader rotation into Europe. Source: tradingview.com Volatility Metrics Volatility is often best measured through implied volatility - the market’s priced-in expectation of how much an index may move in the near term. VIX is the benchmark for U.S. equities, derived from S&P 500 option prices. In Europe, the closest equivalent is VSTOXX, which reflects implied volatility on the Euro Stoxx 50, also sourced from the options market. Over the past five years, the most striking feature is high co-movement: major spikes and cooldowns broadly align, reflecting shared global “risk-on/risk-off” regimes. At the same time, the chart shows that volatility leadership rotates - there are stretches where U.S. implied volatility (VIX) prices higher than Europe, and periods where the gap narrows. In the chart below, the U.S. volatility series is represented by the VIX, while the European volatility series is represented using FVS1 (Eurex), a tradable VSTOXX futures contract. Source: tradingview.com Correlation Analysis Provided below are the correlations between the S&P 500 and the three European Indices (Euro Stoxx 50, CAC 40, and DAX) over 1-year and 5-year timeframes: Correlation is a statistical measure that describes how two stock indices move in relation to each other. It ranges from -1 to +1: +1: Perfect positive correlation (the two indices move in the same direction 100% of the time) 0: No correlation (the movements of the two indices are completely independent) -1: Perfect negative correlation (the two indices move in opposite directions 100% of the time) Leveraging Correlation Matrices for Strategic Trading Understanding correlation dynamics when trading global indices can unlock powerful strategies for risk management, trade timing, and identifying price divergences. Below are three key strategies traders can apply: 1. Pairs Trading: Profiting from Price Divergences Pairs trading involves taking simultaneous long and short positions in two correlated assets, betting that their relative price movements will revert to historical norms. The matrix highlights strong correlations between several European indices: Euro Stoxx 50 & CAC 40 (1-year: 0.95, 5-year: 0.96) Euro Stoxx 50 & DAX (1-year: 0.93, 5-year: 0.95) In these high-correlation pairs, significant price deviations can present trading opportunities. For example, if the Euro Stoxx 50 rallies while the CAC 40 lags, a trader might short the outperforming index and go long on the underperforming one, expecting the spread to close as correlation reverts prices to the mean. 2. Hedging Strategies: Mitigating Downside Risk Traders holding long positions in a particular index can hedge against potential downside risk by shorting a correlated index. The European indices have historically been highly correlated with each other: CAC 40 & DAX (1-year: 0.85, 5-year: 0.90) For instance, if a trader holds a long CAC 40 position but anticipates short-term volatility, shorting the DAX can offset potential losses, albeit imperfectly. 3. Expanding Entry Opportunities: Trading Low-Correlation Pairs Interestingly, lower correlations can also be advantageous, as they allow traders to capture independent price movements. When two indices have weak correlations, it increases the chance that both long and short trades can succeed independently, rather than offsetting each other: S&P 500 & DAX (1-year: 0.26, 5-year: 0.45) S&P 500 & Euro Stoxx 50 (1-year: 0.29, 5-year: 0.47) For example, a trader could go long on the S&P 500 and short the DAX, without the positions cancelling each other out. Success would depend more on each index’s individual price action, creating dual profit potential rather than a zero-sum outcome. Advantages of Trading European Indices Trading European indices offers several distinct advantages: 1. Active European Trading Hours European indices are most active during European trading hours (3:00 PM to 11:30 PM SGT), a period when US markets tend to be less volatile. This creates opportunities for traders to capitalise on price movements and news-driven events during these hours. 2. Leveraging Diverse Correlations for Strategic Flexibility The varied correlation levels between European indices and the S&P 500 provide traders with multiple strategic opportunities: high-correlation pairs (such as Euro Stoxx 50 & CAC 40) enable pairs trading and hedging strategies, helping traders mitigate risks by balancing long and short positions. low-correlation pairs (such as S&P 500 & FTSE MIB) allow traders to capture independent price movements, increasing the potential for profiting from both long and short positions simultaneously. 3. Increased Volatility The higher volatility in European indices, compared to the S&P 500, offers more frequent trading opportunities for those employing short-term strategies. Higher volatility means larger price swings, which can translate into greater profit potential for active traders who time their entries and exits effectively. Conclusion: Why European Indices Belong in Your Trading Arsenal Incorporating European indices into your trading strategy could enhance potential returns through increased volatility, opportunities arising from varying market correlations and exposure to distinct economic events happening in the European markets. Whether you’re capitalising on early-morning price action or executing pairs trades, understanding the intricacies and nuances of these European indices, traders can potentially unlock additional avenues for profit. Don't let the spotlight on US markets overshadow the untapped potential of European indices. Trade European Index CFDs on POEMS Unlock the potential of European equity markets with index CFDs on POEMS. Whether you're looking to diversify your portfolio, capitalise on market volatility, or hedge against US market movements, European index CFDs offer a dynamic way to trade. With POEMS, you can gain exposure to key European indices like the Euro Stoxx 50, CAC 40 and DAX through our European index CFDs—all with competitive trading conditions and a seamless trading experience. Learn more here Start trading European Index CFDs on POEMS today and explore new market opportunities. For enquiries, please email us at cfd@phillip.com.sg. References: [1] https://ycharts.com/indicators/sp_500_total_return_annual [2] https://www.slickcharts.com/sp500/returns [3] https://www.macrotrends.net/2526/sp-500-historical-annual-returns [4] https://stoxx.com/stoxx-dax-etfs-get-record-inflows-as-sentiment-on-european-equities-improves/ [5] https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/european-shares-set-best-year-since-2021-2025-12-31/ Disclaimer These commentaries are intended for general circulation and do not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any person. Accordingly, no warranty whatsoever is given and no liability whatsoever is accepted for any loss arising whether directly or indirectly as a result of any person acting based on this information. You should seek advice from a financial adviser regarding the suitability of any investment product(s) mentioned herein, taking into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs, before making a commitment to invest in such products. Opinions expressed in these commentaries are subject to change without notice. Investments are subject to investment risks including the possible loss of the principal amount invested. The value of units in any fund and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance figures as well as any projection or forecast used in these commentaries are not necessarily indicative of future or likely performance. Phillip Securities Pte Ltd (PSPL), its directors, connected persons or employees may from time to time have an interest in the financial instruments mentioned in these commentaries. The information contained in these commentaries has been obtained from public sources which PSPL has no reason to believe are unreliable and any analysis, forecasts, projections, expectations and opinions (collectively the “Research”) contained in these commentaries are based on such information and are expressions of belief only. PSPL has not verified this information and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made that such information or Research is accurate, complete or verified or should be relied upon as such. Any such information or Research contained in these commentaries are subject to change, and PSPL shall not have any responsibility to maintain the information or Research made available or to supply any corrections, updates or releases in connection therewith. In no event will PSPL be liable for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages which may be incurred from the use of the information or Research made available, even if it has been advised of the possibility of such damages. The companies and their employees mentioned in these commentaries cannot be held liable for any errors, inaccuracies and/or omissions howsoever caused. Any opinion or advice herein is made on a general basis and is subject to change without notice. The information provided in these commentaries may contain optimistic statements regarding future events or future financial performance of countries, markets or companies. You must make your own financial assessment of the relevance, accuracy and adequacy of the information provided in these commentaries. Views and any strategies described in these commentaries may not be suitable for all investors. Opinions expressed herein may differ from the opinions expressed by other units of PSPL or its connected persons and associates. Any reference to or discussion of investment products or commodities in these commentaries is purely for illustrative purposes only and must not be construed as a recommendation, an offer or solicitation for the subscription, purchase or sale of the investment products or commodities mentioned. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. CFD Promotion Disclaimer This promotion is provided to you for general information only and does not constitute a recommendation, an offer or solicitation to buy or sell the investment product mentioned. It does not have any regard to your specific investment objectives, financial situation or any of your particular needs. Accordingly, no warranty whatsoever is given and no liability whatsoever is accepted for any loss arising whether directly or indirectly as a result of your acting based on this information. Investments are subject to investment risks. The risk of loss in leveraged trading can be substantial. You may sustain losses in excess of your initial funds and may be called upon to deposit additional margin funds at short notice. If the required funds are not provided within the prescribed time, your positions may be liquidated. The resulting deficits in your account are subject to penalty charges. The value of investments denominated in foreign currencies may diminish or increase due to changes in the rates of exchange. You should also be aware of the commissions and finance costs involved in trading leveraged products. This product may not be suitable for clients whose investment objective is preservation of capital and/or whose risk tolerance is low. Clients are advised to understand the nature and risks involved in margin trading. You may wish to obtain advice from a qualified financial adviser, pursuant to a separate engagement, before making a commitment to purchase any of the investment products mentioned herein. In the event that you choose not to obtain advice from a qualified financial adviser, you should assess and consider whether the investment product is suitable for you before proceeding to invest and we do not offer any advice in this regard unless mandated to do so by way of a separate engagement. You are advised to read the trading account Terms & Conditions and Risk Disclosure Statement (available online at https://www.poems.com.sg/) before trading in this product.

CFDs

Elite UK REIT Shows Strong Performance with Successful Lease Regearing

Company Overview Elite UK REIT is a real estate investment trust focused on UK commercial properties, with a significant portfolio concentration in assets leased to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The REIT manages a diversified property portfolio valued at £424.6 million, comprising large, medium, and smaller-sized commercial assets across the United Kingdom. Strong Financial Performance Driven by Strategic Initiatives Elite UK REIT delivered impressive results for the second half and full year 2025, with distribution per unit (DPU) reaching 1.49 pence for 2H25 and 3.03 pence for FY25, representing year-over-year growth of 1.4% and 5.6% respectively.The full-year DPU met Phillip Securities Research’s FY25 forecast, while the 2H25 contribution accounted for 49% of the projected total. The growth was primarily attributed to interest savings from a reduced cost of debt, which decreased from 4.9% in FY24 to 4.7% in FY25, alongside contributions from newly acquired assets. These factors contributed to a substantial 7.4% year-over-year increase in distributable income, reaching £18.3 million in FY25. Major Lease Regearing Success Addresses Key Risk The REIT achieved a significant milestone by successfully regearing approximately 70% of its DWP portfolio, representing £24.3 million in rent, well ahead of the 2028 lease expiry deadline. This strategic accomplishment increased the weighted average lease expiry (WALE) dramatically from 2.4 years to 7.2 years, with leases primarily regeared for longer tenors of 7 and 10 years. The regeared leases feature CPI-linked rent reviews scheduled for 2033, with compounded annual rent increases ranging between 1% and 5% and notably contain no lease break clauses. Additionally, the Peel Park asset received planning approval for data centre facility use, potentially unlocking significant divestment value. Investment Recommendation and Outlook Phillip Securities Research upgraded Elite UK REIT to BUY with a higher target price of S$0.41, increased from the previous S$0.39, based on a dividend discount model approach. The REIT offers an attractive FY26 dividend yield of approximately 8.9%, considerably higher than the broader S-REITs market distribution yield of around 6% in 2025. A potential upside catalyst includes a DPU-accretive divestment of Peel Park, which currently represents approximately 10% of the total portfolio value and stands as the largest asset by value. Key Takeaways Q: What drove Elite UK REIT's improved financial performance in FY25? A: The 5.6% year-over-year growth in FY25 DPU was driven by interest savings from a lower cost of debt (decreasing from 4.9% to 4.7%) and contributions from newly acquired assets, resulting in 7.4% growth in distributable income to £18.3 million. Q: How successful was the lease regearing with DWP? A: Elite successfully regeared around 70% of the DWP portfolio representing £24.3 million in rent, significantly ahead of the 2028 lease expiry. This increased WALE from 2.4 years to 7.2 years with leases regeared for 7 and 10-year tenors. Q: What is Phillip Securities Research's recommendation and target price? A: Phillip Securities Research upgraded Elite UK REIT to BUY with a target price of S$0.41, increased from the previous S$0.39, based on a dividend discount model approach. Q: How does Elite's dividend yield compare to the broader market? A: Elite offers an FY26 dividend yield of approximately 8.9%, which is considerably higher than the S-REITs market distribution yield of around 6% in 2025. Q: What are the key features of the regeared leases? A: The regeared leases have no break clauses, feature CPI-linked rent reviews in 2033 with compounded annual rent increases of 1-5% and include renewal options for DWP extending leases by five years for 2035 expiries and three years for earlier expiries. Q: What potential upside catalyst exists for the REIT? A: A potential DPU-accretive divestment of Peel Park, which represents approximately 10% of total portfolio value and is the largest asset by value, especially after receiving planning approval for data centre facility use. Q: How did the portfolio valuation perform? A: The latest portfolio valuation showed an uplift of approximately 2% year-over-year to £424.6 million, with 72% of large assets appreciating in value and 43% delivering double-digit valuation gains, offsetting declines in smaller assets. This article has been auto-generated using PhillipGPT. It is based on a report by a Phillip Securities Research analyst.   Disclaimer These commentaries are intended for general circulation and do not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any person. Accordingly, no warranty whatsoever is given and no liability whatsoever is accepted for any loss arising whether directly or indirectly as a result of any person acting based on this information. You should seek advice from a financial adviser regarding the suitability of any investment product(s) mentioned herein, taking into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs, before making a commitment to invest in such products. Opinions expressed in these commentaries are subject to change without notice. Investments are subject to investment risks including the possible loss of the principal amount invested. The value of units in any fund and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance figures as well as any projection or forecast used in these commentaries are not necessarily indicative of future or likely performance. Phillip Securities Pte Ltd (PSPL), its directors, connected persons or employees may from time to time have an interest in the financial instruments mentioned in these commentaries. The information contained in these commentaries has been obtained from public sources which PSPL has no reason to believe are unreliable and any analysis, forecasts, projections, expectations and opinions (collectively the “Research”) contained in these commentaries are based on such information and are expressions of belief only. PSPL has not verified this information and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made that such information or Research is accurate, complete or verified or should be relied upon as such. Any such information or Research contained in these commentaries are subject to change, and PSPL shall not have any responsibility to maintain the information or Research made available or to supply any corrections, updates or releases in connection therewith. In no event will PSPL be liable for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages which may be incurred from the use of the information or Research made available, even if it has been advised of the possibility of such damages. The companies and their employees mentioned in these commentaries cannot be held liable for any errors, inaccuracies and/or omissions howsoever caused. Any opinion or advice herein is made on a general basis and is subject to change without notice. The information provided in these commentaries may contain optimistic statements regarding future events or future financial performance of countries, markets or companies. You must make your own financial assessment of the relevance, accuracy and adequacy of the information provided in these commentaries. Views and any strategies described in these commentaries may not be suitable for all investors. Opinions expressed herein may differ from the opinions expressed by other units of PSPL or its connected persons and associates. Any reference to or discussion of investment products or commodities in these commentaries is purely for illustrative purposes only and must not be construed as a recommendation, an offer or solicitation for the subscription, purchase or sale of the investment products or commodities mentioned. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Stocks

Alphabet Posts Strong Q4 Results with Record Cloud Growth

Company Overview Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google, operates as a leading technology conglomerate with core business segments spanning search advertising, YouTube, and cloud computing services. The company's primary revenue drivers include Google Search, YouTube advertising, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP), positioning it as a dominant player in the digital advertising and cloud infrastructure markets. Q4 2025 Financial Performance Exceeds Expectations Alphabet reported impressive fourth-quarter 2025 results that surpassed analyst forecasts, with total revenue climbing 18% year-over-year to US$114 billion and net income surging 30% to US$34.5 billion. The robust performance was primarily driven by strong execution across both advertising and cloud segments, with full-year revenue and net income reaching 97% and 108% of forecasted levels, respectively. Core Business Segments Drive Growth The company's advertising business demonstrated remarkable resilience, with Google Search revenue posting its fastest growth in four years at 17% year-over-year to US$63 billion. This acceleration was fuelled by retail vertical strength and enhanced ad efficiency through Gemini 3 integration. YouTube advertising revenue maintained solid momentum with 9% growth to US$11.4 billion, supported by increased political advertising spending during the election period and continued expansion of Shorts and Living Room monetisation. Cloud Business Achieves Milestone Growth Google Cloud delivered exceptional results, recording its fastest revenue growth since 2021 with a 48% year-over-year increase to US$17.7 billion, establishing an annual run rate exceeding US$70 billion. This outstanding performance was underpinned by a doubled client base, significant large-scale customer commitments with billion-dollar deals surpassing the previous three years combined, and existing customers expanding usage by over 30% beyond initial contracts. Revenue from GenAI-based products experienced explosive growth of nearly 400% year-over-year. Research Recommendation and Outlook Phillip Securities Research downgraded Alphabet to an ACCUMULATE rating following recent price appreciation but raised the DCF target price to US$395 from US$340. The revised valuation reflects confidence in Alphabet's competitive positioning through continuous Gemini upgrades and AI integration capabilities. Looking ahead to fiscal 2026, analysts project advertising segment growth of approximately 16% year-over-year, while the cloud segment is expected to maintain strong momentum with anticipated 45% growth. Key Takeaways Q: What were Alphabet's key financial highlights for Q4 2025? A: Alphabet reported revenue of US$114 billion (up 18% YoY) and net income of US$34.5 billion (up 30% YoY), with performance exceeding expectations across both advertising and cloud segments. Q: How did Google's advertising business perform? A: Google Search revenue grew 17% YoY to US$63 billion, marking the fastest growth in four years, while YouTube advertising revenue increased 9% YoY to US$11.4 billion, driven by retail vertical strength and election-related spending. Q: What drove Google Cloud's exceptional performance? A: Cloud revenue surged 48% YoY to $17.7 billion, driven by a doubled client base, billion-dollar deals exceeding the previous three years combined, and existing customers expanding usage by over 30% beyond initial commitments. Q: How significant was GenAI revenue growth? A: Revenue from GenAI-based products grew nearly 400% year-over-year in Q4 2025, compared to 200% growth in the previous quarter, demonstrating strong monetisation of AI capabilities. Q: What is Phillip Securities Research's recommendation and target price? A: The firm downgraded Alphabet to ACCUMULATE due to recent price performance but raised the target price to US$395 from US$340, citing confidence in the company's AI integration and competitive positioning. Q: What are the growth projections for fiscal 2026? A: Analysts forecast advertising segment growth of approximately 16% year-over-year and cloud segment growth of 45% year-over-year for fiscal 2026. Q: What factors support the cloud business outlook? A: The cloud segment is supported by strong demand, Alphabet's ability to monetise its GenAI portfolio, expanding operating margins, and a cloud backlog that grew 55% sequentially to US$240 billion. This article has been auto-generated using PhillipGPT. It is based on a report by a Phillip Securities Research analyst. This article has been auto-generated using PhillipGPT. It is based on a report by a Phillip Securities Research analyst.    Disclaimer These commentaries are intended for general circulation and do not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any person. Accordingly, no warranty whatsoever is given and no liability whatsoever is accepted for any loss arising whether directly or indirectly as a result of any person acting based on this information. You should seek advice from a financial adviser regarding the suitability of any investment product(s) mentioned herein, taking into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs, before making a commitment to invest in such products. Opinions expressed in these commentaries are subject to change without notice. Investments are subject to investment risks including the possible loss of the principal amount invested. The value of units in any fund and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance figures as well as any projection or forecast used in these commentaries are not necessarily indicative of future or likely performance. Phillip Securities Pte Ltd (PSPL), its directors, connected persons or employees may from time to time have an interest in the financial instruments mentioned in these commentaries. The information contained in these commentaries has been obtained from public sources which PSPL has no reason to believe are unreliable and any analysis, forecasts, projections, expectations and opinions (collectively the “Research”) contained in these commentaries are based on such information and are expressions of belief only. PSPL has not verified this information and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made that such information or Research is accurate, complete or verified or should be relied upon as such. Any such information or Research contained in these commentaries are subject to change, and PSPL shall not have any responsibility to maintain the information or Research made available or to supply any corrections, updates or releases in connection therewith. In no event will PSPL be liable for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages which may be incurred from the use of the information or Research made available, even if it has been advised of the possibility of such damages. The companies and their employees mentioned in these commentaries cannot be held liable for any errors, inaccuracies and/or omissions howsoever caused. Any opinion or advice herein is made on a general basis and is subject to change without notice. The information provided in these commentaries may contain optimistic statements regarding future events or future financial performance of countries, markets or companies. You must make your own financial assessment of the relevance, accuracy and adequacy of the information provided in these commentaries. Views and any strategies described in these commentaries may not be suitable for all investors. Opinions expressed herein may differ from the opinions expressed by other units of PSPL or its connected persons and associates. Any reference to or discussion of investment products or commodities in these commentaries is purely for illustrative purposes only and must not be construed as a recommendation, an offer or solicitation for the subscription, purchase or sale of the investment products or commodities mentioned. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Stocks

AMD Posts Strong Q4 Results on Clear GPU Roadmap, Rising CPU Demand

Company Overview Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) is a leading semiconductor company that designs and manufactures high-performance computing processors, graphics processing units (GPUs), and related technologies. The company serves multiple markets including data centres, personal computers, gaming, and artificial intelligence applications, competing directly with industry giants like Intel and Nvidia. Strong Financial Performance Drives Upgrade AMD's fourth quarter 2025 results exceeded expectations, with revenue meeting forecasts at 100% of projected levels while profit after tax and minority interest (PATMI) surpassed expectations at 112% of forecasts. This outperformance was primarily driven by robust sales of Instinct MI350 series GPUs and EPYC CPUs. The company's data centre segment emerged as the primary growth driver, with revenue accelerating 39% year-over-year to US$5.4 billion, representing 52% of total quarterly revenue compared to 47% in the previous quarter. Investment Merits and Future Outlook AMD's strategic positioning in the data center market appears particularly compelling. Management expressed confidence in achieving annual data center segment revenue growth exceeding 60% over the next three to five years, supported by strength in both Instinct GPU and EPYC CPU product roadmaps. The company's GPU development timeline shows clear progression, with MI400 series GPUs and Helios products scheduled to ramp in the second half of 2026, followed by MI500 series GPUs featuring advanced 2nm-process technology and HBM4E memory launching in 2027. Margin Expansion and Market Share Gains The higher proportion of data centre revenue drove significant margin expansion, with gross and net margins increasing 360 and 130 basis points year-over-year respectively. Data centre operating margins reached 32.6%, the highest level since the first quarter of 2022. AMD continued gaining server CPU market share from Intel, whose performance was constrained by supply issues. The client PC segment also maintained momentum with ten consecutive quarters of growth, achieving 34% year-over-year revenue increase to US$3.1 billion. Research Recommendation Based on these strong fundamentals and clear growth trajectory, Phillip Securities Research upgraded AMD to BUY from ACCUMULATE, maintaining a target price of US$280. The upgrade reflects confidence in AMD's competitive positioning and execution capabilities across both GPU and CPU product lines. Key Takeaways Q: What were AMD's key financial highlights for Q4 2025? A: AMD's Q4 2025 revenue met expectations at 100% of forecasts, while PATMI exceeded expectations at 112% of projections. Data center revenue grew 39% year-over-year to $5.4 billion, representing 52% of total quarterly revenue. Q: What is AMD's growth outlook for the data center segment? A: AMD expects to grow data center segment revenue by more than 60% annually over the next 3-5 years, driven by strength in its Instinct GPU and EPYC CPU roadmap. Q: What new GPU products does AMD have planned? A: AMD's GPU roadmap includes MI400 series GPUs and Helios ramping in the second half of 2026, followed by MI500 series GPUs with advanced 2nm-process technology and HBM4E memory launching in 2027. Q: How did AMD's margins perform in Q4 2025? A: Gross and net margins increased 360 and 130 basis points year-over-year respectively, driven by higher MI350 GPU sales and increased data center revenue mix. Data center operating margins reached 32.6%, the highest since Q1 2022. Q: What is Phillip Securities Research’s recommendation? A: Phillip Securities Research upgraded AMD to BUY from ACCUMULATE while maintaining the target price at US$280, reflecting confidence in the company's growth trajectory and competitive positioning. Q: How did AMD's client PC business perform? A: Client PC revenue rose 34% year-over-year to $3.1 billion, marking the tenth consecutive quarter of growth. Ryzen CPU sell-through grew by more than 40% year-over-year with major customer wins across multiple industries. Q: What contributed to AMD's market share gains? A: AMD gained server CPU market share from Intel, whose performance was constrained by supply issues. In the data center, hyperscalers like AWS and Google launched more than 230 new AMD instances compared to 100 instances in the previous year. Q: Were there any notable regional sales? A: Yes, AMD recorded US$390 million of MI308 sales to China, representing 4% of Q4 2025 revenue, which was previously not included in company guidance. This article has been auto-generated using PhillipGPT. It is based on a report by a Phillip Securities Research analyst.    Disclaimer These commentaries are intended for general circulation and do not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any person. Accordingly, no warranty whatsoever is given and no liability whatsoever is accepted for any loss arising whether directly or indirectly as a result of any person acting based on this information. You should seek advice from a financial adviser regarding the suitability of any investment product(s) mentioned herein, taking into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs, before making a commitment to invest in such products. Opinions expressed in these commentaries are subject to change without notice. Investments are subject to investment risks including the possible loss of the principal amount invested. The value of units in any fund and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance figures as well as any projection or forecast used in these commentaries are not necessarily indicative of future or likely performance. Phillip Securities Pte Ltd (PSPL), its directors, connected persons or employees may from time to time have an interest in the financial instruments mentioned in these commentaries. The information contained in these commentaries has been obtained from public sources which PSPL has no reason to believe are unreliable and any analysis, forecasts, projections, expectations and opinions (collectively the “Research”) contained in these commentaries are based on such information and are expressions of belief only. PSPL has not verified this information and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made that such information or Research is accurate, complete or verified or should be relied upon as such. Any such information or Research contained in these commentaries are subject to change, and PSPL shall not have any responsibility to maintain the information or Research made available or to supply any corrections, updates or releases in connection therewith. In no event will PSPL be liable for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages which may be incurred from the use of the information or Research made available, even if it has been advised of the possibility of such damages. The companies and their employees mentioned in these commentaries cannot be held liable for any errors, inaccuracies and/or omissions howsoever caused. Any opinion or advice herein is made on a general basis and is subject to change without notice. The information provided in these commentaries may contain optimistic statements regarding future events or future financial performance of countries, markets or companies. You must make your own financial assessment of the relevance, accuracy and adequacy of the information provided in these commentaries. Views and any strategies described in these commentaries may not be suitable for all investors. Opinions expressed herein may differ from the opinions expressed by other units of PSPL or its connected persons and associates. Any reference to or discussion of investment products or commodities in these commentaries is purely for illustrative purposes only and must not be construed as a recommendation, an offer or solicitation for the subscription, purchase or sale of the investment products or commodities mentioned. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Stocks

First REIT Faces Currency Headwinds Despite Stable Operations

Financial Performance Overview First REIT (FIRT) reported its 2H25/FY25 distribution per unit (DPU) results of 1.04 and 2.17 Singapore cents representing declines of 10.3% and 8.1% year-on-year respectively. Theese figures were in line with market expectations, accounting for 48% and 100% of FY25 forecasts. The year-on-year decline was primarily attributed to the depreciation of the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) and Japanese Yen (JPY) against the Singapore Dollar, though this was partially mitigated by increased local-currency rental income and reduced finance costs. Strategic Developments and Portfolio Changes FIRT completed the divestment of its non-core Imperial Aryaduta Hotel & Country Club (IAHCC) on December 4, 2025. Following the redemption of S$33.3 million of 4.9817% subordinated securities in January 2026, FIRT eliminated all perpetual securities from its capital structure. Excluding the IAHCC divestment, portfolio valuations declined 6.2% year-on-year, primarily due to foreign exchange depreciation in IDR and JPY. Investment Recommendation and Outlook Phillip Securities Research maintains its ACCUMULATE rating for First REIT with a revised target price of S$0.29, down from the previous S$0.31. This adjustment reflects updated dividend discount model forecasts that account for weaker IDR and JPY currencies, as well as the IAHCC divestment impact. FY26 and FY27 DPU estimates have been reduced by 5% and 8% respectively to incorporate these factors. Business Fundamentals and Market Position First REIT continues to operate as a healthcare-focused real estate investment trust with assets primarily in Indonesia, Singapore, and Japan. The company continues to benefit from a base 4.5% rental escalation across its Indonesia portfolio, with three Indonesian hospitals now operating under performance-based rent structures. A strategic review regarding Siloam's potential acquisition of FIRT's Indonesian hospital assets remains ongoing without material updates. Financial Strength Indicators FIRT demonstrated stable capital management with its cost of debt declining by 50 basis points year-on-year to 4.5%. Gearing and interest coverage ratios remained healthy at 42.1% and 3.7x respectively. FIRT trades at an FY26 estimated DPU yield of 8.4% and is currently in discussions to extend and refinance S$260 million of loans maturing in 2026. Key Takeaways Q: What was First REIT's DPU performance for 2H25/FY25? A: First REIT reported 2H25/FY25 DPU of 1.04/2.17 Singapore cents, representing declines of 10.3% and 8.1% year-on-year respectively, primarily due to IDR and JPY depreciation against the SGD. Q: What is Phillip Securities Research's current recommendation and target price? A: Phillip Securities Research maintains an ACCUMULATE rating with a revised target price of S$0.29, reduced from the previous S$0.31 due to weaker currency forecasts and the IAHCC divestment. Q: What major asset divestment did First REIT complete recently? A: First REIT completed the divestment of the non-core Imperial Aryaduta Hotel & Country Club (IAHCC) on December 4, 2025. Q: How did different geographical segments perform in local currency terms? A: FY25 income from Indonesia and Singapore properties rose by 5.1% and 2.0% respectively in local currency terms, while Japan remained stable. Q: What are the key financial health indicators for First REIT? A: The REIT maintains healthy financials with gearing at 42.1%, interest coverage ratio at 3.7x, and cost of debt at 4.5% (down 50bps year-on-year). Q: What is the status of rental payments from MPU? A: Rentals continue to be owed by MPU, with S$6.9 million outstanding as of December 31, 2025. S$1.5 million was received in January 2026, reducing the outstanding amount to S$5.4 million. Q: How did portfolio valuations perform excluding the IAHCC divestment?< A: On a same-store basis, portfolio valuations declined 6.2% year-on-year, primarily due to foreign exchange headwinds, with the Indonesia portfolio rising 1.4% in local currency terms while Japan declined 0.7%. Q: What is First REIT's current dividend yield? A: First REIT trades at an FY26 estimated DPU yield of 8.4%. This article has been auto-generated using PhillipGPT. It is based on a report by a Phillip Securities Research analyst.    Disclaimer These commentaries are intended for general circulation and do not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any person. Accordingly, no warranty whatsoever is given and no liability whatsoever is accepted for any loss arising whether directly or indirectly as a result of any person acting based on this information. You should seek advice from a financial adviser regarding the suitability of any investment product(s) mentioned herein, taking into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs, before making a commitment to invest in such products. Opinions expressed in these commentaries are subject to change without notice. Investments are subject to investment risks including the possible loss of the principal amount invested. The value of units in any fund and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance figures as well as any projection or forecast used in these commentaries are not necessarily indicative of future or likely performance. Phillip Securities Pte Ltd (PSPL), its directors, connected persons or employees may from time to time have an interest in the financial instruments mentioned in these commentaries. The information contained in these commentaries has been obtained from public sources which PSPL has no reason to believe are unreliable and any analysis, forecasts, projections, expectations and opinions (collectively the “Research”) contained in these commentaries are based on such information and are expressions of belief only. PSPL has not verified this information and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made that such information or Research is accurate, complete or verified or should be relied upon as such. Any such information or Research contained in these commentaries are subject to change, and PSPL shall not have any responsibility to maintain the information or Research made available or to supply any corrections, updates or releases in connection therewith. In no event will PSPL be liable for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages which may be incurred from the use of the information or Research made available, even if it has been advised of the possibility of such damages. The companies and their employees mentioned in these commentaries cannot be held liable for any errors, inaccuracies and/or omissions howsoever caused. Any opinion or advice herein is made on a general basis and is subject to change without notice. The information provided in these commentaries may contain optimistic statements regarding future events or future financial performance of countries, markets or companies. You must make your own financial assessment of the relevance, accuracy and adequacy of the information provided in these commentaries. Views and any strategies described in these commentaries may not be suitable for all investors. 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Singapore Exchange Posts Strong Performance Despite Treasury Headwinds

Financial Results Exceed Expectations Singapore Exchange Limited (SGX) reported a solid first-half FY26 results, meeting analysts’ expectations with revenue and earnings reaching 51% and 50% of full‑year forecasts respectively. The exchange operator demonstrated resilience by achieving core operating revenue growth that successfully offset declining treasury income, highlighting the strength of its diversified business model. Core Business Segments Drive Growth SGX's performance was anchored by robust growth across its primary trading segments. The Fixed Income, Currencies and Commodities (FICC) division delivered impressive 14% year-on-year growth, primarily driven by continued expansion in commodity and currency derivatives volumes alongside higher over-the-counter foreign exchange revenue. The equities segment also contributed positively with 6% revenue growth, fueled by a surge in Securities Daily Average Value (SDAV) that compensated for lower equity derivatives volumes. However, treasury income presented headwinds, declining 14% year-on-year due to lower average yields on margin deposits as interest rates decreased. Despite this challenge, SGX maintained strong shareholder returns, increasing its interim quarterly dividend per share by 22% to 11 cents, bringing the first-half dividend to 21.75 cents, representing a 21% year-on-year increase. Investment Outlook and Strategic Positioning SGX operates as Singapore's primary securities and derivatives exchange, serving as a critical financial infrastructure provider in Asia. The company has established strong market positioning through its comprehensive trading, clearing, and settlement services across multiple asset classes. The exchange's strategic focus on digitalisation and platform development continues to generate operating leverage benefits. Currency and commodities trading revenue increased 18% year-on-year, with currency derivatives volumes rising 18% and commodity derivatives volumes surging 24%. The OTC FX business maintained stable growth with revenue up 8% and average daily volume reaching US$180 billion, representing a 32% increase. Looking ahead, SGX is posed to benefit from several tailwinds including Equity Market Development Programme inflows, potential trade policy uncertainty from the Trump administration, and the Federal Reserve's monetary easing cycle, all of which should support volume growth through 2026. Research Recommendation Phillip Securities Research maintains an ACCUMULATE recommendation with a revised target price of S$18.30, increased from the previous S$16.90. The target price reflects a 28x price-to-earnings ratio based on FY26 estimates, up from the previous 26x multiple, positioned at two standard deviations above the five-year mean valuation. Key Takeaways Q: What was SGX's dividend performance in the first half of FY26? A: SGX increased its interim quarterly dividend per share by 22% to 11 cents. The total first‑half dividend amounted to 21.75 cents, representing a 21% year‑on‑year increase. The company maintains guidance to raise dividends by 0.25 cents per quarter until FY28. Q: Which business segments drove SGX's revenue growth? A: FICC revenue grew 14% year-on-year led by commodity and currency derivatives volumes and higher OTC FX revenue, while equities revenue rose 6% from increased SDAV, partially offset by lower equity derivatives volumes. Q: What challenges did SGX face during the reporting period? A: Treasury income declined 14% year-on-year due to lower average yields on margin deposits as interest rates fell, creating headwinds for overall earnings momentum. Q: How did SGX's OTC FX business perform? A: OTC FX revenue increased 8% year-on-year with average daily volume rising 32% to US$180 billion. SGX maintains guidance that OTC FX will contribute mid-to-high single digits to EBITDA in the medium term. Q: What is Phillip Securities Research's recommendation for SGX? A: Phillip Securities Research maintains an ACCUMULATE recommendation with a target price of S$18.30, increased from S$16.90, based on 28x price-to-earnings ratio for FY26 estimates. Q: What factors are expected to support SGX's future performance? A: Expected drivers include Equity Market Development Programme inflows, Preisdent Trump’s administration trade policy uncertainty, the Fed's monetary easing cycle boosting volumes in 2026, and operating leverage from rising SDAV offsetting treasury headwinds. Q: How did currency and commodities trading perform? A: Revenue for these segments increased 18% year‑on‑year, with currency derivatives volumes up 18% and commodity derivatives volumes surging 24%. This article has been auto-generated using PhillipGPT. It is based on a report by a Phillip Securities Research analyst.    Disclaimer These commentaries are intended for general circulation and do not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any person. Accordingly, no warranty whatsoever is given and no liability whatsoever is accepted for any loss arising whether directly or indirectly as a result of any person acting based on this information. You should seek advice from a financial adviser regarding the suitability of any investment product(s) mentioned herein, taking into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs, before making a commitment to invest in such products. Opinions expressed in these commentaries are subject to change without notice. Investments are subject to investment risks including the possible loss of the principal amount invested. The value of units in any fund and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance figures as well as any projection or forecast used in these commentaries are not necessarily indicative of future or likely performance. Phillip Securities Pte Ltd (PSPL), its directors, connected persons or employees may from time to time have an interest in the financial instruments mentioned in these commentaries. The information contained in these commentaries has been obtained from public sources which PSPL has no reason to believe are unreliable and any analysis, forecasts, projections, expectations and opinions (collectively the “Research”) contained in these commentaries are based on such information and are expressions of belief only. PSPL has not verified this information and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made that such information or Research is accurate, complete or verified or should be relied upon as such. Any such information or Research contained in these commentaries are subject to change, and PSPL shall not have any responsibility to maintain the information or Research made available or to supply any corrections, updates or releases in connection therewith. In no event will PSPL be liable for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages which may be incurred from the use of the information or Research made available, even if it has been advised of the possibility of such damages. The companies and their employees mentioned in these commentaries cannot be held liable for any errors, inaccuracies and/or omissions howsoever caused. Any opinion or advice herein is made on a general basis and is subject to change without notice. The information provided in these commentaries may contain optimistic statements regarding future events or future financial performance of countries, markets or companies. 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Stocks

Singapore Telecommunications Expands Data Centre Portfolio with Strategic GDC Acquisition

Major Transaction Details Singapore Telecommunications Ltd (Singtel) has announced a significant expansion of its data centre operations through a strategic partnership with KKR. The two companies will jointly acquire the remaining 81.7% stake in ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (GDC) for S$6.6 billion in cash. Under this arrangement, Singtel will hold a 25% stake while KKR will control 75% of GDC. The transaction is expected to complete in the second half of 2026 and requires no shareholder approval, with Singtel funding its portion through debt and internal cash resources. Company and Asset Overview Singapore Telecommunications is a leading telecommunications company that continues to diversify its portfolio beyond traditional telecom services. GDC represents a substantial data centre platform operating 50 facilities across 12 countries with a combined power capacity of 673MW. As of December 2024, GDC maintained a book value of S$5.3 billion, though the company reported a net loss of S$185 million for the year. Despite the loss, GDC generated an estimated EBITDA of S$346 million, indicating operational cash flow generation capabilities. Investment Merits and Growth Potential The acquisition is positioned as a growth catalyst for Singtel following the completion of its ST28 strategic plan. The Asia-Pacific data centre market remains structurally underpenetrated, offering substantial long-term expansion opportunities. GDC’s development pipeline includes projects that could potentially triple its existing capacity, providing a clear runway for growth. The expanded footprint across multiple countries provides customers with enhanced geopolitical resilience and reduced redundancy risks. Additionally, there exists potential for value enhancement through selective listing of Asian assets. The scaling up of Singtel's data centre operations creates a more robust platform with a pipeline of 1.7GW, which doubles the combined capacity of Singtel's existing Nxera and GDC operations totaling 819MW. Financial Impact and Recommendation The proforma financial impact on Singtel's net earnings is minimal at less than 1%. While GDC's current loss-making status means no immediate earnings contribution, the long-term prospects for earnings and cash flow growth from additional data centres remain promising. Phillip Securities Research maintains an ACCUMULATE recommendation on Singapore Telecommunications, with an unchanged target price of S$5.35. The acquisition is viewed as a strategically positive move that positions the Group for sustained growth beyond its ST28 roadmap. Key Takeaways Q: What is the total value of the GDC acquisition and how is ownership structured? A: Singtel and KKR will jointly acquire the remaining 81.7% stake in GDC for S$6.6 billion in cash. Upon completion, KKR will hold a 75% stake, while Singtel will own the remaining 25%. Q: When is the transaction expected to complete? A: The transaction is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026, and does not require shareholder approval. Q: What is GDC's current operational scale? A: GDC operates 50 data centres across 12 countries with a total power capacity of 673MW and a book value of S$5.3 billion as of December 2024. Q: How did GDC perform financially in 2024? A: GDC reported a net loss of S$185 million for the year ended December 2024, though it generated an estimated EBITDA of S$346 million. Q: What growth potential does this acquisition offer? A: GDC has a development pipeline that could potentially triple its existing capacity. Post-acquisition, the combined pipeline of Singtel’s Nxera and GDC operations totals approximately 1.7GW, more than doubling current installed capacity. Q: What are the main benefits of this acquisition? A: The acquisition significantly scales up Singtel's data centre footprint across multiple countries, offers customers greater geopolitical resilience, reduces redundancy, and positions the company in the underpenetrated Asia-Pacific data centre market. Q: What is Phillip Securities Research's recommendation on Singtel? A: Phillip Securities Research maintains an ACCUMULATE recommendation with an unchanged target price of S$5.35. Q: What are the potential drawbacks of this deal? A: Key risks include the lack of immediate earnings contribution due to GDC’s current loss-making position, as well as relatively elevated valuations compared with listed US data centre peers, which trade at approximately 22x EV/EBITDA. This article has been auto-generated using PhillipGPT. It is based on a report by a Phillip Securities Research analyst.    Disclaimer These commentaries are intended for general circulation and do not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any person. Accordingly, no warranty whatsoever is given and no liability whatsoever is accepted for any loss arising whether directly or indirectly as a result of any person acting based on this information. You should seek advice from a financial adviser regarding the suitability of any investment product(s) mentioned herein, taking into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs, before making a commitment to invest in such products. Opinions expressed in these commentaries are subject to change without notice. Investments are subject to investment risks including the possible loss of the principal amount invested. The value of units in any fund and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance figures as well as any projection or forecast used in these commentaries are not necessarily indicative of future or likely performance. Phillip Securities Pte Ltd (PSPL), its directors, connected persons or employees may from time to time have an interest in the financial instruments mentioned in these commentaries. The information contained in these commentaries has been obtained from public sources which PSPL has no reason to believe are unreliable and any analysis, forecasts, projections, expectations and opinions (collectively the “Research”) contained in these commentaries are based on such information and are expressions of belief only. PSPL has not verified this information and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made that such information or Research is accurate, complete or verified or should be relied upon as such. Any such information or Research contained in these commentaries are subject to change, and PSPL shall not have any responsibility to maintain the information or Research made available or to supply any corrections, updates or releases in connection therewith. In no event will PSPL be liable for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages which may be incurred from the use of the information or Research made available, even if it has been advised of the possibility of such damages. The companies and their employees mentioned in these commentaries cannot be held liable for any errors, inaccuracies and/or omissions howsoever caused. Any opinion or advice herein is made on a general basis and is subject to change without notice. The information provided in these commentaries may contain optimistic statements regarding future events or future financial performance of countries, markets or companies. You must make your own financial assessment of the relevance, accuracy and adequacy of the information provided in these commentaries. Views and any strategies described in these commentaries may not be suitable for all investors. Opinions expressed herein may differ from the opinions expressed by other units of PSPL or its connected persons and associates. Any reference to or discussion of investment products or commodities in these commentaries is purely for illustrative purposes only and must not be construed as a recommendation, an offer or solicitation for the subscription, purchase or sale of the investment products or commodities mentioned. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Disney Maintains Strong Growth Trajectory with IP-Driven Strategy

Company Overview The Walt Disney Company stands as a global entertainment conglomerate renowned for its integrated intellectual property ecosystem. The company operates across multiple segments including entertainment production, streaming services through Disney+, and world-class theme park experiences. Disney's core strength lies in its ability to monetise beloved franchises across its diverse platform portfolio, creating a powerful flywheel effect that drives sustained revenue growth. Strong Financial Performance Meets Expectations Disney's first quarter 2026 results demonstrated solid execution, with both revenue and adjusted profit after tax and minority interests aligning with analyst expectations. The quarter represented 25% of full-year revenue forecasts and 26% of profit projections for fiscal 2026. Revenue growth accelerated 16% year-over-year, propelled by robust performance across entertainment operations, which expanded 7% annually, and experiences division growth of 6.3%. However, the company reported negative free cash flow for the first time in three years, attributed to elevated capital investment levels and timing-related factors. Investment Recommendation and Outlook Phillip Securities Research has upgraded Disney to a BUY rating from ACCUMULATE, maintaining an unchanged target price of US$130. This upgrade reflects recent price performance while acknowledging the company's fundamental strengths. The research firm's fiscal 2026 forecasts, terminal growth assumptions, and weighted average cost of capital projections remain unmodified, indicating confidence in the underlying business model. **Key Investment Merits Drive Long-Term Value** Disney's integrated IP flywheel continues to demonstrate exceptional monetisation capabilities across its ecosystem. The company generated over US$6.5 billion in global box office revenue during 2025, reinforcing its position as the leading global studio for nine of the past ten years. Flagship releases including Zootopia 2, which achieved over US$1.7 billion in global box office receipts as Hollywood's highest-grossing animated film, and Avatar: Fire and Ash with over IS$1 billion globally, exemplify the effectiveness of this strategy. The streaming business has reached a profitability inflection point, with the Direct-to-Consumer segment delivering 12% annual revenue growth and over 50% earnings expansion. Management projects achieving 10% streaming margins in fiscal 2026, up from approximately 5% in fiscal 2025, supported by strategic pricing actions and successful bundled offerings. Key Takeaways Q: What was Disney's financial performance in Q1 2026?* A: Disney's Q1 2026 revenue and adjusted profit after tax met expectations, representing 25% of full-year revenue estimates and 26% of profit projections. Revenue grew 16% year-over-year driven by entertainment (+7%) and experiences (+6.3%) growth. Q: Why did Disney experience negative free cash flow? A: Disney reported negative free cash flow for the first time in three years due to elevated investment levels and timing effects, reflecting the company's heavy ongoing investment in parks, cruises, and new IP-led attractions. Q: What is Phillip Securities Research's current recommendation for Disney? A: Phillip Securities Research upgraded Disney to BUY from ACCUMULATE with an unchanged target price of US$130, citing recent price performance while maintaining confidence in the company's long-term growth prospects. Q: How successful was Disney's box office performance in 2025? A: Disney generated over US$6.5 billion in global box office revenue in 2025, maintaining its position as the #1 global studio for nine of the past ten years, with major successes including Zootopia 2 (US$1.7+ billion) and Avatar: Fire and Ash (US$1+ billion). Q: What progress has Disney made in streaming profitability? A: Disney's Direct-to-Consumer business continued showing profitability with 12% revenue growth and over 50% earnings growth year-over-year, driven by pricing actions, improved plan mix, and successful bundled offerings. Q: What are Disney's streaming margin targets? A: Management has guided towards achieving streaming margins of approximately 10% in fiscal 2026, up from around 5% in fiscal 2025. Q: How does Disney's IP strategy create value across platforms? A: Disney monetises its franchises across theatrical releases, streaming platforms, and theme park attractions. Successful films drive streaming engagement and park visitation, with prior Zootopia and Avatar titles generating approximately one million first-time streams and hundreds of millions of viewing hours on Disney+. Q: What factors are driving growth in Disney’s streaming business? A: Streaming growth is driven by strategic pricing actions, improved plan mix, strong uptake of bundled offerings (Duo, Trio, and Max bundle), higher average revenue per user, lower customer churn, and scaling advertising revenue from growing ad-supported subscriber base. This article has been auto-generated using PhillipGPT. It is based on a report by a Phillip Securities Research analyst.    Disclaimer These commentaries are intended for general circulation and do not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any person. Accordingly, no warranty whatsoever is given and no liability whatsoever is accepted for any loss arising whether directly or indirectly as a result of any person acting based on this information. You should seek advice from a financial adviser regarding the suitability of any investment product(s) mentioned herein, taking into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs, before making a commitment to invest in such products. Opinions expressed in these commentaries are subject to change without notice. Investments are subject to investment risks including the possible loss of the principal amount invested. The value of units in any fund and the income from them may fall as well as rise. Past performance figures as well as any projection or forecast used in these commentaries are not necessarily indicative of future or likely performance. Phillip Securities Pte Ltd (PSPL), its directors, connected persons or employees may from time to time have an interest in the financial instruments mentioned in these commentaries. The information contained in these commentaries has been obtained from public sources which PSPL has no reason to believe are unreliable and any analysis, forecasts, projections, expectations and opinions (collectively the “Research”) contained in these commentaries are based on such information and are expressions of belief only. PSPL has not verified this information and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made that such information or Research is accurate, complete or verified or should be relied upon as such. Any such information or Research contained in these commentaries are subject to change, and PSPL shall not have any responsibility to maintain the information or Research made available or to supply any corrections, updates or releases in connection therewith. In no event will PSPL be liable for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages which may be incurred from the use of the information or Research made available, even if it has been advised of the possibility of such damages. The companies and their employees mentioned in these commentaries cannot be held liable for any errors, inaccuracies and/or omissions howsoever caused. Any opinion or advice herein is made on a general basis and is subject to change without notice. The information provided in these commentaries may contain optimistic statements regarding future events or future financial performance of countries, markets or companies. You must make your own financial assessment of the relevance, accuracy and adequacy of the information provided in these commentaries. Views and any strategies described in these commentaries may not be suitable for all investors. Opinions expressed herein may differ from the opinions expressed by other units of PSPL or its connected persons and associates. Any reference to or discussion of investment products or commodities in these commentaries is purely for illustrative purposes only and must not be construed as a recommendation, an offer or solicitation for the subscription, purchase or sale of the investment products or commodities mentioned. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.