Walt Disney Co | DISThe Walt Disney Company is reportedly exploring options to sell or find a joint venture partner for its India digital and TV business, reflecting the company's ongoing strategic evaluation of its operations in the region. The talks are still in the early stages, with no specific buyer or partner identified yet. The outcome and direction of the process remain uncertain. Internally, discussions have commenced within Disney's headquarters in the United States as executives deliberate on the most viable course of action. These deliberations signify the company's willingness to adapt and optimize its business operations to align with changing market dynamics. The Wall Street Journal reported on July 11 that Disney had engaged with at least one bank to explore potential avenues for assisting the growth of its India business while sharing the associated costs. This approach suggests a proactive stance by the company to explore partnerships or arrangements that can drive growth while minimizing financial burdens. While it is too early to ascertain the exact direction this exploration will take, the developments in Disney's India business warrant attention, as they may shape the future landscape of the company's presence in this all-important region.
The ongoing shift from traditional TV to streaming has placed Disney and its competitors in a costly and transformative phase. As part of this transition, Disney is actively cutting costs amid macroeconomic challenges that have impacted its advertising revenue and subscriber growth. CEO Bob Iger has been at the forefront of these changes, and his contract was recently extended through 2026 to allow him sufficient time to make transformative changes while strengthening the bench with future leaders of the company.
One of the key considerations for Disney is evaluating its portfolio of TV networks, including ABC and ESPN. Bob Iger has expressed a willingness to be expansive in assessing the traditional TV business, leaving open the possibility of selling certain networks while retaining others acknowledging that networks like ABC may not be core to Disney's new business model. ESPN, as a cable TV channel, is being approached differently. Disney is open to exploring strategic partnerships, such as joint ventures or offloading ownership stakes, to navigate the challenges faced by the sports network. CEO Iger, who had previously expressed pessimism about the future of traditional TV, has found the situation to be worse than anticipated since his return to Disney.
Although the linear networks segment, which accounts for Disney's TV properties such as ABC, National Geographic, FX, and FreeForm, has struggled to grow in the recent past, this segment is still an important part of the company's business, which is evident from the positive operating income reported by this segment in fiscal 2022. As below data reveals, the DTC business and content licensing made operating losses in FY 2022 which were offset by the operating income reported by linear networks. For this reason, investors will have to closely monitor a potential sale of TV assets to evaluate the impact of such a decision on Disney's profitability.
The broadcasting landscape is experiencing a significant shift, with uncertainties surrounding its future and the changing nature of consumer preferences. While linear television channels are not expected to disappear immediately, their consumption continues to decline as viewers increasingly favor OTT platforms. This transition represents a fundamental trend shaping the industry. In terms of business models, subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) services will continue to grow with targeted advertising.
As the ascent of streaming video continues, cable, satellite, and internet TV providers in the United States faced their most significant subscriber losses to date in the first quarter of 2023. Analyst estimates indicate a collective shedding of 2.3 million customers during this period. Consequently, the total penetration of pay-TV services in occupied U.S. households, including internet-based services like YouTube TV and Hulu, dropped to its lowest point since 1992, standing at 58.5%, according to Moffett's calculations.
In Q1, pay-TV services in the U.S. witnessed a nearly 7% decline in customers compared to the previous year, with cable TV operators experiencing a 9.9% decline, while satellite providers DirecTV and Dish Network registered subscriber losses of 13.4%. Virtual MVPDs, which are multichannel video programming distributors, also suffered significant losses, shedding 264,000 customers during the quarter. Comcast, the largest pay-TV provider in the country, lost 614,000 video customers in Q1, and Google's YouTube TV was the only tracked provider to experience subscriber growth, adding an estimated 300,000 subscribers during the period. These trends illustrate the challenges faced by the pay-TV industry, with factors like increasing sports-broadcast fees driving retail prices higher, leading to cord-cutting and subsequent price adjustments by distributors. By 2026, e-Marketer predicts that the number of non-pay TV households will surpass pay TV households by over 25 million.
In efforts to achieve profitability in the streaming business, Disney has implemented significant cost-cutting measures, including saving $5.5 billion through cost reductions and layoffs, and a focus on making Disney+ and Hulu more profitable. Disney aims to enhance Hulu integration, seeing it as a vital component of the company's transition from TV to a streaming-only model. Discussions are also underway for Disney to acquire Comcast Corporation's (CMCSA) stake in Hulu, as Disney currently holds 66% ownership. The company believes that the integration of Hulu and Disney+ will bolster the streaming business and contribute to its profitability. While the negotiations with Comcast over Hulu's valuation are ongoing, the combined offering of Disney+ and Hulu is expected to be available to consumers by the end of the calendar year. Although Disney's plans for ESPN+ and the fate of its other cable channels, such as the Disney Channel, remain uncertain, Bob Iger expects ESPN to eventually move to a streaming-only model, acknowledging the disruptive nature of the traditional TV business model.
The discussions surrounding Walt Disney's TV and streaming business in India come at a critical juncture for the company, as it grapples with intensified competition and significant challenges in the market. The emergence of Reliance Industries' JioCinema streaming platform has posed a considerable threat to Disney's dominance, especially after Reliance secured digital rights for the highly popular Indian Premier League cricket tournament. This strategic move by Reliance, which offered free access to the tournament earlier this year, caused a substantial decline in Disney+ Hotstar's subscribers, a popular streaming service under Disney's India business.
Additionally, Viacom18, which is backed by Reliance and Paramount Global (PARA), made a significant impact on Disney's market position in India. Through its partnership with Warner Bros, Viacom18 secured content rights to popular shows on HBO including Succession, previously aired on Disney's platform. This collaboration forms a formidable alliance challenging Disney's dominance in the Indian market. Reliance's freemium model poses the most significant threat to Disney's current position. By offering content for free on its streaming platform, JioCinema attracted a substantial number of subscribers through the broadcast of IPL. With its ample cash reserves, Reliance has the advantage of focusing on subscriber growth without immediately focusing on monetization strategies. The loss of streaming rights for the IPL, combined with a subsequent decline in paid subscribers, had a profound impact on Disney's reputation in India in the first quarter of this year, which could very well be the most challenging Q1 Disney has had in India for a long time.
A report on video consumption trends in India by Media Partners Asia sheds light on the dynamic landscape of the online video sector in India. For the 15 months that ended in March 2023, total consumption across the online video sector reached a staggering 6.1 trillion minutes. During this period, Disney+ Hotstar emerged as the dominant player in premium VOD, capturing 38% of viewing time. The report attributes Hotstar's success to its strong sports offerings and the depth of its Hindi and regional entertainment content.
During the survey period, Zee and Sony together held a 13% share of the Indian premium video sector viewing time. While the two companies are expected to merge pending regulatory approval, they are projected to operate independently for another year, benefiting from strong engagement across sports as well as regional, local, and international content. Prime Video and Netflix, Inc. (NFLX) collectively accounted for a 10% share of viewership in the premium VOD category. Prime Video also garnered a significant portion of viewership from regional Indian titles. The report emphasizes that local content dominates premium VOD viewership, particularly outside the sports category, while international content leads paid tiers. Catch-up TV is prevalent in the free tier across freemium streaming platforms.
Although Disney was the clear winner in 2022, this report highlights a significant shake-up in the market brought about by the transformation of JioCinema. JioCinema, which previously held a mere 2% share of the premium video market, experienced a major upswing in growth since April. This surge can be attributed to JioCinema's decision to offer free live streaming of the popular IPL cricket tournament, a property that was previously exclusive to Disney-owned media in India. Despite technical glitches impacting user experience, JioCinema witnessed a more than 20-fold increase in consumption in April 2023, enabling it to dominate the premium VOD category. The report raises questions about JioCinema's ability to sustain this growth and scale in the absence of IPL action after June 2023. That being said, this could be an early indication of growth challenges Disney-owned brands may face in India.
Star India, now known as Disney Star following the rebranding last year, is expected to experience a revenue drop of around 20% to less than $2 billion for the fiscal year ending September 2023. Additionally, EBITDA is projected to decline by approximately 50% compared to the previous year. Furthermore, Hotstar is estimated to lose 8 to 10 million subscribers in its fiscal third quarter as well.
Given the current scenario, finding an outright buyer for Disney's India business is expected to be challenging. When Disney acquired the entertainment assets of 21st Century Fox in 2019, the enterprise value of the Indian business was estimated at around $15-16 billion. This high valuation, coupled with the intense competition and declining subscriber base, presents a complex landscape for potential buyers or partners.
I believe Disney stock is attractively valued today given that the company's streaming business has a long runway for growth internationally while its brand assets will continue to drive revenue higher. As an investor, I am both concerned and curious about what the future holds for Disney's linear networks segment. Going by the recent remarks of CEO Iger, major changes are on their way. A strategic decision to divest non-core assets, in my opinion, will trigger a positive response from the market. That being said, a major divestment of TV assets could materially impact the company's profitability in the next 3-5 years until its streaming business scales enough to replace lost revenue from the linear networks segment. Investors will have to closely monitor new developments to identify a potential inflection point in Disney's story.
Stockstobuy
Intel Corporation | INTCIntel reported second quarter earnings on Thursday, showing a return to profitability after two straight quarters of losses and issuing a stronger-than-expected forecast. the stock rose 7% in extended trading.
Here’s how Intel did versus Refinitiv consensus expectations for the quarter ended July 1:
Earnings per share: 13 cents, adjusted, versus a loss of 3 cents expected by Refinitiv.
Revenue: $12.9 billion, versus $12.13 billion expected by Refinitiv.
For the third quarter, Intel expects earnings of 20 cents per share, adjusted, on revenue of $13.4 billion at the midpoint, versus analyst expectations of 16 cents per share on $13.23 billion in sales.
Intel posted net income of $1.5 billion, or 35 cents per share, versus a net loss of $454 million, or a loss of 11 cents per share, in the same quarter last year.
Revenue fell 15% to $12.9 billion from $15.3 billion a year ago, marking the sixth consecutive quarter of declining sales.
Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger said on a call with analysts the company still sees “persistent weakness” in all segments of its business through year-end, and that server chip sales won’t recover until the fourth quarter. He also said that cloud companies were focusing more on securing graphics processors for artificial intelligence instead of Intel’s central processors.
David Zinsner, Intel’s finance chief, said in a statement that part of the reason the report was stronger than expected was because of the progress the company has made toward slashing $3 billion in costs this year. Earlier this year, Intel slashed its dividend and announced plans to save $10 billion per year by 2025, including through layoffs.
“We have now exited nine lines of business since Gelsinger rejoined the company, with a combined annual savings of more than $1.7 billion,” said Zinsner.
Revenue in Intel’s Client Computing group, which includes the company’s laptop and desktop processor shipments, fell 12% to $6.8 billion. The overall PC market has been slumping for over a year. Intel’s server chip division, which is reported as Data Center and AI, saw sales decline 15% to $4 billion plus Intel’s Network and Edge division, which sells networking products for telecommunications, recorded a 38% decline in revenue to $1.4 billion.moreover Mobileye, a publicly traded Intel subsidiary focusing on self-driving cars, saw sales slip 1% on an annual basis to $454 million and Intel Foundry Services, the business that makes chips for other companies, reported $232 million in revenue.
Intel’s gross margin was nearly 40% on an adjusted basis, topping the company’s previous forecast of 37.5%. Investors want to see gross margins expand even as the company invests heavily in manufacturing capability.
In the first quarter, the company posted its largest loss ever as the PC and server markets slumped and demand declined for its central processors. Intel’s results on Thursday beat the forecast that management gave for the second quarter at the time.
Intel management has said the turnaround will take time and that the company is aiming to match TSMC’s chip-manufacturing prowess by 2026, which would enable it to bid to make the most advanced mobile processors for other companies, a strategy the company calls “five nodes in four years.” Intel said on Thursday that it remained on track to hit those goals.
Nvidia has had an amazing run, but any emerging technology, such as AI, which is bottlenecked by a single company will have issues in growth. Consulting firm McKinsey has pegged the AI market to be worth $1 trillion by 2030, but also that it was in an experimental and in early phases of commercial deployment.
While Nvidia will likely retain its leadership in GPU hardware as applied to AI for the foreseeable future, it is likely that other hardware solutions for AI systems will also be successful as AI matures. While technologist may quibble on specifics, all major AI hardware today are based on GPU architectures, and as such I will use the terms and concepts of AI hardware and GPU architecture somewhat interchangeably.
One likely candidate for AI related growth may be AMD (AMD), which has had GPU products since acquiring ATI in 2006.However, unlike Nvidia, which had a clear vision for of general-purpose GPU products (GPGPU), historically, AMD had largely kept its focus on the traditional gaming applications. AMD has developed an AI architecture called XDNA, and an AI accelerator called Alveo and announced its MI300, an integrated chip with GPU acceleration for high-performance computing and machine learning. How AMD can and may evolve in the AI may be subject of a different article.
Another contender for success in the AI applications using GPU is Intel, who is the focus of this article. Intel has maintained a consistent, if low key focus on GPU hardware focused on AI applications over the last decade. Intel’s integrated HD Graphics is built into most modern processor ICs; however, these are insufficient compared to dedicated GPUs for high-end inferencing or machine learning tasks.
It has 2 primary GPU architectures in production release:
In 2019 Intel Corporation acquired Habana Labs, an Israel-based developer of programmable deep learning accelerators for the data center for approximately $2 billion. Habana Labs’ Gaudi AI product line from its inception focused on AI deep learning processor technologies, rather than as GPU that has been extended to AI applications. As a result, Gaudi microarchitecture was designed from the start for the acceleration of training and inferencing. In 2022 Intel announced Gaudi2 and Greco processors for AI deep learning applications, implemented in 7-nanometer (TSMC) technology and manufactured on Habana’s high-efficiency architecture. Habana Labs benchmarked Gaudi2’s training throughput performance for the ResNet-50 computer vision model and the BERT natural language processing model delivering twice the training throughput over the Nvidia high end A100-80GB GPU. So, Gaudi appears to give Intel a competitive chip for AI applications.
Concurrent with the Habana Labs’ Gaudi development, Intel has internally developed the Xe GPU family, as dedicated graphics card to address high-end inferencing or machine learning tasks as well as more traditional high-end gaming. Iris® Xe GPU family consists of a series of microarchitectures, ranging from integrated/low power (Xe-LP) to enthusiast/high performance gaming (Xe-HPG), data center/AI (Xe-HP) and high-performance computing (Xe-HPC). The architecture has been commercialized in Intel® Data Center GPU Flex Series (formerly codenamed Arctic Sound) and Intel® Arc GPU cards. There is some question on Xe GPU future and evolution. Intel has shown less commitment to the traditional GPU space compared to Gaudi. Nonetheless, it does demonstrate Intel ability to design and field complex GPU products as its business requires.
Intel has many other AI projects underway. The Sapphire Rapids chips implements AI specific acceleration blocks including technology called AMX (Advanced Matrix Extensions), which provides acceleration inside the CPU for efficient matrix multiplications used in on-chip inferencing and machine learning processing by speeding up data movement and compression. Intel has supporting technologies such as Optane, which while cancelled as a production line, is available for their needs of a high-performance non-volatile memory, one of the intrinsic components in any AI product.
Based on the above, Intel appears to have competitive hardware solutions, however if we look at Nvidia success in AI, it is a result of a much a software and systems focus as it is the GPGPU hardware itself. Can Intel compete on that front. Ignoring for the moment that Intel has a huge software engineer (approx. 15,000) resource, it also has- access to one of the leading success stories in perhaps the most competitive AI application – self driving cars.
Mobileye, who was acquired by Intel in 2017, has been an early adopter and leader, with over 20 years of experience in automotive automated driving and vision systems. As such, Mobileye has a deep resource of AI domain information that should be relevant to many applications. Mobileye has announced that it is working closely with Habana, as related divisions within Intel. While Intel is in the process of re-spinning out Mobileye as public company, Mobileye Global Inc. (MBLY), at present Intel still owns over 95% of shares, keeping it effectively an Intel division.
In looking at Intel, we have a company with the history, resources, and technology to compete with Nvidia and infrastructure. They have made significant investment and commitment to the emerging AI market, in times when they have exited other profitable businesses. It should also be understood that AI related product are a small percentage of overall Intel revenues (INTC revenue are more than twice NVDA, even if NVDA has 6x its market cap), and continues to keep its primary business focus on its processor and foundry business.
Hopefully for shareholders, Intel continues to push their AI technology and business efforts. Their current position is that this is strategic, but Intel is in a very fluid time and priorities may change based on business, finances, and of course the general interest and enthusiasm for AI. It is always worth noting that AI as a technical concept is mature, and appears to be cyclical, with interest in the technical community rising and falling in hype and interest once every decade or so. I remember working on AI applications, at the time labeled as expert systems in the 1980s. If we are currently at a high hype point, this may be temporary, based on near term success and disappointment in what AI does achieve. Of course, as always, “this time is different” and the building blocks of effective AI systems currently exist, where for previous iterations, it was more speculative.
Microsoft’s Big Moves This Quarter | From Activision to AI AgentMicrosoft’s Revenue Surge: The Power of AI, Gaming, and Strategic Investments
Microsoft has released its Q1 FY25 earnings for the quarter ending in September
The stock saw a 6% drop, indicating the results fell short of investors' high hopes. Trading at over 30 times projected earnings for next year, expectations for Microsoft were significant.
CEO Satya Nadella stated
“Our AI business is set to exceed an annual revenue run rate of $10 billion next quarter, making it the fastest business in our history to reach this milestone.”
This means that AI will soon account for about 4% of Microsoft's total revenue in under three years a remarkable feat for a global giant.
If you need a quick summary, here are three main points:
1. ☁️ Azure’s growth is slowing. As Microsoft’s key player in the AI competition, Azure grew 34%, down slightly from 35% in the prior quarter (after adjustments). This comes as Google Cloud raised the bar, with its growth accelerating from 29% to 35% during the same period.
2. 🤖 AI growth is limited by hardware supply, as capacity struggles to meet demand. Data center expansion is a long-term process, and Microsoft is investing heavily in infrastructure, aiming for a growth boost by 2025.
3. 👨👩👧👦 Consumer-focused products like Gaming and Devices are underperforming. Although not essential to Microsoft's core business, their poor performance has impacted overall results.
Here’s a breakdown of the insights from the quarter.
Overview of today’s insights:
- New segmentation.
- Microsoft’s Q1 FY25 overview.
- Key earnings call highlights.
- Future areas to monitor.
1. New Segmentation
Revised Business Segments
In August, Microsoft announced a reorganization of its business segments, effective this quarter. The purpose? To better align financial reporting with the current business structure and strategic management.
Summary of the main changes
- Microsoft 365 Commercial revenue consolidation: All M365 commercial revenue, including mobility and security services, now falls under the Productivity and Business Processes segment.
-Copilot Pro revenue shift: Revenue from the Copilot Pro tool was moved from Productivity and Business Processes to the More Personal Computing segment under Search and news advertising.
-Nuance Enterprise reallocation: Revenue from Nuance, previously part of Intelligent Cloud, is now included in Productivity and Business Processes.
-Windows and Devices reporting combination: Microsoft now reports Windows and Devices revenue together.
Impact of These Changes:
Core Segments Overview:
In summary:
- The Productivity and Business Processes segment has grown significantly.
- The Intelligent Cloud segment has decreased due to the reallocation of Nuance and other revenue.
Products and Services Overview:
- M365 Commercial now includes Nuance, shifted from the Server products category, along with integrated mobility and security services.
- Windows & Devices have been merged into a single, slower-growth category.
Additional Insights:
- Azure, Microsoft's cloud platform, is reported within 'Server products and cloud services.' Although its growth rate is shared by management, exact revenue figures remain undisclosed.
Azure’s past growth figures have been adjusted for consistency, with the last quarter’s constant currency growth recast from 30% to 35%, setting a higher benchmark. Tracking these metrics is challenging due to limited revenue disclosure, but this recast indicates Azure's raised growth expectations.
2. Microsoft’s Q1 FY25 Performance
Financial Summary:
-Revenue: Up 16% year-over-year, reaching $65.6 billion (exceeding estimates by $1 billion). Post-Activision Blizzard acquisition in October 2023, the growth was 13% excluding the merger.
New Product and Services Segmentation Results
- Server products & cloud services: $22.2 billion (+23% Y/Y).
- M365 Commercial: $20.4 billion (+13% Y/Y).
- Gaming: $5.6 billion (+43% Y/Y), influenced by Activision.
- Windows & Devices: $4.3 billion (flat Y/Y).
- LinkedIn: $4.3 billion (+10% Y/Y).
- Search & news advertising: $3.2 billion (+7% Y/Y).
- Enterprise & partner services: $1.9 billion (flat Y/Y).
- Dynamics: $1.8 billion (+14% Y/Y).
- M365 Consumer products: $1.7 billion (+5% Y/Y).
Core Business Segments Breakdown:
- Productivity and Business Processes: Increased 12% Y/Y to $28.3 billion, supported by M365 Commercial, especially Copilot adoption.
- Intelligent Cloud: Grew 20% Y/Y to $24.1 billion, with Azure AI driving growth.
- More Personal Computing: Grew 17% Y/Y to $13.2 billion, including a 15-point boost from Activision. Devices fell, but search and ad performance improved under new segmentation.
Key Observations:
- Microsoft Cloud revenue climbed 22% Y/Y to $39 billion, making up 59% of total revenue (+3 percentage points Y/Y).
- Azure continues to drive cloud services and server products' growth.
- Xbox growth has surged due to the Activision acquisition since Q2 FY24, expected to stabilize by Q2 FY25.
- Windows OEM and devices combined, showing a 2% decline in Q1 FY25.
- Office rebranded to Microsoft 365; updated naming will be used starting next quarter.
- Margins: Gross margin at 69% (down 2pp Y/Y, 1pp Q/Q); operating margin at 47% (down 1pp Y/Y, up 4pp Q/Q).
- EPS: Increased 10% to $3.30, beating by $0.19.
Cash Flow and Balance Sheet:
- Operating cash flow: $34 billion (52% margin, down 2pp Y/Y).
- Cash**: $78 billion; Long-term debt**: $43 billion.
Q2 FY25 Outlook:
- Productivity and Business Processes: Anticipated 10%-11% Y/Y growth, steady due to M365, Copilot inclusion, and expected LinkedIn growth of ~10%. Dynamics set to grow mid-to-high teens.
- Intelligent Cloud: Projected 18%-20% Y/Y growth, slightly slowing, with Azure growth expected between 28%-29%.
- More Personal Computing: Forecasted ~$14 billion revenue, declines in Windows, Devices, and Gaming anticipated, with some offset from Copilot Pro.
Main Takeaways:
- Azure's growth slowed to 34% Y/Y in constant currency, with AI services contributing 12pp, up from 11pp last quarter. This marks a dip from the recast 35% prior and included an accounting boost.
- Capacity limitations in AI persist; more infrastructure investments are planned, with reacceleration expected in H2 FY25.
- Commercial performance obligations grew 21% to $259 billion, up from 20% in Q4.
- Margins were pressured by AI infrastructure investments; Activision reduced the operating margin by 2 points.
- Capital expenditures increased by 50% to $15 billion, half dedicated to infrastructure, with further Capex growth expected.
- Shareholder returns included $9.0 billion through buybacks and dividends, matching Q4 repurchases.
Earnings Call Highlights:
Azure AI saw a doubling of usage over six months, positioning it as a foundation for services like Cosmos DB and SQL DB. Microsoft Fabric adoption grew 14% sequentially, signaling rapid uptake.
AI Expansion: GitHub Copilot enterprise use surged 55% Q/Q, with AI-powered capabilities used by nearly 600,000 organizations, a 4x increase Y/Y.
M365 Copilot has achieved a 70% adoption rate among Fortune 500 companies and continues to grow rapidly.
LinkedIn saw accelerated growth in markets like India and Brazil and a 6x quarterly increase in video views, aligning with broader social media trends.
Search and Gaming: Bing’s revenue growth surpassed the market, while Game Pass hit a new revenue record, propelled by Black Ops 6
Capital Expenditures: CFO Amy Hood highlighted that half of cloud and AI investments are for long-term infrastructure, positioning the company for sustained growth.
4. Future Outlook
Energy Needs: Microsoft, facing higher power demands, plans to revive a reactor at Three Mile Island with Constellation Energy by 2028 to power its AI data centers sustainably.
Autonomous AI Agents: Coming in November, these agents will perform tasks with minimal human input, enhancing efficiency. Copilot Studio will allow businesses to customize these agents, with 10 pre-built options to start.
Industry Impact: Salesforce has launched Agentforce, signaling increased competition. CEO Mark Benioff recently compared Microsoft’s Copilot to the nostalgic Clippy, stoking rivalry.
For further analysis stay tuned
Bitcoin (BITX) getting ready for a parabolic move? Here is a chart of probably my favorite swing trade for the year.
I am keeping it simple with this chart though. I am a firm believer in simple when it comes to trading. I think the previous descension and breakout is playing out very similarly to the current one. Both had a double top rejecting from their respective trendlines following the initial breaks of structure. BITX is currently making its second tap of the the trendline. If it plays out like the previous structure did that would suggest w could see one more low in store.
I don't believe this to be the case but if it is this run could be postponed until the end summer/beginning of fall. I think it is more important to point out the relative strength in Bitcoin as of late, the weakness in the US dollar, as well as global liquidity having broke out months ago.
I think the most likely scenario is a pullback from this point which will be followed by a higher low printing. I will say I also expect this pullback to be steeper than the one from the previous descension. Bitcoin and Indices are a lot more overextended than they were last time around and the structure in indices is a lot weaker than before.
All this being said I am expecting a breakout to occur over the next several weeks just based off probabilities. It all depends on if BTC and indices and hold their respective demand/support levels. Bitcoin needs to hold 85k in order for a summer breakout to occur. For the S&P equivalent level this could be somewhere around 5200-5300.
If these assets are not able to hold these levels my confidence will shift pretty dramatically. I would still expect a major rally to take place around the Q4 timeframe but I would be expecting a lot less upside. Price would likely have to chop around for a while before deciding if it wants to continue to the upside. I am basing this off market structure/Dow theory. It is important to take all possibilities into account and ultimately let the charts do the talking.
SoFi Technologies (SOFI, 1D)On the daily chart, SoFi has broken out of its descending trendline, confirmed the breakout with a clean retest of the 0.618 Fibonacci retracement level at $12.33, and is now building upward momentum from this demand zone. This “buy zone” is acting as a launchpad for a potential mid-term move toward higher resistance levels.
Key Fibonacci-based upside targets:
– $13.48 (0.5 retracement)
– $14.64 (0.382 retracement)
– $16.07 (0.236 retracement) — within the defined target zone
– Extended target: $18.37 (1.0 Fibonacci projection)
Technical structure highlights:
– Breakout of multi-month downtrend + successful retest
– Price now trading above key EMAs (50/100/200)
– Volume expansion on bullish candles confirms demand
– Daily momentum favors further continuation toward the $14–$16 zone
– Premium supply zone above $16 may slow initial momentum but offers long-term potential toward $18+
Fundamental context:
SoFi is evolving as a vertically integrated fintech platform with strong brand recognition and growing user engagement across banking, investing, and lending services. As the company narrows losses and strengthens recurring revenue, investor interest in SOFI is growing — particularly as market appetite returns for high-quality fintech with path-to-profitability models.
The technical breakout is confirmed. As long as price remains above the $12.33–$12.50 buy zone, the bullish scenario remains valid with targets toward $14.64 and $16.07. A breakout above $16 would activate the full expansion toward $18.37 in the mid-term.
Quantum's Walmart (WMT) Trading Guide 4/28/25WMT’s weekly outlook balances its defensive resilience against macroeconomic headwinds, with a comprehensive synthesis of technical, market, and strategic factors guiding its trajectory for weekly options contracts. The FAME framework underscores WMT’s long-term bullish potential, driven by robust fundamentals (+5% revenue, $0.58 EPS, 21% e-commerce growth) and adaptability (AI, Walmart+), positioning it as a resilient player in a risk-off regime. However, elevated yields (10-year 4.255%, 20-year 4.738%, 30-year 4.721%) and a stable DXY at 99.58 amplify tariff pressures and margin concerns, capping upside and reinforcing a cautious stance. A tactical long bias is favored for weekly contracts, targeting a bounce from $94.36 to $96.47–$98.50, with a short stance viable below $88.50 if support fails.
Technical implications highlight bullish momentum on daily (RSI ~40, Stochastic ~28) and weekly (RSI ~44, Stochastic ~32) timeframes, with oversold conditions signaling a rebound potential for weekly contracts if $94.36 holds. Monthly neutral momentum (RSI ~50) suggests consolidation, requiring a breakout above $96.47 to confirm bullish strength. This supports a short-term bounce but advises monitoring for sustained moves.
Market influence implications reflect a risk-off environment, with high yields and a stable DXY increasing import costs, particularly amid tariff uncertainty from WMT’s upcoming Trump meeting. The VIX at 24.84 amplifies volatility, favoring WMT’s defensive appeal but heightening risks. WMT’s Q3 FY25 strength and e-commerce growth provide stability, supporting resilience near $94.36.
OFD summary and implications reveal bearish pressure from Vanna (-$0.04), Charm (-$0.02), and DEX (-$0.06), driven by put-heavy flow and hedging demand tied to tariff fears. However, GEX (+$0.08) at the $95 strike pins price, stabilizing volatility and supporting a neutral-to-bullish bounce for weekly contracts if $94.36 holds, aligning with oversold technicals.
Edge insights bolster the case for a bounce, with institutional buying at $94–$95 signaling accumulation, defensive retail sector strength outperforming cyclicals, and low short interest (1.4%) offering squeeze potential above $96.47. These factors enhance confidence in a tactical long bias for weekly contracts, provided support holds.
Strategic outlook implications emphasize consolidation near $95.09, with $94.36 as a critical pivot. A break below risks $88.50, driven by tariff fears and bearish options flow, while a move above $96.47 targets $98.50, fueled by oversold signals and institutional support. The VIX at 24.84 and put-heavy options flow underscore volatility, but WMT’s defensive positioning mitigates downside, favoring a bounce in a risk-off regime.
In summary, WMT’s weekly outlook hinges on defending $94.36, with oversold technicals, GEX pinning, and institutional buying supporting a bounce to $96.47–$98.50 for weekly contracts. Tariff risks, high yields, and DXY stability maintain a risk-off backdrop, capping upside and requiring vigilance for a break below support, which could shift bias to bearish. This balanced approach leverages WMT’s defensive strengths while navigating weekly volatility, aligning with Buffett’s preference for resilient businesses with tactical opportunities.
Nokia:Inverted Head and Shoulders Structure + Retest of BreakoutOn the weekly chart of Nokia, a classic Inverted Head and Shoulders reversal pattern has formed. The breakout above the neckline occurred with increased volume, confirming the strength of the move. Currently, the price is undergoing a standard technical retest of the neckline from above — a typical phase before a potential continuation higher.
The structure remains active: the projected height (H) points to an initial target at $5.48, based on the distance from the neckline to the head. If momentum continues, Fibonacci extension targets are located at $6.18 (1.272), $6.55 (1.414), and $7.08 (1.618).
Technical view: the retest of the neckline is happening on declining volume, strengthening the probability of a bullish reversal. EMA 50/100/200 are beginning to align in a bullish crossover. The ascending channel structure also supports the upward movement.
Fundamentals: Nokia is progressing with its strategic programs in 5G and upcoming 6G network technologies, reinforcing its long-term growth prospects. Improved financial performance and the recovery in demand for telecommunications infrastructure amid global digitalization trends continue to support investor interest in the stock.
The Inverted Head and Shoulders pattern is confirmed by the breakout and current retest. As long as the price holds above the neckline, the bullish scenario toward $5.48 and beyond remains intact. This is a medium-term trend reversal structure — strong setups like this form the foundation for major moves. Don’t miss them.
ICON — Breakout from Rectangle with H Projection Targeting $700ICON (3D) — Technical Structure Analysis
ICON has broken out from a prolonged horizontal rectangle pattern ($380–$540). The move activated a measured move structure with two H-sized waves. The first H was completed. The second H projects a move to the $700 area.
Key points:
-Confirmed breakout from range
-First H = 153 pts, completed
-Second H = 162 pts, targeting $700
-Price holding above breakout zone ($515–$541)
ICON has moved out of accumulation and entered trend expansion. As long as the support holds, the scenario remains valid. The technical model targets the $700 area.
LIC | Technical Structure Forming – View Only🔍 Stock: LIC (NS: LICI)
📌 Type: View Only – Not a Buy/Sell Recommendation
LIC has been consolidating after a decent upside move in recent weeks. Currently, the stock is trading around a key demand zone, indicating potential accumulation — but confirmation is still awaited.
🧩 Technical Overview:
Support Zone: ₹802 – ₹816
Resistance Zone: ₹842 – ₹861
Trend: Bulish
🚫 Note:
This analysis is shared for educational and observational purposes only. It is not intended as a buy or sell recommendation. Please do your own research or consult a financial advisor before taking any action.
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SBI: Inverse H&S BreakoutThe Inverse Head and Shoulders pattern is a bullish reversal chart pattern that signals a potential trend reversal from bearish to bullish. It consists of three key components:
Structure of the Pattern:
Left Shoulder: A price decline followed by a temporary rally.
Head: A deeper decline forming the lowest point, followed by another rally.
Right Shoulder: A decline similar in size to the left shoulder but not as deep as the head, followed by a move higher.
Neckline: A resistance level that connects the highs of the two rallies after the left shoulder and head.
The Inverse Head and Shoulders pattern in SBI, with a neckline at ₹783, indicates a potential bullish reversal. The stock has formed a well-defined left shoulder, head, and right shoulder, suggesting that selling pressure is weakening. The target price for this breakout is ₹900 calculated by measuring the distance from the head’s low to the neckline and projecting it upwards. If the stock sustains above the neckline, it could gain further momentum. However, traders should consider placing a stop-loss at 730 to manage risk in case of a failed breakout.
CHSN Price Watch: Critical Levels to MonitorCHSN is approaching a key decision point. If we see a confirmed break above the $0.33 high, there’s strong potential for a move up to $0.58, with $0.75 as a possible extension.
On the flip side, if the price breaks below the $0.29 low, we could see a retracement down to the $0.21 level.
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Quantum's Premium IWM Weekly OutlookSentiment
Overall Sentiment: Bearish with potential for reversal.
Options Activity: Recent data shows elevated put volume over calls (e.g., 8 puts Ascending Triangle DEX suggests a bearish directional bias. Posts on X indicate traders are eyeing short setups, reinforcing this sentiment.
1 OTM Premiums:
0DTE (April 7 expiration):
Call: $182 strike, premium $1.20 (moderate IV, ~35%).
Put: $180 strike, premium $1.35 (moderate IV, ~35%).
Weekly (April 11 expiration):
Call: $182 strike, premium $1.45 (moderate IV, ~32%).
Put: $180 strike, premium $1.40 (moderate IV, ~32%).
Notes: Premiums are kept under $1.50 for cost efficiency in 0DTE and weekly trades. IV levels are moderate, reflecting recent volatility spikes but not extreme conditions, making these contracts attractive for short-term plays.
Technical Indicators:
Weekly EMAs (8/13/48): The 8-week EMA ($198.50) is below the 13-week ($202.10) and 48-week ($208.30), confirming a downtrend.
RSI (14-week): 32, nearing oversold territory, hinting at a possible bounce.
Market Context: Small-cap stocks like IWM have been under pressure due to tariff fears and a hawkish Fed stance. However, oversold conditions and seasonal strength in April could signal a relief rally.
Potential: Continuation of the downtrend is likely unless a catalyst reverses sentiment, but a short-term bounce to $185–$190 is plausible given oversold readings.
Tariff Impact
Exposure: Moderate to severe.
Analysis: IWM tracks the Russell 2000, comprising small-cap U.S. companies, many of which are domestically focused (e.g., manufacturing, retail). A 10% universal tariff, 25% on Canada/Mexico, or 46% on Vietnam could raise input costs for these firms, squeezing margins. Sectors like industrials (20% of IWM) and consumer discretionary (15%) are particularly vulnerable. However, tariff impact may be overstated—rising interest rates and a strong dollar are likely stronger drivers of recent weakness. Critically, the narrative around tariffs often amplifies fear beyond fundamentals, offering contrarian opportunities if panic subsides.
News/Catalysts
Recent News: Trump’s tariff rhetoric intensified last week, with small-caps hit hardest (IWM down 9.5% in 1M). The Fed’s hawkish December stance continues to weigh on risk assets.
Upcoming Events:
April 8: Consumer Credit data release—could signal consumer health, critical for small-cap earnings.
Mid-week: Potential tariff policy updates—speculative but impactful.
Speculative Catalysts: X posts highlight short interest in IWM and oversold conditions, suggesting a squeeze potential. A surprise Fed pivot or tariff rollback could spark a massive rally.
Alignment: Small-caps are sensitive to economic data and policy shifts, making IWM a prime candidate for volatility-driven moves.
Technical Setup
Weekly Chart:
Key Levels:
High Volume Node (HVN): $195–$199 (prior support, now resistance).
Monthly Open: $199.78 (resistance).
Weekly Low: $176.67 (support).
Trend: Downtrend since March peak ($208.52), testing year-lows.
One-Hour Chart:
Support: $179–$180 (confluence with weekly low).
Resistance: $182.50–$184 (prior consolidation zone).
10-Minute Chart:
Entry/Exit:
Bullish: Break above $181.50 (8-EMA) with a hammer candle for a long to $183.
Bearish: Breakdown below $180 with volume for a short to $177.
EMAs (8/13/48): 8 ($181.20) > 13 ($181.00) < 48 ($182.30)—choppy, no clear trend intraday.
Indicators:
RSI (14): 38 (10-min), neutral but rising—watch for divergence.
MACD: Near zero line, flat—momentum stalling.
Options Data Weekly Overview
Gamma Exposure (GEX): Bearish—pinning near $180–$182, dealers hedging accelerates downside below $180.
Delta Exposure (DEX): Bearish—put-heavy activity signals directional selling.
Vega Exposure (VEX): Neutral—moderate volatility potential, no extreme IV spike expected.
Implied Volatility (IV): Moderate (~32–35%)—elevated but manageable, favoring sellers over buyers.
Open Interest (OI): Bearish—high OI at $180 put and $185 call strikes, capping upside.
Potential Price Targets
Bullish: $185 (+2.2%)—tests weekly HVN; $190 (+5%) if momentum builds.
Bearish: $177 (-2.3%)—revisits year-low; $170 (-6.2%) on tariff escalation.
Trade Idea
Bullish 0DTE (April 7):
Trade: Buy $182 Call @ $1.20.
Entry: Break above $181.50.
Target: $183 (profit $0.80, +66%).
Stop: $180.50 (loss $0.70, -58%).
Bearish 0DTE (April 7):
Trade: Buy $180 Put @ $1.35.
Entry: Breakdown below $180.
Target: $178 (profit $0.65, +48%).
Stop: $181 (loss $0.85, -63%).
Berkshire Hathaway | No More Apple Pie & Bank Bread!No More Apple Pie and Bank Bread | Buffett’s Recipe for Market Caution
Berkshire Hathaway has recently disclosed its earnings amid fluctuating around a $1 trillion valuation. A notable update is its continued reduction of stakes in overvalued assets, including a 20% decrease in holdings of Apple and Bank of America, boosting its cash reserves to $325 billion
Although Warren Buffett himself isn't favoring share buybacks at present, Berkshire Hathaway stands as a compelling investment option
Why Berkshire Hathaway's $325 Billion Cash Pile Signals Market Caution
The company's net earnings remain subject to significant fluctuations due to rules requiring valuation changes of investment holdings. However, there was a slight decline in operating earnings, mainly driven by lower insurance underwriting income. Despite this, that segment is historically volatile, and year over year aka YoY, the company has maintained strong performance.
Yea2date aka YTD, operating earnings have risen over 10%, totaling just under $33 billion compared to just below $29 billion last year. This points to an annualized earnings estimate of approximately $44 billion, implying a price2earnings aka P/E ratio of about 22, without factoring in over $320 billion in cash and significant investment holdings.
Excluding cash and investments, the adjusted P/E ratio is closer to single digits. Share buybacks have paused, reflected in a ~1% decrease in the outstanding shares YoY, signaling Berkshire's assessment of current market valuations.
Segment Highlights
The various business units within Berkshire Hathaway showcase its robust asset base and earning capacity. Insurance underwriting income saw a sharp YoY drop, but other business areas performed strongly. Income from insurance investments remained solid, and BNSF, its railroad subsidiary, also showed strong results despite a double digit YoY decline.
Berkshire Hathaway Energy continues its growth, cementing its position in the utility sector with significant renewable energy ventures. For context, NextEra Energy (NEE), with a market capitalization of $160 billion, posted quarterly earnings around 10% higher.
Berkshire's other controlled and non-controlled businesses contribute over $13 billion annually, underpinning its diversification and consistent earnings performance. This strength across segments underscores its formidable financial health.
Market Context
Currently, market valuations are elevated by historical standards.
Excluding periods of earnings dips, market enthusiasm is exceptionally high, with the S&P 500 P/E ratio nearing 30x, approaching levels last seen in 1999. Buffett and Berkshire appear to view a 3% yield from such a P/E as unattractive, especially when bonds offer higher returns.
The 2008 Playbook
Berkshire's track record of effectively utilizing its cash reserves is notable. Excluding its insurance float, the company still holds $150 billion in cash.
During the 2008 financial crisis, Berkshire leveraged its liquidity for strategic investments in companies like General Electric, Swiss Re, Dow Chemical, and Bank of America, as well as finalizing the full acquisition of BNSF in 2010. This proactive use of capital proved advantageous.
The current strategic sale of assets suggests Berkshire is preparing for potential market downturns. Given high S&P 500 valuations, reallocating part of an S&P 500 position into Berkshire Hathaway could be wise, ensuring exposure to a cash-rich portfolio capable of seizing future opportunities. Meanwhile, Berkshire’s earnings are valued lower than the broader market, potentially minimizing major downturn risks.
Investment Risks
A key risk is that timing the market is inherently challenging, with the adage "time in the market beats timing the market" serving as a caution. If Berkshire's market outlook is incorrect, its $300+ billion in cash could underperform while broader markets remain strong, which would diminish its appeal as an investment.
Final Thoughts
Berkshire Hathaway has taken the bold step of liquidating some of its most significant and priciest holdings, opting to incur capital gains taxes to increase liquidity. This move has bolstered its cash position to $325 billion, $150 billion above its float level. Meanwhile, its strong operational businesses continue generating healthy cash flow.
Drawing on its successful strategies during the 2008 crisis, Berkshire appears to be positioning itself for another downturn amid current high market valuations. We advise investors to consider shifting part of their S&P 500 exposure into Berkshire Hathaway for enhanced diversification and potential benefits in a market correction, long story short Berkshire Hathaway remains a robust investment opportunity but wont make millionaire!
What do you think moonypto fam?
Snow White's very low ratings - Bullish Disney stock ?The SnowWhite IMDB rating can't get any worse - could the same be said of Disney stock?
Price is the ultimate proof but buying the shares of a well established company when sentiment is at a low point can be a fruitful endevour.
The poor box office showing + very weak ratings for Snow White - maybe a contrarian buy signal ?
A) The stock is attempting a long term double bottom via is 2020 + 2023 lows
B) A breakout over the downtrend line (orange) could confirm a bullish trend change
Bottom of the ratings ➡️ Bottom in the stock? NYSE:DIS
Crown Castle Inc. (CCI) 1WTechnical Analysis
- The weekly chart of Crown Castle Inc. (CCI) shows a potential reversal after a prolonged downtrend.
- A breakout above the descending trendline and consolidation above $110.85 (0.786 Fibonacci) could signal the start of an upward movement.
- Key Resistance Levels: $132.06 – $146.95 – $161.85 – $180.28 – $210.07.
- Key Support Zone: $83.83 - $90.
- CCI and RSI indicators confirm improving sentiment.
A sustained breakout above $110-112 could lead to mid-term growth.
Fundamental Analysis
Crown Castle is one of the largest telecommunications infrastructure operators in the US.
- Stable revenues due to long-term contracts with telecom providers.
- Dividend yield of ~6%, making it attractive for long-term investors.
- 5G expansion and IoT growth create long-term opportunities.
Risks: High debt burden, interest rate impact, and competition with American Tower.
CCI has growth potential if it breaks above the $110-112 zone. However, macroeconomic risks remain relevant.