Category: 3. Business

People are missing out on vital protections by using buy now, pay later instead of credit cards to pay for holidays, experts warn.

Buy now, pay later (BNPL) has grown hugely in recent years, and holiday firms and hotel chains have been adding it to the options for payment when booking online, saying it can make trips more attainable.

“Stay now, pay later” is the new slogan from budget hotel chain Travelodge, which recently announced that guests can now pay via Klarna, Clearpay or PayPal – the three companies that dominate the UK BNPL market.

Similarly, a number of travel agents and flight booking sites offer BNPL under the banner of “Fly now pay later”. Customers do not have to pay the full cost of their flights upfront – they can spread the cost over instalments.

And Airbnb announced in late 2023 that it was teaming up with Klarna in the UK so guests could spread the cost of stays over weeks or months. The service is available for reservations priced between £35 and £4,000.

Data issued this week showed that searches on Google for phrases such as “buy now pay later flights” and “buy now pay later hotels” are up sharply on earlier this year, suggesting people are looking for ways to book more flexibly.

BNPL is a form of credit where the cost of what you are buying is typically split into three or four instalments. If you keep to your repayment plan, you will not usually pay interest or charges.

However, there is concern that some people could end up taking out loans they cannot afford to pay back on time, thereby incurring charges, tipping them into debt and damaging their credit score.

Experts warn that using BNPL to pay for holidays or trips also offers fewer consumer protections than more traditional credit.

“While it can be really convenient, it’s worth remembering that it doesn’t come with the same protections as a credit card,” says Matthew Sheeran from Money Wellness, a debt solutions and budgeting website.

If you pay with a credit card, section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act means that if a purchase between £100 and £30,000 goes wrong, the credit card provider is jointly liable with the retailer.

Sheeran says that with BNPL, if there is a problem, “you’ll usually have to chase the retailer or travel provider yourself, which can be stressful and time-consuming. It’s worth checking whether the BNPL provider offers any dispute process, but these aren’t as robust or guaranteed as section 75”.

He adds that while this form of payment is fine for smaller low-risk purchases, for bigger spends, a credit card still offers a safety net.

“BNPL is starting to edge into travel because it offers a way for people to ‘buy now, budget later’,” says Maisie Blewitt at Transfer Travel, an online marketplace where people can buy and sell unused trips.

She says that if you pay using BNPL and the airline or hotel goes bust, for example, your money could be at risk of being lost.

“Refunds can be messy, too, because if a trip is cancelled, instalments can keep coming out of your account until the refund clears, which could take weeks,” she says.

She adds that as this is a developing area of regulation, terms and protections can differ from provider to provider.

“Before using buy now, pay later for a holiday, make sure you carefully read and fully understand the small print,” says Blewitt.

People who use BNPL in this way typically do not have to pay for the trip before they travel, so charges may still be coming out of their account months after they have been away.

There is no universal maximum spending limit, so how much you can borrow depends on which provider you use, your creditworthiness, and how much risk it is willing to take.

“It feels risk-free, and that’s the problem,” says Sebrina McCullough from Money Wellness. “Interest-free offers make it feel like a payment method, not borrowing. But it’s still credit, and if you use it to fund what you can’t afford, the risks grow.”

The UK’s financial regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority, is to start regulating BNPL from July 2026.

This means BNPL loans will become regulated credit agreements and, crucially, people using this form of credit will be covered by section 75. They will also be able to access the Financial Ombudsman Service if they need to make a complaint.

Ripple’s recent wave of high-profile acquisitions signals growing strength and ambition in bridging traditional finance with crypto.

Yet concerns persist that Ripple’s reliance on XRP-linked financing exposes weaknesses in the company’s long-term financial sustainability and its ecosystem’s real utility.

Ripple’s recent acquisitions, including Hidden Road and GTreasury, underline its accelerated push into traditional finance and its effort to expand financial infrastructure into corporate markets.

However, Ripple’s growing footprint in traditional finance has reignited long-standing concerns about XRP’s utility and relevance. These newly acquired services primarily target institutional clients that rely on conventional financial instruments, leaving XRP with little to no role in their core operations.

This disconnect has become a focal point of growing scrutiny among analysts and investors, who question whether Ripple’s business expansion truly supports the long-term value of its token.

Despite recent acquisitions, Ripple’s financial reality still heavily depends on XRP sales and tokenomics. The company continues to hold and release large volumes of XRP.

These periodic sales, managed through an escrow system, have long served as a key source of liquidity and operational funding for the firm.

Yet this reliance on selling XRP contrasts with the company’s long-promoted vision of the token as a functional bridge currency rather than a financial asset.

For years, the narrative has been that XRP would become the bridge currency, settlement fuel, and utility token within XRPL and Ripple’s infrastructure. But new data introduces a structural disconnect.

An effective example is Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin.

As of the beginning of October, RLUSD has reached a market cap of nearly $789 million. Yet, BeInCrypto reported earlier that around 88% of RLUSD’s supply is on Ethereum, not XRPL.

Many XRP holders expected RLUSD adoption to increase demand for the token. Transactions on the XRP Ledger require small XRP fees that are burned. However, most RLUSD activity happens outside the Ledger altogether, limiting its impact on the token’s overall utility.

This situation has created a strategic tension for Ripple, which is expanding beyond XRP’s original purpose. Once expected to benefit from this growth, the token plays only a limited role in new operations.

So far, this shift has not led to greater XRP usage or burns, raising doubts about its real-world utility.

The debate over XRP’s relevance has now expanded to include how Ripple manages and influences the circulation of its token.

Ripple’s intervention in XRP’s market has added another layer to the debate over the token’s utility.

The company recently revealed plans to raise $1 billion worth of XRP to establish a digital asset treasury, one of the largest fundraising efforts centered on a single cryptocurrency.

Supporters view the plan as a sign of confidence in XRP’s long-term prospects and an attempt to bring market stability.

However, critics argue that a company raising capital to buy its own token risks blurring the line between financial strategy and price support.

Some analysts warn that such large-scale interventions could reinforce the perception that Ripple’s success still depends on XRP speculation, rather than genuine on-chain or institutional utility.

Ultimately, the initiative highlights the same structural challenge facing Ripple’s ecosystem. While the company swiftly expands into traditional finance, XRP’s practical role within that growth remains limited.

Read original story Ripple Grows Beyond Crypto—But Can XRP Keep Up? by Camila Grigera Naón at beincrypto.com

SHANGHAI, Oct. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Track Test Drive: From October 15 to 16, the EXEED International User Summit launched its track test drive in Shanghai. A total of 124 guests from 24 countries attended. The event featured on-track experiences and static displays, allowing participants to witness EXEED’s industry-leading “firsts” and “onlys” in person.

BEV Highlights: As a premium global NEV brand, EXLANTIX showcased its BEV lineup with outstanding performance. The models can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in around 3 seconds, delivering supercar-level power. They also feature a turning radius of just 5.65 meters — the smallest in their class.

Hybrid Highlights: In hybrid technology, EXEED combines the industry’s first REEV Golden Extended-Range system with the world’s exclusive Quad-Motor AWD PHEV. During the event, four upcoming global hybrid models also made appearances.

From October 15 to 16, the EXEED International User Summit launched its track test drive in Shanghai. A total of 124 guests from 24 countries attended. Through immersive on-track experiences and static displays, EXEED presented its latest achievements in electrification, hybrid technology, intelligence, and design. The event allowed guests to experience multiple industry “firsts” and “onlys” in person.

After test-driving several EXEED models including the ES, ET, E01 PHEV, and VX PHEV, top Qatari auto influencer Mohammad Nehad Ahmad Alomari-Zrdifd from Horsepower commented: All of these cars deliver a great driving experience, each with its own strengths. For instance, the ES has a futuristic design, the ET handles turns very well. But what they all share is impressive acceleration and excellent handling!

BEV Highlights: ES BEV and ET BEV, High-Performance Electric Models

As one of the key models on the track, the ES BEV demonstrates exceptional aerodynamics with a drag coefficient of just 0.205Cd and delivers an impressive 8,000 N·m of wheel-end torque. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.7 seconds. Equipped with the IAS intelligent air suspension and CDC adaptive damping system, the ES BEV continuously adjusts ride height and damping stiffness according to road conditions and driving modes. This intelligent coordination effectively minimizes body roll during high-speed cornering, enhancing handling precision and overall stability.

The ET BEV also delivered impressive performance, with an electric motor producing a peak output of 353 kW. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds, unleashing strong power from the very first moment on the track. Its chassis features class-leading IAS intelligent air suspension and CDC adaptive damping, capable of completing dynamic adjustments within 1 second. Paired with an advanced double-wishbone structure, the ET BEV maintains a stable body posture even under aggressive track driving. Notably, its 5.65-meter turning radius—the smallest in its class—ensures agile handling during slalom tests and adds practical convenience for everyday driving.

Norwegian top 3 auto KOL Falch Krister Riis also shared his feedback after testing the ES and ET: Both cars offer great handling. The ES accelerates quickly, while the ET is very comfortable to drive — and its charging speed is amazing!

Hybrid Highlights: ET REEV and RX PHEV Lead the Way, Balancing Performance and Efficiency Across the Hybrid Range

In the hybrid lineup, the ET REEV and RX PHEV served as the key models for the track test. The VX PHEV and E01 PHEV also made appearances, showcasing the breadth of EXEED’s hybrid offerings. The ET REEV features the industry-first Golden Extended-Range technology, equipped with a high-efficiency engine achieving 44.5% thermal efficiency. One liter of fuel can generate 3.7 kWh of electricity, the highest in its class. It also comes with front and rear electric motors, delivering a total system output of 345 kW. The AWD system provides robust power, enabling 0–100 km/h acceleration in just 4.9 seconds. Even in a discharged state, the vehicle can reach 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds. On the track, the ET REEV’s electric-motor-driven system ensures rapid throttle response during straight-line acceleration, delivering a driving feel on par with that of pure electric vehicles.

The RX PHEV is equipped with the world’s exclusive Quad-Motor AWD PHEV system. It delivers a combined output of 395 kW and 650 N·m of torque, accelerating from 0–100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. This demonstrates the performance advantages of its four-motor hybrid system. On the track, the vehicle’s hybrid “Sport Mode” coordinates power delivery, providing strong acceleration during straight-line runs. Additionally, with a combined range exceeding 1,300 km, the RX PHEV eliminates range anxiety for everyday driving.

Intelligent Technology: ET and ES Feature VPD + RPA for an Enhanced Parking Experience

Beyond performance, EXEED also showcased its advancements in intelligent technology during the track event. Both the ET and ES models are equipped with VPD (Valet Parking Drive) and RPA (Remote Parking Assistance), offering a new level of convenience and safety for parking.

As the only model in its segment equipped with VPD, the system features two modules: Remote Valet Parking and Remote Smart Summon. Once the vehicle enters a designated area, the driver can activate Remote Valet Parking and leave. The system autonomously searches for a parking space, parks the car, and then automatically locks, closes the windows, and powers down. For the next use, drivers can activate Remote Smart Summon via the mobile app. The system will then bring the vehicle out of the parking spot and drive it to the designated pick-up point.

The RPA addresses the common problem of parking in tight spaces where exiting the vehicle is difficult. The driver selects a suitable parking space, engages the P gear, and applies the handbrake. Using Bluetooth or the key fob, the system is activated with a single command, and the vehicle parks itself automatically. For tight spaces where getting back in is difficult, the vehicle can also be remotely controlled to exit the spot with ease.

Premium Highlights: E02 and MX Presented, Showcasing New Technology Premium

In the static display area, the all-new E02 and MX drew significant attention. Their striking design language captivated media and KOLs, who stopped to admire and photograph the vehicles. The E02 features a distinctive “Cloud Waterfall” grille, conveying strength and presence. Its side profile highlights the “Wind-Flow Horizon” beltline. This line stretches from the headlights to the rear and runs parallel to the roofline, creating an elegant and cohesive silhouette. At the rear, the “Sunset Glow” through-tail lamps feature a clean, sculpted design. When illuminated at night, they showcase the fusion of Eastern aesthetics and modern technology.

The MX features a “Starwing” light strip that runs parallel from the headlights to the taillights. Its minimalist yet profound design creates a dreamlike effect, as if the entire vehicle is surrounded by starlight. The light strip houses 472 LEDs, stretching a total length of 3,499.3 mm, to deliver a dazzling starry visual experience. The MX is paired with five-spoke star-pattern wheels, crafted with a hollow multi-layer structure. The interplay of light and shadow creates a three-dimensional starburst effect, enhancing the vehicle’s refined, tech-premium appeal.

The track test drive in Shanghai offered more than 120 guests an immersive experience. It showcased EXEED’s achievements and capabilities across performance, intelligent technology, and design in the new energy sector. Looking ahead, EXEED plans to introduce its new energy vehicles to high-regulation markets such as Norway and Denmark, providing local customers with more premium mobility solutions.

Contact: Ting Li, lixueting@mychery.com

The Co-op has quietly told staff to boost promotion of vapes in an effort to win back customers and sales after a devastating cyber-attack.

The ethical retailer is making vapes more prominent in stores via new​ displays and additional advertising, according to an internal document seen by the Guardian. It is also stocking a bigger range of vapes and nicotine pouches.

The action plan is to tackle a big sales drop after the April hack that resulted in gaps on its shelves.

Called Powering Up: Focus Sprint: Cigs, Tobacco and Vape, the document says: “Sales haven’t recovered compared to pre-cyber.” In a section headed “Why we need to focus on this category?”, it says there are “£1m missing sales per week” and 100,000 fewer transactions.

It states: “We know at least 40% of this is customers forming a new habit, shopping elsewhere as they wouldn’t go without their cigarettes, tobacco or vapes. This means we’ve also lost sales from what would’ve been in their basket.”

The Co-op’s approach to selling vape products in its more than 2,000 grocery stores complies with UK legislation and government guidelines but staff have raised concerns about whether it is contrary to its standing as an “ethical” retailer.

On its website, the Co-op spells out that it puts “principles before profit”. It says: “As well as having clear financial and operational objectives and employing 54,000 people, we’re a recognised leader for our social goals and community-led programmes.”

The activity comes at a time of mounting concern about youth vaping after evidence showing that the numbers of under-18s trying or using vapes has soared in recent years. The brightly coloured packaging and flavours such as bubblegum or candy floss are a significant part of their appeal.

England’s chief medical officer, Prof Chris Whitty, has raised concerns about the marketing of vapes, saying: “If you smoke, vaping is much safer; if you don’t smoke, don’t vape.”

A source told the Guardian that staff had not been told explicitly to sell more vapes but whereas before their presence in store was low-key, there were now ads strategically placed in high-traffic areas and eye-catching display units.

“Before [the hack] even if I didn’t always enjoy work I respected the Co-op,” the source said. “They present the lovely idea of ethical shopping – you might pay a bit more but they are doing things right. This strategy goes against everything we’ve done until now.”

They said the Co-op was known for its ethical business model and that set it apart from other companies. “This recent decision to exploit a known health problem and make a profit goes against the values the Co-op was built on and stands for.”

The government’s tobacco and vapes bill, which is making its way through parliament, will outlaw vape advertising and sponsorship. It will also restrict the flavours, packaging and display of vapes and other nicotine products.

A Co-op spokesperson said: “As a member-owned organisation, our longstanding commitment to ethical values and responsible retailing remains steadfast and at the heart of how we do business.

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“The sophisticated cyber-attack we experienced means we are now even more focused on powering up all aspects of our stores to serve the needs of shoppers.”

They added: “It is important to be clear that the sale of vape products in our stores is fully compliant with all UK legislation and government guidelines, in their recognised role as a successful route to smoking cessation.”

Co-op managers are trying to repair its finances after the cyber incident, which forced it to shut down parts of its IT systems. In a recent business update, the retailer said the fallout pushed it into the red in the first six months of its financial year.

The cyber-attack led to gaps on shelves in its grocery stores, while its more than 800 funeral parlours were forced to return to operating some services via paper-based systems because of having no access to digital services.

The upheaval wiped more than £200m off sales, and the group anticipates the final bill will result in a £120m hit to full-year profits.

The document seen by the Guardian relates to what is a store-wide “Power Up” programme covering all product categories.

Major investors, spooked by AI exuberance yet wary of betting against it, are shifting from hyped-up stocks into potential next-in-line winners, reviving a strategy from the 1990s dotcom era that helped some sidestep the crash.

As U.S. stocks have hit successive records and AI chipmaker Nvidia’s valuation has surged beyond $4 trillion, professional investors have been trying to find ways to make money from the bull market while avoiding excessive risk.

Some are looking back to the 1990s internet boom, which spread from startups to telecoms and tech, and where hedge funds rode the wave by flipping out of highly-valued stocks before they peaked and picking others that had room to rise.

“What we are doing is what worked from 1998 to 2000,” said Francesco Sandrini, multi-asset head and Italy CIO at Europe’s largest asset manager Amundi.

He highlighted signs of irrational exuberance on Wall Street, such as frenzied trading in risky options pegged to the share prices of big AI stocks. But he said he expected the new tech enthusiasm to continue and hoped to bank gains via bets on reasonably valued assets that might rally next.

Sandrini said this involved trying to find “the highest growth opportunities that so far the market had failed to spot”, with moves into software groups, robotics and Asian tech.

Other investors also expected to edge out of Wall Street’s Magnificent Seven stocks after shares in Nvidia more than tripled in two years, but want to keep their diversification within the AI sphere.

ASSET MANAGERS NEED TO BE NIMBLE TO RIDE THE WAVE

“The odds of this (AI boom) being a bust are very high because you’ve got companies spending trillions and all fighting for the same market that does not yet exist,” said Goshawk Asset Management CIO Simon Edelsten, who worked on telecom IPOs at stockbroker Dresdner Kleinwort Benson in London in 1999.

He expected the next phase of AI fever to spread from Nvidia and others like Microsoft and Alphabet into
related sectors.

Timing the phases of a bubble has historically been a way to play it without the risk of trying to call the peak too early.

A study by economists Markus Brunnermeir and Stefan Nagel showed that hedge funds mostly did not bet against the dotcom bubble, but rode it skillfully enough to beat the market by about 4.5% per quarter from 1998-2000 and avoid the worst of the downturn.

They shed high-priced internet stocks in time to recycle profits into others before they caught the attention of less sophisticated investors.

“There were good profits to be made for the fleet of foot even during 2000 when the top came,” Edelsten at Goshawk said, adding the current market environment was similar to 1999.

He favoured IT consultants and Japanese robotics groups that can potentially pick up revenues from AI heavyweights, in what he said was the typical chronology of a market gold rush.

“When someone strikes gold, (you) buy the local hardware store where the prospectors will buy all their shovels.”

INVESTORS TRY TO STAY IN AI WITHOUT EXCESSIVE RISK

Investors are also attempting to benefit from the trillion of dollars so-called hyperscalers such as Amazon, Microsoft and Alphabet are committing to AI data centres and advanced chips without taking on more direct exposure to these companies.

Fidelity International multi-asset manager Becky Qin said uranium was her favoured new AI trade because power-hungry AI data centres could gobble up nuclear energy.

Kevin Thozet, investment committee member at asset manager Carmignac, was taking profits on Magnificent Seven stocks and building up a position in Taiwan’s Gudeng Precision, which makes delivery boxes for AI chipmakers including TSMC.

Asset managers are also concerned that the rush to build data centres could result in overcapacity, as in the fiber-optic cable boom in the telecoms industry.

“In any new technological paradigm we don’t get from A to B without excesses along the way,” said Pictet Asset Management senior multi-asset strategist Arun Sai.

Even though top AI stocks like Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet are being powered by strong earnings, he still sees “the building blocks of a bubble” and favours Chinese stocks as a hedge if rapid AI advancements in China sap Wall Street’s AI enthusiasm.

Some investors, though, do not favour this relative value approach to AI investing as a way to mitigate future losses.

Oliver Blackbourn, portfolio manager at Janus Henderson, said he was hedging his U.S. tech positions with European and healthcare assets lest an AI stock crash takes the U.S. economy down with it.

He said it was impossible to forecast how long the AI craze would roll on because calling the peak was usually only possible with hindsight.

“We’re in 1999 until the bubble pops.”

Published – October 25, 2025 09:55 am IST

Story Continues

Story Continues

• Earlier this week, Zimmer Biomet Holdings showcased its latest orthopedic robotics and digital health innovations, including FDA-cleared mBos TKA System and the recently acquired Monogram Technologies robotic platform, at the annual meeting of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.

• A standout revelation was the integration of AI-driven and autonomous technologies into the company’s expanding knee and hip portfolios, reflecting Zimmer Biomet’s commitment to advancing surgical precision and connected care solutions.

• We’ll examine how Zimmer Biomet’s integration of AI-driven orthopedic robotics could reshape the long-term outlook for its investment narrative.

Trump has pledged to “unleash” American oil and gas and these 22 US stocks have developments that are poised to benefit.

To be a shareholder in Zimmer Biomet, you need to believe in the power of innovation in orthopedic robotics and digital health to drive demand for advanced surgical solutions. This week’s showcase of FDA-cleared and AI-powered products could energize sentiment but is unlikely to meaningfully shift the company’s near-term reliance on successful product launches; ongoing industry pricing pressures still remain the key headwind.

Among the latest announcements, the FDA clearance of the mBos TKA System stands out for its relevance, as it highlights Zimmer Biomet’s efforts to keep pace in the competitive race for autonomous robotics and supports the company’s narrative of product-driven growth, even as full regulatory approvals for other key technologies remain pending.

In contrast, investors should be aware of increasing pricing pressures and the consequences if these persist through…

Read the full narrative on Zimmer Biomet Holdings (it’s free!)

Zimmer Biomet Holdings is projected to reach $9.2 billion in revenue and $1.3 billion in earnings by 2028. This outlook assumes a 5.5% annual revenue growth rate and an earnings increase of about $476 million from the current $823.5 million.

Uncover how Zimmer Biomet Holdings’ forecasts yield a $110.92 fair value, a 8% upside to its current price.

Simply Wall St Community members estimate fair value for Zimmer Biomet anywhere between US$95 and US$167.48 per share, with three unique perspectives. As these opinions range widely, consider the risk of ongoing pricing pressures that could challenge margin recovery and ultimately affect future earnings.

Explore 3 other fair value estimates on Zimmer Biomet Holdings – why the stock might be worth 8% less than the current price!

Disagree with existing narratives? Create your own in under 3 minutes – extraordinary investment returns rarely come from following the herd.

The market won’t wait. These fast-moving stocks are hot now. Grab the list before they run:

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Companies discussed in this article include ZBH.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com

Paradigm Biopharmaceuticals (ASX:PAR) is drawing investor attention this week as its founder and executive chairman, Paul John Rennie, is set to present at the Ignite Investment Summit in Hong Kong. Events like these often prompt curiosity about possible updates or strategic direction from company leadership.

See our latest analysis for Paradigm Biopharmaceuticals.

Paradigm Biopharmaceuticals has seen momentum build sharply in recent weeks, with a 1-month share price return of 55% and a 1-year total shareholder return exceeding 100%. This surge comes as anticipation grows around the company’s presentation at the Ignite Investment Summit. This suggests renewed optimism about its growth prospects and potential strategic updates from leadership.

If you’re keeping an eye on the biotech space and want to spot more opportunities, it’s a good time to explore See the full list for free.

With shares soaring and the valuation gap to analyst targets still wide, the central question is whether Paradigm Biopharmaceuticals is still trading below its fair value or if this rally has fully priced in its future growth potential.

Paradigm Biopharmaceuticals’ widely followed valuation narrative puts its estimated fair value at A$5.50, a dramatic difference from the latest close at A$0.44. The stage is set for a crucial inflection point as investors closely watch the path to commercialization and regulatory approval.

Paradigm Biopharmaceuticals (ASX: PAR), a late-stage drug development company, is poised at a critical juncture as it progresses its lead drug candidate, Zilosul® (injectable pentosan polysulfate sodium), through Phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). A successful outcome and subsequent clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) could unlock a multi-billion dollar market and fundamentally reshape the company’s future, offering a new treatment paradigm for millions suffering from the debilitating joint disease.

Read the complete narrative.

This valuation is built on bold assumptions. The projection banks on a pivotal FDA approval, ambitious rollout plans, and pricing power that could shake up the osteoarthritis treatment market. Do you want to know which financial forecasts drive the massive fair value gap? Discover what underpins this blockbuster thesis in the complete narrative.

Result: Fair Value of $5.50 (UNDERVALUED)

Have a read of the narrative in full and understand what’s behind the forecasts.

However, setbacks in pivotal clinical trials or regulatory hurdles could quickly undermine the current optimism surrounding Paradigm Biopharmaceuticals’ valuation outlook.

Find out about the key risks to this Paradigm Biopharmaceuticals narrative.

If you see the story differently or prefer independent analysis, you can quickly build your own perspective with our easy-to-use narrative tool in just a few minutes, so Do it your way.

A great starting point for your Paradigm Biopharmaceuticals research is our analysis highlighting 2 key rewards and 2 important warning signs that could impact your investment decision.

Don’t let exceptional opportunities slip by while you focus on just one company. Maximize your potential returns by exploring the new directions the market is offering right now.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Companies discussed in this article include PAR.AX.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com

Thales (ENXTPA:HO) shares recently saw some movement, drawing attention to how investors are weighing the company’s momentum over the past year. Its recent returns spark interesting discussions about long-term strategy and sector positioning.

See our latest analysis for Thales.

Thales’s recent share price action, including a modest dip to €253.4 after a sharp year-to-date surge, reflects the market’s recognition of its strong operational momentum. The 1-year total shareholder return of 69.57% and a huge 5-year return over 400% suggest that momentum remains firmly in Thales’s favor, which hints at investor optimism about its long-term prospects even with some near-term fluctuations.

If you’re curious what other companies are drawing attention in this space, check out the full list of aerospace and defense stocks in the following section: See the full list for free.

With a nearly 70% return in just one year but shares now hovering close to analyst targets, the key question now is whether Thales is undervalued or if the market already anticipates its future growth. Could this be a true buying opportunity?

The most widely followed narrative puts Thales’s fair value meaningfully above its last close at €253.4. This scenario creates a compelling opportunity for investors weighing current optimism against future growth expectations.

Heightened innovation and R&D in next-generation technologies (AI, secure communications, space tech, digitization), along with cross-business synergies from acquisitions, position Thales to remain a market leader amid secular shifts toward digital transformation in security, favorably impacting long-term revenue growth and margin resilience.

Read the complete narrative.

Want to know the drivers behind this bullish outlook? The most intriguing part is how bold revenue and margin forecasts converge with shifting industry trends. The real surprise lies in the financial leap analysts are betting on. What key growth rate and profit assumptions are they making? Dive in to see what’s fueling this ambitious fair value calculation.

Result: Fair Value of €275.56 (UNDERVALUED)

Have a read of the narrative in full and understand what’s behind the forecasts.

However, execution challenges in Thales’s digital transformation or unexpected government budget delays could quickly temper the current bullish outlook.

Find out about the key risks to this Thales narrative.

The market seems excited by Thales’s growth story, but a look at its price-to-earnings ratio gives pause. Thales trades at 49.8x earnings, which is far higher than its peers (31.9x) and even higher than the industry standard (35.2x). This premium suggests buyers are taking on extra valuation risk if optimism fades.

See what the numbers say about this price — find out in our valuation breakdown.

If you see things differently or want to put the numbers to the test yourself, you can easily craft your own Thales narrative in just a few minutes. Do it your way

A great starting point for your Thales research is our analysis highlighting 3 key rewards and 1 important warning sign that could impact your investment decision.

Opportunities extend far beyond this single stock, and the right screener can help you spot hidden gems, growing sectors, and income powerhouses before others catch on. Make sure you’re keeping an edge by checking out these handpicked options:

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Companies discussed in this article include HO.PA.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com