Do you engage in regular mindfulness exercises? What about regular physical exercise? Recent studies show that combining mindfulness practices with consistent exercise may provide more advantages than doing either one independently.
A comprehensive analysis in the journal The relationship between mental health and physical activity.examined 35 research studies that investigated the combined effects of mindfulness and physical activity.
The scientists observed that there are well-documented psychological advantages for both physical activity and mindfulness practice. However, there is limited research on how these two activities interact and are used together.
The most recent study attempted to gather all the available evidence on the effects of combining physical activity and mindfulness interventions on mental health and wellbeing. The study also examined the ways in which these interventions might work to improve mental health.
The scientists discovered that the combination of being mindful and engaging in physical activity may have significant advantages for one’s mental well-being.
Additional research, including larger trials where participants are randomly assigned to different groups, is needed to ascertain the efficacy and optimal intensity of the combined mindfulness and exercise method.
To markets….
This week, health stocks of ASX require some positive thinking and action. At 11am on Friday (AEDT), the healthcare index of S&P ASX 200 (ASX:XHJ) had dropped by 1.2% throughout the week, while the overall S&P ASX 200 benchmark (ASX:XJO) had decreased by 0.8% over the same period.
Since January 1, the XHJ has seen a decrease of 0.3%, whereas the broader market has experienced a larger decrease of 1.9%.
“The end-of-year rally was based on the expectation of several rate cuts taking place in 2024. However, there is now uncertainty as to the number and magnitude of these cuts. It is possible that they may not be as significant as initially anticipated,” Power explains.
“There are also worries about geopolitical conflicts, and some investors are taking profits after a strong performance at the end of the year.”
“I believe that none of it deviates from our positive position on ’24’, especially regarding our optimistic prospects for the small cap market. This market has consistently underperformed for almost two years until December 1st.”
According to Power, investors should pay attention to the quarterly reports that will be released at the end of this month, as well as the H1 Fy24 reporting season in February.
He says that overall, he believes we will be pleasantly surprised in the healthcare industry.
Morgans upgrades Sigma on Chemist Warehouse merger
Morgans has made improvements to their pharmaceutical distributor and acquired ownership of Amcal. Sigma Healthcare (ASX:SIG) after its planned merging with Chemist Warehouse.
According to Power, ever since the merger was declared in December, the price of SIG shares has consistently remained higher than its initial target price of 85 cents per share.
The broker has decided to keep an Add rating but has now increased the target price to $1.07, including a 20% premium.
He explains that they had previously advised clients to take partial positions in Sigma and now that the share price has reached the mid-90s, they believe it is necessary to increase their target for the company.
Morgans believes that the biggest obstacle to the merger being successful is the possibility of the ACCC rejecting it.
He believes that the ACCC will approve the merger and predicts that it will not have any negative impact on consumers or pharmaceutical wholesalers due to the absence of any significant changes in the structure.
“We believe that consumers will continue to receive similar pricing under the newly merged company. It is our perspective, and it may take approximately six months to receive a decision from the ACCC. However, we aim to be proactive and begin establishing a strong position.”
According to him, a partial position means that if you were planning to purchase $10,000 worth of shares, you could buy $2,000 to $3,000 now and wait until there is confirmation of ACCC approval to buy the remaining amount.
He says that even though you may be paying more, there is a guarantee or assurance in what you are buying.
EBOS a good alternative to SIGMA
One alternative approach to benefit from the Chemist Warehouse and Sigma merger is to invest in another significant pharmaceutical distributor, according to Power. EBOS Group (ASX:EBO)
“He states that it is a favorable choice and they have a highly commendable history with over 10 years of consistently achieving EPS growth of over 10%, which is remarkably impressive.”
“We predict that the stock price will reach $39.43, a significant increase of approximately 20% compared to the current value. Additionally, with a 3% yield, investing in this stock is an appealing opportunity to participate in the market.”
“We predict a decrease in EBOS earnings in FY25 due to the loss of the Chemist Warehouse contract, but we are confident that the following years will recover and surpass the decline experienced in FY25.”
Also Read: Mesoblast shares surge 20% after FDA grants rare pediatric disease designation for Revascor
ScoPo’s Powerplay – PolyNovo eyes breakeven in 2024
Wound care company PolyNovo (ASX:PNV) Power is the stock of the week according to Morgans, who has given it an Add rating and a 12-month target price of $1.88. This target price represents approximately a 20% increase compared to its current price of around $1.58.
PNV is an expert in creating and marketing dermal regeneration products. They have FDA approval for their Novosorb BTM, which is a biodegradable matrix that is used to temporarily seal wounds and assist the body in the formation of new tissue.
NovoSorb BTM is an artificial polymer created without any natural substances, which the company believes is significant as wounds from accidents frequently harbor bacteria that can result in infections.
PNV’s complementary The 510(k) FDA clearance has also been granted to NovoSorb MTX.and utilizes the technology system that supports the medical effectiveness of BTM, but without a sealing layer in situations where it is not necessary.
Power states that PolyNovo achieved a new milestone in November with a remarkable monthly sales figure of $8 million. This accomplishment positions the company strongly for a favorable outcome in the first half, which will be published in February.
“We anticipate that our revenue will increase by 40% in FY24, followed by a 16% growth in FY25, and a 24% growth in FY26.”
In conclusion, we predict that in the fiscal year of 2024, the company will reach a point where it no longer experiences losses, and from the fiscal year of 2025 onwards, it will start to see an increase in profits.
