Aspen Soars As China Expansion Sparks Growth

Aspen Pharmacare (JSE: APN) is over 2% higher, this after announcing strategic moves in mergers and acquisitions, expanding its footprint in China by acquiring Sandoz’s Chinese business for up to €92.6 million. This acquisition includes the commercialization rights and intellectual property for Sandostatin, Aclasta, Voriconazole, and a pipeline of future products. This bold step aligns with Aspen’s objective of solidifying its presence in China’s pharmaceutical market, targeting an addition of approximately R 1.8 billion in annual sales.  

Simultaneously, Aspen will divest four anaesthetic products in Europe to Sandoz for up to 55.5 million euros, allowing a more focused approach in the region. The company’s forward-thinking strategy positions it for considerable growth opportunities in key global markets, showcasing a year-to-date performance of +38.90%. 

Technical Analysis:  

The daily chart shows that Aspen Pharmacare’s stock, currently at R188.89, is trading higher within an ascending channel pattern whilst trading above the 20-SMA (green line), 50-SMA (blue line), and 100-SMA (orange line). The recent 20-SMA crossover above both the 50-SMA and 100-SMA signals bullish momentum. However, the RSI, at 67.62, indicates the stock is nearing overbought levels.  

Short-term bullish prospects towards the R192.97 resistance level persist, with potential for a push to R200.65. Conversely, a push lower would leave a potential for continued bearish pressure towards the R180.95 support level. A break below the initial support could trigger a run lower and would likely bring the R174.71 and R167.81 support levels into play. 

Summary:  

Aspen Pharmacare continues its upward trajectory amid strategic acquisitions. The ascending channel pattern suggests short-term bullish opportunities towards R192.97 and potentially R200.65. However, caution is advised near overbought levels, with possible retracements towards support at R180.95. 

Sources: TradingView, MoneyWeb, Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited, PR Newswire, Seeking Alpha, Reuters, MT Newswire. 

Piece written by Mfanafuthi Mhlongo, Trive Financial Market Analyst 

Disclaimer: Trive South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Registration number 2005/011130/07, and an Authorised Financial Services Provider in terms of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act 2002 (FSP No. 27231). Any analysis/data/opinion contained herein are for informational purposes only and should not be considered advice or a recommendation to invest in any security. The content herein was created using proprietary strategies based on parameters that may include price, time, economic events, liquidity, risk, and macro and cyclical analysis. Securities involve a degree of risk and are volatile instruments. Market and economic conditions are subject to sudden change, which may have a material impact on the outcome of financial instruments and may not be suitable for all investors. When trading or investing in securities or alternative products, the value of the product can increase or decrease meaning your investment can increase or decrease in value. Past performance is not an indication of future performance. Trive South Africa (Pty) Ltd, and its employees assume no liability for any loss or damage (direct, indirect, consequential, or inconsequential) that may be suffered from using or relying on the information contained herein. Please consider the risks involved before you trade or invest.