XRP Set to Eclipse Gold by 12x? Experts Predict $30 Surge if 2017 Rally Repeats
XRP's potential resurgence has analysts buzzing about staggering returns that could dwarf traditional assets.
The 2017 Blueprint
Market specialists point to historical patterns suggesting XRP could replicate its legendary 2017 performance—a scenario that would propel the token to unprecedented heights. The projected $30 target represents one of the most ambitious forecasts in the crypto space.
Gold's Diminished Glitter
While gold maintains its safe-haven status, the projected 12x outperformance highlights crypto's explosive growth potential. Traditional finance continues to underestimate digital assets—much like they dismissed the internet in the 90s while busy polishing their leather chairs.
Whether history repeats or not, one thing's clear: the financial establishment's skepticism continues to fuel crypto's most spectacular rallies.
Debt burden and valuation mismatch
The due diligence uncovered that Division E’s net debt was almost 90% higher than expected, reaching $4.9 billion, according to the JPMorgan document titled Project Verde – Discussion Materials. A significant portion of that debt, nearly $1.1 billion, reportedly came from previously underestimated pension liabilities.
Foxconn and ZF had been exploring a potential investment under which the Taiwanese company WOULD inject around $1.5 billion to buy a stake in the division if its equity valuation reached $3 billion, a structure outlined in a ZF document dated February 2025.
According to the findings, ZF has been struggling under a heavy debt load from past acquisitions.
Foxconn’s EV ambitions tested
Foxconn, formally known as Hon Hai Precision Industry, has been trying to replicate its success in electronics manufacturing in the automotive world. The company has identified electric vehicles as a pillar of future growth and wants to capture a sizeable part of the global EV market.
Foxconn has launched several ventures to anchor itself in the EV ecosystem, but progress has been uneven. In July, Foxconn sold a former factory in the U.S. that it initially acquired in 2022 for EV production. Also, its partnership with China’s Geely to provide contract manufacturing has shown little movement.
Nonetheless, Foxconn continues to push forward through partnerships in Asia.
However, in May, it signed a memorandum of understanding with Mitsubishi Motors through its subsidiary Foxtron Vehicle Technologies to develop and supply an electric model to be built by Taiwan’s Yulon Motor and launched in Oceania in 2026. It also struck an agreement with Mitsubishi Fuso in August to collaborate on zero-emission buses.
Last year, Foxconn reportedly acquired 50% shares in ZF Chassis Modules, the ZF Group’s chassis systems Maker for passenger cars.
However, the stalled ZF transaction is a setback in the company’s effort to secure a strong foothold in Europe’s automotive supply chain.
New direction for ZF and industry pressures
While the equity sale may be off the table, ZF is reportedly still in talks with Foxconn and other potential partners about possible partnerships that are focused on specific technologies within Division E.
The difficulties encountered in the Foxconn negotiations highlight a major strain across Europe’s automotive supply industry, where suppliers face heavy investment needs to transition from combustion technology to electrification, thanks to emissions rules they have to comply with.
Many are also grappling with legacy costs, including pensions and restructuring charges, that complicate their capital strategies, as seen in the case of ZF.
The latest findings are quite damning for ZF, and it has raised questions about its ability to manage leverage, as its high debt levels could constrain future investment and make asset sales harder to execute without major discounts.
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