Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2025-09-29 08:41Core Viewpoint - DBS maintains a "Buy" rating on Master Kong Holdings (00322), lowering the target price from HKD 14.1 to HKD 13.5, with a target price-to-earnings ratio of 17 times based on a 7% dividend yield [1] Group 1: Sales and Market Position - Master Kong's instant noodles and 1-liter beverage products saw a price increase last year, leading to a decline in market share compared to competitors like Uni-President China (00220) and Nongfu Spring (09633) [1] - The company is expected to experience a slight decline in revenue this year, with a moderate recovery of 4% anticipated next year, driven by investments in refrigeration to enhance channel penetration and strategic growth in emerging channels, including e-commerce and retail membership [1] Group 2: Performance Expectations - The company is projected to meet the lower end of its performance guidance this year, with instant noodle sales expected to decline in single digits and beverage sales also slightly down [1] - Material cost trends are expected to remain generally favorable, particularly for flour and sugar, although palm oil prices are still rising year-on-year; profit margins are anticipated to stabilize and expand in the second half of the year [1] - Overall, the company has adjusted its earnings forecasts for the next two years down by 4% and 1%, respectively, with an expected year-on-year profit increase of 6% after excluding one-time factors from the first half of the year [1]