CHOW TAI FOOK JEWELLERY(1929.HK)：POSITIVE STRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS AMID A GOLD CRAZE

Core Insights - CTFJ reported a 4.1% year-on-year growth in group-wide retail sales value during 2QFY26, indicating a sequential improvement, particularly with a same-store sales growth of 7.6% in mainland China [1] - The company experienced a net closure of 296 stores during the quarter, bringing the total store count to 6,041, with a year-on-year net closure of 1,305 stores, a decrease of 17.8% [1] - CTFJ improved its product mix by increasing sales of high-margin products, such as fixed-price gold products and Fei Cui jades, contributing to a positive outlook for gross profit margin (GPM) and operating profit margin (OPM) [1][3] Retail Sales Performance - The group-wide retail sales value (RSV) improved by 4.1% year-on-year, showing a significant quarter-on-quarter improvement compared to a decline of 1.9% in 1QFY26 [1] - New stores opened in 2QFY26 achieved monthly sales of RMB 1.5 million, which is three times higher than the sales of closed stores [1] Product Mix and Growth - Same-store sales growth (SSSG) for gold products in the mainland market grew by 10.6% year-on-year, while SSSG for gem-set and other products increased by 7.2% year-on-year [2] - The contribution of high-margin product categories reached 29.9% in 2QFY26, up 5.1 percentage points year-on-year, indicating a successful strategy in enhancing product offerings [2] Future Guidance - CTFJ's management anticipates better-than-expected GPM and OPM due to an improved product mix, better store network, and positive gold price movements [3] - A revision of guidance is expected during the actual 1HFY26 earnings release in November 2025, with initial expectations of a decline in GPM and OPM being reassessed [3][4]