Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2025-11-26 01:47Core Viewpoint - The company maintains its EPS forecast for FY26/27 at HKD 0.87/0.93, with the current stock price corresponding to 18/16 times FY26/27 P/E ratio, and keeps the outperform rating and target price at HKD 19.45, indicating a potential upside of 28% from the current price [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - In 1HFY26, the company's revenue decreased by 1.1% to HKD 39 billion, with net profit remaining flat at HKD 2.5 billion, slightly below expectations due to margin pressures [1][3] - The company declared an interim dividend of HKD 0.22 per share, corresponding to a payout ratio of 86% [1] Group 2: Operational Efficiency - The company continues to optimize its store network to enhance retail performance and profitability, with a net closure of 16 direct-operated and 595 franchised retail points, while same-store sales increased by 2.6% and 4.8% respectively [2] - New store monthly sales improved by 72% year-on-year, exceeding HKD 1.3 million [2] Group 3: Revenue Breakdown - Revenue from mainland China decreased by 2.5% to HKD 32.2 billion, while revenue from Hong Kong, Macau, and overseas markets increased by 6.5% to HKD 6.8 billion, benefiting from improved retail conditions [2] - Revenue from priced jewelry rose by 9.3%, increasing its share to 29.6%, with mainland China reaching 31.8% [2] Group 4: Cost Management - Despite the adverse effects of rising gold prices and sales timing differences, the company managed to reduce sales and administrative expense ratios by 0.9ppt and 0.3ppt respectively, which helped mitigate the impact on gross margin [3] Group 5: Brand and Product Development - The company launched its first high-end jewelry series "He Mei Dong Fang" in June, showcasing excellent design and craftsmanship, with sales from key series reaching HKD 3.4 billion in 1HFY26 compared to HKD 2.3 billion in 1HFY25 [4] Group 6: Sales Trends - From early October to November 18, overall retail sales increased by 34%, with same-store sales in mainland China rising by 39% and 49% for direct-operated and franchised stores respectively, while Hong Kong and Macau saw an 18% increase [5]