Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2026-01-22 02:04Core Viewpoint - CICC has raised the EPS forecast for Chow Tai Fook (01929) for FY26/27 by 3% to HKD 0.90/0.96, maintaining an outperform rating with a target price increase of 6% to HKD 17.85, indicating a 30% upside potential based on a 20x FY26 P/E ratio [1] Company Current Situation - The company reported a retail value growth of 18% year-on-year for Q3 FY26 (October-December 2025), with same-store sales in mainland China increasing by 21% and 26% for direct and wholesale channels, respectively, while the Hong Kong and Macau markets saw a 14% increase [2][3] Retail Performance Exceeds Expectations - The overall retail value growth of 18% in Q3 FY26 surpassed management expectations, driven by a 17% increase in mainland China retail value, with direct same-store sales growing by 21% and wholesale by 26%. Excluding watch business, direct same-store sales increased by 26%. October showed the best performance due to price increase expectations and strong demand, while November and December experienced high single-digit same-store growth despite the impact of gold value-added tax policy adjustments. The company optimized channels by closing 230 Chow Tai Fook brand stores during the quarter, with an average monthly store efficiency of RMB 1.4 million, significantly higher than closed stores [3][4] Strong Performance in Mainland Pricing Jewelry - The retail value and same-store sales of mainland pricing jewelry grew by 60% and 53%, respectively, driven by signature products and jadeite categories, with sales proportion increasing by 11 percentage points to 40%. Retail value and same-store sales of priced gold jewelry saw a slight decline of 0.6% and an increase of 13%, respectively. In the Hong Kong and Macau markets, priced gold jewelry retail value and same-store sales increased by 47% and 43%, outperforming priced jewelry, which saw declines of 7% and 15% [4] Positive Outlook and Upgraded Annual Guidance - Despite high base effects in Q4 FY26, the company is actively promoting Spring Festival marketing activities and launching a new product line for the New Year. Management expects same-store sales during the Spring Festival to achieve low to mid-single-digit year-on-year growth. Due to strong sales performance and gold price conditions, the company has upgraded its FY26 full-year guidance, projecting revenue growth in the low to mid-single digits, with gross margin increasing to 31.5%-32.5% and operating profit margin nearing 20%. Additionally, the company anticipates that gold loan losses will be similar to FY25 [5]