Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the company [3][5]. Core Views - The company's performance in Q3 2024 was below expectations, primarily due to high gold prices leading to weak sales and reduced willingness of franchisees to restock. The report anticipates a gradual recovery in end-user sales [2][4]. - The earnings per share (EPS) estimates for 2024-2026 have been revised down to 0.99, 1.14, and 1.30 yuan respectively, with a target price adjusted to 13.86 yuan based on a 14x PE valuation for 2024 [3][12]. Summary by Sections Financial Performance - For the first three quarters of 2024, the company achieved revenue of 10.809 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 13.49%. The net profit attributable to shareholders was 855 million yuan, down 21.95% year-on-year [3]. - In Q3 2024 alone, revenue was 2.612 billion yuan, a decline of 40.91% year-on-year, with a net profit of 253 million yuan, down 28.70% year-on-year [3][4]. Market Conditions - The report highlights that high gold prices have led to a cautious consumer sentiment, impacting the sales of gold jewelry and resulting in a significant drop in revenue from franchise operations, which fell by 51.60% in Q3 2024 [4]. - The company is focusing on improving product structure and enhancing profitability at existing stores while waiting for consumer confidence to recover [4]. Strategic Initiatives - The company is implementing a strategy to strengthen its core operations and improve efficiency in its channel layout, aiming for a balance between scale and efficiency [4]. - As of the end of Q3 2024, the total number of stores reached 5,235, with a net increase of 129 stores during the quarter [4].
周大生2024年三季报业绩点评：固本培元，静待终端动销回温