

Investment Rating - The report assigns a Neutral rating to Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group with a 12-month target price of HK$9.00, indicating a downside potential of 26.7% from the current price of HK$12.28 [21][23]. Core Insights - Chow Tai Fook's FY25 dividend payout, QTD tracking, and FY26 operating profit guidance were weaker than market expectations, with a FY26 topline/SSSG target of low single-digit to mid-single-digit percentage growth under pressure due to negative SSSG in April and May [1][5]. - The company reported a 15.1% year-over-year decrease in total sales for 2HFY25, with a basic dividend of HK$0.32 per share, which was below the expected HK$0.50 [2][6]. - The management highlighted a focus on brand transformation and new product launches, including a high jewelry collection aimed at high-value clients, as a strategic move to enhance market presence [5][18]. Summary by Sections FY25 Results - 2HFY25 net income and operating profit were 4% and 2% below Goldman Sachs estimates, respectively, primarily due to less gross profit margin expansion [2]. - The gross profit margin for 2HFY25 was reported at 28.0%, up 480 basis points year-over-year, driven by a surge in gold prices and an improved product mix, although it was slightly below the expected 28.8% [10]. - The company declared a full-year dividend of HK$0.52 per share, which translates to a dividend yield of 4% [2][12]. QTD SSSG Tracking - The QTD same-store sales growth (SSSG) for April and May was -2.7% for direct stores in Mainland China and +1.3% in Hong Kong and Macau, both below expectations [3][13]. - The management noted a sequential month-over-month improvement in SSSG, but the outlook for June is expected to show a decline due to a tougher comparison base [3][14]. FY26 Outlook - The company anticipates a low single-digit to mid-single-digit percentage sales growth for FY26, with expectations of a decline in gross profit margin and operating profit margin due to less support from gold price surges [4][15]. - Management expects to maintain inventory turnover days at 320 days and plans to open 20 new image stores in FY26, focusing on store quality and productivity [14][16]. - The product pipeline includes continued launches of new collections, with a specific emphasis on high jewelry to cater to high-value clients [18].