[ET Net News Agency, 20 November 2019] J.P. Morgan lifted its target price for Want
Want China (00151) to HK$7.1 from HK$6.2 and maintained its "neutral" rating.
The research house said Want Want's 1H FY2020 sales/earnings increased 0.6%/18.4%, 5%
ahead of market expectations. The 2.9ppt EBIT margin expansion was mainly driven by VAT
cut, mix upgrade, input cost decline, and cost savings.
JPM revised up its FY2020-22 EPS forecasts by 11%. It said Want Want consistently stands
out from its peers in the margin, ROE and dividend payout. JPM expects more successful
product innovation to drive top-line growth and hence trigger multiple re-rating. (KL)