[ET Net News Agency, 16 July 2019] Morgan Stanley expects Country Garden (02007) to
report fair interim results with core earnings up high single-digit due to increasing SG&A
and minority interest.
The research house expects Country Garden's revenue up 40%, and gross margin to stay
stable at 27% (versus 26.5% in 1H 2018). It expects net gearing to stay stable at 60%,
versus 59% at end-1H 2018, and dividend payout ratio to stay stable at 30%.
Country Garden's 1H sales declined by 9% to Rmb282bn, achieving 52% of the company's
full-year target (versus the sector average of +23% and 48% of full-year target). Morgan
maintained its "overweight" rating on Country Garden, with a target price of HK$12.82.
(KL)