0926 GMT - Laopu Gold may raise prices after Lunar New Year to offset short-term margin pressure from higher costs, Citi analysts say in a note. Strong triple-digit growth seen during the New Year promotion is likely to carry into the Lunar New Year period, they add. Citi notes that during past major promotions, most inventories was sold by October, meaning gold used for current sales was likely bought from November onward. With gold prices surging since then, Laopu's average purchase cost has likely risen, which could push its gross profit margin on Lunar New Year sales down to about 36% from 40% in December. Citi expects Laopu's revenue and net profit to rise 45% and 57%, respectively. Shares last closed at HK$849.50. (sherry.qin@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

January 26, 2026 04:26 ET (09:26 GMT)

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