Citigroup has issued a research report stating that the share price of Zhaojin Mining (01818) has undergone a short-term correction due to market concerns over US interest rate hikes and a recent mine accident.

However, the bank believes the company will benefit from robust production growth. It has raised the target price for the company from HK$37.5 to HK$41.4 and reiterated its "Buy" rating.

The bank maintains a cautious view on the short-term trajectory of gold but anticipates that the macro headwinds facing gold will ease once tensions in the Strait of Hormuz ultimately subside, potentially allowing the gold price to bottom out. It forecasts average gold prices of $4,775 and $5,000 per ounce for 2026 and 2027, respectively.

After factoring in higher gold price forecasts, costs, and a lower forecast for self-produced gold output, Citigroup has increased its profit forecasts for Zhaojin Mining for the 2026 and 2027 fiscal years by 14% and 54%, to RMB 4.839 billion and RMB 6.488 billion, respectively. It also projects a profit of RMB 9.956 billion for 2028.