0750 GMT - Thai IT retailer Com7 could post stronger 2Q core profit on expanded gross margins and lower expenses, says Maybank Securities' Wasu Mattanapotchanart in a note. He forecasts 2Q core profit to climb 27%, while revenue could rise 11% on strong smart device sales. Gross margin is estimated to increase slightly to 13.7% given higher contribution from financial-services division UFund, and iCare, its after-sales Apple product service center. Stable rental and utility expenses should push down Com7's sales, general and administrative expenses-to-revenue ratio, he adds. A jump in associated companies' profit is also likely to add to the bottom line. That said, a weak Thai economy could push down Maybank's FY 2025 core profit forecast by 2%-7%. The brokerage reiterates its buy call and maintains a THB29.50 target. Shares are 1.1% lower at THB18.30. (megan.cheah@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

July 02, 2025 03:50 ET (07:50 GMT)

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