Goldman Sachs released a research report stating that U-PRESID CHINA (00220) reported broadly stable revenue in Q3, with low-to-mid single-digit growth in its food business, a low-to-mid single-digit decline in beverages, and continued triple-digit percentage growth in OEM production. Looking ahead, the firm remains cautious about the company's prospects next year due to ongoing intense competition, projecting 6% sales growth and lowering the target price from HK$9.3 to HK$9 while maintaining a "Neutral" rating.
The report noted that U-PRESID CHINA's management indicated ongoing beverage inventory destocking in October, while noodle performance remained on track. Despite weak consumption and fierce competition, the company maintains a cautiously optimistic outlook for Q4 and reaffirmed its full-year sales growth target of 6–8%. It also expects continued gross margin expansion and improved expense ratio visibility in Q4.
Goldman Sachs adjusted its sales forecast for the company downward by 1%, citing weak beverage performance offsetting improvements in noodles and growth in OEM production. Due to operational deleveraging, the firm also reduced its net profit forecast by 3–4%.