0327 GMT - Haidilao's sales could continue to recover in 1Q, Citi analysts say in a research note. The Chinese hotpot chain's table-turnover during the Lunar New Year holiday grew over 5% on year. Given a longer holiday period in 2026, Chinese casual-dining restaurants reduced the number of temporary store closures during the 2026 holiday to cater to increased demand from tourists, they say. This bodes well for a sales recovery for Chinese casual-dining restaurant chains such as Haidilao, they note. Meanwhile, restaurant chain Xiaocaiyuan's dine-in traffic grew 21% on year during the holiday. Haidilao remains Citi's top pick in the Chinese restaurant sector. Shares are 5.9% higher at HK$17.47.(sherry.qin@wsj.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
February 24, 2026 22:27 ET (03:27 GMT)
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