0417 GMT - Haidilao International could deliver solid profit growth in the second half, supported by cost optimization and better operational efficiency, Nomura says in a research note. Analysts Riley Jin and Jizhou Dong expect a 1 percentage point increase in the Chinese hotpot restaurant chain's average selling prices for the period. Its operating profit margin likely continued to improve, thanks to strict control of labor costs and favorable raw-material costs, among other factors, they say. The analysts keep a buy rating on the stock and raise the target price to HK$16.30 from HK$15.10. Shares are 1.6% higher at HK$14.22. (tracy.qu@wsj.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
January 15, 2025 23:17 ET (04:17 GMT)
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