[ET Net News Agency, 31 July 2020] UOB Kay Hian lowered its target price for Wharf
REIC (01997) to HK$29.77 from HK$32.3 but upgraded its rating to "hold" from "sell" as the
negatives have mostly been priced in.
The research house said WREIC announced an interim DPS of HK$0.78 which was down 29.1%,
and roughly in line with OUBKH's expectations. Retail sales at Harbour City and Times
Square were not disclosed and had underperformed the overall Hong Kong retail sector.
UOBKH adjusted its 2020/21/22 earnings forecasts by -5%/-1%/4%, mainly to factor in
lower occupancy rates in the near term. It said the outlook for the retail sector has
become uncertain again following the resurgence in new COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong, which
also led to a re-tightening of the social distancing measures. (KL)