[ET Net News Agency, 17 April 2020] Daiwa Research raised its target price for Hengan
International Group (01044) to HK$72 from HK$70 and maintained its "buy" rating.
The research house cited Hengan's CFO Martin Li reiterating a mid-single revenue growth
target for 2020 after considering COVID-19's impact on 1H revenue. Hengan now has four
months of low-cost wood pulp inventory on hand; petrochem cost had remained steady in 1Q
but has seen tight supply since April due to strong demand from mask and protective gear
segments.
Daiwa raised its 2020-22 EPS forecasts by 2%-5% on lower pulp and A&M cost assumptions,
with upside risk from a better product mix in sanitary napkins. (KL)