Nomura: The surge in gold prices benefits LAOPU GOLD sales, reiterates "Buy" rating

Nomura published a report stating that LAOPU GOLD (06181.HK) is a direct beneficiary of the recent strong rise in gold prices. Given the robust trend in gold prices (spot gold prices have nearly doubled in the past two years) and the People's Bank of China continuously increasing its gold reserves for ten consecutive months, Nomura believes that Chinese consumers have strengthened their concept of purchasing gold and gold products to preserve wealth.

Nomura believes that LAOPU GOLD will further attract consumer attention and demand. Meanwhile, LAOPU GOLD has raised product prices for the second time starting from August 25, with an average price increase of about 10% to 12%. It is predicted that this price increase will help protect its profit margins in the second half of the year, and the firm believes that the steady rise in gold prices will trigger another round of increases in LAOPU GOLD's stock price, reiterating its "Buy" rating.

In addition, the firm indicated that LAOPU GOLD will have different focuses for its domestic and overseas businesses. For the domestic market, LAOPU GOLD will invest more resources to improve the same-store area, layout, and location of existing boutiques. Previously, it successfully entered the top ten luxury commercial districts in China in the first half of the year. For the overseas market, it is believed that LAOPU GOLD will continue to focus on opening new stores in Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, and Tokyo from 2026 to 2027. According to LAOPU GOLD's management, these markets are close to China and present significant sales growth opportunities.

Nomura maintains a target price of 1,160 yuan for LAOPU GOLD, based on an unchanged price-to-earnings ratio of 30 times for the fiscal year 2026