Daiwa released a research report stating that ND Paper (02689) has benefited from cost advantages brought by rapidly growing internal pulp supply. In the second half of the fiscal year (ending June 2024), the company's per-ton paper profit improved to RMB 127, significantly higher than RMB 31 in the first half and RMB 53 in the second half of fiscal 2024.
The firm raised its earnings per share forecasts for ND Paper's fiscal years 2026 and 2027 by 22% to 37%, and increased the target price from HK$5.0 to HK$5.7, while maintaining a "Hold" rating based on fair value considerations.
Looking ahead to fiscal 2026, management expects average prices to stabilize and continue improving per-ton paper profitability. However, the firm noted that while ND Paper's visibility has improved, the current price-to-earnings ratio for fiscal 2026 stands at 10 times, approaching the high end of the 10-year average. Therefore, it recommends investors wait for better entry opportunities.