Hartalega's 1Q Sales May Increase Sequentially — Market Talk

Hartalega's sales volume could increase between 3% to 5% sequentially in fiscal 1Q, driven by robust gloves demand, TA Securities analyst Tan Kong Jin says in a note. The glove maker's plant utilization rates are above 96%, excluding hibernated plants, he notes. Management says it is ramping up production at Plant 9 and gradually restarting Plant 3 to support capacity growth. Higher nitrile butadiene rubber prices following the Middle East conflict have raised input costs, but NBR supply remains stable due to Hartalega's diversified supplier base, he says. Hartalega has raised average selling prices, which should help offset higher costs and support stronger profit margins, he adds. TA Securities maintains a hold rating and keeps the target price at 1.26 ringgit. Shares are 1.7% lower at 1.16 ringgit. (yingxian.wong@wsj.com)