Thai Beverage Sector 1H Earnings Likely to Drop on Year — Market Talk

Thailand's beverage sector 1H earnings are likely to drop on year, says UOB Kay Hian's Tanapon Cholkadidamrongkul in a note. The analyst identifies Carabao Group as the main laggard, as its international sales are plummeting while it faces an intense price war and increasing energy and freight costs. Its peer Osotspa could post a more upbeat performance as it was able to hedge its raw material costs and has a lower exposure to global markets than Carabao, he adds. UOB Kay Hian starts coverage of Carabao with a hold rating and 42.00 baht target price. It also initiates coverage of Osotspa with a buy rating and 20.00 baht target price. Carabao shares last closed at 38.00 baht while Osotspa shares last closed at 15.10 baht. (megan.cheah@wsj.com)