Thailand's Retail Sector Likely to See Improved Same-Store-Sales Growth — Market Talk

Thailand retail sector is likely to see support for its same-store-sales growth from some tailwinds, Maybank Securities (Thailand)'s Suttatip Peerasub says in a report. The sector's SSSG performance improved markedly in April-May versus 1Q, the analyst notes. Demand in the sector has benefited from stockpiling activity in construction materials and food products, driven by concerns over potential supply shortages and price increases amid rising oil prices, the analyst says. Moshi Moshi Retail Corp. remains the brokerage's preferred pick and is expected to sustain robust growth supported by strong brand equity, merchandising execution, and superior profitability. The brokerage has a buy rating and a target price of 52.00 baht on the shares, which are 0.7% lower at 37.25 baht. (ronnie.harui@wsj.com)