BofA Securities: Cuts WH Group (00288.HK) target price by 11% to HK$8.5, reiterates "Buy" rating, dividends provide support.

Zhito Finance APP has learned that BofA Securities issued a research report stating that it has lowered the target price of WH Group (00288.HK) from HK$9.6 to HK$8.5, a reduction of 11%, while reiterating a "Buy" rating. It also cut its 2026 and 2027 earnings per share forecasts by 8% and 11%, mainly reflecting weak U.S. live hog and pork prices, as well as Smithfield's recent second guidance cut since August. The bank expects WH Group's operating profit in the third quarter of 2026 to decline by 31% year-on-year, with net profit down 38% year-on-year, but it expects a normalized dividend yield of more than 5%, and dividends are expected to provide support.