Top Glove to trim losses as operating dynamics improve
KUALA LUMPUR: Top Glove Corp Bhd could be poised for a meaningful share price recovery in 2024 as the glove industry's operating dynamics have turned favourable.

In a note, RHB Research said customers have been more receptive to the increase in average selling prices (ASP).

It said Chinese glove makers have also raised their ASPs to US$17-18 from US$15-16, according to channel checks.

In terms of demand, Malaysia’s glove exports volume surged 46% year-on-year (y-o-y), representing its highest-ever y-o-y growth post-pandemic, and 3.6% month-on-month (m-o-m), while exports value grew 39% y-o-y and 3.8% m-o-m.

"This came after Malaysia recorded exports volume growth of 6% quarter-on-quarter (q-o-q) in 1Q24, indicating that the recovery momentum of global glove demand remains healthy," said RHB.

RHB expects Top Glove to register a narrower quarter-on-quarter core loss of RM40-45mil as it releases its financial result for 3QFY24 tomorrow.

The research firm's projection marks an improvement from a core loss of RM66mil that the glove maker recorded in 2QFY24 as RHB takes into consideration improving operating efficiency and a recovery in average selling price.

However, these catalysts should be offset by the recent 5-6% uptick in natural gas tariff and escalation of raw material prices, it said.

RHB upgraded its call to "buy" from "neutral" with a higher target price of RM1.32 from 83 sen previously.
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KUALA LUMPUR: Top Glove Corp Bhd could be poised for a meaningful share price recovery in 2024 as the glove industry's operating dynamics have turned favourable.