A research report from Bank of America Securities indicated that NEXTEER (01316) recorded an 8% year-on-year increase in second-half revenue, reaching US$2.3 billion, slightly exceeding the firm's expectations. However, the gross profit margin for the latter half of the year stood at 11.3%, while operating expenses accounted for 8.5% of sales, higher than the anticipated 7.7%. This was primarily attributed to a US$24 million impairment loss related to the cancellation of an electric vehicle project. During the period, net profit declined by 16% year-on-year to US$39 million, falling 47% short of the brokerage's forecast.
In light of NEXTEER's financial performance and updated outlook, the institution has lowered its earnings per share estimates for 2026 and 2027 by 12% and 1%, respectively. The price target has been reduced from HK$10 to HK$8.2, although a "Buy" rating has been maintained. The report expressed optimism regarding the company's prospects for margin improvement and highlighted new steer-by-wire (SbW) orders as a potential growth catalyst.