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Investing.com - Axis Capital (NYSE:AXS) has downgraded Sapphire Foods India Ltd (NS:SAPPHIRE) stock rating from Add to Reduce and lowered its price target to INR325.00 from INR340.00, citing weak Q1 results and margin deterioration.
The downgrade follows Sapphire Foods’ Q1 performance showing revenue growth of 8% year-over-year, which was in line with expectations, but operational results missed targets with EBITDA declining 9% year-over-year. The company experienced gross margin deterioration due to higher value offerings and increased delivery share.
KFC same-store sales growth (SSSG) improved to flat compared to a 1% decline in Q4, while Pizza Hut SSSG weakened to negative 8% compared to positive 1% growth in the previous quarter. The contrasting performance between the two brands contributed to overall operational challenges.
Axis Capital has sharply cut its FY26-28E pre-Ind AS 116 EBITDA estimates by 9-18%, reflecting a 90-160 basis points margin reduction. The research firm attributes these cuts to broader demand weakness and increased value offerings to customers.
The downgrade reflects Axis Capital’s expectation of a more gradual recovery in same-store sales growth and margins for Sapphire Foods, which operates KFC and Pizza Hut outlets in India.
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