Morgan Stanley cuts Sunny Optical rating, raises target

Published 31/03/2025, 09:48
Morgan Stanley cuts Sunny Optical rating, raises target

On Monday, Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) analysts adjusted their stance on Sunny Optical (OTC:SNPTF) Technology Group Co Ltd (2382:HK) (OTC: SNPTF), downgrading the stock from Overweight to Equalweight. Despite the rating downgrade, the firm increased the price target to HK$80.00, up from the previous target of HK$72.00. The company, which InvestingPro data shows has delivered an impressive 108.86% return over the past year, maintains a strong financial health score of 2.61 (GOOD).

Morgan Stanley’s decision follows Sunny Optical’s notable performance compared to its peer, Largan, since November 1, 2024. The analysts acknowledged the company’s strong earnings recovery in the second half of 2024, despite weaker shipments of camera modules (CCM). The company has demonstrated robust growth with revenue increasing by 20.87% in the last twelve months, while maintaining a healthy gross profit margin of 18.3%. Additionally, they recognized Sunny Optical’s positive margin guidance and the potential new opportunity in the Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) market in 2025, which they believe has raised expectations for vehicle-related revenue growth.

Taking into account these positive fundamental developments, Morgan Stanley has raised its 2025 earnings estimate for Sunny Optical to Rmb3.5 billion. However, the analysts noted that their new price target corresponds to a 2025 estimated P/E ratio of 23 times. They suggested that this valuation leaves little room for expansion and represents a significant premium compared to Largan.

The revision in Sunny Optical’s stock rating and price target by Morgan Stanley reflects a recalibration of expectations after considering the company’s recent performance and future prospects. The analysts’ comments indicate a belief that while the company has strong fundamentals, the current stock price may already account for the anticipated positive developments.

In other recent news, Sunny Optical Technology Group Co Ltd has experienced several updates from major financial firms regarding its stock ratings and price targets. UBS analysts downgraded Sunny Optical from Buy to Sell, adjusting the price target to HK$67.00, citing concerns about the stock’s high valuation and potential macroeconomic risks. Jefferies maintained a Hold rating but lowered the price target to HK$85.00, reflecting weak demand in the smartphone sector and tepid sales despite government subsidies. Citi analysts also revised their price target to HK$98.00 while maintaining a Buy rating, noting that the company’s fiscal year 2025 performance forecasts fell short in some areas, such as handset lens shipment and gross margin.

Additionally, BofA Securities raised the price target for Sunny Optical to HK$102.00, maintaining a Buy rating based on anticipated margin and earnings growth, particularly in the automotive sector. The firm’s earnings estimates for 2024 to 2026 were revised upwards, driven by stronger-than-expected profits and improved handset mix due to smartphone subsidies. These developments highlight a diverse range of perspectives on Sunny Optical’s future performance, with some analysts expressing caution while others remain optimistic about the company’s growth prospects. The company’s strategic focus on automotive momentum and smartphone product optimization continues to be a key area of interest for investors.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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