KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 5 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia closed lower on Friday amid mixed regional market performance as investors turned cautious over a possible rate hike by the Bank of Japan (BOJ) and upcoming US economic data that may influence the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) interest rate decision next week. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) pared most earlier losses to settle 4.55 points easier, or 0.28 per cent, to 1,616.52 from Thursday’s close of 1,621.07. The benchmark index, which opened 0.37 of-a-point lower at 1,620.70, moved between 1,609.67 and 1,621.25 throughout the day. The broader market was negative, with decliners outpacing advancers 604 to 439. A total of 550 counters were unchanged, 1,151 untraded, and 18 suspended. Turnover declined to 3.17 billion units worth RM2.24 billion from 4.48 billion units worth RM2.75 billion yesterday. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd vice-presiden...
Shares of Spritzer Bhd (KL:SPRITZER) surged to an all-time high on Thursday after its second-quarter results beat market expectations, prompting upgrades from analysts and boosting confidence in the mineral water bottler’s growth outlook.
Strong Earnings Surprise
First-half net profit has already reached 57% of consensus full-year estimates.
Two of the four research houses covering Spritzer have upgraded their calls, resulting in a unanimous ‘buy’recommendation.
Analysts cite resilient bottled water demand, driven by:
Post-pandemic economic recovery
Resumption of tourism flows
Heightened consumer focus on health and wellness
Stock Performance
Spritzer’s share price jumped more than 2% to RM1.79 in early trade, marking a new record high.
The stock eased slightly to RM1.76 at 9.30am, giving the group a market value of RM1.1 billion.
Year-to-date, the counter has risen 15%, fueled by strong earnings momentum.
Analyst Upgrades and Target Prices
Public Investment Bank raised its earnings forecast and target price, highlighting tourism recovery as a key driver.
MBSB Research lifted its call, noting:
Expansion into Singapore and the hotel-restaurant-catering (HoReCa) sector
Strengthening premium product mix to cement market leadership
Cost relief from falling PET resin prices and efficiency gains from automation
Average target price has been revised upward from RM1.79 to RM2.03, implying up to 15% upside over the next 12 months.
Outlook
With margin stability supported by softer raw material costs and ongoing operational efficiency, Spritzer is well-positioned to sustain growth. Analysts see the company as a structural winner in the consumer staples sector, with further upside potential from export expansion and product premiumisation.
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