CRC beats Q2, expands in Vietnam and Tops, but cuts 2026 revenue target
Q2 earnings beat and broker upgrades Central Retail beat Q2 profit forecasts, with margins widening and same-store sales positive after seven quarters. Broker upgrades lifted the shares over 11% during the quarter.
This is the main new earnings catalyst that drove the stock higher in Q3.
Store expansion in Thailand and Vietnam CRC agreed to buy 30 MaxValu stores for 890 million baht to expand Tops, and announced a US$1.5 billion Vietnam expansion of about 50 stores, adding long-term growth.
These new expansion moves are a key part of the quarter's growth story.
Government stimulus and cross-border payments Thailand's stimulus extension and new Thailand-Vietnam QR payments added support, helping consumer spending and cross-border shopping during the quarter.
These external supports helped offset weaker demand and are new this period.
Cut in 2026 revenue growth target CRC cut its 2026 revenue growth target to 2-3% from 4-5% amid economic uncertainty, signaling weaker consumer demand. Bangkok flooding was mostly seen as short-lived, though it could temporarily reduce mall and restaurant traffic.
This is the main new negative that offsets the positive drivers.