Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Outperform" rating for Haidilao International Holding [2][14] Core Insights - Haidilao's short-term performance is under pressure, with the "Red Pomegranate Plan" gradually showing effects [1][4] - Revenue for 1H25 was RMB 20.7 billion, a decrease of 3.7% year-on-year, while net profit attributable to shareholders was RMB 1.76 billion, down 13.7% year-on-year [3][13] - The company plans to pay an interim dividend of HKD 0.338 per share, with a dividend payout ratio of 95% [3][14] Revenue Breakdown - Main brand revenue decreased by 9.0% to RMB 18.58 billion, with contributions from various city tiers: 17.0% from tier-one, 37.3% from tier-two, 41.8% from tier-three and below, and 3.9% from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan [4][5] - Other restaurant revenue increased by 227.0% to RMB 0.6 billion, driven by the introduction of new dining brands under the "Red Pomegranate Plan" [4] - Takeout revenue grew by 59.6% to RMB 0.93 billion, attributed to the rapid growth of the "one-person meal" fast food segment [4] - Sales of condiments and ingredients rose by 55.0% to RMB 0.46 billion, while franchise revenue surged by 4684.0% to RMB 0.09 billion [4] Operational Metrics - As of 1H25, Haidilao operated 1,363 restaurants, including 1,322 self-operated and 41 franchised [5] - The average customer spending was RMB 97.9, a slight increase of 0.5% year-on-year, while the overall table turnover rate decreased by 9.5% to 3.8 times per day [5][6] - Same-store sales declined by 9.9% in 1H25, with tier-one and tier-two cities experiencing declines of 9.4% and 13.3%, respectively [5] Financial Forecasts - Revenue projections for 2025-2027 are RMB 44.45 billion, RMB 47.06 billion, and RMB 49.89 billion, representing year-on-year growth of 4.0%, 5.9%, and 6.0% respectively [8][14] - Net profit attributable to shareholders is forecasted to be RMB 4.63 billion, RMB 4.95 billion, and RMB 5.33 billion for the same period, with net profit margins of 10.4%, 10.5%, and 10.7% [8][14] - The valuation has been adjusted from 23x PE to 20x PE for 2025, leading to a target price of HKD 18.22 per share [8][14]

Core Viewpoint - Haidilao's financial report for the first half of 2025 shows a revenue of 20.703 billion yuan and a net profit of 1.755 billion yuan, indicating challenges in the competitive dining market, but a significant increase in "other restaurant" income by 227% to 597 million yuan highlights a potential growth avenue through its multi-brand strategy [1][5][6]. Group 1: Financial Performance - In the first half of 2025, Haidilao's revenue decreased by 3.7% year-on-year, and net profit fell by 13.7% [5][6]. - The table turnover rate dropped from 4.2 times per day to 3.8 times per day, with total customer visits nearing 190 million but showing a slowdown in growth [5][6]. Group 2: Multi-Brand Strategy - The "Pomegranate Plan" initiated in 2024 has led to the creation of 14 new restaurant brands, with 126 locations opened nationwide, positioning it as a second growth curve for the company [2][6]. - The multi-brand strategy is seen as a necessary response to the increasingly competitive dining market and changing consumer demands, with industry experts noting that it has become a survival strategy for restaurant chains [7][8]. Group 3: Market Trends and Consumer Behavior - The Chinese dining industry faced challenges in the first half of 2025, with national dining revenue growth slowing to 4.3% in the first half and further down to 1.1% in July [5][7]. - The emergence of diverse consumer needs, particularly among the "Z generation," has made it difficult for single brands to meet all market demands, thus necessitating a multi-brand approach [7][8]. Group 4: Future Outlook - Haidilao plans to focus on optimizing single-store models and developing prototype stores for key brands, aiming to enhance the success rate of its entrepreneurial brands [9][11]. - The company intends to involve more franchisees in its expansion efforts, particularly for its second brands, indicating a potential acceleration of the "Pomegranate Plan" [11].

Summary of Haidilao International Holding (6862.HK) Earnings Review Company Overview - **Company**: Haidilao International Holding - **Ticker**: 6862.HK - **Market Cap**: HK$82.9 billion / $10.6 billion - **Enterprise Value**: HK$76.9 billion / $9.8 billion - **Current Price**: HK$14.88 - **12-Month Price Target**: HK$14.70 Key Highlights from the Earnings Call Industry Context - The catering industry is facing competition and changing consumer demands, prompting management to enhance service differentiation and product offerings [1][2] Operational Strategies 1. **Service Differentiation**: Management is focusing on providing unique services and enhancing product offerings, including freshly sliced products and frequent regional product launches [1] 2. **Store Format Diversification**: Introduction of themed stores, such as night snack venues, has resulted in a 10%-20% increase in table turnover compared to previous formats [1] 3. **"Pomegranate Plan"**: This initiative aims to lower barriers for launching new brands and attract external business opportunities, such as the acquisition of the conveyor belt hot pot brand Jugaogao [1][8] Growth and Expansion 1. **Store Openings**: The company targets a mid-single-digit percentage (MSD%) growth in gross openings for the Haidilao brand, with expectations of over 40 new store openings in the second half of 2025 [1][11] 2. **Franchise Strategy**: The franchise business is set for steady expansion, focusing on converting existing stores to franchise operations, which helps ensure operational consistency [9] Financial Performance 1. **Delivery Sales Growth**: Delivery sales increased nearly 60% year-over-year, attributed to a more diversified product offering, particularly in single-serving fast food [1][10] 2. **Earnings Forecast Revision**: Earnings forecasts for 2025-2027 have been revised down by 7%-14% due to slower store count and sales growth, alongside near-term margin pressures [2] Shareholder Returns - The company maintains a strong cash position with net cash of RMB 9 billion in the first half of 2025, indicating a commitment to balanced shareholder returns while continuing business expansion [1][12] Financial Metrics - **Revenue Estimates**: - 2025E: RMB 42.631 billion (down 1.1% from previous estimate) - 2026E: RMB 44.391 billion (down 2.2%) - 2027E: RMB 46.922 billion (down 2.3%) [13] - **Net Income**: - 2025E: RMB 3.843 billion (down 14.2% from previous estimate) [13] Risks and Considerations - Key risks include variability in table turnover recovery, expansion pace, and potential cost inflation or food safety issues [2][15] Conclusion - Haidilao is navigating a challenging catering environment with strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing service differentiation and expanding its brand portfolio. Despite facing margin pressures and a revised earnings outlook, the company remains committed to shareholder returns and operational growth. The current investment rating is Neutral with a target price of HK$14.70, reflecting a cautious outlook on future performance [2][15].

Core Points - A video posted by a netizen in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, revealed that a customer received a response containing insulting language from a customer service representative after placing an order through a food delivery platform at a Haidilao restaurant [1][4] - On August 25, a representative from Haidilao stated that a special investigation has been initiated regarding the incident and that any potential issues would be reported to the police [1][4] - The restaurant involved is identified as Haidilao Hot Pot at Wutasi Primary School, and the service hours for this location have been changed to "closed" after the incident [4] Company Response - Haidilao has committed to thoroughly investigate the situation and will hold accountable anyone involved in actions that violate regulations or harm customer rights [1][4] - The company has acknowledged the inappropriate content and account issues on the third-party platform related to the incident [4]

Core Viewpoint - Haidilao's 1H25 performance slightly underperformed expectations, primarily due to higher-than-expected effective tax rates [1] Financial Performance - Revenue decreased by 3.7% year-on-year to 20.7 billion yuan [1] - Net profit attributable to shareholders fell by 13.7% year-on-year to 1.76 billion yuan [1] - Core operating profit declined by 14.0%, with a core operating profit margin down by 1.4 percentage points to 11.6% [1] - The number of restaurants as of June 2025 was 1,363, with a net closure of 5 restaurants in 1H25 [1] - Same-store revenue decreased by 10%, with a same-store turnover rate of 3.8 times per day compared to 4.2 times in 1H24 [1] - Average customer spending increased by 0.5% year-on-year to 97.9 yuan [1] - A mid-term dividend of 1.67 billion yuan was declared, with a payout ratio of 95% [1] Cost Structure - Raw material cost ratio increased by 0.8 percentage points due to enhanced customer experience [1] - Labor cost ratio rose by 0.5 percentage points due to increased employee benefits and optimized scheduling [1] - Expense ratio improved by 0.7 percentage points, excluding depreciation of right-of-use assets [1] - Effective tax rate increased by 3.6 percentage points to 33% [1] Development Trends - The company is deepening the "Different Haidilao" initiative, expecting improved turnover rates in 2H25 [1] - Plans to enhance customer connection through dedicated managers and improve employee welfare to boost service quality [1] - Introduction of "fresh-cut" and "seasonal" product lines to better meet market demand [1] - As of June, nearly 30 night snack-themed stores and over 50 fresh-cut product-themed stores have been transformed, with plans for further expansion [1] Brand and Franchise Potential - The company has established 14 restaurant brands with a total of 126 stores as of June [2] - "Yanqing Barbecue" opened 46 new stores in 1H25, reaching a total of 70, with expectations to reach around 100 by year-end [2] - The franchise model combines "old stores + new stores" to help franchisees quickly adopt brand concepts [2] - The takeaway business saw a significant revenue increase of 59.6%, with "Xiaofan Cuisine" contributing over 55% of takeaway revenue [2] Profit Forecast and Valuation - The company's net profit forecasts for 2025 and 2026 have been revised down by 9% to 3.78 billion yuan and 4.38 billion yuan, respectively [2] - The current stock price corresponds to a P/E ratio of 20 times for 2025 and 17 times for 2026 [2] - The target price is maintained at 16 HKD, corresponding to a P/E ratio of 22 times for 2025 and 19 times for 2026, indicating an upside potential of 8% [2]

New brands to provide new growth drivers. Haidilao's Pomegranate Plan has incubated 14 catering brands with a total of 126 stores. Among them, "YEAH QING BBQ" opened 46 new stores in 1H25, bringing the total number of its stores to 70. Revenue from other restaurants increased by 227% YoY to Rmb597, and its revenue share rose by c.2ppts to c.3%. Interim dividend. Haidilao announced an interim dividend of Rmb0.309 or HK$ 0.338 per share. The dividend payout ratio for 1H25 was 97%. Based on the closing price o ...

Core Insights - The company reported a decline in core operating profit by 14% in H1 2025, with total revenue at 20.7 billion yuan, down 3.7% [1] - The main business of hot pot generated revenue of 18.58 billion yuan, a decrease of 9.0%, accounting for 89.7% of total revenue [1] - The takeaway business saw significant growth, with revenue increasing by 59.6% to 930 million yuan, now representing 4.5% of total revenue [1] Revenue Breakdown - Hot pot main business revenue: 18.58 billion yuan, down 9.0% [1] - Takeaway business revenue: 930 million yuan, up 59.6% [1] - Other restaurant business revenue: 600 million yuan, up 227.0% [1] - Sales of condiments and ingredients: 460 million yuan, up 55.0% [1] - Franchise business revenue: 90.85 million yuan, up 227.0% [1] Same-store Performance - Same-store revenue declined by 9.9%, with a turnover rate of 3.8 times per day, down 9.5% [1] - Overall average spending per customer was 97.9 yuan, up 0.5% [1] - Turnover rates in different city tiers showed slight variations, with first-tier cities at 3.8 times per day, down 0.2 times [1] Store Expansion and Brand Development - As of June 2025, the total number of hot pot stores was 1,363, a net decrease of 5 stores since the beginning of the year [2] - The company is cautiously expanding its hot pot business while actively growing its sub-brands, with a net increase of 46 stores in the barbecue brand [2] - The company operates a total of 14 restaurant brands with 126 locations [2] Profitability and Financial Metrics - Gross margin decreased by 0.8 percentage points due to increased portion sizes to enhance dining experience [2] - Employee compensation as a percentage of revenue increased by 0.5 percentage points, reflecting fixed cost pressures [2] - Net profit margin stood at 8.5%, down 1.0 percentage points [2] Dividend Policy - The company maintained a high cash dividend payout ratio of 95%, distributing 0.309 yuan per share [2]

Core Viewpoint - Haidilao reported a revenue of 20.7 billion yuan for 1H25, a year-on-year decrease of 3.7%, and a net profit of 1.76 billion yuan, down 13.7% year-on-year, indicating challenges in maintaining growth amidst a competitive market [1][2]. Financial Performance - 1H25 revenue breakdown: restaurant operating income was 18.58 billion yuan (down 9.0% YoY), while takeaway business revenue reached 928 million yuan (up 59.6% YoY) [1][2]. - The overall gross margin was 60.2%, a decrease of 0.8 percentage points YoY, influenced by increased material costs [2]. - The net profit margin was 8.5%, down 1.0 percentage points YoY, reflecting short-term operational adjustments impacting profitability [2]. Business Strategy - The company is focusing on scene innovation, dish innovation, and brand innovation, with a cautious approach to expanding the main brand while incubating new brands like "Pomegranate" and "Woodpecker" [1][3]. - As of 1H25, Haidilao operated 1,363 restaurants, with 1,322 self-operated and 41 franchised, and a net addition of 28 franchise stores during the period [3]. Market Position and Future Outlook - The company aims to enhance customer experience through differentiated services and has transformed nearly 30 late-night dining theme stores [1]. - The company expects to optimize same-store sales performance in 2H25 as customer experience improves and base pressure diminishes [1][2]. Profit Forecast and Valuation - The net profit forecasts for 2025-2027 have been revised down by 17.7%, 13.8%, and 10.5% to 4.314 billion yuan, 4.767 billion yuan, and 5.281 billion yuan, respectively [3]. - The target price has been adjusted to 20.92 HKD, based on a 25x PE ratio for 2025 [3].

Event Overview - In H1 2025, the company achieved revenue of 20.703 billion yuan, a decrease of 3.7%, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of 1.759 billion yuan, down 13.7%. The core operating profit was 2.408 billion yuan, down 14.0% [1] - The company plans to distribute an interim dividend of 1.673 billion yuan, equivalent to 0.309 yuan per share, with a payout ratio of 95% [1] Brand Performance - The main brand's table turnover rate declined, with restaurant revenue of 18.580 billion yuan, down 9.0%. The average table turnover rate for self-operated stores was 3.8 times, a decrease of 0.4 times, primarily due to intensified competition in the dining market and changes in consumer demand. The average customer spending was 97.9 yuan, an increase of 0.5% [1] - In H1 2025, the company closed 5 stores while opening 28 (25 self-operated and 3 franchised), resulting in a total of 1,363 stores by the end of June 2025, comprising 1,322 self-operated and 41 franchised stores [1] - The company is focusing on differentiated services through the "Different Haidilao" initiative, which includes themed stores such as specialty product scenes, late-night dining, family interaction, and pet-friendly environments, aiming to improve table turnover rates [1] Multi-Brand Development - In H1 2025, revenue from other restaurant brands was 0.597 billion yuan, an increase of 227.0%. The company operates 14 restaurant brands with a total of 126 stores, including 46 new openings for the Yanjing BBQ brand, bringing the total to 70 stores [1] - Revenue from the takeaway business reached 0.928 billion yuan, up 59.6%, driven by expanding product categories beyond traditional hot pot to include side dishes, mixed rice, and homemade beverages, as well as increased capacity and support from mainstream platforms [1] Cost and Profitability - The core operating profit margin was 11.6%, down 1.4 percentage points. The gross profit margin was 60.2%, a decrease of 0.8 percentage points, mainly due to increased food and material costs to enhance customer experience [2] - Employee cost ratio was 33.8%, up 0.5 percentage points, attributed to a higher proportion of fixed labor costs. Depreciation and amortization expenses accounted for 5.6%, down 0.6 percentage points, while rental and related expenses accounted for 1.0%, up 0.1 percentage points [2] - Other expenses accounted for 5.2%, up 1.1 percentage points, primarily due to increased promotional and support costs related to the takeaway business and more diversified marketing activities [2] Investment Outlook - Given the company's performance in the first half and the overall weak performance of the dining industry, revenue forecasts for 2025-2027 have been adjusted to 43.055 billion, 45.885 billion, and 49.027 billion yuan, respectively. Net profit forecasts for the same period are 4.305 billion, 4.786 billion, and 5.355 billion yuan, respectively [2] - The latest earnings per share (EPS) estimates are 0.77, 0.86, and 0.96 yuan for 2025-2027, with corresponding price-to-earnings (PE) ratios of 18, 16, and 14 times based on the latest stock price [2]

Summary of Haidilao Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Haidilao - **Period**: First half of 2025 - **Total Revenue**: 20.703 billion CNY, a decrease of 3.7% year-on-year [2][3] Financial Performance - **Net Profit**: 1.755 billion CNY, down 13.7% year-on-year [3] - **Core Operating Profit**: 2.408 billion CNY, down 15% year-on-year [3] - **Self-operated Restaurant Revenue**: 18.58 billion CNY, accounting for 89.8% of total revenue [8] - **Average Table Turnover Rate**: 3.8 times per day, a decline from the previous year [3] - **Material and Consumable Costs**: 39.8% of revenue, up 0.8 percentage points year-on-year [9] - **Labor Costs**: 33.8% of revenue, up 0.5 percentage points year-on-year [9] - **Total Assets**: 21.115 billion CNY, a decrease of 1.666 billion CNY from the end of 2024 [10] Revenue Breakdown by Region - **First-tier Cities**: 3.161 billion CNY, 17% of total revenue [3] - **Second-tier Cities**: 6.923 billion CNY, 37.3% of total revenue [3] - **Third-tier and Below Cities**: 7.757 billion CNY, 41.8% of total revenue [3] - **Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan**: 730 million CNY, 3.9% of total revenue [3] Strategic Initiatives - **Differentiated Services**: Introduction of dedicated customer manager model and themed store renovations to enhance customer experience [2][4] - **Red Pomegranate Plan**: Development of a multi-brand matrix, with 14 other restaurant brands and 126 locations, including Yanching BBQ with nearly 200 million CNY in revenue [5][12] - **Digital Operations**: Implementation of an intelligent management platform to improve operational efficiency and decision-making [2][7] Membership and Franchise Model - **Membership Growth**: Over 200 million members, with initiatives to enhance engagement through updated task systems and cross-industry collaborations [6] - **Franchise Expansion**: 41 franchise stores, utilizing a combination of old and new stores to validate scalability and attract quality franchisees [6] Cost Management - **Raw Material and Consumable Costs**: Increased due to enhanced customer experience initiatives [9] - **Labor Cost Management**: Adjustments made to optimize employee management and control costs in response to new social security policies [20][24] Market Trends and Challenges - **Industry Performance**: Overall restaurant industry growth with challenges in same-store sales for hot pot brands [21][22] - **Consumer Behavior**: Increased demand for differentiated experiences and health-conscious options, with a shift towards online dining [22][23] Future Outlook - **Store Opening Plans**: Anticipation of over 40 new franchise stores in the second half of 2025 [16][17] - **Continued Focus on Digital Transformation**: Ongoing efforts to enhance supply chain and operational efficiency through digital initiatives [20] Conclusion - **Financial Health**: Despite a decline in revenue and profit, the company maintains a strong cash position with 6.017 billion CNY in cash and 5.3 billion CNY in financial products [19] - **Strategic Focus**: Emphasis on customer-centric services, digital transformation, and multi-brand development to navigate competitive pressures and market changes [20][23]