Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - **Industry**: China Consumer Sector - **Event**: Citi's 2025 China Conference - **Participants**: 44 China consumer companies were hosted, leading to the identification of five investment themes in the consumer sector [1][9] Investment Themes 1. **Shift Towards Experience Consumption**: - Consumers are increasingly valuing emotional experiences over physical goods, seeking happiness and self-expression through services [2] - Companies like Pop Mart provide affordable entertainment options that resonate with young consumers [2] 2. **Focus on Well-being**: - Younger generations are prioritizing spending on wellness, including health, fitness, and mindfulness [3] - Growth opportunities are seen in sectors like sportswear (Anta), health supplements (H&H), and beauty care (Giant Bio) [3] 3. **Rising Silver Economy**: - The aging population is driving demand for leisure and cultural experiences, benefiting industries like tourism (H World, Atour) and health supplements [4] 4. **Emerging New Channels**: - New offline channels such as membership stores and snack specialty chains are gaining traction, helping to offset declines in traditional distribution [5] 5. **Multi-brand Strategy**: - Companies are expanding their brand portfolios to meet diverse consumer demands, with a focus on easing channel inventory pressure [6] Company-Specific Insights Pop Mart (9992.HK) - **Sustainability of IP Operation**: Pop Mart is seen as a growth play due to its strong IP incubation capabilities. Concerns about growth sustainability are being addressed through new product launches [10] - **LABUBU Durability**: The company plans to enhance its LABUBU IP with new products and has postponed the launch of LABUBU 4.0 to 2026 [11] - **Overseas Expansion**: Plans to operate over 60 stores in the US by the end of 2025, with expansions into Canada and Mexico [13] Laopu Gold (6181.HK) - **Sales Growth Expectations**: Management expects high revenue growth in 2H25E driven by price adjustments and new store sales [16] - **Price Adjustment Strategy**: A recent price increase of over 25% aims to maintain a gross profit margin (GPM) of at least 40% [17] - **Store Expansion Plans**: Focus on expanding floor areas in existing malls rather than entering new ones [22] Haidilao International Holding Ltd (6862.HK) - **Recovery in Table-Turn**: Management anticipates positive momentum in table-turn rates due to seasonal factors and a low comp base [30] - **Operational Improvements**: Plans to terminate loss-making pilot programs to save on operational expenses [32] China Resources Beer (0291.HK) - **Sales Performance**: The company reported low single-digit year-over-year sales growth, outperforming peers [34] - **Margin Outlook**: Expected GPM improvement in 2H25E, with a target dividend payout ratio increase to ~60% in 2025E [36] Midea Group (0300.HK) - **Sales Growth Target**: Management maintains a target of ~10% sales growth for 2025, with a focus on air-conditioning sales recovery [40] - **Overseas Business Expansion**: Plans to increase overseas production to ~30% and grow sales in developed markets through M&A [41] Li Ning (2331.HK) - **Sales Guidance**: Maintained guidance for 2025 with expectations of flat sales and high single-digit net profit margin growth [48] Nongfu Spring (9633.HK) - **Sales Guidance**: Management reiterated a mid-teen percentage growth target for 2025, with limited impact from price wars in the beverage sector [51] Cosmetics Sector - **Mixed Performance**: Domestic brands like Mao Geping and Chicmax showed strong growth, while others lagged behind [56] - **Growth Strategies**: Companies are focusing on online sales growth and improving operational efficiency to enhance margins [57][59] Additional Insights - **Consumer Trends**: There is a notable shift towards experiential consumption and wellness, indicating a changing landscape in consumer preferences [2][3] - **Operational Strategies**: Companies are adopting multi-brand strategies and optimizing supply chains to enhance profitability and meet diverse consumer demands [6][14] This summary encapsulates the key insights and trends discussed during the conference, highlighting the evolving dynamics within the China consumer sector and specific company strategies.

Core Viewpoint - Chinese cold chain appliance companies are intensifying investments in Indonesia, establishing production bases to tap into the Southeast Asian market, driven by favorable market conditions and strategic positioning [1][4]. Group 1: Company Investments - Qingdao Hairong Commercial Cold Chain Co., Ltd. has opened its first overseas production base in Indonesia with a total investment of 467 million RMB, covering over 70,000 square meters [1]. - Haier Smart Home has laid the foundation for its Indonesian refrigerator base, planning an annual production capacity of 1 million units, focusing on customized products for local families and commercial storage [2]. - Aucma has initiated a phased construction approach for its Indonesian smart manufacturing plant, with a planned annual capacity of 500,000 refrigerators, aiming for comprehensive coverage of household and commercial cold chain needs [3]. Group 2: Market Insights - Indonesia's dense population and high temperatures create strong demand for cold chain equipment, with a projected annual market growth rate exceeding 15% [6]. - The cold chain infrastructure in Southeast Asia is still developing, with commercial cold chain penetration below 30%, indicating significant market opportunities for companies [6]. - Localized production strategies are being employed by companies to enhance service response times and reduce delivery cycles by over 30% [2]. Group 3: Strategic Considerations - The shift from "product export" to "industry and brand export" marks a critical transition for Chinese home appliance companies, with a focus on local market integration [5]. - Companies are leveraging Indonesia's favorable investment policies and political stability to mitigate international trade risks and enhance supply chain resilience [4][5]. - The establishment of manufacturing bases in Indonesia is seen as a strategic move to transform the country from a cold chain product importer to a manufacturing hub [3]. Group 4: Competitive Landscape - As Chinese cold chain appliance companies expand their capacities, they face increasing competition from international brands like Samsung and LG, necessitating continuous innovation and localized operations to maintain market share [7].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Positive" outlook on the home appliance sector, highlighting its performance against the Shanghai and Shenzhen 300 Index [3][4]. Core Insights - The home appliance sector outperformed the Shanghai and Shenzhen 300 Index, with the sector index rising by 1.8% compared to a 1.6% increase in the broader index [4][5]. - Key companies such as Beiyi Co., Lek Electric, and Huaxiang Co. showed significant gains, while Aopu Technology and Stone Technology faced declines [4][7]. - December 2025 production data for major appliances indicates a total production of 30.18 million units, a 14.1% decrease from the previous year [10]. - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and five other departments issued a plan to enhance the adaptability of supply and demand in consumer goods, aiming for a significant optimization of the supply structure by 2027 [11]. Summary by Sections Market Performance - The home appliance sector index increased by 1.8%, outperforming the Shanghai and Shenzhen 300 Index [4][5]. - Notable performers included Beiyi Co. (10.2%), Lek Electric (9.0%), and Huaxiang Co. (8.4%) [4][7]. Industry Dynamics - December 2025 production data shows a total of 30.18 million units for air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines, with air conditioner production down 22.3% year-on-year [10]. - The government plan aims to create three trillion-level consumption fields and ten hundred-billion-level consumption hotspots by 2027 [11]. Sales Data - October sales data revealed a significant decline in offline sales for major appliances, with air conditioner retail volume down 48.3% and retail value down 53.7% [33][36]. - The average retail price for air conditioners decreased by 10.7% to 4,224 yuan [33]. Investment Opportunities - The report identifies three main investment themes: 1. Head companies in white and black appliances with low valuations and high dividends [4]. 2. Core component manufacturers expanding into emerging tech fields [4]. 3. Growth in overseas demand for new consumer appliances [4]. Raw Material Prices - As of November 28, 2025, copper prices increased by 17.83% year-on-year, while aluminum prices rose by 5.15% [13][20].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Positive" outlook for the home appliance industry in China [5]. Core Viewpoints - The expectation of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve is likely to boost sales in the U.S. real estate chain, particularly in home appliances and power tools by 2026. The domestic subsidy effect is slowing down, making leading companies more stable. The long-term focus remains on overseas expansion, with companies that diversify their production capacity being favored [3][7]. - Leading companies exhibit higher operational efficiency and mature overseas production layouts, making them preferred choices for stable investments. Recommended stocks include Midea Group, Haier Smart Home, and Hisense Visual [3]. - The export market holds potential, with expectations of a valuation switch by 2026, particularly for Stone Technology [3]. - Companies with stable core business performance are expected to explore new growth avenues, with Anfu Technology being highlighted [3]. Summary by Sections Investment Suggestions and Targets - Investment suggestions include focusing on leading companies with higher operational efficiency and overseas production capabilities, which are expected to perform better under pressure from demand and cost [3][7]. - The report highlights the ongoing trend of white goods production, with a total of 30.18 million units produced in December, reflecting a year-on-year decline of 14.1%. The report anticipates that leading companies will gain market share despite challenges [7]. - The cleaning appliance sector is experiencing a trend of market concentration, with the top two companies increasing their market share significantly, indicating a shift towards leading brands [7].

Core Viewpoint - Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd. is set to hold a Q3 2025 earnings presentation on December 8, 2025, to discuss its operational results and financial status with investors [2][3]. Group 1: Meeting Details - The earnings presentation will take place on December 8, 2025, from 16:00 to 17:00 [5]. - The venue for the meeting is the Shanghai Stock Exchange Roadshow Center, accessible online [4][5]. - The meeting will be conducted in an interactive online format, allowing for real-time communication with investors [3][4]. Group 2: Investor Participation - Investors can submit questions via email to finance@haier.com until December 5, 2025, at 16:00 [6]. - Additionally, investors can log onto the Shanghai Stock Exchange Roadshow Center website from December 1 to December 5, 2025, to pre-submit questions [6]. - The company will address commonly asked questions during the earnings presentation [3][6]. Group 3: Company Representatives - Key representatives attending the meeting include Chairman and President Li Huagang, Board Secretary Liu Xiaomei, and Investor Relations Director Liu Tao [4][5].

Core Viewpoint - Haier Smart Home has maintained strong growth in revenue and profit, achieving double-digit growth in the first three quarters of 2025 despite challenges in the global home appliance industry [2][7]. Group 1: Brand Strategy - Haier Smart Home employs a multi-brand strategy tailored to different regions, with key brands like Haier, Casarte, Leader, and Fisher & Paykel in China, and GE Appliances in North America, allowing for market share leadership [2][7]. - The company has established a strong presence in various markets, such as being the top home appliance company in North America and holding the largest market share in white goods among Chinese companies in Europe [2][7]. Group 2: Collaborative Synergy - Haier Smart Home has successfully achieved a "1+1>2" synergy effect through global R&D and supply chain collaboration, mitigating potential resource dispersion and internal competition [4][5]. - The company has built a global digital R&D platform that allows brands to share core technologies while innovating for local markets, significantly reducing R&D costs and accelerating the commercialization of innovative technologies [4][5]. Group 3: Localization and Supply Chain - Localized R&D is a core advantage, with products like the X11 washing machine designed to meet European energy efficiency standards, utilizing a global collaborative approach for design and technology [5]. - Haier Smart Home has established a dual-track global supply chain system, with 35 industrial parks and 163 manufacturing centers worldwide, facilitating a self-circulating system that supports both domestic and international operations [5]. Group 4: Financial Performance - The company's overseas revenue grew by 10.5% year-on-year in the first three quarters of 2025, with strong growth in markets such as Europe, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East and Africa, demonstrating the effectiveness of its multi-brand strategy [7].

Core Insights - Haier Smart Home has achieved double-digit growth in net profit attributable to shareholders for five consecutive years, making it the only company in the home appliance industry to do so, while only 72 companies in the entire A-share market have maintained such growth, representing just 1.32% of listed companies [1][2] Group 1: Market Transformation - The company has implemented a comprehensive transformation of its market system through deepening digital inventory changes, achieving a total inventory control (TOC) model, with 74% of products in county specialty stores delivered directly to users in the first three quarters [1] - This direct delivery model reduces financial and storage pressures for the company, enhances turnover efficiency, and lowers operational costs, leading to a light asset operation [1] Group 2: Service Transformation - Haier Smart Home has established a user lifecycle closed-loop platform, allowing for real-time responses to user needs and enabling precise services [2] Group 3: Management Transformation - The management platform, born from user demands, has improved management efficiency, aiming to establish a permanent connection with users through smart home solutions [2] - The company has over 13 million active users on its domestic San Yi Niao platform, more than 6 million users on the Smart HQ platform in the U.S., and over 10 million registered users on the hOn platform in Europe [2]

Core Viewpoint - Haier Smart Home (06690) announced a share buyback plan, intending to repurchase 150,000 A-shares for a total expenditure of 4.1045 million yuan by November 28, 2025 [1] Group 1 - The company plans to spend 4.1045 million yuan on the buyback [1] - The buyback will involve repurchasing 150,000 A-shares [1] - The completion date for the buyback is set for November 28, 2025 [1]

Investment Focus - Alphabet (GOOGL US) is expected to maintain good visibility in its advertising business due to the gradual release of its valuation under pressure from AI search, with a projected 30%+ growth in cloud business for the year and margin improvement driven by scale effects [1] - Alibaba (BABA US) is anticipated to see a cloud business growth rate of 28%-30%, benefiting from strong momentum in instant retail, with Taobao expected to achieve a 20-30% MAU growth driven by flash purchase [1] - NVIDIA (NVDA US) is projected to achieve strong revenue growth in FY2027, with GB300 series products expected to account for two-thirds of Blackwell series products, and a revenue target of $500 billion over the next five quarters [1] - Tencent (700 HK) is recommended as a top pick, with a target price of 700, driven by steady growth in core gaming and advertising businesses, and a projected near 20% growth rate in advertising [3] - New Oxygen (SY US) is focusing on the light medical beauty sector with a rapid expansion plan, aiming to open 50 self-operated stores by 2025, supported by a strong marketing capability and low customer acquisition costs [3] - Ctrip (TCOM US) is expected to benefit from steady growth in domestic leisure travel and the recovery of outbound travel, with a projected revenue growth of 14% to 71.1 billion yuan in 2026 [3] - Huazhu (HTHT US) is transitioning to a high-margin franchise model, with a target price of $52, supported by a strong recovery in industry RevPar [4] - Futu (FUTU US) is positioned for long-term growth in the virtual asset business, with a user base of 3.1 million and a current valuation offering a safety margin [4] - AIA (1299 HK) is expected to see steady growth in new business value and operational indicators, with a forward PEV of 1.46x [4] - Dongfang Electric (1072 HK) is actively involved in global power station project contracting, with significant opportunities in the U.S. market due to the demand for power supply capabilities [9]

Group 1 - The company Haier Smart Home (06690.HK) announced a share buyback of 150,000 A-shares at a cost of 4.1 million yuan on November 28 [1]