Employment Changes - Budweiser APAC reduced its workforce from approximately 25,000 employees in 2023 to over 21,000 in 2024, resulting in a decrease of about 4,000 employees, which is a reduction rate of approximately 16% [1] - Yanjing Beer reduced its workforce by 1,440 employees, with total employees dropping from 21,405 in 2023 to 19,965 in 2024 [2][5] - China Resources Beer employed around 26,000 people in 2024, down from about 27,000 in 2023, a decrease of 1,000 employees [6] - Qingdao Beer saw a reduction of 817 employees, with total employees decreasing from 30,687 in 2023 to 29,870 in 2024, a reduction rate of 2.66% [8] Financial Performance - Budweiser APAC's beer sales in 2024 were 8.481 million kiloliters, a year-on-year decline of 8.8%, with revenue of $6.246 billion, down 7%, and normalized EBITDA of $1.807 billion, down 6.3% [2] - Yanjing Beer achieved beer sales of 4.0044 million kiloliters in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 1.57%, with revenue of 14.667 billion yuan, up 3.20%, and net profit attributable to shareholders of 1.056 billion yuan, up 63.74% [6] - China Resources Beer reported a total revenue of 38.635 billion yuan in 2024, a slight decline of 0.76%, with net profit attributable to shareholders of 4.739 billion yuan, down 8.03%, and a gross margin of 42.6%, which is an increase of 1.2 percentage points [8] - Qingdao Beer reported revenue of 32.138 billion yuan in 2024, a decrease of 5.3%, while net profit attributable to shareholders was 4.345 billion yuan, an increase of 1.81%, and net profit excluding non-recurring items was 3.951 billion yuan, up 6.19% [10]

Core Insights - The report indicates that the increase in investment hotspots has weakened the performance of consumer stocks in China [1] - The consumer sector is experiencing slow growth, with a lack of fundamental catalysts in the short term, although long-term asset revaluation logic remains intact [8] Industry Overview - In April 2025, five out of eight tracked industries maintained positive growth, while two experienced negative growth and one remained flat. The industries with single-digit growth included dairy (+3.4%), dining (+3.1%), soft drinks (+2.7%), condiments (+2.3%), and frozen foods (+1.5%). The declining sectors were mass-market and below liquor (-10.7%) and mid-to-high-end liquor (-1.5%), with the beer industry remaining flat [3][10] - The revenue for the high-end liquor sector in April was 26.4 billion yuan, down 1.5% year-on-year, while the cumulative revenue for the first four months was 167 billion yuan, up 0.3% year-on-year [12] - The mass-market liquor sector saw a revenue of 15 billion yuan in April, down 10.7% year-on-year, with a cumulative revenue of 75.2 billion yuan for the first four months, down 13.9% year-on-year [13] - The beer industry reported a revenue of 14 billion yuan in April, remaining flat year-on-year, with a cumulative revenue of 60.6 billion yuan, showing a slight decline of 0.2% [14] Price Trends - In April, the wholesale prices of high-end liquor such as Feitian Moutai continued to decline, with prices for whole boxes and individual bottles down by 70 yuan compared to the previous month [4][22] - The prices of most high-end liquor remained stable, while mid-range and lower-end liquor prices saw more declines than increases [12][13] Cost Analysis - The cost indices for various products in April showed increases for beer (+2.69%), frozen foods (+1.67%), dairy (+1.09%), while condiments (-0.12%), instant noodles (-0.18%), and soft drinks (-1.58%) experienced declines [5] - The prices of packaging materials varied, with aluminum can prices rising by 8.37% year-on-year, while glass, plastic, and pulp prices fell by 23.17%, 20.90%, and 4.59% respectively [5] Investment Recommendations - The report suggests waiting for the right opportunity to increase positions in consumer stocks, particularly in the dairy sector, soft drinks, and liquor, with specific companies highlighted for potential investment [8]

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Accumulate" rating for the beer industry, indicating a positive outlook for investment opportunities in this sector [1]. Core Insights - The beer industry experienced a recovery in Q1 2025 after a challenging 2024, with revenue and profit showing signs of growth. Specifically, the beer sector's revenue for 2024 was CNY 68.038 billion, down 1.67% year-on-year, while net profit increased by 6.05% to CNY 7.290 billion. In Q1 2025, revenue reached CNY 20.043 billion, up 3.68% year-on-year, and net profit rose by 10.62% to CNY 2.519 billion [11][22][24]. Summary by Sections 1. Q1 Performance and Cost Elasticity - The beer sector faced pressure in 2024, but Q1 2025 showed recovery with revenue and profit growth. The revenue for 2024 was CNY 68.038 billion, with a net profit of CNY 7.290 billion. In Q1 2025, revenue was CNY 20.043 billion, and net profit was CNY 2.519 billion, indicating a recovery trend [11][22]. - Cost elasticity has been a key factor in maintaining profit margins, with a steady increase in gross profit margins throughout 2024 and into Q1 2025 [19][20][55]. 2. Future Growth Potential - The report anticipates a positive trend in volume and price in the upcoming quarters, particularly as the industry enters a low base period in Q2 and Q3 2025. The recovery in the restaurant sector is expected to support beer sales [48][50]. - The focus on mid-to-high-end beer products continues to drive growth, with brands like Qingdao Beer and Yanjing Beer expected to perform well due to their strong market positions and product upgrades [53][54]. 3. Investment Recommendations - The report suggests increasing exposure to quality leaders such as Qingdao Beer and Yanjing Beer, which are positioned well for growth in the upcoming consumption peak season. The recommendation is based on their strong cash flow and dividend yield potential [6][24]. - The report highlights the importance of monitoring the recovery of the restaurant sector and the impact of consumption stimulus policies on beer sales [50][52].

Core Viewpoint - Yanjing Beer is focusing on the growth of its flagship product, Yanjing U8, and is committed to enhancing its product structure and market presence, particularly in mid-to-high-end segments, while achieving significant sales growth in 2024 and Q1 2025 [2][5]. Group 1: Company Strategy and Market Development - The company is advancing its Yanjing U8 flagship product strategy and increasing its focus on mid-to-high-end products, aiming to optimize its product structure and enhance competitiveness [2]. - Yanjing Beer is actively expanding into emerging markets and upgrading its sales channel structure to achieve nationwide distribution and sales growth [3]. Group 2: Cost Management and Efficiency - In 2024, the company experienced a decrease in production costs due to lower raw material and fuel prices, alongside improvements in production efficiency through technological upgrades [4]. - The company is implementing a comprehensive management system to enhance governance, green development capabilities, and value creation [4][6]. Group 3: Financial Performance - In Q1 2025, Yanjing Beer reported a beer sales volume of 995,000 kiloliters, with Yanjing U8 maintaining over 30% growth; revenue reached 382.68 million yuan, a 6.69% increase year-on-year, and net profit attributable to shareholders was 16.53 million yuan, up 61.10% [5][7]. - The company's main revenue for Q1 2025 was 3.83 billion yuan, with a gross margin of 42.79% and a debt ratio of 32.81% [7]. Group 4: Analyst Ratings and Forecasts - Over the past 90 days, 29 institutions have rated the stock, with 23 buy ratings and 6 hold ratings; the average target price is 15.01 yuan [7][8]. - Analysts have provided profit forecasts for 2025, with net profit estimates ranging from 14.25 billion yuan to 14.96 billion yuan [8].

Group 1: Company Overview and Strategy - Beijing Yanjing Beer Co., Ltd. is committed to advancing the Yanjing U8 flagship product strategy, focusing on increasing the proportion of mid-to-high-end products and optimizing product structure to enhance competitiveness [1] - In 2024, Yanjing U8 sales reached 696,000 kiloliters, a year-on-year increase of 31.4%, with continued growth of over 30% in Q1 2025 [1] Group 2: Market Development and Cost Management - The company is enhancing its market development system while strategically expanding, adapting to the shift towards personalized and scenario-based consumption [1] - The decrease in beer production costs in 2024 is attributed to lower prices of raw materials and fuels, alongside the implementation of a green development philosophy and improved management systems [2] Group 3: Financial Performance - In Q1 2025, the company achieved beer sales of 995,000 kiloliters, with Yanjing U8 maintaining a growth rate above 30% [3] - The company reported a revenue of 3,826.83 million yuan, a year-on-year increase of 6.69%, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of 165.28 million yuan, reflecting a 61.1% year-on-year growth [3] Group 4: Management and Operational Efficiency - The company integrates ESG principles into its core strategy, promoting a "green brewing-responsible supply chain-value co-creation" system to ensure sustainable and high-quality development [4] - Through a comprehensive management system, the company has restructured its production management framework, enhancing quality control and cost efficiency [4]

Investment Rating - The report rates the food and beverage sector as "Overweight" for 2024 and Q1 2025 [1] Core Insights - The food and beverage sector is experiencing a slowdown, with 2024 revenue and net profit expected to grow by 2% and 4% year-on-year, respectively. For Q1 2025, revenue and net profit are projected to increase by 1% and 0.2% year-on-year, indicating overall deceleration [2][4] Summary by Sections 1. Food and Beverage Sector Overview - The food and beverage sector's total revenue for 2024 is projected at 1,089.8 billion, with a year-on-year growth of 2%, and net profit at 220.2 billion, with a year-on-year growth of 4%. The growth rate has decreased by 4.9 percentage points for revenue and 12.7 percentage points for net profit compared to the previous year [7][8] 2. Subsector Performance 2.1. Baijiu (Chinese liquor) - The baijiu sector is facing demand pressure, with revenue growth for high-end, mid-range, and regional baijiu expected to be 12%, 3%, and 0% respectively in 2024. Net profit growth is projected at 11%, -1%, and -7% respectively, indicating a clear performance differentiation among brands [12][14] 2.2. Beer - The beer sector is showing signs of recovery, with Q1 2025 revenue increasing by 4% and net profit by 11%. However, the average price per ton is under pressure, with a slight decline in prices observed [47][48] 2.3. Snacks - The snack segment is experiencing structural growth, with revenue growth of 18% in Q4 2024 and 2% in Q1 2025, although the latter is affected by high base effects and the timing of the Spring Festival [4][8] 2.4. Soft Drinks - The soft drink sector maintains a good growth trajectory, with revenue growth of 3% and net profit growth of 1% in Q1 2025, driven by strong performance from leading brands [4][8] 2.5. Dairy Products - The dairy sector faced a decline in 2024, with revenue down 7% and net profit down 27%. However, there are signs of improvement in Q1 2025 [4][8] 2.6. Seasonings - The seasoning sector is showing marginal improvement, with revenue growth of 3% and net profit growth of 7% in Q1 2025 [4][8] 2.7. Food Supply Chain - The food supply chain sector is under pressure due to increased competition, with revenue down 5% and net profit down 13% in Q1 2025 [4][8] 3. Investment Recommendations - The report suggests overweight positions in high-quality growth stocks within the baijiu sector, such as Shanxi Fenjiu and Guizhou Moutai, as well as in snack companies like Three Squirrels and Yanjin. In the beer sector, it recommends stocks like Qingdao Beer and Zhujiang Beer [4][8]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the Chinese consumer staples sector is generally positive, with multiple companies rated as "Outperform" [1]. Core Insights - In April 2025, five out of eight tracked industries maintained positive growth, two experienced negative growth, and one remained flat. The sectors with single-digit growth include dairy, food and beverage, soft drinks, condiments, and frozen foods. The declining sectors are mass and below liquor and sub-high-end and above liquor, while the beer industry remained flat. Compared to the previous month, six industries showed improved growth rates, while two saw a deterioration. Overall demand has not significantly increased or decreased [10][34]. Summary by Category Liquor Industry - **Sub-high-end and above liquor**: In April, revenue was 26.4 billion yuan, down 1.5% year-on-year. Cumulative revenue for January to April was 167 billion yuan, up 0.3% year-on-year. Inventory levels increased as demand entered a low season [4][14]. - **Mass and below liquor**: Revenue in April was 15 billion yuan, down 10.7% year-on-year, marking 15 consecutive months of negative growth. Cumulative revenue for January to April was 75.2 billion yuan, down 13.9% year-on-year [16]. Beer Industry - Revenue in April was 14 billion yuan, flat compared to the same period last year. Cumulative revenue for January to April was 60.6 billion yuan, down 0.2% year-on-year. The industry is preparing for the upcoming sales season with low inventory levels [5][19]. Condiments - Revenue in April was 36.3 billion yuan, up 2.3% year-on-year, with cumulative revenue for January to April at 155.4 billion yuan, growing 1.3% year-on-year. The industry is experiencing weak sales due to external consumption pressures [21]. Dairy Products - Revenue in April was 33.6 billion yuan, up 3.4% year-on-year, while cumulative revenue for January to April was 156 billion yuan, down 0.6% year-on-year. The industry showed positive growth due to a low base effect from the previous year [23]. Frozen Foods - Revenue in April was 6.7 billion yuan, up 1.5% year-on-year, with cumulative revenue for January to April at 43.1 billion yuan, up 1.3% year-on-year. The industry faces challenges due to lower consumer spending and increased competition [25]. Soft Drinks - Revenue in April was 50 billion yuan, up 2.7% year-on-year, with cumulative revenue for January to April at 235.6 billion yuan, up 2.3% year-on-year. The industry is entering its peak season with intensified competition [27]. Restaurant Sector - Revenue for listed restaurant companies in April was 13.4 billion yuan, up 3.1% year-on-year, with cumulative revenue for January to April at 57.1 billion yuan, up 2.6% year-on-year. The sector is seeing recovery, particularly in tea and Western fast food segments [29].

Core Insights - The beer market is experiencing intensified competition as it enters a phase of stock competition, with contrasting performance driven by events like the European Cup and the Paris Olympics, alongside adverse weather and weak recovery in dining demand [1][3] - The overall beer industry remains highly fragmented, with major players like Budweiser APAC, China Resources Beer, Tsingtao Brewery, and Yanjing Beer generating over 150 billion yuan in total revenue, while smaller companies struggle with revenues below 1.3 billion yuan [1][3] Industry Performance - In 2024, the beer industry in China saw a 0.6% decline in production among large-scale enterprises, with industry revenue decreasing by 5.7%, marking it as the only category in the food and beverage sector to experience a revenue drop [3][8] - Major companies such as Budweiser APAC, Tsingtao Brewery, and China Resources Beer reported revenue declines of 8.8%, 5.3%, and 2.45% respectively, while Yanjing Beer and Zhujiang Beer managed to achieve revenue growth [3][10] Financial Results - Among the six major beer companies, Budweiser APAC, China Resources Beer, and Chongqing Beer all faced declines in both revenue and net profit, while Tsingtao Brewery saw a slight increase in net profit despite a revenue drop [5][6] - Yanjing Beer and Zhujiang Beer reported significant growth in both revenue and net profit, with Yanjing's net profit increasing by 63% [5][6] Q1 2025 Performance - In Q1 2025, major beer companies showed resilience with revenue and net profit growth, particularly Yanjing Beer, which achieved a net profit increase of over 60% [13][14] - Qingdao Beer led in revenue with approximately 10.446 billion yuan, while Zhujiang Beer had the highest revenue growth rate at 10.69% [14][16] Market Trends - The beer market is shifting towards high-end products, with companies focusing on premium offerings to attract consumers [15][17] - Yanjing Beer has launched new beverage products, indicating a strategic move towards diversification and tapping into the beverage market [17][18] - Qingdao Beer is also exploring beverage integration through its strategic merger with Qingdao Beverage Group, enhancing its product offerings and market reach [19]

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Overweight" rating for the food and beverage industry [9]. Core Insights - The food and beverage sector is expected to see improvements in 2025 after a challenging 2024, with various sub-sectors showing signs of recovery and growth potential [1][16]. Dairy Products - The dairy sector experienced a revenue decline of 7.2% in 2024, with a significant drop in net profit by 27% and 43.3% for attributable and non-recurring net profit respectively. However, Q1 2025 showed a slight revenue increase of 0.4% and a notable recovery in non-recurring net profit by 24.4% [2][16]. - Major dairy companies are expected to stabilize operations after channel adjustments, with recommendations for Yili and Mengniu [2][24]. Snack Foods - The snack food sector saw a revenue increase of 2.8% in 2024, but faced challenges in Q1 2025 with a revenue decline of 4.8%. The sector is benefiting from channel innovations and the growth of the konjac category [3][29]. - Companies like Yanjinpuzi and Ganyuan Foods are recommended due to their adaptability to market changes [3][33]. Beer - The beer sector faced a revenue decline of 1.5% in 2024, but Q1 2025 showed a recovery with a 3.7% revenue increase. The sector is expected to improve due to low inventory levels and a stabilizing restaurant demand [4][24]. - Recommended stocks include Yanjing Beer and Zhujiang Beer [4][24]. Soft Drinks - The soft drink sector demonstrated resilience with a revenue growth of 15.7% in 2024, and a stable performance in Q1 2025 with a 5.5% increase. The sector is benefiting from strong travel demand and new product launches [5][24]. - Key recommendations include Nongfu Spring and attention to Kangshifu and Uni-President [5][24]. Condiments - The condiment sector saw a revenue increase of 7.7% in 2024, but growth has been modest in 2025. Major players are adjusting to improve market share [6][24]. - Companies like Haitian Flavoring and Zhongju Gaoxin are highlighted for their ongoing transformations [6][24]. Frozen Foods - The frozen food sector has been under pressure with a revenue increase of only 1.6% in 2024 and a decline of 5.1% in Q1 2025. Intense price competition is affecting profitability [7][24]. - The sector is expected to improve as restaurant demand recovers [7][24].

Industry Overview - The beer industry in 2024 is experiencing a significant divergence, with some companies thriving while others struggle, reflecting a structural adjustment within the market [2][3] - The National Bureau of Statistics reported a 0.6% year-on-year decline in beer production and a 5.7% decrease in industry revenue, making beer the only category in the food and beverage sector to see a revenue drop [2] Market Dynamics - The Chinese beer market is characterized by oligopolistic competition, with the top six companies (CR6) holding a market share of 92.6% [3] - Beer production has been declining since its peak in 2013, leading to a contraction in the overall consumption market, which directly impacts the performance of leading companies [3] Financial Performance - Major companies like Budweiser APAC, China Resources Beer, and Tsingtao Brewery reported revenue declines of 8.89%, 0.76%, and 5.3% respectively in 2024 [4][5] - Net profits for Budweiser APAC, China Resources Beer, and Chongqing Beer also fell by 14.8%, 8.03%, and 17.05% respectively, attributed to weak consumer demand and challenges in traditional sales channels [4][5] Growth Segmentation - Yanjing Beer and Zhujiang Beer are exceptions, showing positive growth in both revenue and profit, with Yanjing's revenue increasing by 3.20% and net profit by 54.87% [5] - Yanjing U8 has successfully penetrated the mid-to-high-end market, achieving a 31.40% increase in sales volume [6] Strategic Shifts - Companies are shifting focus towards operational efficiency and market segmentation to find sustainable profit growth in a saturated market [8][9] - Budweiser APAC is reallocating resources from super-premium products to the core price segment of 8-10 yuan, which is performing better in the current consumption environment [7][8] Cost Management - Several companies, including Budweiser APAC and China Resources Beer, have reduced their sales costs by 8.93% and 2.93% respectively, due to lower barley prices and improved cost control measures [9][10] - Qingdao Beer managed to achieve a slight net profit increase despite revenue decline by reducing various operational costs [10][12] Marketing Innovations - Companies are adopting innovative marketing strategies to engage younger consumers, such as emotional and scenario-based marketing [13][14] - Budweiser APAC is focusing on expanding non-drinking channels and targeting new consumption scenarios, while China Resources Beer has seen over 30% growth in online business [15][16]