原料奶产量7年来首降，奶价拐点或在下半年出现

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese dairy farming industry is undergoing a significant transformation after three years of bottom adjustment, with a notable decline in raw milk production expected in 2024, marking the first decrease since 2018. The industry is focusing on increasing milk yield per cow and eliminating low-yield cows to enhance profitability and efficiency [1][2]. Industry Adjustment - In 2024, China's raw milk production is projected to be 40.79 million tons, a 2.8% decrease year-on-year, with a clear acceleration in capacity clearance [2] - The number of dairy cows in the top 10 producing provinces has decreased by 6.7% as of the first three quarters of 2024, with an estimated 12 million dairy cows eliminated from the industry [2] - The number of large-scale dairy farms is expected to drop from 4,600 in 2022 to 3,700 by the end of 2024 due to ongoing losses and cash flow issues [2] Financial Performance of Companies - Companies like Junhua Agriculture have faced continuous losses, leading to risk warnings and potential delisting due to negative net assets [3] - Other companies, such as Woyue Mufeng, have exited the New Third Board due to ongoing financial struggles, while Xialing Muyu has not recovered from losses post-restructuring [3] - Knight Dairy, the first dairy company listed on the Beijing Stock Exchange, reported its first loss in ten years in 2024, facing criticism for not timely disclosing performance forecast corrections [3] Supply and Demand Dynamics - The average price of raw milk has decreased from 4.4 yuan/kg in August 2021 to 3.1 yuan/kg by December 2024, reflecting a persistent supply-demand imbalance [6][7] - In 2024, the average price of raw milk in major producing provinces was 3.32 yuan/kg, down 13.5% year-on-year [6] - The reliance on imported dairy products has decreased, with imports dropping by 9.5% in 2024, marking the third consecutive year of decline [7] Industry Outlook - The industry is expected to see a turning point in the second half of 2024 as milk prices stabilize and cost-reduction measures take effect, with companies reporting improved operating metrics [9] - Modern Dairy's EBITDA for 2024 is projected at 2.986 billion yuan, a 19.6% increase year-on-year, while Yuran Dairy's EBITDA is expected to rise by 38.3% [9] - The Ministry of Agriculture anticipates a better supply-demand balance in 2025, with potential improvements in milk prices and a reduction in production capacity [10]