Xin Lang Cai Jing·2025-08-19 13:24Core Viewpoint - China Resources Beer Holdings Company Limited reported a 20% year-on-year increase in net profit for the first half of 2025, while its liquor sales revenue declined by 30% [1][5]. Financial Summary - The group's total revenue for the first half of 2025 was RMB 23.942 billion, a 0.8% increase from RMB 23.744 billion in the same period of 2024 [2]. - Shareholders' profit attributable to the company was RMB 5.789 billion, up 23% from RMB 4.705 billion [2]. - Basic earnings per share increased to RMB 1.78 from RMB 1.45 [2]. - The interim dividend per share was set at RMB 0.464, a 24.4% increase from RMB 0.373 [2]. - The company's total equity reached RMB 40.062 billion, compared to RMB 35.585 billion at the end of 2024 [2]. Beer Business Performance - The beer segment achieved sales volume of approximately 6.487 million kiloliters, a 2.2% increase year-on-year [3]. - Revenue from the beer business was RMB 23.161 billion, reflecting a 2.6% growth [3]. - The gross margin for the beer business rose by 2.5 percentage points to 48.3%, driven by high-end product sales and cost savings [3][4]. - High-end beer products saw sales growth exceeding 10%, with brands like "Heineken" and "Red Baron" experiencing significant increases in sales [3]. Liquor Business Performance - The liquor segment's revenue was RMB 0.781 billion, down 33.7% from RMB 1.178 billion in the previous year [4]. - The major product "Abstract" accounted for nearly 80% of the liquor segment's revenue [4]. - The liquor business currently contributes only 3.26% to the total revenue of the company [4]. Strategic Initiatives - The company is focusing on long-term strategies to strengthen its liquor business despite short-term market fluctuations [5]. - Plans include price restructuring and enhanced cost control measures [5]. - The company aims to expand the coverage and sales of mid-range and light bottle liquor products through established beer distribution channels [5]. Industry Context - The overall beer industry in China is undergoing a contraction, with a 0.3% decline in production for the first half of 2025 [6]. - Among major beer companies, China Resources Beer and Yanjing Beer reported year-on-year revenue and profit growth, while others like Budweiser APAC and Chongqing Beer faced declines [6]. New Product Development - The company is actively developing new products to align with changing consumer trends, including specialty beers and high-end offerings [7]. - Online sales and instant retail business saw significant growth, with GMV increasing by nearly 40% and 50% respectively [7]. Leadership Changes - The company announced the resignation of Chairman Hou Xiaohai, who had been in charge for nine years, with the position currently vacant [7].