YILI(SH:600887) Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2025-10-09 06:16Core Viewpoint - The raw milk price has entered a phase of stabilization after a four-year decline, with prices expected to recover due to seasonal demand and supply adjustments [1][2][5] Group 1: Raw Milk Price Trends - The average raw milk price in major production areas increased from 3.02 CNY/kg in August to 3.04 CNY/kg by the end of September, while the price of raw milk in Ningxia rose from 2.1-2.2 CNY/kg to 3.5-3.7 CNY/kg [1][2] - The stabilization of raw milk prices is attributed to increased demand during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day, as well as a natural decline in supply due to "heat stress" on dairy cows from July to September [1][2] Group 2: Industry Dynamics - The dairy industry has experienced a four-year downtrend, with a significant decline in dairy product consumption, leading to a different demand landscape compared to previous cycles [2] - The proportion of large-scale farms is increasing, with expectations that by 2024, 78% of farms will have over 100 heads of cattle, which may slow down the pace of supply reduction [2][5] Group 3: Beef Market Insights - The average beef price in China rose to 71.1 CNY/kg as of September 25, reflecting a 9.4% increase from the February low, driven by a reduction in cattle inventory and import restrictions [4] - The beef market is expected to experience a prolonged price upcycle due to the lengthy breeding and fattening cycle of cattle, with a forecasted decline in the number of breeding cows [4] Group 4: Opportunities for Dairy Companies - The narrowing decline in milk prices and reduced losses from culling cattle are expected to improve profit margins for dairy companies [5] - Companies like Yili (伊利股份) and New Dairy (新乳业) are showing signs of revenue improvement, with Yili achieving a 15x PE ratio and a 4.5% dividend yield, indicating significant investment value [6]