VITASOY INT'L(HK:00345) Guo Ji Jin Rong Bao·2025-11-27 15:09Core Viewpoint - Vitasoy International's performance in the mainland China market has been adversely affected by a previous public relations crisis, leading to a decline in revenue and market competitiveness. Group 1: Financial Performance - For the six months ending September 30, Vitasoy International reported a revenue of HKD 3.227 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 6% [2] - Operating profit was HKD 247 million, down 4% year-on-year, while profit attributable to shareholders slightly increased by 1% to HKD 172 million, largely due to cost-cutting measures that reduced total operating expenses by 7% [2] - Revenue from the mainland market was HKD 1.778 billion, a decline of 9% year-on-year, with a slight decrease in gross margin to 51.1% due to lower product prices and increased promotional spending [3] Group 2: Market Challenges - The decline in Vitasoy's mainland revenue is attributed to a long-standing impact from a public relations crisis in July 2021, which led to significant brand damage and a 22.77% drop in revenue for the 2022 fiscal year [3] - The company has faced ongoing revenue declines in the mainland market, with a slight recovery only expected in the 2025 fiscal year [3] - Vitasoy's product and channel strategies are losing competitiveness in a fiercely competitive mainland market, with traditional retail channels slowing down and consumers shifting towards e-commerce and chain snack stores [4] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - The plant-based milk sector is still growing, but the market growth rate has slowed, with increased competition from both new and established brands [5] - In the tea beverage segment, competition has intensified, particularly with the rise of new brands and the proliferation of chain tea shops, which have impacted Vitasoy's lemon tea sales and market share [5] Group 4: Management and Future Outlook - Since the public relations crisis in July 2021, Vitasoy's leadership has seen two changes, with the founder's second-generation leader, Lo Yau Lee, being 84 years old and not yet retired [6] - Despite short-term challenges in the mainland market, the executive chairman expressed confidence in the long-term growth potential and plans to optimize channels and innovate products, focusing on low-sugar and no-sugar options [6]