Zhongtai Securities(SH:600918) 智通财经网·2025-12-09 08:43Core Viewpoint - The beverage consumption peak season has ended, with leading companies reporting stable third-quarter results and further strengthening their advantages. The soft drink industry shows resilience in demand despite environmental disturbances, with a recommendation to focus on structural growth segments within the beverage sector, particularly functional drinks and sugar-free tea leaders [1]. Group 1: Industry Overview - As of November 28, 2025, the Shenwan Soft Drink Index has increased by 7.6% year-to-date, underperforming the Shanghai Composite Index and the Food & Beverage Index by 8.4% and outperforming by 12.4% respectively. The current PE-TTM for the soft drink industry is approximately 28.3 times, positioned at the 46th percentile over the past three years, indicating a decline in valuation levels since the third quarter [1]. - The soft drink sales in China have maintained a mid-to-high single-digit growth in recent years, primarily driven by volume increases while prices remain stable. The MAT2503 sales figures show a year-on-year growth of 7.4% in sales revenue, 7.2% in sales volume, and a slight increase of 0.2% in price. However, sales growth turned negative starting in July 2025, influenced by competition in delivery services and the rise of new channels like membership stores and snack collection stores [2]. Group 2: Future Outlook - The soft drink industry is expected to experience structural prosperity driven by health and functionality trends, with demand remaining robust despite environmental disturbances. Positive price signals have emerged, with the CPI turning positive in October 2025 and PPI showing a narrowing decline. However, the recovery of internal demand may take time due to low consumer confidence and income growth being affected by asset prices [3]. - The beverage sector's revenue compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2022 to 2024 is projected at 12.8%, ranking third among food and beverage sub-sectors. The sales growth for the beverage sector in the first three quarters of 2025 was 2.4%, 17.8%, and 14.4% year-on-year, indicating a faster recovery and better resilience compared to other fast-moving consumer goods [4]. Group 3: Category Trends - The health and functionality trends in the soft drink category are expected to continue, with a focus on cost-effectiveness and larger packaging options. The market penetration among key consumer groups like Generation Z and Millennials has reached over 90%, with these demographics showing strong purchasing power and diverse demands for health, nutrition, and emotional satisfaction [5]. - The beverage industry is likely to benefit from continued cost advantages, with expectations of weak pricing for core ingredients like white sugar and PET, while corrugated paper prices are expected to rise, providing support [6]. Group 4: Competitive Landscape - The concentration of the beverage industry is increasing, with leading companies enhancing their competitive advantages. From 2019 to 2024, the revenue CAGR for leading companies is 8.6%, while regional and niche companies have seen a decline of 0.7%. The net profit CAGR for leading companies is 15.5%, compared to 4.6% for smaller firms, indicating a strengthening of market positions for industry leaders [7].