Core Viewpoint - Budweiser APAC is undergoing a deep adjustment period in the Chinese market, facing short-term performance pressure due to reform pains and external shocks, but positive signals are emerging from channel transformation, with preliminary improvements in Q4 market share [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - For the full year 2025, revenue and EBITDA were $5.76 billion and $1.59 billion, down 6.1% and 9.8% year-on-year; Q4 revenue and EBITDA were $1.07 billion and $170 million, down 4.2% and 24.7% year-on-year [2] - The Chinese market significantly dragged down performance, with Q4 revenue and EBITDA declining 11.4% and 42.3% year-on-year, and full-year revenue and EBITDA down 11.3% and 15.7% year-on-year [2] - The net profit attributable to shareholders for the full year was $489 million, a decrease of 32.1% year-on-year, while cash flow remained robust with a dividend payout ratio increasing to 153% [2] Group 2: Market Dynamics - The industry saw stable volume but declining prices in Q4 2025, with leading companies maintaining stable operations; however, the average selling price (ASP) has been under pressure, hindering premiumization [3] - Budweiser APAC, as a leader in high-end beer, is increasing investments in emerging channels like instant retail and O2O, with early signs of improvement as the decline in sales volume narrowed from 11% in Q3 to 3.9% in Q4 [3] - The company is expected to benefit from multiple factors supporting ASP improvement in 2026, including effective policies to boost consumer confidence and demand, alongside the release of benefits from high-end positioning and channel transformation [3] Group 3: Strategic Outlook - The management has outlined three core outlooks for 2026: organic growth, inorganic expansion, and shareholder returns, with a focus on high-end home channels and O2O expansion in China [4] - The company plans to explore M&A and collaboration opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region, supported by strong cash flow for external growth [4] - A high dividend policy continues, with a dividend yield of 5.6% providing a solid safety net for the stock price; the depreciation of the US dollar is also expected to positively impact financial statements [4]
海通国际:维持百威亚太(01876)“中性”评级 目标价7.9港元