海底捞：Waiting for new initiatives to shine,with yields

Investment Rating - The report maintains a BUY rating for Haidilao with a target price of HK$15.94, down from the previous target price of HK$ 21.52, reflecting a 20% upside from the current price of HK$ 13.28 [2][3][8]. Core Views - Haidilao's 1H24 results were roughly in line with expectations, showing a 14% year-on-year increase in sales, but net profit dropped by 10% year-on-year due to higher staff costs [6][2]. - The company is expected to face challenges in 2H24, including macroeconomic pressures and high staff costs, but potential upside could come from new store openings and initiatives from the new CEO to improve margins [2][6]. - The report highlights Haidilao's strong recovery in same-store sales growth (SSSG), outperforming the catering industry, driven by superior customer service and effective marketing strategies [2][6]. Financial Summary - Revenue is projected to grow from RMB 41,453 million in FY23A to RMB 47,309 million in FY24E, representing a 14.1% year-on-year growth [3][11]. - Net profit is expected to increase from RMB 4,495.4 million in FY23A to RMB 4,627.2 million in FY24E, reflecting a 2.4% year-on-year growth [3][11]. - The gross profit margin is anticipated to improve to 60.1% in FY24E, up from 59.2% in FY23A, aided by lower input costs and improved supply chain efficiency [7][11]. Earnings Revision - The report revises net profit forecasts for FY24E, FY25E, and FY26E down by 7%, 1%, and up by 4% respectively, primarily due to higher staff costs but better gross profit margins [7][2]. - The diluted EPS for FY24E is adjusted to RMB 0.827, down from RMB 0.893, reflecting a 7.4% decrease [7][2]. Store Expansion and Initiatives - Haidilao aims to increase its number of stores by a mid-single-digit percentage in FY24E, with plans to open 400 to 500 stores under the new Yanqing Barbecue Shop brand over the next three years [2][10]. - The "Red pomegranate" project is highlighted as a key multi-brand development strategy, which is crucial for the company's future growth [2][10]. Valuation Metrics - The stock is currently trading at a P/E ratio of 15x for FY24E, which is considered not too demanding, especially with a dividend yield of 6% [2][3]. - The report notes that Haidilao's P/B ratio is projected to be 3.3x for FY24E, with a return on equity (ROE) of 29.2% [3][8].