
Investment Rating - The report initiates coverage with a "Buy" rating for the company [3] Core Views - The company is a leading player in the soft drink industry, driven by its dual business segments of packaged water and beverages [1] - The company's revenue in 2023 reached 42.667 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 28.36%, with net profit attributable to shareholders reaching 12.079 billion yuan, up 42.19% year-on-year [1] - The beverage segment surpassed packaged water in revenue for the first time in 2023, contributing 49% of total revenue, with a growth rate of 55% [1] - The company's strong brand positioning and nationwide water source strategy have built a significant moat, supporting its premium brand image [1] Industry Overview Packaged Water Market - The Chinese packaged water market reached 215 billion yuan in 2023, with a CAGR of 7.1% from 2018 to 2023 [1] - The top five players in the market account for 58.6% of the market share, with the company holding a leading 23.6% share [1] - The market is expected to grow to 314.3 billion yuan by 2028, with a CAGR of 7.9% [32] Beverage Market - The Chinese beverage market reached 694.2 billion yuan in 2023, with a CAGR of 4.0% from 2018 to 2023 [47] - Tea beverages, functional beverages, and juice beverages are the key growth drivers, with tea beverages contributing 21% of the market share [47] - The market is expected to grow to 888.8 billion yuan by 2028, with a CAGR of 5.1% [47] Company Performance Revenue and Profit - In 2023, the company's revenue was 42.667 billion yuan, up 28.36% year-on-year, with net profit attributable to shareholders reaching 12.079 billion yuan, up 42.19% year-on-year [1] - The company's revenue is expected to grow to 49.254 billion yuan in 2024, 58.756 billion yuan in 2025, and 66.854 billion yuan in 2026 [5] - Net profit attributable to shareholders is expected to reach 12.754 billion yuan in 2024, 15.655 billion yuan in 2025, and 18.113 billion yuan in 2026 [5] Product Segments - Packaged water contributed 47% of revenue in 2023, with a growth rate of 11% [1] - Tea beverages contributed 30% of revenue, with a growth rate of 83%, driven by the success of the "Oriental Leaf" brand [2] - Functional beverages contributed 11% of revenue, with a growth rate of 28%, led by the "Scream" brand [2] - Juice beverages contributed 8% of revenue, with a growth rate of 23%, driven by products like "Farmer's Orchard" [2] Brand and Marketing - The company has built a strong brand image around "natural and healthy" through long-term multi-dimensional marketing campaigns [1] - The company's advertising campaigns, such as "A Little Sweet" and "We Don't Produce Water, We Just Deliver Nature," have deeply resonated with consumers [16][41] - The company has also leveraged sports marketing, sponsoring events like the Olympics and partnering with international sports organizations [43] Supply Chain and Production - The company has established 12 major water sources across China, ensuring high-quality supply and supporting its premium brand image [45] - The company's production facilities are highly automated, with 144 production lines for packaged water and beverages, capable of producing 81,000 bottles per hour [45] - The company uses a combination of road, rail, and water transport to ensure efficient distribution across the country [45] Future Outlook - The company is expected to maintain strong growth in both packaged water and beverage segments, driven by its strong brand and product innovation [2] - The company's net profit is expected to grow at a CAGR of 16% from 2024 to 2026, reaching 18.113 billion yuan by 2026 [5] - The company's focus on health-conscious products, such as sugar-free tea and functional beverages, positions it well to capitalize on the growing health trend in China [47]