
Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Haidilao with a target price of HK16.96 [1][5][6]. Core Views - The report anticipates low single-digit growth in both revenue and profit for 2024, with a projected revenue increase of 4.0% to RMB 431.1 billion and a net profit growth of 2.1% to RMB 45.9 billion [3][5]. - The company is expected to face significant operational pressure in Q1 2025, influenced by high base effects from the previous year and recent public relations issues at specific locations [4][5]. - Despite challenges, the long-term growth logic of "steady revenue growth and outstanding profitability" remains intact, with a projected market capitalization range of HK1,141 billion based on various assumptions [5][6]. Revenue and Profit Forecasts - For 2024, revenue is expected to reach RMB 431.1 billion, with a net profit of RMB 45.9 billion, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 4.0% and 2.1% respectively [3][6]. - The report projects a slight increase in gross margin to 61.5% due to lower beef and lamb prices, despite a slight decline in net profit margin to 10.7% [3][6]. Adjustments to Estimates - The target price has been raised by 25% from HK19.45, reflecting a 19x P/E ratio for 2026 [1][5]. - Revenue estimates for 2024-2026 have been adjusted downwards by 6.5%, 9.2%, and 10.5% respectively, while net profit estimates have been slightly adjusted upwards for 2024 and 2025, but down for 2026 [7][6]. Financial Summary - The financial data indicates a steady increase in revenue from RMB 31,039 million in 2022 to an expected RMB 46,859 million in 2026, with net profit projected to grow from RMB 1,374 million in 2022 to RMB 5,362 million in 2026 [6][13]. - The report highlights a consistent improvement in earnings per share (EPS), projected to rise from RMB 0.25 in 2022 to RMB 0.96 in 2026 [6][13].