CHINA RES BEER(00291) 浦银国际·2025-03-19 02:39Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for China Resources Beer (291.HK) with a target price of HKD 34.3, representing a potential upside of 20.4% from the current price of HKD 28.5 [3][6]. Core Views - The report highlights that the certainty of a performance turnaround in 2025 for China Resources Beer is greater than that of its competitors. The company is expected to achieve positive revenue growth in its beer business for the full year of 2025, supported by a strong start in the first two months of the year [6][10]. - The company's strategy of continuous premiumization is seen as more favorable compared to major competitors, with a projected sales volume decline of only 2.5% in 2024, which is less severe than that of its peers [6][10]. - The management's emphasis on the "Three Precision" strategy aims to streamline operations and reduce costs, which is expected to enhance profit margins in 2025 [6][10]. Financial Forecasts - Revenue projections for China Resources Beer are as follows: - 2023: RMB 38,932 million - 2024: RMB 38,635 million - 2025E: RMB 39,575 million - 2026E: RMB 40,526 million - 2027E: RMB 41,455 million - The year-on-year growth rates are 10.4%, -0.8%, 2.4%, 2.4%, and 2.3% respectively [2][10]. - Core net profit forecasts are: - 2023: RMB 5,259 million - 2024: RMB 4,766 million - 2025E: RMB 5,346 million - 2026E: RMB 5,758 million - 2027E: RMB 6,145 million - The year-on-year growth rates are 16.3%, -9.4%, 12.2%, 7.7%, and 6.7% respectively [2][10]. - Key financial ratios include: - PE ratios for 2025E: 16.1x - ROE for 2025E: 16.3% [2][10]. Market Positioning - The report indicates that China Resources Beer has a competitive edge over Budweiser APAC, with a stable management team and a sustainable strategic plan. The company is also expected to increase its dividend payout ratio from 40% in 2023 to 52% in 2024, with intentions to reach over 60% in the future [6][10].