LZLJ(SZ:000568)2025-05-06 02:28Investment Rating - The investment rating for Luzhou Lao Jiao Co. Ltd is Equal-weight [5] Core Insights - The company reported 1.8% sales growth and 0.4% net profit growth year-over-year in 1Q25, which aligns with estimates [8] - The dividend payout ratio increased to 65% in 2024 from 60% in 2023, with targets of 70% and 75% for 2025 and 2026 respectively [8] - The company aims for steady revenue growth in 2025, despite a challenging market environment [8] Revenue and Profitability - Mid-high end liquor sales rose 3% year-over-year, accounting for 88.4% of total liquor sales, while low-end liquor sales increased by 6% in 2024 [2] - Operating profit margin (OPM) declined by 1.0 percentage points year-over-year in 1Q25, with a narrowed gross profit margin (GPM) due to a lower product mix [2] - In 2024, OPM contracted by 0.7 percentage points, driven by a 2.8 percentage point decrease in GPM, partially offset by savings in operating expenses [2] Financial Position - Customer advances were Rmb3.1 billion in 1Q25, down from Rmb4.0 billion in 4Q24 and Rmb2.5 billion in 1Q24 [3] - The net cash position improved to Rmb31.4 billion in 1Q25 from Rmb29.0 billion in 4Q24 and Rmb21.4 billion in 1Q24 [3] - Cash from selling products decreased by 7% year-over-year in 1Q25 to Rmb9.9 billion [3] Future Projections - The company projects net profit growth of 1.7% year-over-year in 2024, which is 4% below consensus estimates [8] - The price target for the stock is set at Rmb122.00, indicating a downside of 3% from the closing price of Rmb125.36 on April 25, 2025 [5] - Earnings per share (EPS) estimates for the fiscal years ending in 2024, 2025, and 2026 are Rmb9.58, Rmb10.10, and Rmb10.74 respectively [5]