Investment Rating - The report initiates coverage with an OUTPERFORM rating, targeting a price of HK$18.10, representing a potential upside of 38% from the current price of HK$13.10 [2]. Core Insights - China Resources Beverage is a leading player in the packaged drinking water industry, holding the position of the second-largest packaged drinking water company and the largest in pure drinking water in China. The core brand "Yibao" has maintained a leading market share, contributing approximately 90% to the company's revenue [3][8]. - The company is transitioning from a single product focus to a multi-product platform, with significant growth expected in the beverage segment, which currently accounts for about 10% of total revenue but shows promising growth potential [3][30]. - The company has been expanding its production capacity and optimizing its supply chain, which is expected to improve gross margins. The gross profit margin is projected to increase to 47.3% in 2024, up from 44.7% in 2023 [4][36]. Revenue and Profit Forecast - Revenue is expected to grow from RMB 14.54 billion in 2025 to RMB 16.54 billion in 2027, with year-on-year growth rates of 7.5%, 6.7%, and 6.6% respectively. Net profit is projected to increase from RMB 1.99 billion in 2025 to RMB 2.52 billion in 2027, with corresponding EPS of RMB 0.83, RMB 0.95, and RMB 1.05 [2][5]. Market Position and Growth Drivers - The company has a strong channel network, covering over 2 million retail outlets across China, with a significant increase in retail coverage from 50.6% in 2021 to 77.2% in 2024. The company is also focusing on expanding its presence in lower-tier cities and e-commerce platforms [5][44]. - The growth of large-sized bottled water products has outpaced the industry, with a CAGR of 9.9% from 2021 to 2024, making it a key growth driver for the company [3][31]. Cost Management and Margin Improvement - The company has been optimizing its cost structure, with a focus on increasing self-built production capacity to reduce reliance on outsourcing. This strategy is expected to enhance cost control and product quality consistency [4][48]. - The gross margin has improved due to a decrease in raw material costs, particularly PET, which is projected to stabilize in the future [36][37]. Strategic Expansion - The company is actively expanding its production facilities in key regions, including Guangdong and Fujian, to enhance its national coverage and eliminate supply bottlenecks [4][48]. - The strategic focus on sports marketing and partnerships with major events is expected to enhance brand visibility and consumer engagement, further driving growth [46][47].
华润饮料（02460）：首次覆盖：产能与渠道驱动中期成长