HUAXI Securities·2025-07-27 15:22Investment Rating - The industry rating is "Recommended" [4] Core Insights - Domestic gold jewelry consumption decreased by nearly 30% in the first half of 2025 due to high gold prices, with total gold consumption at 505.21 tons, down 3.54% year-on-year. Gold jewelry consumption specifically fell to 199.83 tons, a decrease of 26% [1][3] - The demand for gold bars and coins increased significantly, with a rise of 23.69% to 264.24 tons, while industrial and other gold usage saw a slight increase of 2.59% to 41.14 tons [1] - The performance of gold jewelry companies varied, with Chow Tai Fook reporting a 1.9% decline in retail value for FY2026Q1, while Lao Pu Gold expected a revenue increase of approximately 240%-252% in the same period [2][28] Summary by Sections Industry Overview - In the first half of 2025, gold jewelry consumption was significantly impacted by high gold prices, leading to a 26% decline in gold jewelry sales. However, demand for gold bars remained strong, driven by investment needs amid geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty [1][3] Company Performance - Chow Tai Fook's retail value in mainland China fell by 3.3% in FY2026Q1, while its performance in Hong Kong and Macau improved by 7.8%. The company closed 311 underperforming stores in mainland China [2][25] - Lao Pu Gold projected a substantial increase in sales and profits for the first half of 2025, with expected revenues between 138-143 billion yuan and net profits between 22.3-22.8 billion yuan, marking a growth of approximately 279%-288% [28] Investment Recommendations - The report suggests focusing on five investment themes, including the continuous upgrade of AI technology, the high demand for emotional value in consumer purchases, and the recovery of cyclical sectors. Beneficiaries include companies like Keri International, Focus Technology, and others in the new retail space [3][53][56]