NIO(US:NIO) Bank of China Securities·2025-09-03 07:46Investment Rating - The report assigns a HOLD rating to Mengniu Dairy with a target price of HK$16.80 [5][7][8] Core Insights - In 1H25, Mengniu Dairy's total revenue was RMB41.6 billion, representing a 6.9% year-on-year decline, which missed expectations. However, the core operating profit margin (OPM) increased by 1.5 percentage points year-on-year to 8.5%, exceeding expectations. The reported net profit was RMB2.0 billion, down 16.4% year-on-year, also missing expectations [5][8] - Management has revised its revenue guidance for 2025 to a mid to high single-digit percentage decline year-on-year, indicating a downward revision. The core OPM is expected to remain stable year-on-year, suggesting a quarter-on-quarter decrease in the second half of the year. The long-term target for OPM expansion of 30-50 basis points per year remains unchanged [6][8] - The forecasts for top and bottom lines for 2025-27 have been revised down by approximately 7% and 10%-16%, respectively. The report suggests that while the worst period for Mengniu has passed, it may take longer to see a turning point in the industry cycle, which is essential for a potential re-rating of domestic dairy giants like Mengniu. The current valuation is considered fair at a discount compared to its Hong Kong-listed food and beverage peers [7][8] Summary by Sections Financial Performance - Total revenue for Mengniu Dairy in 1H25 was RMB41.6 billion, down 6.9% year-on-year, missing expectations. The core OPM rose to 8.5%, while net profit fell to RMB2.0 billion, down 16.4% year-on-year [5][8] Management Guidance - The management has indicated a revenue decrease of mid to high single digits for 2025, with core OPM expected to remain stable year-on-year, implying a potential decline in the second half of the year [6][8] Forecast Revisions - The report has adjusted the revenue and net profit forecasts for 2025-27 downwards by about 7% and 10%-16%, respectively, reflecting a cautious outlook on the industry cycle [7][8]