MENGNIU DAIRY(HK:02319) 36氪·2025-05-12 10:07Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the financial struggles of Mengniu Dairy, highlighting a significant decline in revenue and profit, while also addressing the company's past expansion strategies and their impact on current performance [3][5][6]. Financial Performance - In 2024, Mengniu reported revenue of RMB 886.75 million, a decrease of 10.1% year-on-year, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of only RMB 105 million, down 97.8% from the previous year [4][6]. - The liquid milk segment generated revenue of RMB 730.66 million in 2024, reflecting a 10.97% decline compared to 2023 [12]. Business Challenges - The sharp decline in profit is attributed to goodwill impairment related to acquisitions of Bellamy and Modern Dairy, which collectively impacted net profit by RMB 4.33 billion [6][8]. - Mengniu's liquid milk business faces challenges due to supply-demand imbalances, leading to slow sales and operational difficulties [3][6]. Strategic Adjustments - Mengniu is actively working on inventory improvement and exploring new product categories while expanding distribution channels [6][16]. - The company has initiated cost-cutting measures, including layoffs and reduced advertising expenses, to alleviate financial pressure [14]. Market Outlook - Recent favorable policies regarding fertility subsidies are seen as potential growth opportunities for Mengniu and other dairy companies, which could help restore demand for milk products [15][20]. - Analysts suggest that despite the current challenges, Mengniu's milk powder segment remains a high-margin business with potential for recovery, especially with new product launches and collaborations [17][18]. Historical Context - The article reflects on Mengniu's aggressive expansion strategy initiated in 2016, which included significant acquisitions that have not yielded the expected growth and have instead burdened the company with financial liabilities [8][10]. - The sale of its premium asset, Junlebao, and subsequent acquisition of Bellamy has been criticized for creating a competitive disadvantage in the milk powder market [10][11].