Core Insights - The Chinese beer market is entering a new phase characterized by stock competition and structural adjustments, with a projected 0.6% decline in production for 2024, marking the beginning of a "volume reduction and price increase" cycle [1][3] - Major beer companies are experiencing revenue declines, with the top five companies reporting a 4% drop in total revenue, while profit performance is increasingly divergent [3][5] Industry Performance - In 2024, the beer industry saw a 5.7% decline in revenue, making it the only category in the food and beverage sector to experience negative growth [5] - Key players like China Resources Beer, Budweiser APAC, and Tsingtao Brewery reported revenue declines of 0.76%, 8.9%, and 5.3% respectively, while Chongqing Brewery's revenue fell by 1.15% [5][8] - The total sales volume for major companies also decreased, with China Resources Beer down 2.5% and Budweiser APAC down 11.8% [8] Profitability Trends - Tsingtao Brewery managed a slight profit increase of 1.81%, while Yanjing Brewery saw a significant profit growth of 63.74%, contrasting with declines in profits for other major players [3][10] - Yanjing Brewery's revenue grew by 3.2%, allowing it to surpass Chongqing Brewery and become the fourth largest in the industry [10] Market Dynamics - The beer market is witnessing a shift in consumer preferences, particularly among younger generations who favor lighter drinking experiences, leading to a decrease in traditional beer consumption [12][13] - The restaurant industry is facing challenges, with a significant reduction in the number of registered dining establishments, impacting beer sales in on-premise channels [12][13] Strategic Responses - Companies are adapting by exploring new sales channels such as e-commerce and instant retail to meet changing consumer demands [13][14] - The rise of craft beer is also influencing the market, with a notable increase in the number of craft beer companies established in recent years [14] High-End Market Challenges - Despite efforts to target the high-end market, growth appears to be plateauing, with many companies facing competition from lower-priced craft beers [15][16] - Companies like Qingdao Beer and China Resources Beer are focusing on brand building and product innovation to maintain competitiveness in the high-end segment [15][18]

Core Viewpoint - Chongqing Brewery is experiencing growth in its high-end beer products, and the trend of premiumization in the beer industry is expected to continue, driven by innovation and fragmented consumer demands [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Performance - In Q1 2025, Chongqing Brewery achieved beer sales of 883,500 kiloliters, a year-on-year increase of 1.93% [1]. - The company reported operating revenue of 4.355 billion yuan, up 1.46% year-on-year [1]. - Net profit reached 473 million yuan, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 4.59% [1]. - The adjusted net profit was 467 million yuan, with a year-on-year increase of 4.74% [1]. Group 2: Product Innovation and Brand Strategy - Chongqing Brewery has a diverse brand portfolio that includes both local and international brands, with local brands accounting for 70% of national sales [1]. - The company is accelerating product innovation, launching multiple new products and packaging to meet diverse consumer needs [1]. - Innovations are focused on two areas: within beer (concepts, trends, flavors, packaging) and outside beer (beverage product innovations) [1]. Group 3: Market Opportunities - The beer industry still presents opportunities in instant retail channels, and Chongqing Brewery is deepening its collaborations in this area [1]. - Although the company has ventured into beverage products, the primary focus remains on beer, with non-beer products currently in a developmental stage [2].

Core Viewpoint - The beer companies Yanjing Beer and Zhujiang Beer continue to experience significant growth in the first quarter, benefiting from the emerging 8 yuan price segment, indicating a shift in consumer preferences and market dynamics [2][3][4]. Company Performance - Yanjing Beer reported a revenue of approximately 38.27 billion yuan in Q1, a year-on-year increase of 6.69%, with a net profit of about 1.65 billion yuan, up 61.1% [2]. - Zhujiang Beer achieved a revenue of around 12.27 billion yuan in Q1, reflecting a 10.69% year-on-year growth, and a net profit of approximately 1.57 billion yuan, which is a 29.83% increase [2]. - Yanjing Beer’s sales expenses surged by 40.03% to 5.99 billion yuan, attributed to increased market investments [2]. - Zhujiang Beer maintained lower sales expenses, which increased by only 4.89% to 1.94 billion yuan, contributing to its competitive net profit [3]. Market Dynamics - The 8 yuan price segment is increasingly replacing traditional 3 to 5 yuan products, potentially becoming the new mainstream price range in the beer industry [4]. - The market share for Yanjing Beer in North China exceeds 53%, while Zhujiang Beer dominates the South China market with over 90% [3]. - The beer industry is witnessing a structural shift from a "bottom-heavy" to a "pyramid" sales model, with a focus on products priced above 8 yuan [4]. Competitive Landscape - Major players like Budweiser APAC and China Resources Beer are shifting their resources towards the 8 to 10 yuan price segment, indicating increased competition for Yanjing and Zhujiang Beer [4].

Core Viewpoint - Qingdao Beer Company reported a decline in revenue and sales for 2024, while net profit showed a slight increase, indicating challenges in the domestic beer market and the need for strategic restructuring with Qingdao Beverage Group [1][2][4]. Financial Performance - In 2024, Qingdao Beer achieved a total product sales volume of 7.538 million kiloliters, with revenue approximately 32.138 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 5.3%. Net profit attributable to shareholders was about 4.345 billion yuan, an increase of 1.81% year-on-year [1]. - The fourth quarter revenue was 3.179 billion yuan, showing a year-on-year growth of approximately 7.47%, but the net loss attributable to shareholders was 645 million yuan, slightly higher than the previous year's loss of 640 million yuan [3]. Sales and Market Trends - For 2024, both the flagship Qingdao brand and other brands experienced declines in production and sales. Qingdao brand production was 4.26 million kiloliters (down 2%), and sales were 4.34 million kiloliters (down 4.84%). Other brands, represented by Laoshan, had production of 2.97 million kiloliters (down 2.96%) and sales of 3.2 million kiloliters (down 7.2%) [2]. - The company anticipates that the effects of national policies aimed at boosting consumption and expanding domestic demand will gradually manifest, potentially leading to market recovery [2][4]. Strategic Restructuring - Qingdao Beverage Group is being integrated into Qingdao Beer Group as part of a strategic restructuring, which is expected to enhance operational efficiency and market positioning [5][6]. - The restructuring aligns with the government's decision to transfer Qingdao Beverage Group to Qingdao Beer Group, indicating a focus on deep integration at the group level [2][5]. Future Outlook - The company expects a decline in raw material costs for 2025, as procurement for major materials has been largely secured at favorable rates [4]. - The beer industry is seen as entering a stable development phase, with a clearer competitive landscape and a trend towards high-end, green, and intelligent development [4].

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Buy" [2][3] Core Views - The company reported a revenue of 32.14 billion yuan in 2024, a decrease of 5.30% year-on-year, while the net profit attributable to shareholders was 4.35 billion yuan, an increase of 1.81% year-on-year [2] - In Q4 2024, the company achieved a revenue of 3.18 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 7.44%, with sales volume increasing by 5.61% to 750,000 kiloliters [2] - The company’s main brand sales volume in Q4 2024 increased by 7.45% year-on-year, indicating a positive growth trend [2] - The company’s gross margin improved to 40.2% in 2024, up by 1.57 percentage points year-on-year, driven by a decrease in operating costs [2] - The company is expected to see earnings per share (EPS) of 3.48, 3.96, and 4.39 yuan for the years 2025, 2026, and 2027 respectively, with corresponding price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios of 23, 20, and 18 times [2] Financial Summary - Total revenue for 2024 was 32.14 billion yuan, with a year-on-year growth rate of -5.3% [3] - The net profit attributable to shareholders for 2024 was 4.35 billion yuan, with a year-on-year growth rate of 1.8% [3] - The gross margin for 2024 was 40.2%, an increase from 38.7% in 2023 [3] - The projected EPS for 2025 is 3.48 yuan, with a P/E ratio of 22.57 times [3]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Buy" [2][3] Core Views - The company reported a revenue of 32.14 billion yuan in 2024, a decrease of 5.3% year-on-year, while the net profit attributable to the parent company was 4.35 billion yuan, an increase of 1.81% year-on-year [2] - In Q4 2024, the company achieved a revenue of 3.18 billion yuan, an increase of 7.44% year-on-year, with sales volume rising by 5.61% to 750,000 kiloliters [2] - The company’s main brand sales volume in Q4 2024 increased by 7.45%, indicating a positive growth trend [2] - The company’s gross profit margin improved to 40.2% in 2024, up by 1.57 percentage points year-on-year, due to a decrease in operating costs [2][3] Financial Performance Summary - Total revenue for 2024 was 32.14 billion yuan, with a year-on-year growth rate of -5.3% [3] - The net profit attributable to the parent company for 2024 was 4.35 billion yuan, with a year-on-year growth rate of 1.8% [3] - The gross profit margin for 2024 was 40.2%, an increase from 38.7% in 2023 [3] - The company’s EPS (Earnings Per Share) for 2024 was 3.19 yuan, with a projected EPS of 3.48 yuan for 2025 [3] Future Earnings Forecast - The company is expected to have EPS of 3.48 yuan in 2025, 3.96 yuan in 2026, and 4.39 yuan in 2027 [2][3] - The projected P/E ratios for 2025, 2026, and 2027 are 23, 20, and 18 times, respectively, based on the closing price of 78.51 yuan per share on April 2, 2025 [2]

Core Viewpoint - The beer industry in China is experiencing a decline in sales volume, with major players facing challenges, while some smaller brands are showing growth in both sales and profitability [1][2][4]. Sales Performance - In 2024, major beer companies in China reported sales volume changes: Budweiser APAC down 11.8%, Qingdao Beer down 5.86%, China Resources Beer down 2.5%, Chongqing Beer down 0.75%, Yanjing Beer up 1.6%, and Zhujiang Beer up 2.62% [2][4]. - The overall beer production in China decreased by 0.6% in 2024, indicating a decline in consumer sentiment towards daily fast-moving consumer goods [2]. Market Dynamics - The gap in market share among major players has narrowed, with leading companies like China Resources, Qingdao, and Budweiser all experiencing declines in revenue and sales, while Yanjing and Zhujiang have continued to grow beyond industry levels [4]. - Zhujiang Beer saw a nearly 37% increase in net profit, while Yanjing Beer’s net profit surged by over 50% [4]. Premiumization Trends - Yanjing Beer achieved total sales exceeding 4 million kiloliters in 2024, with its flagship product Yanjing U8 selling close to 700,000 kiloliters, marking a growth rate of over 30% for two consecutive years [5]. - Zhujiang Beer reported a nearly 14% increase in sales of high-end beer products in 2024 [5]. Challenges for Leading Brands - Budweiser APAC faced a 1.4% decline in revenue per hectoliter in China, while Qingdao Beer’s sales of mid-to-high-end products dropped by 2.65% [6]. - Despite overall revenue and sales declines, leading beer companies emphasize that their premium products continue to grow, with China Resources Beer reporting that mid-range and above beer sales exceeded 50% of total sales for the first time [7]. Pricing and Profitability - The ton price for major brands in 2024 was as follows: China Resources Beer over 3,300 yuan, Qingdao Beer over 4,200 yuan, Budweiser APAC over 5,300 yuan, Chongqing Beer over 5,200 yuan, while Yanjing and Zhujiang Beer were around 3,100 yuan and 3,800 yuan respectively [9]. - Despite slight revenue declines, China Resources and Qingdao Beer still reported revenues exceeding 36 billion yuan and 32 billion yuan respectively, indicating a significant lead over smaller competitors [11]. Future Outlook - The beer industry, while facing volume declines, still has potential for slow growth if price increases can outpace volume decreases [11].

Summary of Conference Call Notes Industry Overview - The conference call primarily discusses the Chinese liquor and beverage industry, particularly focusing on the trends observed during the Spring Sugar and Wine Fair 2025 [1] Key Points and Arguments Liquor Industry Trends - The white liquor sector shows signs of a decline in the popularity of sauce-flavored liquor, with a noticeable decrease in the number of participating brands, especially private label products [2] - Many small sauce liquor manufacturers have not produced any products this year, with the initial payment for new orders dropping significantly from 100,000 yuan to 20,000 yuan, indicating increased market competition and quality risks [2][3] - The market share of clear-flavored liquor, represented by Fenjiu, has significantly increased among small brands, reflecting a growing consumer acceptance of this type of liquor [2] Beer Industry Developments - The beer sector is experiencing a trend towards premiumization, with mainstream beer prices rising to between 6 and 8 yuan, allowing small manufacturers to survive in the 4 to 6 yuan price range [3] - Small breweries are focusing on flavor differentiation rather than production techniques, with popular products including fruit-flavored beers and the Xinyang Maojian series [4] Beverage Industry Innovations - Beverage brands are avoiding standard 500ml bottle designs by introducing non-standard sizes (e.g., 480ml, 530ml) to prevent direct price comparisons, showcasing a trend towards product differentiation [5] - The market is seeing a surge in new flavors and types of beverages, indicating ongoing innovation and diversification [5] Challenges for Small Enterprises - Small companies struggle to compete with large enterprises on cost due to the high prices of standard products like iced tea and cola [6] - To survive, small businesses are focusing on product differentiation, particularly in health-oriented products like coconut water and healthy juices, although they face challenges due to a lack of industry standards [6] Sales Model Transformation - The development of technology is significantly changing the sales model in the liquor industry, with a shift from traditional regional pricing discussions to focusing on distribution channels and private traffic monetization [7] - Online live streaming and AI tools are becoming new sales methods, with many brands employing influencers for product promotion [7] Distributor Feedback - Distributors reported that the Spring Sugar and Wine Fair met expectations, with stable demand for brands like Fenjiu and Jianshiyuan during the Spring Festival, and a better-than-expected recovery in post-holiday banquet demand [8] - However, business activities have not fully recovered, leading to cautious purchasing intentions among distributors [8] Supply-Side Strategies - Major brands like Moutai and Wuliangye are actively pursuing long-term strategic goals and maintaining high price standards, with Wuliangye's price recovering from 870-880 yuan to 930-940 yuan [9][10] - These companies are participating in reforms to maintain market positions and improve channel value distribution [10] Future Demand Expectations - The focus on business activities is crucial, as inventory levels are generally low, and distributors are hesitant to make large purchases during the off-season [11] - Observations of the economic performance in the second quarter are necessary, with companies like Fenjiu and Gujing showing stable growth strategies despite some macroeconomic conflicts [11]

本报记者 党鹏 成都报道 3月18日午间，华润啤酒（00291.HK）发布公告，集团营业额人民币386.35亿元，同比减少0.76%；股 东应占溢利47.39亿元，同比减少8.03%。 《中国经营报》记者注意到，按照目前各大啤酒企业公布的2024年财务数据，百威亚太、重庆啤酒在 2024年业绩呈现下滑，青岛啤酒在去年前三季度营收下滑。 燕京啤酒（000729.SZ）发布的业绩预告显示，公司预计2024年实现归属于上市公司股东的净利润10亿 ～11亿元，比上年同期增长55.11%～70.62%。此外，公司在2024年前三季度销量为344.73万千升，2023 年前三季度的销量为343.09万千升，同比略有增长，在啤酒行业已经算不俗的表现。 华润还是靠高端支撑 华润啤酒方面称，面对内外部环境多变、消费分化的存缩量波动时代，集团于2024年实现啤酒销量约 1087.4万千升，表现跑赢主要竞争对手。数据显示，2023年华润啤酒的销售总量为1115.1万千升，显然 销量有所下滑。 此外，华润集团高端化发展持续发力，高档及以上啤酒销量较去年同期取得超过9%增长，其中，"喜 力?"在去年高基数的情况下仍取得近两成增长，"老 ...