Core Insights - The beer industry in China is experiencing both pressure and opportunities amid a complex market environment, transitioning from a growth phase to a "stock game" phase since 2013, focusing on brand, product, channel, and efficiency rather than volume [1] - In 2022, the national beer sales scale was approximately 170 billion yuan, a year-on-year decline of 4%, while the national beer production was 35.21 million kiloliters, down 0.6% year-on-year, indicating a prolonged adjustment period for the industry [1] - Despite the overall stabilization in volume, there remains untapped "price potential" in the Chinese beer market, with an average retail price of around 4.5 yuan per liter, significantly lower than in mature markets like Europe and the US [1] - The high-end segment is viewed as a long-term growth direction for the beer industry, with brands increasing investments in premium product lines [1] Market Trends - In certain regional markets, high-end products are outperforming mid-to-low-end categories, with the transaction volume in the boutique market's convenience store channel growing by 25.6% year-on-year [2] - Some distributors have seen transaction volumes in convenience store channels increase by over 85%, achieving timely order fulfillment through a "multi-product + efficient service" strategy [2] - The discount store channel is projected to see a 180% year-on-year increase in beer transaction volume in 2024, with a 114% growth in average transaction volume per store and a 30% increase in the number of stores [2] - The penetration rate of beer in discount stores has exceeded 15% in the boutique market, highlighting the channel's advantages in cost-effectiveness and high replenishment frequency [2]

Investment Rating - Investment recommendation: 1) Baijiu: Strengthen internal capabilities, accumulate power for improvement, medium to long-term allocation value highlighted, focus on "advantageous leaders, continued dividends, strong recovery" [3][4][19] Core Viewpoints - The Baijiu industry is characterized by "demand bottoming out, channel destocking, and stable wholesale prices" in 2025. Demand structure continues to differentiate, with better performance in mass price segments and some single products upgrading [4][17] - The beer and beverage sectors are expected to see a peak season, with a focus on alpha opportunities. The beer industry is transitioning from expectations to data verification, with positive growth anticipated in 2025 due to favorable weather, improved consumer confidence, and policy stimulation [4][25] - The consumer goods sector is experiencing a joint catalyst from product and channel innovations, with significant opportunities for iteration and innovation. The demand for health-conscious and cost-effective products is driving the expansion of the food industry [5][69] Summary by Sections Baijiu - The industry is experiencing a slowdown in growth, with companies focusing on long-term healthy growth. The demand is stabilizing, and leading companies are enhancing channel management to stabilize prices [4][13] - Major companies like Guizhou Moutai and Wuliangye are setting conservative growth targets, emphasizing quality development and shareholder returns [18][19] Beer & Beverages - The beer sector is entering a peak season with low comparative bases, and there are expectations for positive sales growth driven by improved conditions [25][30] - The functional beverage market is expanding, with leading companies like Dongpeng Beverage showing significant growth rates [48][52] Consumer Goods - The food industry is witnessing rapid innovation driven by both supply and demand, with a focus on health and convenience. The demand for healthy ingredients is leading to the emergence of new product categories [69][73] - The channel landscape is evolving, with discount formats and supermarkets adapting to meet consumer needs, leading to the rapid expansion of specialized stores and e-commerce [79][80]

啤酒行业在2024年经历深度调整周期：前三个季度持续承受需求收缩压力(春节后及7-8月两次需求冷却 周期)，叠加极端天气扰动旺季销售，渠道去杠杆化形成"需求-库存-资金"三重压力，2024年二至三季度 进入行业低谷。转机始于2024年三季度末，政策拐点显现，消费券精准投放与居民收入预期改善促使餐 饮渠道闭店率边际企稳。龙头企业通过资产负债表修复(24H2行业库存水位降至历史低位)与经营策略前 瞻性调整(渠道结构向非现饮转型加速，数字化零售布局深化)，成功构建新增长极。 食品饮料ETF(515170)跟踪中证细分食品饮料产业主题指数，聚焦白酒、饮料乳品、调味发酵品等高壁 垒、强韧性板块，帮助投资者一键配置"吃喝板块"核心资产。相较于其成分股动辄数万、数十万的最低 投资门槛，食品饮料ETF是小资金参与板块投资的便捷工具。(联接A类：013125；联接C类：013126) 2025年一季报量价齐升态势验证行业复苏拐点确认，啤酒板块步入周期性上行通道。收入端，25Q1啤 酒板块收入201.5亿元，同比+3.7%，环比继续改善；利润端，25Q1啤酒板块归母净利25.3亿元，同比 +10.9%，增速环比提升。成本下行、销 ...

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Strong Buy" rating for Qingdao Beer, with a target price of 90 CNY and 70 HKD [1][6]. Core Views - The new management team, led by Chairman Jiang Zongxiang, emphasizes "innovation-driven, quality improvement, and high-quality development" as the core strategy for the company [1]. - The company aims to enhance its market share in the southern regions and diversify its product offerings, including health-oriented beers and premium spirits [6]. - The report expresses confidence in achieving sales growth in the upcoming peak season, supported by cost advantages and strategic initiatives [6]. Financial Summary - Total revenue projections are as follows: 32,138 million CNY for 2024, with a decline of 5.3%, followed by growth of 4.7% in 2025, 2.7% in 2026, and 2.0% in 2027 [2]. - Net profit attributable to shareholders is expected to be 4,345 million CNY in 2024, with a growth rate of 1.8%, increasing to 4,875 million CNY in 2025, reflecting a 12.2% growth [2]. - Earnings per share (EPS) are projected to be 3.19 CNY in 2024, increasing to 3.57 CNY in 2025 [2]. Strategic Initiatives - The company is focusing on enhancing its product development and market presence, particularly in the northern market, while also addressing weaknesses in the southern market [6]. - Plans include the acquisition of a yellow wine brand to diversify offerings and the development of a whiskey line to tap into the premium market segment [6]. - The company is also investing in online and fresh retail channels to improve supply chain efficiency and meet diverse consumer demands [6]. Market Performance - The report notes that the beer industry is entering a phase of volume stabilization, with a continued focus on premiumization despite short-term competitive pressures [6]. - The company is expected to benefit from a recovery in sales volume and cost efficiencies, leading to resilient performance in the medium to long term [6].

Group 1 - The overall beer industry in China is under pressure, with a national sales scale declining by 4% in 2024, approximately 170 billion yuan [2][13] - Beer production in 2024 is projected to reach 35.21 million kiloliters, a decrease of 0.6% year-on-year, indicating a shift to a stock competition era since 2013 [2][22] - The high-end market remains a long-term development trend, with significant room for price increases compared to international markets [2][18] Group 2 - The beer market is categorized into four types: Base Market, Flow Market, Boutique Market, and Benchmark Market, each showing a decline in GMV in 2024 [2][35] - The Base Market (59 cities) saw a GMV drop of 10%, while the Flow Market (60 cities) declined by 2%. The Boutique Market (38 cities) and Benchmark Market (20 cities) experienced GMV decreases of 4.4% and 3.8%, respectively [2][35][38] - The Flow Market, characterized by low prices and high volume, showed the smallest decline, indicating a potential area for growth [2][38] Group 3 - Key players in the beer industry have shown varied performance, with only Yanjing Beer reporting slight revenue growth, while others like China Resources Snow Beer and Budweiser Asia Pacific experienced declines [3][13] - The craft beer market is growing significantly, with a market size of 3 billion yuan in 2024, and non-alcoholic beer is outpacing the average industry growth [3][4] - Emerging channels such as discount stores are gaining traction, with GMV growth of 180% in 2024, highlighting a shift in consumer purchasing behavior [3][4] Group 4 - The industry is focusing on channel strategy optimization as a key strategic priority due to the challenges faced in traditional consumption channels [13] - The competition is expected to intensify around health-oriented products, scene innovation, and digital channel expansion as the industry adapts to changing consumer preferences [4]

Core Viewpoint - Budweiser APAC is facing significant challenges in the Chinese market, as evidenced by its recent Q1 2025 financial report, which shows declines in revenue and net profit compared to market expectations and previous year figures [1][3][4]. Financial Performance - In Q1 2025, Budweiser APAC reported revenue of $1.461 billion, below the market estimate of $1.52 billion, representing a year-on-year decline of 7.5% [1][3]. - The net profit for the same period was $234 million, slightly below the market expectation of $235 million, marking an 18.47% decrease year-on-year [1][3]. - Total sales volume in Q1 2025 was 19.741 million liters, down from 21.115 million liters in Q1 2024, reflecting a 9.2% decline [2][3]. Market Dynamics - The decline in sales volume in China is attributed to poor performance in business layout and on-the-go channels, as well as inventory management measures impacting approximately 25% of the sales drop [3][12]. - Budweiser APAC's market share and revenue per hectoliter have also decreased, with a 3.9% drop in revenue per hectoliter in the Chinese market [10][12]. Cost Management - To alleviate pressure from the Chinese market, Budweiser APAC has been actively reducing operational costs, with a 7.5% decrease in sales costs in Q1 2025 [5][6]. - The company has also reduced its workforce, cutting approximately 4,000 employees over the past year, from over 25,000 in 2023 to around 21,000 in 2024 [7][8]. Strategic Adjustments - Budweiser APAC is shifting its channel strategy to include mid-range dining channels and promoting sub-premium products to adapt to changing consumer preferences [15][16]. - The company has expanded its distribution network, increasing the number of cities where its products are available from 220 in 2023 to 235 in 2024 [18][19]. Competitive Landscape - Budweiser APAC's leading position is being challenged by domestic competitors like Tsingtao Brewery and China Resources Beer, which are also enhancing their high-end product offerings [23][24]. - The overall beer production in China has been declining, with a reported decrease of 0.6% in 2024, leading to a concentration of market share among national brands [22][23].

Core Viewpoint - Budweiser APAC is facing significant challenges as evidenced by declining sales, revenue, and net profit in both the first quarter of 2025 and the full year of 2024, indicating pressure on the company's growth strategy [1][4][5] Financial Performance Summary - In Q1 2025, total sales volume was approximately 1.974 billion liters, a decrease of 6.1% year-on-year; revenue was $1.461 billion, down 7.5%; gross profit was $745 million, also down 7.5%; and net profit was $234 million, reflecting an 18.47% decline [1] - For the full year 2024, revenue was $6.246 billion, a decline of 8.9%; net profit was $750 million, down 14.77%; and sales volume was 8.48 billion liters, a decrease of 8.8% [1] - The stock price of Budweiser APAC has dropped over 40% since 2024, currently trading just above 8 HKD [1] Market Dynamics - The Chinese market is crucial for Budweiser APAC, contributing over 75% of revenue in 2022, but has recently shown a "volume and price drop" due to weak domestic beer consumption [2] - In 2024, the Chinese market saw a sales volume and price decline of 11.8% and 1.4% respectively, with a market share decrease of 1.49 percentage points [2] - Conversely, the Indian market has shown strong growth, with revenue growth close to 20% in both 2024 and Q4, positioning it as one of the top four global markets for the company [2] Competitive Landscape - Budweiser APAC's high-end market share in China has declined from nearly 50% in 2015 to around 40% currently, as local brands gain market share [6] - The competition in the high-end beer segment has intensified, particularly in the 8 RMB price range, which has become a key battleground for market share [7][8] - The overall beer production in China decreased by 0.6% in 2024, while the high-end beer market is expected to reach 280 billion RMB, accounting for 40% of the total market [8] Strategic Adjustments - The new CEO, Cheng Yanjun, is focusing on strengthening the Budweiser and Harbin beer brands and optimizing supply chains while deepening local market engagement [6][10] - Budweiser APAC is shifting its strategy to include more competitive pricing in the 8-10 RMB range to enhance its market position [8][9] - Future strategies will likely involve product innovation, channel diversification, and enhanced supply chain efficiency to address the challenges posed by local brands and changing consumer trends [9][10]

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese beer industry is expected to benefit from favorable policies aimed at promoting consumption and stabilizing growth in 2025, despite facing challenges such as intensified competition, cost fluctuations, and slower-than-expected consumer recovery [1] Group 1: Company Performance - In 2024, Chongqing Beer reported a revenue of 14.645 billion yuan, a decrease of 1.15% year-on-year, and a net profit of 1.115 billion yuan, down 16.61% year-on-year [1] - In Q1 2025, Chongqing Beer achieved a revenue of 4.355 billion yuan, an increase of 1.46% year-on-year, and a net profit of 473 million yuan, up 4.59% year-on-year [1][2] Group 2: Product Segmentation - Chongqing Beer categorizes its products based on consumer price: high-end (8 yuan and above), mainstream (4 to 8 yuan), and economy (below 4 yuan), with high-end products generating the highest revenue [2] - In Q1 2025, high-end beer products generated 2.572 billion yuan in revenue, a growth of 1.21%, while mainstream beer products generated 1.52 billion yuan, growing by 1.99% [2] Group 3: Industry Trends - The Chinese beer industry has been in a continuous decline since reaching its peak production in 2013, with a 30.1% decrease in total production by 2024 compared to 2013 [2] - The industry is shifting towards high-end products, with a focus on diversifying offerings beyond traditional mainstream beers to include craft beers, flavored beers, and low-alcohol options [2][3] Group 4: Channel Strategy - The company is focusing on enhancing its high-end product offerings in non-on-trade channels (supermarkets, convenience stores, e-commerce, etc.), which is seen as a significant growth area [3] - Other beer manufacturers are also increasing their efforts in non-on-trade channels, leading to intensified competition in this space [4]

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese beer industry faces significant challenges in 2024, with a notable decline in sales and a shift in consumer behavior impacting revenue and profit margins [1][4][5]. Revenue and Profit Summary - In 2024, seven listed beer companies achieved a total revenue of approximately 152.13 billion yuan and a net profit of about 17.44 billion yuan [1]. - The revenue distribution among these companies shows three main tiers: over 30 billion yuan, between 10 billion and 30 billion yuan, and below 10 billion yuan [1]. - Budweiser APAC leads with a revenue of 62.46 billion yuan, followed by China Resources Beer and Tsingtao Brewery with revenues of 38.64 billion yuan and 32.14 billion yuan, respectively [1]. Performance Disparity - 57% of the beer companies experienced a decline in sales volume, attributed to a decrease in on-the-go consumption and high-end product sales [1][4]. - Among the seven companies, four reported a decrease in revenue, with Budweiser APAC, China Resources Beer, Tsingtao Brewery, and Chongqing Beer showing declines of 8.9%, 0.76%, 5.3%, and 1.15%, respectively [2][3]. - Conversely, Yanjing Beer, Zhujiang Beer, and Huichuan Beer saw revenue increases of 3.2%, 6.56%, and 5.44%, respectively [2]. Market Challenges - The decline in on-the-go consumption channels, such as restaurants and bars, has significantly impacted beer sales [4][5]. - The average per capita consumption in the restaurant sector dropped to 39.8 yuan, a decrease of 6.6% year-on-year, with the beverage segment experiencing the most significant decline [4]. - High-end product sales are also under pressure, with Budweiser APAC's market share in the high-end segment falling from approximately 50% to 42% [5]. Strategic Shifts - Beer companies are shifting focus from traditional on-premise sales to new consumption scenarios, particularly instant retail, which is gaining traction [6][7]. - Instant retail for beer has seen significant growth, with a reported 83% increase in market size from 2020 to 2022 [6]. - Companies like China Resources Snow Beer and Tsingtao Brewery are exploring customized products and services to meet evolving consumer demands [6]. Future Trends - The competition in the beer industry is transitioning from channel acquisition to the exploration of consumer scenarios, especially in the high-end segment [7]. - The future development of the beer market is expected to focus on technology-driven high-end products and the capture of instant consumption scenarios [7].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, total volumes and revenue decreased by 6.1% and 7.5% respectively, with revenue per hectoliter declining by 1.5% due to negative geographic and channel mix [7][8] - Normalized EBITDA decreased by 11.2%, and the normalized EBITDA margin contracted by 140 basis points [7] - In APAC West, volumes and revenue decreased by 8.6% and 11.7% respectively, with normalized EBITDA decreasing by 17.6% [7][8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In China, volumes declined by 9.2%, with revenue declining by 12.7% and revenue per hectoliter down by 3.9% [8] - The in-home channel saw increased volume and revenue contributions, indicating a shift towards premiumization in this segment [9] - In APAC East, volumes and revenues increased by 11.9% and 11.7% respectively, with normalized EBITDA increasing by 24.4% [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In South Korea, volume increased by double digits, supported by shipment phasing ahead of a price increase announced in April [12] - The company reported strong performance in the in-home channel, with a focus on expanding distribution and market share [30] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to adapt to evolving market conditions and execute with discipline to capture growth, focusing on market share, in-home channels, and mega brands like Budweiser and Harbin [5][20] - The strategy emphasizes premiumization and a digitalized ecosystem, with a commitment to optimizing business operations [20][76] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that consumer confidence in China remains low, impacting sales, particularly in Guangdong, but sees potential for improvement during holiday periods [17][56] - The company is focused on executing its strategy effectively, with an emphasis on enhancing distribution and expanding the in-home channel [49] Other Important Information - The company has increased marketing investments for Budweiser and Harbin to connect with consumers and drive market share [10] - The usage and reach of the BEES platform for B2B wholesaler and customer engagement continued to expand, indicating a focus on technology and commercial capabilities [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on Q2 performance in China - Management indicated that consumer confidence remains low, particularly in key regions, but sees potential for improvement during holiday periods [17] Question: Competition in Guangdong province - Management acknowledged the competitive landscape in Guangdong and emphasized the importance of expanding in-home coverage and distribution to maintain market share [30] Question: Core plus plus strategy and trade-up volume - Management explained that the core plus plus segment serves as an accessible upgrade for consumers, with a focus on superior product offerings to drive growth [39] Question: Impact of tariffs in Guangdong - Management stated it is too early to quantify the impact of tariffs on consumer behavior but emphasized focusing on execution and adapting strategies as needed [46] Question: On-trade recovery in China - Management remains conservative about on-trade recovery, noting that consumer confidence is a key factor and that in-home consumption continues to grow [56] Question: Cooperation with Swire - Management highlighted successful trials in Hubei and Anhui provinces and expressed optimism about future collaboration opportunities [86] Question: Future of Harbin Beer - Management emphasized Harbin's unique position as a national brand with a strong heritage and commitment to premiumization, aiming to leverage its brand power for growth [92]