Summary of Conference Call Notes Industry Overview - The dairy industry is characterized by its cyclical nature, influenced by the growth cycle of cattle, which takes approximately 13 months from calf to mature cow [1] - The industry has become increasingly large-scale since 2008, driven by food safety incidents and environmental regulations, leading to a consolidation of farms [2] - As of 2020, leading farms accounted for 43% of the market, although the overall competition remains fragmented with top companies holding less than 4% market share [2] Supply and Demand Analysis - Milk price fluctuations are influenced by both supply and demand factors [3] - Supply factors include the price of imported milk powder, which serves as a substitute for fresh milk when prices are lower abroad [3] - Demand factors are driven by population growth and per capita dairy consumption, which is affected by income levels and health awareness [5] - Feed costs constitute about 70% of the raw milk sales cost, making it a significant factor in dairy farming profitability [5] Historical Price Cycles - The industry has experienced three major cycles from 2008 to present: - **2008-2013**: Milk prices fell due to the melamine scandal, leading to reduced demand [6] - **2013-2018**: Prices rose due to supply constraints from disease outbreaks and rising feed costs, followed by a decline due to increased imports [7] - **2019-Present**: Prices have been rising due to supply reductions from farm exits and supportive policies, although a recent oversupply has led to price declines starting in 2021 [9] Current Market Conditions - Current milk prices are around 3203, showing a slight decline from the previous week [9] - The industry is in a phase of bottoming out, with many farms facing losses due to falling prices and rising feed costs [10] - Factors such as rising beef prices and seasonal procurement pressures are expected to increase financial strain on smaller farms [11] Future Outlook - The second half of the year may see a balance between supply and demand, aided by government subsidies and new standards reducing reliance on imported milk powder [12] - Companies like YouRan are expected to benefit from a rebound in milk prices, with potential profit increases linked to higher proportions of premium milk sales [13] - The integration of supply chains and cost management strategies are expected to enhance profitability for leading firms [17] Company-Specific Insights - YouRan's revenue is significantly supported by stable demand from major customers like Yili, which accounts for 95% of its raw milk income [16] - The company has a diversified product range, including organic and premium milk, which helps mitigate risks associated with falling milk prices [14] - The overall industry outlook suggests that leading companies will benefit from cost reductions and a potential rebound in milk prices, with historical price cycles indicating a strong likelihood of recovery [23][24] Conclusion - The dairy industry is currently navigating a challenging environment with fluctuating prices and rising costs, but there are signs of potential recovery driven by policy support and market adjustments. Leading companies are well-positioned to capitalize on these changes through strategic management and product differentiation.

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Outperform" rating for China Mengniu Dairy [2][6]. Core Views - Supply depletion is occurring in the raw milk market, with prices stabilizing at a low level, indicating a potential reversal in the cycle [3][11]. - The reversal of milk prices is expected to positively impact Mengniu's profitability, as the company is increasingly affected by the upstream raw milk cycle [4][12]. - The company is focusing on improving operating profit margins and shareholder returns, with a planned increase in dividend payout [5][13]. Financial Summary - The current share price is HK$19.76, with a target price set at HK$27.60, indicating a potential upside [2]. - Market capitalization stands at HK$77.38 billion (approximately US$9.98 billion) [2]. - Revenue projections for 2025-2027 are estimated at Rmb 91.44 billion, Rmb 95.82 billion, and Rmb 101.30 billion, respectively, with year-on-year growth rates of 3.1%, 4.8%, and 5.7% [6][13]. - Net profit attributable to the parent company is forecasted to be Rmb 5.41 billion, Rmb 5.81 billion, and Rmb 6.42 billion for the same period, with significant growth expected in 2026 and 2027 [6][13]. - The diluted EPS is projected to increase from Rmb 1.38 in 2025 to Rmb 1.64 in 2027 [6][13]. Market Dynamics - The price of raw milk has been on a downward trend for nearly four years, reaching a 14-year low, which has led to a reduction in upstream production capacity [3][11]. - The national dairy herd has decreased by 5.8%, with expectations that a balance between supply and demand will be achieved at around 5.9 million heads [3][11]. - If the raw milk cycle reverses, it could lead to improved sales prices and reduced competition among dairy companies [4][12].