Core Viewpoint - The acquisition of Ausnutria by Yili Group has led to improvements in management and performance, but the actual performance has fallen short of initial expectations, prompting a downward revision of future growth forecasts for Ausnutria [1] Company Summary - Since the acquisition of Ausnutria, Yili Group has provided continuous support, resulting in year-on-year improvements in both management and performance [1] - For 2024, Yili Group has adjusted its growth rate expectations for Ausnutria due to underperformance and a decline in the overall market size for infant formula [1] - Yili Group has conducted impairment testing and made corresponding adjustments based on the revised growth expectations for Ausnutria [1] Industry Summary - The liquid milk industry is experiencing a more rational competitive landscape compared to previous price decline cycles, with larger companies focusing on profit improvement while smaller companies engage in price wars [1] - The decline in milk prices has been narrowing since the first quarter, and the supply-demand balance is expected to improve further this year due to ongoing adjustments in the dairy herd [1] - Yili Group has observed a recovery in the prices of raw milk and bulk powder recently, which is expected to contribute to an improved competitive environment in the industry [1] - Although liquid milk revenue has not yet returned to positive growth in the first quarter, there have been signs of improvement in the second quarter [1] - The company plans to maintain a low inventory and stable pricing strategy while strictly controlling shipment schedules to ensure channel health [1]

Investment Rating - The report initiates coverage with a rating of "Buy" for the company [2][7]. Core Views - The company is expected to see a stabilization and potential recovery in milk prices in 2025, which could lead to improved performance [6][9]. - The company has a strong backing from major shareholders, including Mengniu Dairy, which holds a 56.36% stake, ensuring a stable demand for its raw milk business [6][18]. - The report highlights the cyclical nature of the company's profitability, heavily influenced by raw milk prices and feed costs [6][7]. Financial Data and Profit Forecast - Revenue projections for 2025-2027 are estimated at 13.33 billion, 13.69 billion, and 14.11 billion CNY, with year-on-year growth rates of 0.6%, 2.65%, and 3.06% respectively [5][7]. - The net profit for the same period is forecasted to be 252 million, 432 million, and 727 million CNY, indicating a turnaround from losses in 2024 [5][7]. - The earnings per share (EPS) is expected to improve from -0.179 CNY in 2024 to 0.032 CNY in 2025, and further to 0.092 CNY by 2027 [5][7]. Business Overview - The company primarily focuses on raw milk sales, with a significant portion of its revenue derived from long-term contracts with major clients like Mengniu and New Hope Dairy [6][26]. - The company has expanded its operations to 47 farms across 13 provinces, with a total of 491,200 dairy cows, of which 51.08% are mature cows [6][21]. - New business segments, including feed and breeding solutions, are being developed, contributing to revenue diversification [6][22]. Valuation and Market Comparison - The report employs a comparable company price-to-book (PB) valuation method, suggesting a target price of 1.26 HKD per share for the next year, representing a 12.4% upside from the current price [7][9]. - The average PB ratios for comparable companies are projected to be 0.95, 0.80, and 0.69 for 2025-2027 [7][9]. Key Assumptions - The report assumes a 2% and 0.5% year-on-year growth in raw milk sales volume for 2025 and 2026, respectively, with an average selling price (ASP) increase of -2% in 2025 and 1.5% in 2026 [8][9]. - The cost of raw milk is projected to be 2.51 CNY/kg in 2025, with feed costs contributing significantly to overall expenses [8][9].