Investment Rating - The report assigns a "Buy" rating with a target price of HKD 1.91, representing a potential upside of 38.5% from the current price of HKD 1.38 [6]. Core Insights - The company is expected to benefit from a rebound in both meat and milk prices, leading to significant revenue growth and a turnaround in profitability by 2026. The projected net profits for 2026, 2027, and 2028 are estimated at HKD 5.8 billion, HKD 14.2 billion, and HKD 20.1 billion respectively [7]. - The company has demonstrated strong operational resilience despite a challenging industry environment, with a notable improvement in cash EBITDA, which grew by 2.6% to HKD 3.063 billion, and a gross margin increase of 1.4 percentage points to 27.4% [7]. - The report highlights the company's effective cost control measures, with the cost of milk sales per kilogram reduced to HKD 2.32, an 8.3% decrease year-on-year, and feed costs down by 9.2% to HKD 1.77 [7]. Financial Summary - Revenue for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, is reported at HKD 12.6 billion, a decline of 4.9% year-on-year. However, the company is expected to return to growth with projected revenues of HKD 13.5 billion in 2026, HKD 14.6 billion in 2027, and HKD 15.7 billion in 2028 [4][9]. - The net profit for 2025 is reported at a loss of HKD 12.04 billion, but a significant recovery is anticipated with a net profit of HKD 579 million in 2026 and HKD 1.42 billion in 2027 [4][9]. - The company's earnings per share (EPS) is projected to improve from a loss of HKD 0.14 in 2025 to a profit of HKD 0.07 in 2026, and further to HKD 0.18 in 2027 [4][9]. Industry Dynamics - The report indicates a significant restructuring in the supply-demand dynamics of the raw milk industry, with a continued decline in national dairy cow inventory expected to lead to potential supply shortages in 2026-2027 [7]. - The demand for domestic raw milk is increasing as imports of bulk powder have halved, and the growth in downstream processing capacity is gradually improving the supply-demand relationship [7]. - The report notes that the beef cycle is also showing signs of recovery, with the price of culled cows rebounding over 30% from its low in 2024, which is expected to provide additional revenue opportunities for the company [7].

Core Viewpoint - Modern Dairy is positioned as a leading player in the dairy industry, with a clear and steady path towards recovery, expected to reach the bottom of the industry cycle in 2025, followed by a rebound in 2026 and a peak in 2028, establishing a "stable milk and strong meat" pattern [1][2][3] Group 1: 2025 Review - In the first half of 2025, the company achieved revenue of 6.07 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 5.4%, with raw milk business revenue at 5.07 billion yuan, down 0.8% year-on-year [1] - The decline in raw milk prices led to significant non-cash losses in fair value changes of biological assets, resulting in a net profit loss of 980 million yuan in the first half of 2025; however, cash EBITDA was 1.48 billion yuan, down 2.5% year-on-year [2] Group 2: 2026 Outlook - For 2026, the company anticipates a balanced supply and demand for raw milk, with prices stabilizing and increasing, alongside rising beef prices due to a supply gap; the acquisition of China Shengmu is expected to be completed, leading to improved profitability [2][3] - Cash profits are projected to grow due to industry capacity clearing and enhanced production efficiency, with raw milk business revenue expected to achieve mid-single-digit growth year-on-year [2] Group 3: 2028 Peak Outlook - The peak of the dairy and meat cycles is expected in 2028, with domestic fresh milk prices projected to rise to 3.6 yuan/kg and beef prices recovering to previous cycle highs; this will solidify the "stable milk and strong meat" pattern [3] - The company is expected to benefit from its scale advantages, leading production levels, and cost control capabilities, with an estimated total pre-tax profit increase of approximately 3.1 billion yuan from the reversal of the meat and milk cycles from 2025 to 2028 [3] Group 4: Profit Forecast and Valuation - The profit forecast has been adjusted upwards, with expected EPS for 2025-2027 at -0.14, 0.09, and 0.17 yuan, reflecting increases of 14% for 2025 and 2026, and 22% for 2027 [3] - The company is assigned a target price of 1.90 HKD for 2026, based on a 19x PE valuation, recognizing its leading position in the domestic livestock industry and the potential for profit elasticity under the dual-cycle resonance [3]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Buy" with a target price of HKD 1.90, reflecting a valuation premium due to its leading position in the domestic livestock industry and expected profit elasticity under the dual-cycle resonance [5][4]. Core Insights - The company is positioned at the core of the dairy industry's upstream sector, with a clear and steadily improving cyclical evolution path. It is expected to be at the bottom of the industry cycle in 2025, with marginal recovery in beef prices and low raw milk prices. The apparent profit losses in the company's financial statements are gradually narrowing, showcasing cash profit resilience [1][5]. - In 2026, the company is anticipated to enter a phase of cyclical recovery, with a gradual start of dairy and meat resonance. This is expected to lead to volume and price recovery, impairment improvement, and potential merger synergies, collectively enhancing performance elasticity [3][1]. - The peak of the dual-cycle resonance for dairy and meat is projected to occur in 2028, establishing a "stable milk and strong meat" pattern, with the company's profit foundation continuously solidifying and profit elasticity expected to be fully released [1][3]. Summary by Sections 2025 Review - In the first half of 2025, the company achieved revenue of RMB 6.07 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 5.4%. The raw milk business revenue was RMB 5.07 billion, down 0.8% year-on-year. Despite the decline in average raw milk prices, the company leveraged its industry-leading annual yield to effectively counteract price drop pressures [10]. - The net profit attributable to the parent company for the first half of 2025 was a loss of RMB 980 million, primarily due to weak raw milk prices leading to significant non-cash losses from fair value changes in biological assets. Excluding non-cash factors, cash EBITDA was RMB 1.48 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 2.5% [10]. 2026 Outlook - Under a neutral assumption, raw milk supply and demand are expected to be in a tight balance in 2026, with milk prices stabilizing and beef prices continuing to rise. The acquisition of China Shengmu is expected to be completed in 2026, leading to profit improvement [3][10]. - The company anticipates that the raw milk business revenue will achieve mid-single-digit growth year-on-year in 2026, benefiting from the downward trend in feed costs and steady yield improvement. If the subsequent acquisition proceeds smoothly, the herd size will increase from 470,000 to over 610,000, further releasing scale effects and synergy [10][3]. Profit Forecast and Valuation - The profit forecast has been adjusted upwards, with expected EPS for 2025, 2026, and 2027 at RMB -0.14, RMB 0.09, and RMB 0.17 respectively, reflecting increases of 14% for both 2025 and 2026, and 22% for 2027 [4]. - The estimated tax-pre profit increment from the meat and milk cycle reversal from 2025 to 2028 is approximately RMB 3.1 billion [3].

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Buy" with a target price of HKD 1.90, reflecting a valuation premium due to its leading position in the industry and expected profit elasticity under the dual-cycle resonance [5][4]. Core Insights - The company is positioned as a core leader in the upstream dairy industry, with a clear and steadily improving cyclical evolution path. It is expected to be at the bottom of the industry cycle in 2025, with marginal recovery in beef prices and low raw milk prices. The apparent profit losses are gradually narrowing, showcasing cash profit resilience [1][5]. - In 2026, the company is anticipated to enter a phase of cyclical recovery, with a gradual initiation of dairy and meat resonance. This is expected to lead to volume and price recovery, impairment improvement, and potential merger synergies, collectively enhancing performance elasticity [3][1]. - The peak of the dual-cycle resonance for dairy and meat is projected to occur in 2028, establishing a "stable dairy and strong meat" pattern, with a solid foundation for profitability and significant profit elasticity expected to be released [3][1]. Summary by Sections 2025 Review - In the first half of 2025, the company achieved revenue of RMB 6.07 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 5.4%. The raw milk business revenue was RMB 5.07 billion, down 0.8% year-on-year. Despite the decline in raw milk prices, the company leveraged its industry-leading annual yield to effectively counteract price drop pressures [10]. - The net profit attributable to the parent company for the first half of 2025 was a loss of RMB 980 million, primarily due to weak raw milk prices leading to significant non-cash losses from fair value changes in biological assets [10]. 2026 Outlook - Under a neutral assumption, it is expected that raw milk supply and demand will be in a tight balance in 2026, with milk prices stabilizing and beef prices continuing to rise. The acquisition of China Shengmu is anticipated to be completed in 2026, leading to profit improvement [3][10]. - The company is expected to achieve a mid-single-digit growth in raw milk business revenue in 2026, benefiting from the downward trend in feed costs and steady yield improvements. If the acquisition proceeds smoothly, the herd size will increase from 470,000 to over 610,000, further enhancing scale effects and synergy [10][3]. Profit Forecast and Valuation - The profit forecast has been adjusted upwards, with expected EPS for 2025, 2026, and 2027 at RMB -0.14, RMB 0.09, and RMB 0.17 respectively, reflecting increases of 14% for both 2025 and 2026, and 22% for 2027 [4]. - The estimated tax-pre profit increment from the meat and dairy cycle reversal from 2025 to 2028 is approximately RMB 3.1 billion [3].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the food and beverage sector, suggesting investors take advantage of low prices to acquire quality leading companies [6]. Core Insights - The report highlights a positive outlook for the food and beverage sector, driven by seasonal demand and improved sales performance during the Chinese New Year [1]. - It emphasizes the importance of focusing on leading brands with strong fundamentals, particularly in the liquor and dairy segments, as they are expected to outperform their peers [2][4]. Summary by Category Liquor - The liquor industry is experiencing a divergence in performance, with top brands like Kweichow Moutai and Wuliangye showing strong sales, while others face challenges [1]. - Kweichow Moutai benefits from marketing reforms and strong demand, with its product prices stabilizing above 1600 RMB [1]. - Recommendations include Kweichow Moutai, Wuliangye, and other leading brands for investment [1]. Dairy Products - Major dairy companies like Yili and Mengniu are expected to achieve strong sales during the Chinese New Year, with inventory levels remaining healthy [2]. - The report anticipates a turning point in the raw milk cycle, with prices expected to stabilize, benefiting leading dairy firms [2]. - Recommended stocks include Yili and Mengniu, which are expected to gain market share in 2026 [2]. Restaurant Supply Chain and Condiments - The report sees a recovery in the restaurant sector, supported by government policies and improved consumer confidence [3]. - Leading companies are adjusting pricing strategies to enhance profitability, with inventory levels remaining healthy [3]. - Key recommendations include Anjijia and Haitian Flavoring, which are expected to benefit from improved market conditions [3]. Snacks - The snack industry is poised for growth, with increased sales during the Chinese New Year and a shift towards efficient retail channels [4]. - Recommended stocks include Weilian and Qiaqia, which are expected to maintain high profitability levels [4].