Summary of Livestock Industry Conference Call Industry Overview - The livestock industry is experiencing a cyclical opportunity due to the resonance between beef and milk markets, with domestic beef supply expected to remain tight for the next two to three years, leading to continuous price increases [1][2][7]. Key Points Beef Market Dynamics - Domestic beef supply is in a tight state, primarily due to tightened import policies and a reduction in livestock numbers, with a projected price increase of approximately 35% from current levels to reach previous highs [1][3][9]. - The number of domestic beef cattle has decreased to approximately 99.92 million heads by the end of Q2 2025, influenced by ongoing losses among farmers [3][8]. - The beef price increase is supported by a 10% reduction in imports during the first half of the year, which has significantly impacted prices [3]. Milk Market Dynamics - The raw milk cycle is at the tail end of a downward trend, with prices having dropped by about 30% from the previous peak in late 2021, stabilizing around 3 RMB per kilogram in the first half of 2025 [10][12]. - The supply of raw milk is expected to decline year-on-year, with a 2.8% decrease in production noted, marking the end of six consecutive years of growth [12]. Investment Opportunities - Investment opportunities are concentrated in the beef cycle and the raw milk cycle, with significant resonance effects expected as both markets evolve [2][5][7]. - Hong Kong-listed livestock companies are seen as advantageous investment targets due to their exposure to both rising beef prices and the impending turning point in the raw milk cycle [5]. Challenges for Small and Medium-sized Farms - Small and medium-sized farms face multiple challenges, including high cash costs, reduced financial support, and rising feed prices, which exacerbate operational pressures [13]. - The majority of beef producers are small-scale, with over 90% of farms having fewer than 10 heads, making them highly sensitive to price fluctuations [8]. Future Projections - The expectation is for continued tight supply in the domestic beef market, which will exacerbate supply-demand imbalances and drive prices higher over the next two to three years [7]. - The raw milk cycle is anticipated to reach a turning point soon, further enhancing investment opportunities in the sector [7]. Deep Processing and Product Development - The Chinese dairy industry has historically focused on liquid milk, but there is a growing trend towards deep processing, with major dairy companies beginning to invest in this area [4][15][16]. - The current surplus of raw milk presents a window for developing deep processing capabilities, which could reduce reliance on imports and enhance domestic production efficiency [15][16]. Company Valuations - Current valuations for Hong Kong-listed livestock companies show potential for significant upside, with price-to-book (PB) ratios around 1.3 for YouRan and 1 for Modern, compared to previous peaks of 2-2.5 [4][18]. - The optimistic profit expectations for YouRan suggest a potential market capitalization of around 20 billion RMB based on peak net profit margins [18]. Recommended Companies - Key recommended companies include YouRan, ShengMu, and TianRun, each with unique strengths and market positions, making them suitable investment targets in the current market environment [5][19][20].