Incoming results: As the June quarter results season wraps up, we take stock of key trends using our analysts' structured Reaction to Earnings data set (see Asia Quantitative Strategy: Asian Research Alpha Tools – Signal Through the Noise for more background). Overall, for APxJ/EM we saw a net 4ppt of results beating consensus, although a net 5ppt of companies are expected to see 12-month consensus lowered. In Japan, these figures landed at a net 15% beat and net 14% expected to see consensus rise. August 2 ...

Investment Rating - The report maintains a Neutral rating for Haidilao International Holding with a 12-month price target of HK$15.30, implying an upside potential of 8.4% from the current price of HK$14.12 [1][2][26]. Core Insights - The earnings forecasts for Haidilao have been revised down by 13%-16% for 2025-27, primarily due to lower-than-expected performance in 1H25, slower store expansion, and the company's strategy to offer better value to customers [2][23][27]. - The company is expected to experience a revenue decline of 4% year-on-year in 1H25, driven by weaker table turn performance and a decrease in party size, although a slight improvement in average selling price (ASP) may provide some offset [20][21]. - Despite the challenges in 1H25, the second half is anticipated to show a recovery in same-store sales growth (SSSG) due to an easier comparison base, which could lead to slight positive growth in average sales per store [2][22]. Summary by Sections Earnings Forecasts - The report projects a revenue of Rmb20.6 billion for 1H25, reflecting a 4% decline year-on-year, with restaurant revenue expected to drop by 6% [20][21]. - For 2025, total revenue is estimated at Rmb43.09 billion, down from the previous estimate of Rmb44.62 billion, marking a 3.4% reduction [25]. Margin Analysis - The gross profit margin (GPM) is expected to contract to 60.7% in 1H25, down from 61.0% in 1H24, due to increased food cost ratios and operating deleverage [1][21]. - Operating profit margin (OPM) is projected to decrease by 0.8 percentage points year-on-year to 11.8% [21]. Store Expansion and Performance - The company is expected to close 8 net stores in 1H25, indicating a cautious approach to expansion amid fluid consumption trends [20]. - The total store count for Haidilao is projected to decrease by 30 stores in 2025, with a total of 1,415 stores expected [25]. Valuation Metrics - The report provides a valuation of 16X for the 2025 estimated price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio, with a projected dividend yield of 6% [2][13]. - The adjusted EBITDA for 2025 is forecasted at Rmb8,063.4 million, reflecting a decline from previous estimates [25]. Key Focus Areas for Investors - Investors are advised to monitor the trends in table turn performance, store expansion plans, margin outlook, and the impact of delivery subsidies on overall performance [22][23].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Montage with a 12-month target price of Rmb106.00, indicating an upside potential of 27.7% from the current price of Rmb83.03 [17][15]. Core Insights - Montage's 2Q25 revenue is expected to grow by 52% year-over-year (YoY) to Rmb1.4 billion, driven by the increasing demand for DDR5 and Gen-3 interface integrated circuits (ICs) [1][4]. - The net income (NI) guidance for 2Q25 is projected to be between Rmb575 million and Rmb675 million, representing a YoY growth of 62% to 90%, which is 18% higher than previous estimates [1][4]. - The company's profitability is improving due to a shift towards higher-margin DDR5 interface ICs and enhanced operating leverage [1][4]. Revenue and Earnings Projections - The report revises earnings estimates upward by 5% for 2025, 3% for 2026, and 3% for 2027, reflecting higher revenues from DDR5 interface ICs and an improved product mix [5][8]. - Revenue projections for Montage are Rmb5.775 billion for 2025, Rmb8.366 billion for 2026, and Rmb10.926 billion for 2027, with corresponding gross profits of Rmb3.489 billion, Rmb5.059 billion, and Rmb6.613 billion respectively [8][17]. Margin Analysis - The report anticipates an increase in gross margin from 60.4% in 2025 to 60.5% in 2027, alongside an improvement in operating margin from 38.9% to 45.1% over the same period [8][9]. - The net margin is expected to rise from 41.4% in 2025 to 43.4% in 2027, indicating a positive trend in profitability [8][9]. Market Dynamics - The strong revenue growth is attributed to the rising penetration of DDR5 interface ICs and the increasing contribution from Gen-2 and Gen-3 products, with expectations that Gen-3 shipments will surpass Gen-2 by 4Q25/1Q26 [4][5]. - The company is set to begin production of Gen-4 DDR5 interface ICs, which are anticipated to offer better pricing and margins [4][5].

Group 1 - The company is reducing its mortgage banking income estimate due to a weak housing market [1] - The expected EPS for the company in 2025 has been revised down to $1.43 from a previous estimate of $1.67 [1]