Investment Focus - The report highlights a focus on structural opportunities driven by policy catalysis, particularly in essential consumer sectors such as dairy products and liquor, while cautioning against the risks in the soft drink sector [7]. Demand Analysis - In July, among the eight tracked essential consumer sectors, six maintained positive growth, while two experienced negative growth. The sectors with single-digit growth included dining (+4.4%), soft drinks (+2.7%), frozen foods (+1.7%), condiments (+1.1%), dairy products (+1.1%), and beer (+0.6%). The declining sectors were high-end and above liquor (-4.0%) and mass-market liquor (-3.9%) [3][9]. - The report notes that five sectors saw a deterioration in growth rates compared to the previous month, while three improved. The new alcohol ban and adverse weather conditions were identified as significant negative factors affecting demand [3][9]. Price Trends - In July, most liquor wholesale prices stabilized after a period of decline. Specific prices included Feitian at 1915/1880/655 yuan for different packaging, with year-on-year declines of 665/500/155 yuan. The price of Wuliangye was 930 yuan, showing a slight increase of 10 yuan from the previous month [3][22][24]. - The report indicates that the prices of liquid milk and beer saw a reduction in discount rates, while soft drink discounts increased, with stable prices for infant formula, convenience foods, and condiments [4][19]. Cost Analysis - The report states that the spot cost index for various sectors, including dairy, soft drinks, frozen foods, and beer, generally decreased in July, while futures cost indices showed mixed results. For instance, the spot cost index for dairy products fell by 2.92% [4]. Fund Flow - As of the end of July, net inflows into Hong Kong Stock Connect amounted to 124.1 billion yuan, with the essential consumer sector's market capitalization share rising to 5.05%. The food additives sector saw a decrease in share, while the dairy sector experienced an increase [5]. Valuation Insights - By the end of July, the historical PE ratio for the food and beverage sector was at 16% (20.2x), remaining stable from the previous month. The report notes that the median valuation for leading A-share companies was 20x, a decrease of 1x from the previous month [6]. Sector Recommendations - The report recommends focusing on sectors benefiting from policy support, particularly dairy and liquor, while being cautious about the soft drink sector's marginal deterioration. Specific companies to watch include China Feihe, Yili, Mengniu, Master Kong, Uni-President, Yanghe, WH Group, and China Foods [7].

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the Chinese consumer staples sector is "Outperform" for multiple companies including Guizhou Moutai, Wuliangye, and Yili [1]. Core Insights - In July 2025, among the eight key tracked consumer staples industries, six maintained positive growth while two experienced negative growth. The industries with single-digit growth include catering, soft drinks, frozen foods, condiments, dairy products, and beer, while the only declining industry was Baijiu [30]. - The growth rate of most industries has deteriorated compared to the previous month, with five industries showing a decline in growth rates and three showing improvement. The new alcohol ban and adverse weather conditions are significant negative factors impacting the sector [3][30]. Summary by Industry Baijiu (Chinese Liquor) - For the high-end and above Baijiu segment, July revenue was 19 billion yuan, down 4.0% year-on-year, with cumulative revenue from January to July at 243.1 billion yuan, a decrease of 0.8% [10]. - The low-end Baijiu segment saw July revenue of 11 billion yuan, down 3.9% year-on-year, with cumulative revenue from January to July at 115.9 billion yuan, down 12.8% [12]. Beer - The domestic beer industry reported July revenue of 17.6 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 0.6%, with cumulative revenue from January to July at 111.9 billion yuan, up 0.7% [15]. Condiments - The condiment industry generated July revenue of 36.6 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 1.1%, with cumulative revenue from January to July at 261.6 billion yuan, up 1.6% [17]. Dairy Products - The dairy industry reported July revenue of 38.4 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 1.1%, with cumulative revenue from January to July at 267.8 billion yuan, up 0.3% [19]. Frozen Foods - The frozen food industry had July revenue of 7.58 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 1.7%, with cumulative revenue from January to July at 64.5 billion yuan, up 1.4% [21]. Soft Drinks - The soft drink industry reported July revenue of 71 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 2.7%, with cumulative revenue from January to July at 425 billion yuan, up 2.5% [23]. Catering - The catering sector generated July revenue of 16.7 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 4.4%, with cumulative revenue from January to July at 103.9 billion yuan, up 3.0% [25].

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the food and beverage industry is "Outperform the Market" [4][5][80]. Core Views - The industry is entering the mid-year performance reporting period, with a focus on structural opportunities within the sector [11]. - The liquor segment is experiencing slight price declines for high-end products during the off-season, with attention on mid-year performance [12][13]. - The beer and beverage sectors are entering a peak season, with stable performance from leading companies in basic condiments [14][15]. - The report emphasizes the importance of consumer engagement and market health for liquor companies, with a shift towards internationalization and youth-oriented strategies [13][19]. Summary by Sections Liquor - The high-end liquor prices have slightly decreased, with a focus on mid-year performance [11]. - Major companies like Kweichow Moutai and Wuliangye are expanding their cultural and consumer engagement strategies [11][12]. - The report suggests three investment themes: resilient market leaders, companies showing digital transformation benefits, and those with market share growth potential [13]. Consumer Goods - The beer sector is seeing a slight decrease in fund holdings, with a focus on Yanjing Beer for internal reforms [14]. - The snack sector has seen an increase in fund holdings, particularly in Yanjing and Wancheng Group [15]. - The condiment sector is expected to perform steadily, with a focus on mid-year performance windows [16]. Frozen Foods - Companies are actively developing new products during the off-season, benefiting from industrialization trends [17]. Dairy Products - The dairy sector is experiencing a stable recovery in demand, with supply adjustments leading to improved conditions for 2025 [18]. Beverages - The beverage sector is entering a peak season, with significant performance differentiation among leading companies [19].

Core Viewpoint - Sanquan Foods plans to invest AUD 280 million (approximately RMB 1.3 billion) to establish a production base in Australia, aiming to expand into the Australian, New Zealand, and Southeast Asian markets [1][2]. Group 1: Investment Details - The investment will be funded by the company's own capital, which is claimed to be sufficient to cover both the investment and short-term debt needs, despite having less than RMB 600 million in cash by the end of 2024 [1][4]. - The investment will be executed through a series of subsidiaries, starting with a wholly-owned subsidiary in Hong Kong, followed by a subsidiary in the Cayman Islands, and finally establishing a subsidiary in Australia [2]. Group 2: Market Potential - The average annual consumption of frozen food in Australia is USD 120, significantly higher than China's USD 35, indicating a strong market potential [2]. - New Zealand, while smaller in market size, serves as a strategic point for reaching other South Pacific markets such as Fiji and Samoa [2]. Group 3: Industry Context - Sanquan Foods is not the only domestic frozen food company expanding overseas; other companies like Anjuke Foods and Si Nian Foods have also made similar moves [3][5]. - The trend of domestic frozen food companies going international is driven by the saturation of the domestic market and the need for new growth avenues [9]. Group 4: Competitive Landscape - The frozen food industry in Southeast Asia is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14% from 2024 to 2029, compared to 9.4% for the Chinese market, highlighting the attractiveness of international markets [9]. - Companies are increasingly looking to establish partnerships and explore mergers and acquisitions to enhance their overseas presence [5][9].

Core Viewpoint - Anjuke Foods is one of the largest frozen food companies in China, with a designed production capacity of 113.71 million tons for the fiscal year 2024 and a capacity utilization rate of 97.15% [1] Group 1 - The company has maintained a stable capacity utilization rate above 90% over the past three years [1] - The company actively adjusts its production capacity release pace based on macroeconomic changes and market demand [1] - Investors are advised to monitor the company's subsequent annual reports for updates on capacity utilization rates for the current fiscal year [1]

Core Viewpoint - Sanquan Foods plans to invest AUD 280 million (approximately RMB 1.3 billion) to establish a production base in Australia to expand into the Australian, New Zealand, and Southeast Asian markets, despite having cash reserves of less than RMB 600 million by the end of 2024 [1][2]. Group 1: Investment Details - The investment will be funded through the company's own resources and is expected to cover both the investment needs and short-term debt obligations without negatively impacting cash flow or asset status [1]. - The investment structure involves setting up a wholly-owned subsidiary in Hong Kong, which will then invest in a subsidiary in the Cayman Islands, ultimately leading to the establishment of the Australian production base [2]. Group 2: Market Potential - The average annual consumption of frozen food in Australia is USD 120, significantly higher than China's USD 35, indicating a strong growth potential in the Australian and New Zealand markets [2]. - New Zealand, while smaller in market size, serves as a crucial hub for reaching other South Pacific markets such as Fiji and Samoa [2]. Group 3: Industry Context - Sanquan Foods is not the only domestic frozen food company expanding overseas; other companies like SiNian Foods have already established operations in Australia [3]. - A wave of overseas expansion is noted among various frozen food companies, including Anjuke Foods and Haisun Foods, indicating a broader trend in the industry [6]. Group 4: Competitive Landscape - The frozen food market in Southeast Asia is projected to grow at a CAGR of 14% from 2024 to 2029, compared to 9.4% for the Chinese market, highlighting the attractiveness of international markets for domestic companies [9]. - The competitive landscape in the domestic market is becoming saturated, prompting companies to seek growth opportunities abroad [9].

Core Insights - Company is one of the largest frozen food enterprises in China with a designed production capacity of 1.1371 million tons for 2024 and a capacity utilization rate of 97.15% [2] Group 1 - Company is actively managing its investment value and enhancing investor returns through a market value management plan approved on January 26, 2025 [2]

Core Viewpoint - The industry has experienced high prosperity from 2019 to 2022, but since 2023, the downturn in market conditions has led to declining performance and pessimistic expectations, resulting in a gradual decline in valuations, with the current PE around 20 times. However, the long-term development logic of the industry remains solid, and leading companies are actively adjusting to seek incremental growth, which could lead to a rebound if performance exceeds expectations [1][2]. Group 1: Industry Performance - The restaurant industry's revenue growth is significantly slowing to low single digits from 2019 to 2024, leading to noticeable pressure on the demand side for the frozen food industry. This has resulted in a decline in the performance of listed companies in the sector over the past two years, with no clear turning point in sight. Market expectations regarding the long-term development space and growth ceiling of leading companies are pessimistic [2]. - The industry is facing a mismatch between supply and demand, exacerbated by increased competition due to prior optimistic expansion. The combination of weak demand and increased supply has led to intensified competition, with mainstream manufacturers prioritizing market share over profit, resulting in increased promotional discounts and higher expenditure, which has decreased the capital return rate in the sector [3]. Group 2: Strategic Adjustments - Some companies within the sector are actively seeking solutions to break the current impasse by expanding product categories, launching new products, and exploring emerging channels for growth. For instance, Anjuke Foods, as a leading player in the frozen food sector, has shown strong operational resilience and plans to emphasize product-driven growth by increasing new product launches and focusing on the consumer end to enhance profit margins by 2025 [4]. - Qianwei Central Kitchen, which has a higher proportion of restaurant business, faces greater short-term performance pressure but has been increasing its R&D and sales personnel in recent years. The company is also enhancing its channel capabilities in both large and small B-end markets while embracing new retail channels and expanding into dish and baking categories to seek incremental growth [4].

Investment Rating - The report assigns an "Outperform" rating to several companies in the essential consumer goods sector, including Haidilao, Youran Dairy, Jiumaojiu, Modern Farming, Dasheng Holdings, Yihai International, Aoyou, and China Feihe, while Budweiser APAC is rated as "Neutral" [1]. Core Insights - The report highlights a general decline in spot cost indices for six categories of consumer goods, while futures indices primarily increased [38]. - The spot cost indices for dairy products, soft drinks, frozen foods, beer, instant noodles, and condiments changed by -2.92%, -2.46%, -1.88%, -1.78%, -1.58%, and -1.29%, respectively, while the futures cost indices changed by -1.52%/+1.64%/-1.77%/+3.57%/+0.84%/+2.89% [38]. Summary by Category Beer - The spot cost index decreased by 1.78% month-on-month, while the futures index increased by 3.57% [39]. - Year-to-date, the spot and futures indices have changed by -4.54% and -5.08%, respectively [39]. Seasonings - The spot cost index decreased by 1.29% month-on-month, while the futures index increased by 2.89% [40]. - Year-to-date, the spot and futures indices have changed by -1.7% and -3.2%, respectively [40]. Dairy Products - The spot cost index decreased by 2.92% month-on-month, and the futures index decreased by 1.52% [41]. - Year-to-date, the spot and futures indices have changed by -3.87% and -1.08%, respectively [41]. Instant Noodles - The spot cost index decreased by 1.58% month-on-month, while the futures index increased by 0.84% [42]. - Year-to-date, the spot and futures indices have changed by -4.43% and -3.07%, respectively [42]. Frozen Foods - The spot cost index decreased by 1.88% month-on-month, and the futures index decreased by 1.77% [43]. - Year-to-date, the spot and futures indices have changed by -2.95% and -3.6%, respectively [43]. Soft Drinks - The spot cost index decreased by 2.46% month-on-month, while the futures index increased by 1.64% [44]. - Year-to-date, the spot and futures indices have changed by -5.91% and -5%, respectively [44].

Investment Rating - The report initiates coverage with a "Buy" rating for the company [4]. Core Views - The company has a solid foundation in the instant noodle market, with a strong position in the high-end segment, and is leveraging overseas expansion for new growth [1][2]. - The company is experiencing a recovery in revenue and profit, driven by continuous product innovation and effective marketing strategies [2][3]. - The financial outlook is positive, with expected earnings per share (EPS) growth from 0.27 to 0.34 HKD from 2025 to 2027, indicating a resilient business model [3]. Summary by Sections Company Overview - The company has been a pioneer in the instant noodle industry since its establishment in 1984, defining global standards and leading the high-quality instant meal trend [1][17]. - It has a concentrated ownership structure, with the majority shareholder holding 72.05% of the shares, ensuring efficient strategic decision-making [24]. Financial Performance - The company’s revenue is projected to be 38.12 billion HKD in 2024, with a net profit of 2.07 billion HKD, reflecting stable profitability [1][3]. - The gross margin is expected to increase to 34.42% in 2024, with a recent recovery in the net profit margin to 10.45% [1][3]. - The company has maintained a stable expense ratio, indicating efficient operational management [2][30]. Industry Analysis - The instant noodle market in China has seen a slowdown in growth, with the market size reaching approximately 1240.14 billion HKD in 2024, but still presents opportunities for innovation and high-end transformation [2][46]. - The frozen food sector is entering a high-growth phase, with the market size expected to reach 2130.9 billion HKD by 2025, driven by evolving consumer preferences and improved logistics [2][46]. Investment Highlights - The core instant noodle business remains robust, while other food segments provide additional growth momentum [2][4]. - The company is effectively controlling costs and maintaining a strong cash flow, supporting consistent dividend payouts [2][3]. - The company is strategically exiting underperforming markets and focusing on Southeast Asia and Australia for expansion [21][24].