Summary of Conference Call on China Consumer Staples Industry Overview - The consumer staples sector in China is experiencing weak demand trends from Q2 to Q3, influenced by policy and weather factors, leading to a wider divergence between market leaders and laggards [1][2] - The spirits sector has seen a valuation increase of 24% in Q3 to date, compared to a 16% increase in the A-share Liquor index and a 13% increase in the MSCI China Index, driven by improved market sentiment and expectations of stimulus policies [1] Key Insights Demand Trends - Overall demand remains weak, particularly in gifting categories as noted by dairy and spirits companies [1] - Beer, spirits, and liquid milk are under pressure, while beverages, snacks, and pet foods show mixed performance with some companies experiencing growth due to strong product cycles and omnichannel strategies [2] Pricing and Market Dynamics - Pricing remains muted across the sector, with spirits and beer companies focusing on sub-premium segments [2] - The August Foods Consumer Price Index (CPI) decreased by 4.3% year-over-year, indicating potential challenges in pricing strategies [1] Company Performance and Strategies - Companies like Haitian and Nongfu are gaining market share, while others like Jonjee are struggling [9] - CR Beer reported growth in premium and sub-premium volumes, while maintaining a disciplined approach to pricing and promotions [47] - The spirits sector is seeing a shift towards mid-end and mass-market products to counteract upper-mid-end softness [43] Future Outlook - The sector is expected to see a gradual recovery in retail demand, particularly in traditional categories like beer and dairy, with potential for value stock rotation in early 2026 [8] - Companies are expected to enhance shareholder returns and maintain dividend payouts, with a focus on operational efficiency and cost management [8] Sector Preferences - Preference remains for beverages due to secular growth, followed by pet foods and dairy, with a positive outlook for beer in the medium term [13] - Stock recommendations include Eastroc, Gambol, and China Pet Foods for strong product cycles, and CR Beer and Tsingtao for their dividend yields and valuations [13] Additional Observations - The competitive landscape is evolving, with top players consolidating market share amid weak demand, leading to a valuation premium for leading brands [9] - The pet food sector is benefiting from a shift towards higher-value segments, with companies focusing on premiumization and operational efficiencies [48] - Snacks are seeing a channel shift towards discounters and mom-pop stores, with a focus on large SKU strategies and product mix upgrades [49] Key Watch Factors - Policy directions post the Fourth Plenum and local catering incentives are critical to monitor, especially their impact on banquet traffic [11] - The performance of mid-end and mass SKUs in spirits and the overall margin discipline across the sector will be crucial as cost pressures moderate [12]

Company Overview - Nomad Foods is a leader in the frozen food category in Europe, with well-known brands such as Birds Eye, iglo, and Findus, as well as regional brands like Ledo and Frikom in Serbia and Croatia, and Goodfella's pizza in the U.K. [2] Financial Performance - The company has achieved consistent growth over the past 9 years, increasing sales, EBITDA, and EPS annually, although it did not achieve this for the 10th consecutive year, which is a point of frustration for the management [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has experienced nine consecutive years of growth in sales, EBITDA, and EPS, but this year marks a disappointing performance [4][5][13] - The company is targeting a 1% to 3% CAGR in EBITDA over the next three years, with a focus on improving the quality of earnings and reducing exceptional items [37][39] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has seen stabilization in volume market share and growth in volume share in the frozen food category, despite a decline in the overall category growth due to unusual weather conditions [8][34] - The ice cream business has faced challenges, particularly in July and August, due to unrest in Serbia affecting out-of-home sales [36][64] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The frozen food category has shown resilience, with growth over the last ten years, although recent months have seen a decline linked to weather conditions [34][35] - The company has reaffirmed its guidance for 2025, indicating confidence in future performance despite recent challenges [65] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on a "Must Win Battles" strategy to concentrate on key markets where it holds significant market share [7] - A new master brand advertising campaign is being rolled out to enhance brand visibility and efficiency in media spending [18][47] - The company plans to increase its productivity program by 25%, targeting €200 million in savings over the next three years, primarily in supply chain and overheads [39][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the challenges faced this year, including inflation and supply chain issues, but emphasizes the importance of learning from these experiences to strengthen future performance [6][10][13] - The company believes there are significant growth opportunities in the frozen food category, particularly in markets with lower penetration compared to the U.S. [15][16] Other Important Information - The company is committed to innovation, with plans to increase the percentage of renovated products and introduce new offerings in the ready meals category [21][23] - The foodservice segment, which accounts for around 8% of the business, is expected to grow, particularly in the Nordics and Southern Europe [29][32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Why has the company lowered its long-term growth targets? - Management indicated that the previous targets were too ambitious given the volatile environment and emphasized the need for a larger savings program to create space for reinvestment [53][55] Question: Are the targeted cost savings realistic? - Management clarified that the $200 million savings target is an increase from previous savings and is essential for maintaining competitiveness and reinvesting in product quality [60][62] Question: How does the company plan to manage pricing and market share? - Management explained that they have developed a revenue growth management tool to make more informed pricing decisions by category and country, allowing for better management of market share [71] Question: What is the outlook for capital allocation moving forward? - Management highlighted that the company has been active in share buybacks and dividends, and will continue to evaluate capital allocation based on current valuations [72]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has experienced a decline in performance this year, breaking a nine-year streak of increasing sales, EBITDA, and EPS [4][5][13] - The company is targeting a 1% to 3% CAGR for EBITDA over the next three years, with a focus on improving the quality of earnings and reducing exceptional items [39][50] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The frozen food category remains strong, with the company maintaining a leading position in Europe, but has faced challenges due to weather conditions impacting sales [2][36] - The company is focusing on innovation and renovation, with plans to accelerate product launches in key categories like fish fingers and pizza [11][21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The frozen food category has shown growth over the last decade, but recent unusual weather patterns have led to a decline in growth numbers [36][37] - The company has seen a stabilization of value share and growth in volume share in the second quarter of 2025, despite earlier declines [36] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is implementing a €200 million productivity program over the next three years, focusing on supply chain efficiencies and overhead reductions [41][46] - The strategy includes a significant emphasis on brand investment, product quality, and innovation to maintain competitive positioning in the healthy food category [41][49] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the challenges faced this year, including inflation and supply chain issues, but remains optimistic about future growth opportunities in the frozen food category [6][13] - The company is committed to learning from past experiences and adapting its strategies to better respond to market conditions [10][12] Other Important Information - The company is launching a new master brand advertising campaign aimed at maximizing media efficiency across various markets [17][20] - The company has a strong focus on health and nutrition, with a significant portion of its revenue coming from fish, protein, and vegetables [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: What has changed regarding long-term targets for revenue and EBITDA growth? - Management indicated that the previous targets were too tight given the volatile environment and emphasized the need for a larger savings program alongside lower EBITDA guidance [55][56] Question: Are the targeted cost savings real, and where will they be allocated? - Management clarified that the $200 million savings target is a cumulative increase and will be reinvested into product quality and innovation [60][62] Question: How does the company plan to manage pricing actions while minimizing market share loss? - Management explained that they have developed a revenue growth management tool to make more informed pricing decisions by category and country [67][70] Question: What is the outlook for capital allocation given strong free cash flow? - Management stated that they will continue to evaluate capital allocation strategies, including share buybacks and dividends, in light of current valuations [71]

Brand Performance - Nomad Foods 在 13/15 的市场中品牌资产排名第一[8]，在 12/15 的市场中偏好度排名第一[8]，在 12/15 的市场中品牌认知度排名第一[8] - 在公司前 25 个必胜的关键市场中，加权平均价值市场份额为 46%[8]（销量份额为 37%[8]），是所有其他品牌竞争对手总和的 2.6 倍[8] Financial Performance & Guidance - 2016-2025 年调整后每股收益复合年增长率为 8%[10]，收入复合年增长率为 5%[10]，调整后 EBITDA 复合年增长率为 6%[10] - 2025 年收入预计同比增长 0% 至 -2%[41]，调整后 EBITDA 预计同比增长 -3% 至 -7%[41]，调整后自由现金流转换率预计超过 90%[41]，调整后每股收益预计为 164 欧元至 176 欧元[41]（或 190 美元至 204 美元[41]） Category & Portfolio - 过去 10 年，欧洲冷冻食品（不包括冰淇淋和甜点）的价值销售额复合年增长率为 34%[16]，高于食品总量的 30%[16] - Nomad Foods 的收入构成中，鱼和海鲜占 33%[21]，蔬菜占 25%[21]，餐食占 17%[21]，家禽占 9%[21]，其他占 16%[21] Future Targets & Enablers - 2026-2028 年，调整后 EBITDA 目标为增长 +1% 至 +3%[43]，自由现金流目标为增长 +15%（2026-28 年与 2023-25 年相比）[43] - 公司计划通过 2 亿欧元的生产力计划[43]（包括采购、转换成本、物流和管理费用方面的节省[43]）来实现这些目标，并加大对产品和品牌的再投资[43]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has adjusted its full-year inflation assumption from 4% to 4.5% due to adverse weather conditions affecting crop yields, particularly in the UK [24][25] - The gross margin dropped in Q2, attributed to increased inflation and supply chain challenges [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a significant focus on cost competitiveness, leading to a reduction in SG&A expenses primarily driven by overheads rather than advertising and promotion [30][31] - Innovations and renovations are expected to contribute nearly double the sales compared to the previous year, with a focus on snacking and protein products [32][34] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The market in Q2 experienced a volume decline of approximately 5.5%, particularly in key regions like the UK, due to extreme weather conditions [16][22] - The company has gained market share in volume despite overall market underperformance in categories like fish and vegetables [9][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is adjusting its ERP implementation strategy to mitigate risks and improve inventory management [7][8] - There is a strong emphasis on innovation, with plans to enhance product offerings in response to changing consumer preferences and weather patterns [34][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate current challenges and emphasized the importance of preparing for future weather-related impacts on sales [50][53] - The company is committed to maintaining flexibility in capital allocation, focusing on share buybacks and dividends while being cautious about M&A opportunities [55] Other Important Information - The company is exploring partnerships with startups to enhance its innovation pipeline and speed up product development [43][45] - There is a focus on optimizing the supply chain and reducing complexity within the operational network to improve cost efficiency [40][41] Q&A Session Summary Question: Confidence in full-year guidance - Management acknowledged past challenges with guidance and emphasized lessons learned from ERP implementation and inventory management [6][8] Question: Organic growth expectations for Q3 - Management indicated that while growth is expected in Q3, it is contingent on market conditions and weather patterns [17][19] Question: Inflationary pressures and pricing strategy - Management confirmed an increase in inflation assumptions and indicated plans to adjust pricing where feasible [24][26] Question: SG&A savings initiatives - Management detailed ongoing efforts to reduce overhead costs and improve cost competitiveness [30][31] Question: Innovation pipeline and future products - Management highlighted a significant increase in sales from innovation and renovation, with a focus on snacking and protein products [32][34] Question: Supply chain optimization and facility closures - Management discussed plans for supply chain optimization, including the closure of a smaller factory in the Nordics [40][41] Question: Long-term portfolio adjustments for climate change - Management addressed the need to adapt product offerings to changing weather patterns and consumer preferences [50][53] Question: Capital allocation priorities - Management confirmed ongoing share buybacks and dividends while maintaining flexibility for future opportunities [55]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has adjusted its full-year inflation assumption from 4% to 4.5% due to adverse weather conditions affecting crop yields, particularly in the UK [23][24] - There has been a noted drop in gross margin in Q2, attributed to increased inflation and weather-related challenges [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has seen a significant increase in innovation contributions to sales, with expectations for nearly double the previous year's contribution [32][34] - SG&A expenses have been reduced, primarily driven by overhead savings rather than advertising and promotion [30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The market in Q2 experienced a volume decline of approximately 5.5%, particularly in key regions like the UK, which impacted sales [15][21] - The company has gained market share in volume despite overall market underperformance during the hot weather [9][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on enhancing its product assortment to better align with changing consumer preferences during hotter weather, including more natural and marinated fish options [51][54] - There is an emphasis on cost competitiveness and maintaining pricing strategies to recover from inflation while avoiding overpricing compared to competitors [30][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's future despite disappointing first-half performance, citing a strong portfolio and effective strategy [60] - The company is preparing for potential future heat waves by adjusting product offerings and improving supply chain agility [54][51] Other Important Information - The company has conducted share buybacks amounting to €100 million in H1 and announced a dividend, indicating a commitment to returning value to shareholders [56] - The company is exploring partnerships with startups to enhance innovation and speed up product development [44][46] Q&A Session Summary Question: Confidence in full-year guidance after recent performance - Management acknowledged past optimism regarding ERP implementation and excess inventory issues, indicating a more cautious approach moving forward [5][6][8] Question: Organic growth expectations for Q3 and Q4 - Management clarified that while growth is expected in Q3, the overall guidance remains conservative due to market conditions [14][16] Question: Impact of ERP supply disruption on sales - Management confirmed that the ERP lag from the previous year will positively affect comparisons, but current market conditions remain challenging [19][20] Question: Inflationary pressures and pricing strategies for 2026 - Management indicated that pricing adjustments will be necessary to recover from inflation, with a focus on maintaining competitiveness [22][26] Question: SG&A savings and overhead expense reductions - Management detailed ongoing initiatives to reduce overhead costs while remaining competitive in pricing [30][31] Question: Innovation pipeline and future products - Management highlighted a significant increase in sales from innovation and renovation, with a focus on snacking and new product categories [32][34] Question: Supply chain optimization and facility closures - Management discussed plans for supply chain optimization, including the closure of a smaller factory in the Nordics [41][42] Question: Long-term strategies for dealing with climate change - Management emphasized the need for agility in product offerings to adapt to changing weather patterns and consumer preferences [49][54] Question: Capital allocation priorities - Management confirmed ongoing share buybacks and dividends while maintaining flexibility for future opportunities [56][57]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the second quarter, reported net revenues decreased by 0.8% to €747 million, with organic sales declining by 1.1% and volume also declining by 1% [25][26] - Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 7% year on year to €129 million, while adjusted EPS fell by 9% to €0.40 [30] - Adjusted gross margin contracted by 310 basis points year on year due to higher cost inflation, which more than offset productivity gains [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The chicken portfolio retail sales grew by 52% in the last quarter, with market share reaching 18%, a five percentage point increase from the previous year [14] - Retail sales in the frozen potato category rose by 21% year over year in the UK, gaining 180 basis points of market share [15] - Growth platforms saw net sales increase by 47% in the second quarter and 43% in the first half of the fiscal year [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic sales in the category posted high single-digit volume declines in key markets such as the UK, France, and Belgium due to unusually warm weather [26] - The frozen food category outpaced overall food volume sales by 60 basis points despite unfavorable weather conditions [11] - Weather-related headwinds negatively impacted frozen food sales by approximately 1% in France and 2% in the top five markets [7][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to return to organic sales growth in the second half of the fiscal year, assuming normalization of weather conditions [5][22] - Continued investment in advertising, merchandising, and innovation is expected to support long-term growth [12][19] - The company plans to launch new products targeting health-conscious consumers and enhance its portfolio with improved offerings [16][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that 2025 is proving to be a more challenging year due to external headwinds affecting the industry [4] - The company expects full-year organic sales to be flat to minus 2%, a revision from the previous expectation of flat to plus 2% [33] - Despite the challenges, management remains confident in the underlying health of the business and the potential for recovery in the second half of the year [36] Other Important Information - The company has returned substantial cash to shareholders, repurchasing €100 million of shares and paying out over €48 million in dividends, marking a 132% increase compared to the first half of last year [21][31] - The company is focused on controlling costs and enhancing profitability through various self-help actions [24][20] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for organic sales growth in the second half of the year? - Management expects organic sales to return to growth in the second half, assuming normal weather conditions [22] Question: How is the company addressing the impact of weather on sales? - The company plans to adjust merchandising and consumer communication to emphasize products that perform better in warm weather [23] Question: What is the outlook for adjusted EBITDA and EPS for the full year? - Adjusted EBITDA is expected to decline by 3% to 7% year on year, with adjusted EPS guidance revised to €1.64 to €1.76 [35]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q2 2025, reported net revenues decreased by 0.8% to €747 million, with organic sales declining by 1.1% and volume also down by 1% [24][25] - Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 7% year on year to €129 million, while adjusted EPS fell by 9% to €0.40 [28][29] - Year-to-date free cash flow grew by 70% year on year, with a conversion ratio of 43% [29][30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's growth platforms saw net sales increase by 47% in Q2 and 43% in the first half of the fiscal year [12] - Retail sales for the chicken portfolio grew by 52% in the last quarter, with market share reaching 18%, a five percentage point increase from the previous year [13] - Frozen potato retail sales in the UK rose by 21% year over year, gaining 180 basis points of market share [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Organic sales in the category were down by 1% in Q2, with high single-digit volume declines observed in key markets like the UK, France, and Belgium [25][26] - The unusually warm weather negatively impacted consumer behavior, contributing to a 1.5% negative impact on the full-year outlook [26][32] - The frozen food category has outpaced overall food industry growth by nearly one percentage point over the past decade [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to return to organic sales growth in the second half of the year, assuming normal weather conditions [31][35] - Continued investment in advertising, merchandising, and innovation is expected to support long-term growth [11][18] - The company is focused on enhancing profitability through cost savings and productivity improvements [19][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that 2025 is a challenging year, with external headwinds affecting performance [4][5] - Despite the setbacks, management remains optimistic about long-term growth opportunities in the frozen food category [10][20] - The company expects to recover cost increases through pricing actions, although most will not take effect until 2026 [27][32] Other Important Information - The company has returned substantial cash to shareholders, repurchasing €100 million of shares and paying out over €48 million in dividends, marking a 132% increase compared to the first half of last year [20][30] - A new advertising campaign is set to launch in the UK, coinciding with product innovations aimed at younger, health-conscious consumers [18][15] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for organic sales growth in the second half of the year? - Management expects organic sales to return to growth in the second half, assuming normal weather conditions [31] Question: How is the company addressing the impact of weather on sales? - The company plans to adjust merchandising and consumer communication to emphasize products that perform better in warm weather [22] Question: What are the expectations for adjusted EBITDA and EPS for the full year? - Adjusted EBITDA is expected to decline by 3% to 7% year on year, with adjusted EPS projected in the range of €1.64 to €1.76 [34]

Core Insights - Nomad Foods Limited reported a challenging second quarter in 2025, with unfavorable weather impacting consumer behavior and sales, leading to a decrease in revenue and profit metrics [2][5][7] - The company has lowered its full-year guidance for organic revenue and Adjusted EBITDA due to weaker-than-expected first half results, now expecting organic revenue to be flat to -2% and Adjusted EBITDA to decline by 3% to 7% year-on-year [5][8] Financial Performance - Revenue for the second quarter of 2025 decreased by 0.8% to €747 million compared to the same period in 2024, with organic revenue declining by 1.1% driven by a volume decline of 1.0% and a price/mix decline of 0.1% [7][8] - Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter decreased by 7.2% to €129 million, while Adjusted EPS decreased by 9.1% to €0.40 [7][8] - For the first six months of 2025, revenue decreased by 1.9% to €1,507 million, with organic revenue down 2.4% due to a volume decline of 2.3% [8][23] Market Position and Strategy - Despite external challenges, Nomad Foods improved its market share in the quarter, with retail sell-out growth accelerating to +1% for the second quarter, bringing year-to-date growth to +0.7% [2][5] - The company is focusing on innovation and renovation initiatives to drive future growth, with expectations of organic sales returning to growth in the second half of the year, assuming normalized weather conditions [2][5] Guidance and Outlook - The revised full-year guidance includes an expected Adjusted EPS range of €1.64 to €1.76, down from the previous range of €1.82 to €1.89, translating to a USD range of $1.89 to $2.02 based on the July 30, 2025 exchange rate [5][8] - The company maintains its full-year adjusted free cash flow conversion guidance of 90% or greater, indicating a focus on cash generation despite the current challenges [5][8]