Core Viewpoint - China Resources Beer reported a slight increase in revenue and a significant rise in net profit for the first half of 2025, indicating strong performance in the beer segment despite challenges in the liquor business [1][2]. Financial Performance - For H1 2025, the company achieved revenue of 23.942 billion RMB, a year-on-year increase of 0.8%, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of 5.789 billion RMB, up 23.04% [1]. - The interim dividend declared is 0.464 RMB per share, with a payout ratio of 26% [1]. - The company's net profit margin improved to 24.18%, an increase of 4.36 percentage points year-on-year [3]. Beer Business Growth - The beer segment generated revenue of 23.161 billion RMB in H1 2025, reflecting a 2.6% year-on-year growth, with sales volume reaching 6.49 million tons, up 2.2% [2]. - The average price per ton of beer was 3,570 RMB, a slight increase of 0.4% year-on-year [2]. - High-end beer sales saw significant growth, with over 10% increase in sales for premium and super-premium products, including a more than 20% increase for Heineken and over 70% for Snow Beer [2]. Cost and Margin Analysis - The cost per ton of beer decreased to 1,846 RMB, down 4.1% year-on-year, primarily due to lower raw material prices [2]. - The gross margin for the beer business improved to 48.3%, an increase of 2.5 percentage points year-on-year [2]. - EBIT for the beer segment reached 7.241 billion RMB, a 14% increase year-on-year, with an EBIT margin of 31% after excluding one-time items [3]. Liquor Business Challenges - The liquor segment reported revenue of 0.781 billion RMB, a decline of 33.7% year-on-year, primarily due to weak business demand [2]. - The EBITDA for the liquor business was 0.218 billion RMB, down 47% year-on-year, indicating significant pressure on profitability [2]. Strategic Outlook - The company is focusing on product innovation and channel expansion, including partnerships with major e-commerce platforms, which contributed to a nearly 40% and 50% year-on-year growth in online and instant retail GMV, respectively [2]. - The management remains optimistic about the potential for continued growth in the beer segment, driven by product and channel enhancements [2].

Investment Rating - The investment rating for China Resources Beer is maintained as "Buy" [2][7][17] Core Views - The report highlights that the beer business is experiencing continuous improvement in profit margins, while the liquor business is under pressure due to weak demand [1][7] - The company reported a revenue of HKD 23.942 billion for H1 2025, a year-on-year increase of 0.8%, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of HKD 5.789 billion, up 23.04% year-on-year [7] - The report anticipates a continued increase in net profit margins driven by product structure upgrades and cost advantages in the beer segment [7] Financial Data and Profit Forecast - Revenue projections for the company are as follows: - 2023: HKD 38,932 million - 2024: HKD 38,635 million - 2025E: HKD 38,360 million - 2026E: HKD 39,036 million - 2027E: HKD 39,626 million - Net profit attributable to shareholders is forecasted as: - 2023: HKD 5,153 million - 2024: HKD 4,739 million - 2025E: HKD 5,633 million - 2026E: HKD 5,690 million - 2027E: HKD 6,111 million - The report indicates a projected net profit growth of 19% in 2025, followed by 1% and 7% in 2026 and 2027 respectively [6][8] Business Performance - The beer segment achieved a revenue of HKD 23.161 billion in H1 2025, with a year-on-year growth of 2.6% and a sales volume of 6.49 million tons, up 2.2% [7] - The average price per ton of beer was HKD 3,570, reflecting a 0.4% increase year-on-year [7] - The gross margin for the beer business improved to 48.3%, an increase of 2.5 percentage points year-on-year [7] - The liquor business reported a revenue of HKD 781 million in H1 2025, a decline of 33.7% year-on-year, primarily due to weak business demand [7]