Summary of China Shengmu's Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: China Shengmu - **Industry**: Organic Dairy Market in China Key Points and Arguments Market Demand and Growth - The demand for organic milk in China is growing, benefiting Shengmu as the largest organic farm in the country due to consumer preference for high-end, healthy products [2][3] - The optimistic market outlook is supported by rising per capita consumption levels, which will further drive the organic milk market [2] Raw Milk and Beef Prices - Raw milk prices have been declining since 2021, but the rate of decline has slowed, with prices expected to stabilize as production capacity nears clearance [2][4] - Beef prices have rebounded since 2023 due to anti-dumping policies and supply shortages, significantly improving Shengmu's profit performance [2][4] Financial Projections - Shengmu is expected to incur losses in 2025 but conservatively estimated to achieve a profit of approximately 400 million yuan in 2026, corresponding to a PE ratio of about 5 times, indicating significant valuation upside compared to peers [2][6] - The company maintains a gross margin of around 30% and exhibits strong financial metrics, including cash ratios [2][4] Competitive Advantages - Shengmu's raw milk sales price has consistently remained around 4 yuan, with a high proportion of specialty milk (organic, A2, etc.) enhancing its defensive and operational resilience during price downturns [2][24] - The geographical advantage of being located in the Ulan Buh Desert provides ample underground water and fertile soil, supporting feed crop cultivation [2][25] - The partnership with Mengniu ensures stable milk supply, with a structure requiring over 80% of milk to be supplied to Mengniu [2][22] Industry Dynamics - The Chinese dairy processing industry is characterized by a fragmented upstream supply of dairy farms, while midstream and downstream sectors are dominated by major players like Yili and Mengniu [2][7] - The scarcity of upstream breeding resources is pushing the industry towards larger-scale operations, with only about 2% of farms having over 100 cows as of 2022 [2][8][9] Future Trends - The global organic food market is valued at hundreds of billions, with China's market expected to continue double-digit growth, indicating a strong future for high-end organic products [2][21] - Shengmu's unique position as the first brand to receive dual organic certification from China and the EU enhances its market standing [2][23] Profitability and Valuation - The stabilization and potential rebound of milk prices will significantly enhance the fair value of biological assets, with a potential increase of 240 million yuan if each cow appreciates by 1,000 yuan [2][27] - The beef business, which was previously a loss-maker, is expected to contribute positively to profits in 2025 due to rising beef prices [2][28] Challenges and Risks - The industry faces challenges such as high costs associated with feed crop cultivation and environmental management for large-scale farms [2][11] - Socialized farms are under pressure due to low profitability and high debt levels, leading to a potential wave of exits from the market [2][16][17] Conclusion - Shengmu's focus on high-margin organic products, strategic partnerships, and favorable market conditions position it well for future growth, despite short-term challenges and expected losses in 2025 [2][26][30]