Core Insights - Qingdao Beer Museum achieved a total visitor count of over 15 million since its opening, generating at least 700 million yuan in ticket revenue, despite its annual revenue being negligible compared to the main business of Qingdao Beer [1][2] - The beer industry is facing a downturn, with Qingdao Beer reporting a revenue decline of 5.3% in 2024, totaling 32.138 billion yuan, while net profit increased by only 1.81% [4][5] - The company has been diversifying into non-core areas such as cultural IPs and high-end products, which do not directly contribute to beer sales, as a response to the stagnant beer market [3][9] Financial Performance - In 2024, Qingdao Beer’s revenue decreased by 5.3% compared to the previous year, marking a rare occurrence in its nearly 30-year history [4] - The company’s net profit for 2024 was 4.345 billion yuan, showing a modest increase of 1.81% [4] - Revenue from various regions, including Shandong and South China, also saw declines, with some areas experiencing drops as high as 24.2% [4] Market Trends - The beer industry has been in decline since 2017, with production levels dropping from a peak of 44.015 million kiloliters in 2017 to around 35 million kiloliters in recent years [6] - Capital market predictions for Qingdao Beer have been pessimistic, with forecasts for revenue and net profit being downgraded by Citibank [5] - The overall beer market is characterized by intense competition and a lack of differentiation among brands, leading to a focus on channel capabilities rather than product attributes [14][15] Strategic Initiatives - Qingdao Beer has launched several high-end products, including "One World Legend," priced comparably to premium liquors, as part of its strategy to target the high-end market [9][10] - The company is also investing in cultural initiatives and experiences, such as the Qingdao Beer Museum, to enhance brand visibility and cultural significance [1][13] - Despite the challenges, Qingdao Beer continues to explore diverse business avenues to maintain engagement with consumers and strengthen its market position [7][17]

Investment Rating - The report initiates coverage with a "Buy" rating for Qingdao Beer [1][6]. Core Views - Qingdao Beer, established in 1903, is a leading domestic beer producer with a strong brand value of 264.675 billion yuan in 2024, maintaining its position as the top beer brand in China for 21 consecutive years [5][9]. - The company is focusing on high-end product development and has seen a stable beer demand, with a projected revenue growth driven by cost advantages from raw material price declines [5][21]. - The report forecasts steady revenue growth and profit release, with expected net profits of 4.8 billion, 5.1 billion, and 5.4 billion yuan for 2025, 2026, and 2027 respectively, reflecting year-on-year growth rates of 11%, 6%, and 6% [5][47]. Summary by Sections Section 1: Brand and Management - Qingdao Beer has a stable management structure and has undergone leadership changes that are expected to drive growth [9][13]. - The company has 57 wholly-owned and controlled breweries and exports to 120 countries, focusing on brand optimization and market expansion [5][9]. Section 2: Market Trends and Cost Advantages - The beer market in China is stabilizing, with production levels expected to remain between 35-36 million kiloliters from 2021 to 2024 [5][21]. - The average price of beer in the industry has increased by 13.3% from 2019 to 2024, indicating a trend towards premiumization [21][23]. - Raw material costs have generally declined since 2022, providing a cost advantage for beer companies [25][27]. Section 3: Product Structure and Efficiency - Qingdao Beer is implementing a "1+1" brand strategy, focusing on its main brand and a secondary brand to enhance market presence [29]. - The company has seen a significant increase in the sales of mid-to-high-end products, which accounted for 41.8% of total sales in 2024, up 6.6 percentage points from 2021 [30]. - Operational efficiency has improved, with a 76.2% capacity utilization rate in 2024, up 4.7 percentage points from 2017 [39][40]. Section 4: Financial Forecast and Valuation - The report projects revenues of 33.6 billion, 34.7 billion, and 35.6 billion yuan for 2025, 2026, and 2027, with corresponding growth rates of 4%, 3%, and 3% [47]. - The expected gross margins are forecasted to be 41.2%, 41.5%, and 41.7% for the same years, reflecting improvements due to product mix optimization [47].

Core Viewpoint - The 9th China Time-honored Brand (Shandong) Expo showcases the rich heritage and innovative achievements of time-honored brands, with Qingdao Beer, a 122-year-old brand, prominently featured, attracting attention from domestic and international distributors and visitors [1] Group 1: Qingdao Beer Presentation - Qingdao Beer presented its full range of products, including Classic 1903, Pure Draft, White Beer, and others, at the expo, drawing significant visitor interest and engagement [5][9] - The beer's unique flavors and styles were well-received, with attendees expressing pride in the brand and sharing personal connections to it [3][5] Group 2: Product Innovation and Technology - Qingdao Beer has leveraged technology to enhance its distribution, ensuring that fresh raw beer can reach consumers across various regions, including remote areas [7] - The company maintains strict brewing standards and utilizes data-driven approaches to ensure product quality, with nearly 400 beer flavor compounds standardized [10][12] Group 3: Brand Evolution - Qingdao Beer exemplifies the balance of tradition and innovation, continuously evolving while adhering to its century-old quality standards [10][12] - The brand has received national recognition for its technological advancements, positioning itself as a leader in the future of manufacturing [12]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights an upcoming event in Qingdao focused on deep industry and capital dialogue, featuring visits to benchmark companies and showcasing their innovative strategies in the context of the IoT era and consumer engagement. Group 1: Event Details - The "Qingdao Listed Companies Deep Research" event is scheduled for June 10-12, lasting three days and two nights, organized by Nanfang Financial Education Base in collaboration with Stock Market Broadcasting and Investment Express [1][6]. Group 2: Company Insights - The first company is recognized as a global leader in smart home ecosystems and a benchmark for transformation in the IoT era, having led global retail sales of large home appliances for 14 consecutive years [2]. - The second company, a century-old brand, is exploring youth marketing strategies to engage Generation Z, evolving from traditional products like "calcium milk biscuits" to trendy items [3]. - The third company is noted for its 120-year brewing legacy, ranking as the fifth largest beer brand globally and leading the high-end beer market in China [4]. Group 3: Research Highlights - The event will include a visit to the "Ecological Interconnected Factory" to experience comprehensive smart home solutions and observe the transformation of traditional manufacturing into an open ecological platform [3]. - Participants will analyze the global layout of the brands "Haier + Casarte + Candy," which operate in nearly 200 countries, focusing on localized operational innovations [3]. - The event will feature a tour of the Qingdao Beer Museum, showcasing the transition from traditional brewing methods to intelligent production, along with a tasting of high-end product lines to understand the brand matrix and scene marketing strategies [5].

Core Insights - Qingdao Beer has been recognized as one of the first "Chinese Consumer Brands" by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, highlighting its commitment to quality and consumer satisfaction [1] - The brand's unique "digital end-to-end quality management model" has allowed it to create products that exceed consumer expectations, reinforcing its strong market presence [1][6] Product Strategy - Qingdao Beer has developed a diverse product matrix consisting of 9 major series and over 70 products, catering to various consumer preferences and age groups [3] - The company has introduced innovative products such as the A6 and A3 from the upgraded Aogute series, as well as unique offerings like Nikashi White Beer and non-alcoholic White Beer, enhancing its product differentiation [5] Quality Management - The company emphasizes a rigorous quality control process, involving over 1,800 quality inspection projects and meticulous selection of ingredients, ensuring high standards in every bottle [7] - Qingdao Beer has integrated traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, digitizing quality management practices to preserve the expertise of its artisans [9] Consumer Engagement - Qingdao Beer has successfully positioned itself as a brand that resonates with younger consumers by creating products that align with their emotional and experiential values [10] - The brand has engaged in various marketing initiatives, including collaborations with sports events and the creation of themed products, to enhance its connection with consumers [12] Market Positioning - Qingdao Beer is seen as a leader in the Chinese beer industry, continuously innovating and adapting to market changes while maintaining a focus on quality [5][6] - The brand's ability to blend tradition with modern consumer trends has solidified its reputation as both a classic and trendy choice in the beverage market [10]