Core Insights - Budweiser APAC reported Q3 2025 revenue of $1.555 billion, with an organic year-on-year decline of 8.4% [1] - Normalized EBITDA for Q3 2025 was $438 million, reflecting a year-on-year decrease of 6.9% [1] - Normalized net profit attributable to the parent company was $204 million, down 9.3% year-on-year [1] Revenue and Profitability - Q3 2025 sales volume reached 2.2512 million kiloliters, showing an organic year-on-year decline of 8.6% [1] - Revenue per hectoliter in Q3 2025 increased by 0.1% year-on-year [1] - Gross margin stood at 51.4%, with a slight year-on-year increase; normalized EBITDA margin was 28.2%, up 0.46 percentage points year-on-year, benefiting from commodity price advantages and cost management measures [1] Regional Performance - In the Western Asia-Pacific region, Q3 2025 revenue and normalized EBITDA saw organic declines of 12.0% and 11.9%, respectively, with sales volume down 9.9% year-on-year [1] - The Indian market showed strong performance with double-digit revenue growth in Q3 2025, contributing positively to EBITDA [1] - In the Eastern Asia-Pacific region, Q3 2025 revenue and normalized EBITDA increased by 3.9% and 8.7% year-on-year, respectively, with sales volume down 0.6% [1] - South Korea's sales volume remained stable, outperforming the overall market in both ready-to-drink and non-ready-to-drink channels, supported by effective revenue management and a favorable brand mix [1] China Market Dynamics - In Q3 2025, revenue and normalized EBITDA in China experienced organic declines of 15.1% and 17.9%, respectively, with sales volume down 11.4% year-on-year [2] - Revenue per hectoliter in China decreased by 4.0% year-on-year, attributed to increased investment in innovative products and brand promotion, as well as challenges in inventory management [2] - The company has optimized channel inventory, with significant reductions in inventory volume and turnover days, outperforming industry averages [2] - Future strategies include strengthening non-ready-to-drink channels and investing in premium brands like Budweiser and Corona to improve sales in China [2] Profit Forecast and Valuation - Due to weak beer demand in the Chinese market, the company has revised down its net profit forecasts for 2025-2027 to $589 million, $682 million, and $733 million, representing reductions of 15%, 7%, and 6%, respectively [3] - The current stock price corresponds to a PE ratio of 23x, 20x, and 19x for 2025-2027 [3] - The company maintains a positive outlook on its competitive advantage in the high-end and super high-end segments, sustaining a "buy" rating [3]

Core Viewpoint - Budweiser APAC reported Q3 2025 revenue of $1.555 billion, with a year-on-year decline of 8.4% in organic terms, and normalized EBITDA of $438 million, down 6.9% year-on-year, while normalized net profit attributable to the parent was $204 million, a decrease of 9.3% year-on-year [3]. Group 1: Performance Analysis - In Q3 2025, the company achieved a sales volume of 2.2512 million kiloliters, reflecting an organic year-on-year decline of 8.6% [4]. - Revenue per hectoliter in Q3 2025 increased by 0.1% year-on-year, with a gross margin of 51.4%, showing a slight increase year-on-year [4]. - Normalized EBITDA margin improved to 28.2%, with an organic year-on-year increase of 0.46 percentage points, primarily benefiting from favorable commodity prices and cost management measures [4]. Group 2: Regional Performance - In the Western Asia-Pacific region, Q3 2025 revenue and normalized EBITDA saw organic year-on-year declines of 12.0% and 11.9%, respectively, with sales volume down 9.9% and revenue per hectoliter down 2.4% year-on-year. Notably, the Indian market showed strong performance with double-digit revenue growth [4]. - In the Eastern Asia-Pacific region, Q3 2025 revenue and normalized EBITDA experienced organic year-on-year growth of 3.9% and 8.7%, respectively, with sales volume down 0.6% and revenue per hectoliter up 4.5% year-on-year. South Korea's performance was stable, with significant growth in non-alcoholic beer and RTD categories [4]. Group 3: China Market Dynamics - In Q3 2025, revenue and normalized EBITDA in China saw organic year-on-year declines of 15.1% and 17.9%, respectively, with sales volume down 11.4%, primarily due to business layout, weak on-the-go channels, and inventory management impacts [5]. - Revenue per hectoliter in China decreased by 4.0% year-on-year, attributed to increased investments in innovative products and brand promotion, as well as adverse brand mix effects during inventory management [5]. - The company has been optimizing channel inventory, with significant reductions in inventory levels and turnover days, outperforming industry averages. Future strategies will focus on enhancing non-on-the-go channels and investing in premium brands like Budweiser and Corona [5].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Budweiser APAC (1876.HK) [4] Core Views - Budweiser APAC reported Q3 2025 revenue of $1.555 billion, with a year-on-year decline of 8.4% [1] - Normalized EBITDA for the same period was $438 million, down 6.9% year-on-year, while normalized net profit attributable to shareholders was $204 million, a decrease of 9.3% [1] - The company is focusing on high-end and super high-end segments to leverage competitive advantages despite a weak beer demand in the Chinese market [4] Summary by Sections Overall Performance - Q3 2025 sales volume was 2.2512 million kiloliters, reflecting a year-on-year decline of 8.6% [1] - Revenue per hectoliter increased by 0.1% year-on-year, with a gross margin of 51.4%, showing a slight increase [1] Regional Performance - Western Asia-Pacific region saw revenue and normalized EBITDA decline by 12.0% and 11.9% year-on-year, respectively, with sales volume down 9.9% [2] - The Indian market performed well with double-digit revenue growth, positively impacting EBITDA [2] - Eastern Asia-Pacific region experienced revenue and normalized EBITDA growth of 3.9% and 8.7% year-on-year, respectively, despite a slight decline in sales volume [2] China Market Insights - In Q3 2025, revenue and normalized EBITDA in China fell by 15.1% and 17.9% year-on-year, respectively, with sales volume down 11.4% [3] - The decline was attributed to inventory management and weak on-the-go channel performance [3] - The company is focusing on optimizing channel inventory and enhancing contributions from non-on-the-go channels [3] Financial Forecasts - The report revises down the net profit forecasts for 2025-2027 to $589 million, $682 million, and $733 million, representing reductions of 15%, 7%, and 6% respectively [4] - The current stock price corresponds to a PE ratio of 23x for 2025, 20x for 2026, and 19x for 2027 [4]

Core Viewpoint - The company reported weak performance in the Chinese market for Q3 2025, with a focus on addressing challenges in the on-premise channel and inventory management [1][5][17] Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, the company's sales in China decreased by 11.4%, and revenue fell by 15.1%, with revenue per hectoliter down by 4.1% due to increased investment in innovative products and brand promotion [5][17] - For the first nine months of 2025, sales in China decreased by 9.3%, while revenue and revenue per hectoliter decreased by 11.3% and 2.2%, respectively [5][17] - Overall, for the first nine months of 2025, the company's total sales decreased by 7.0%, and revenue decreased by 6.6%, with revenue per hectoliter increasing by 0.4% [17] Market Strategy - The company aims to restore growth and rebuild market share by focusing on improving market channel execution and product mix [2][5] - There is a significant shift towards home consumption, with the company increasing its investment in family consumption channels and e-commerce [9][11] - The company has introduced new packaging formats, such as larger cans, to cater to the home consumption trend [9][11] Inventory Management - The company has actively managed its inventory, reporting that inventory levels and turnover days are lower than the previous year and below industry averages [8][11] Brand Development - The company is focusing on the Harbin brand as a core product line and expanding its presence in both on-premise and home consumption markets [14][16] - The company believes that the Harbin brand has strong potential to compete regionally, especially in traditional strongholds [14][16] Future Outlook - The company anticipates continued growth in the home consumption channel, driven by rising disposable incomes and market maturity [13] - The company is optimistic about expanding its non-on-premise sales to align more closely with industry averages [13]

Core Insights - Budweiser Group's CEO Michel Doukeris participated in the 37th Shanghai International Business Leaders Advisory Council (IBLAC), emphasizing the company's commitment to contributing to Shanghai's international urban development and the night economy [1][2] Group 1: Company Strategy - Budweiser Group has introduced the "Tomorrowland" electronic music festival to Shanghai, marking its first indoor version in Asia, scheduled for November 2025 [2] - The company has established nearly 30 breweries across China since entering the market in 1984, with over 50 brands including Budweiser, Harbin, and Corona, laying a solid market foundation [2] - Budweiser Group aims to deepen its premium strategy and leverage the growth of the night economy to seize broader opportunities in the Chinese market [2] Group 2: Night Economy Development - The active development of the night economy is a key indicator of a city's modernization and vitality, with Shanghai leading in this area [1] - Doukeris highlighted the alignment of goals between Shanghai and Budweiser Group in promoting the night economy, proposing a systematic plan that combines global perspectives with local practices [1] - Budweiser Group plans to enhance its contributions to Shanghai's night economy by introducing iconic IPs and sharing international experiences [1]

Investment Dynamics - China Resources Holdings' subsidiary Huachuang Xinxin plans to reduce its stake in Shanxi Fenjiu by up to 16.20 million shares, representing a maximum of 1.33% of the company's total share capital. The company currently holds 10.50% of Shanxi Fenjiu [3] - Huachuang Xinxin has previously reduced its holdings, with a total of 6.30 million shares sold between December 2024 and February 2025. The parent company, China Resources, maintains confidence in Shanxi Fenjiu's future despite the reduction [3] Brand Dynamics - LVMH's beauty incubator Kendo has sold its vegan makeup brand KVD Beauty to private equity fund Windsong Global, marking Kendo's first brand sale. KVD will join the multi-brand beauty platform Belle Brands [11] - Netflix has signed a global co-marketing agreement with Anheuser-Busch, focusing on promotional activities for shows like "The Gentlemen" and "Culinary Class Wars," featuring Budweiser and other brands during major events [14] - McDonald's is launching a Mid-Autumn Festival campaign in collaboration with the game "Black Myth: Wukong," featuring themed products and events across over 7,100 restaurants [17] - Lanzhou Beef Noodle has entered a strategic partnership with Coca-Cola to promote cultural heritage and develop co-branded products through various marketing channels [20] - The tea brand "Bawang Chaji" is opening new stores in Hong Kong, expanding its market presence since entering in 2024 [23] - Alibaba's Amap has waived the annual entry fee for all restaurant merchants and is providing various support services to enhance business opportunities [26] - IKEA's parent company Inter IKEA Group announced a CEO transition, with Jakub Jankowski set to take over in January 2026, aiming to drive international manufacturing and digitalization [28]

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese liquor industry, particularly the baijiu sector, is facing significant growth challenges, prompting major players to explore the high-end craft beer market as a potential new growth avenue [1][5]. Group 1: Industry Challenges - Baijiu companies are experiencing declining sales and increasing inventory pressures, with a reported 1.8% decrease in national baijiu production in 2024 [1][4]. - The core consumer demographic for baijiu is becoming more conservative, with younger consumers showing a preference for beer and low-alcohol beverages [1][5]. - For example, the sales volume of the core product of Zhenjiu has been consistently declining from 14,761 tons in 2021 to 12,284 tons in 2024 [3]. Group 2: Shift to Craft Beer - Major baijiu brands, including Zhenjiu, Moutai, and Luzhou Laojiao, are entering the craft beer market, targeting the mid-to-high-end segment [2][5]. - Zhenjiu's new craft beer, "Niu Shi," is priced at 88 yuan per 375ml bottle, reflecting a strategy to leverage brand premium and distribution advantages [2][5]. - The shift to craft beer is seen as a way to attract younger consumers and diversify revenue streams amid declining baijiu sales [5][14]. Group 3: Operational Differences - The operational models for baijiu and beer are fundamentally different, with beer relying on high volume and rapid turnover, while baijiu focuses on high margins and inventory management [6][9]. - The distribution channels for baijiu are established on high-profit margins, whereas beer distribution is competitive and requires extensive market penetration [9][12]. - Zhenjiu's craft beer is produced through a contract manufacturing arrangement, raising concerns about quality control and brand integrity [10]. Group 4: Strategic Implications - The introduction of craft beer may serve more as a strategic tool for Zhenjiu to manage inventory and stabilize prices rather than a genuine attempt to compete in the beer market [11][14]. - The pricing strategy for "Niu Shi" aligns with traditional baijiu sales tactics, suggesting that the craft beer may function as a "social currency" to facilitate baijiu sales [13][14].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the evolution and success of Fujian Xuejin Beer Co., Ltd., emphasizing its transformation from a small local brewery to a significant player in the global beer market through strategic partnerships and technological advancements [1][5][6]. Company Development - The establishment of the brewery in 1983 marked the beginning of a significant industrial journey for the city of Putian, with an initial investment of 56 million yuan, which was a substantial gamble for the local community [1][3]. - The brewery faced early challenges with its product "Hailian" but overcame them by seeking expertise and adapting to local tastes, leading to the successful launch of its first pure draft beer in 1999 [3][5]. - The partnership with Anheuser-Busch InBev in 2006 is described as a pivotal moment, allowing Xuejin to retain its brand while benefiting from global best practices and management systems [5][6]. Technological Advancements - The construction of a new state-of-the-art brewery in 2017, covering 1,200 acres, represents a significant investment in modern technology, including a production capacity of 2 million tons, making it the largest single-site brewery globally [6][8]. - The brewery employs advanced technologies such as 5G and has implemented sustainable practices, achieving zero wastewater discharge and transforming industrial waste into economic resources [6][12]. Industry Impact - The brewery's success has led to the establishment of related industries, including glass bottle manufacturing and can production, contributing to local economic growth and job creation [13]. - The brewery has become a cultural and tourism hub, attracting 250,000 visitors annually to the Budweiser China Beer Museum and promoting local beer culture through various events and establishments [13][14]. Future Prospects - By 2025, Putian is expected to be recognized as "China's Beer Manufacturing City," with the Budweiser Xuejin factory playing a central role in this transformation [13][16].

Core Insights - Fujian Putian, known as the "Beer City of the World," is a significant beer industry development area on the southeast coast of China, centered around Budweiser Snow Beer, which has established a complete beer industry chain [1] - Budweiser Snow Beer is the largest single production facility for Budweiser Group globally, producing the most international brands, and operates as a world-class low-carbon smart factory [1] - The Changcheng Huaxing Glass Factory, covering approximately 500 acres, has four production lines that produce about 140 million beer bottles monthly, with 60% of the products supplied directly to Budweiser Snow Beer [1] Industry Overview - The beer market is entering its peak sales season during the summer, with Budweiser Snow Beer Company’s smart workshop operating at full capacity [1] - Budweiser Snow Beer serves as the production base for eight internationally recognized brands, with an annual production capacity of 2 million tons [1] - The factory features a Budweiser China Beer Museum, which is one of the first industrial tourism demonstration bases in Fujian Province, combining smart factory tours, beer culture exhibitions, and craft beer experiences, enhancing the industrial tourism aspect of Putian's beer industry [1]

Core Insights - The CEO of Budweiser Group, Michel Doukeris, stated that the company's performance in the Chinese and Brazilian markets for Q2 was below expectations, primarily due to a decline in the on-premise channel [1][5][7] - Budweiser's sales in China decreased by 7.4% in Q2, with revenue down by 6.4%, although revenue per hectoliter increased by 1.1% due to a positive brand mix [5][10] - The overall beer market in China is experiencing a slowdown, with Budweiser's performance lagging behind the industry average, but the company remains optimistic about future recovery [7][10] Company Performance - Budweiser Group's total volumes decreased by 1.9% in Q2, while revenue increased by 3% and EBITDA grew by 6.5% [10][19] - The underlying EPS increased by 8.7% in USD terms, and revenue per hectoliter rose by 4.9% [10][19] - Despite selling fewer beers, Budweiser's revenue and profits have grown, indicating effective cost management and pricing strategies [9][10] Strategic Adjustments - Budweiser is focusing on rebalancing its on-premise and off-premise channel strategies in China, with an emphasis on enhancing capabilities in the off-premise channel [12][14] - The company is investing in lower-priced products to better align with off-premise consumer demand, shifting from a high-end focus [17][19] - Budweiser is collaborating with wholesalers to improve the sales team's capabilities and expand distribution in underdeveloped regions [19] Market Outlook - The non-on-premise channel currently accounts for about 50% of Budweiser's business in China, which is below the industry average of 60%, indicating significant growth potential [17] - The company anticipates that the impact of current market challenges will diminish over time, leading to a more positive sales trend in the industry [7][10] - Budweiser's management believes that the ongoing investments in the off-premise channel will yield substantial returns as the market evolves [14][19]