Summary of Haidilao International Holding Ltd Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Haidilao International Holding Ltd (6862.HK) - **Industry**: Consumer (China/Hong Kong) - **Market Cap**: Rmb68,977 million - **Current Stock Price**: HK$13.92 - **Price Target**: HK$17.50 Key Financial Metrics - **1H25 Revenue**: Expected to decline by 3.5% year-over-year (yoy) to Rmb20.7 billion - **1H25 Net Profit**: Expected to decline by approximately 5% yoy to Rmb1.9 billion - **2025 Revenue Forecast**: Cut by 6-7% to Rmb43.1 billion - **2025 Net Profit Forecast**: Cut by 14% to Rmb4.6 billion - **Gross Margin**: Expected to decline to 60.4-60.6% for 2025-2027, down by 2 percentage points from previous estimates Core Insights - **Traffic-Driven Pressure**: The decline in revenue is primarily due to weak traffic and table turnover, exacerbated by competition from food delivery platforms [3][9] - **Self-Help Initiatives**: The company is investing in service enhancements and product offerings to attract customers, which is leading to increased overhead costs and margin pressure in the short term [4][21] - **Positive Outlook for 2H25**: Anticipated recovery in table turnover and revenue growth due to a lower base and self-help initiatives, with expectations of less competition from delivery platforms in the fourth quarter [5][12][31] Financial Performance - **1H25 Financials**: - Revenue: Rmb20.7 billion, down 3.5% yoy - Net Profit: Rmb1.9 billion, down 5% yoy - Gross Profit Margin: 60.0%, down from 61.0% in 1H24 [15] - **Cost Structure**: Increased staff costs and overheads are impacting gross profit margins, with staff costs expected to remain high in 2025 [22][25] Market Dynamics - **Competitive Landscape**: The company faces intense competition from delivery platforms, which is affecting dine-in demand, particularly in the mid-price segment [12][31] - **Long-Term Growth Prospects**: Despite short-term challenges, the company is expected to benefit from macroeconomic recovery and its expansion strategy into different restaurant formats [32][33] Valuation and Investment Thesis - **Valuation**: The stock is currently trading at a P/E of 15x based on revised 2025 EPS estimates, which is considered attractive given the company's resilient cash flow and management capabilities [14][26] - **Investment Rating**: Overweight, with a target price of HK$17.50, reflecting a potential upside of 26% from the current price [7][26] Risks and Considerations - **Downside Risks**: Prolonged weak consumption and potential store closures could negatively impact performance, with EPS potentially 20% lower than base case forecasts in a bear scenario [37][43] - **Upside Potential**: Faster recovery in dine-in activities and new store openings could lead to better-than-expected demand recovery [30][43] Conclusion Haidilao International Holding Ltd is navigating a challenging macro environment with a focus on enhancing service and product offerings. While short-term pressures are evident, the company is positioned for a potential recovery in the latter half of 2025, supported by its unique business model and management strategies.

Investment Rating - The report maintains a Neutral rating for Haidilao International Holding with a 12-month price target of HK$15.30, implying an upside potential of 8.4% from the current price of HK$14.12 [1][2][26]. Core Insights - The earnings forecasts for Haidilao have been revised down by 13%-16% for 2025-27, primarily due to lower-than-expected performance in 1H25, slower store expansion, and the company's strategy to offer better value to customers [2][23][27]. - The company is expected to experience a revenue decline of 4% year-on-year in 1H25, driven by weaker table turn performance and a decrease in party size, although a slight improvement in average selling price (ASP) may provide some offset [20][21]. - Despite the challenges in 1H25, the second half is anticipated to show a recovery in same-store sales growth (SSSG) due to an easier comparison base, which could lead to slight positive growth in average sales per store [2][22]. Summary by Sections Earnings Forecasts - The report projects a revenue of Rmb20.6 billion for 1H25, reflecting a 4% decline year-on-year, with restaurant revenue expected to drop by 6% [20][21]. - For 2025, total revenue is estimated at Rmb43.09 billion, down from the previous estimate of Rmb44.62 billion, marking a 3.4% reduction [25]. Margin Analysis - The gross profit margin (GPM) is expected to contract to 60.7% in 1H25, down from 61.0% in 1H24, due to increased food cost ratios and operating deleverage [1][21]. - Operating profit margin (OPM) is projected to decrease by 0.8 percentage points year-on-year to 11.8% [21]. Store Expansion and Performance - The company is expected to close 8 net stores in 1H25, indicating a cautious approach to expansion amid fluid consumption trends [20]. - The total store count for Haidilao is projected to decrease by 30 stores in 2025, with a total of 1,415 stores expected [25]. Valuation Metrics - The report provides a valuation of 16X for the 2025 estimated price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio, with a projected dividend yield of 6% [2][13]. - The adjusted EBITDA for 2025 is forecasted at Rmb8,063.4 million, reflecting a decline from previous estimates [25]. Key Focus Areas for Investors - Investors are advised to monitor the trends in table turn performance, store expansion plans, margin outlook, and the impact of delivery subsidies on overall performance [22][23].