First Pacific Company (00142) H1 2025 Earnings Call August 28, 2025 05:00 AM ET Speaker0Good day, everyone. Thank you for sharing this online briefing to discuss First Pacific. First twenty twenty five first six months financial and operating results. The results presentation is available on First Pacific's website, www.firstpacific.com under the investor relations section presentation page. This results briefing is being recorded, and the repage will be available on First Pacific website this evening in th ...

Exhibit 1: Valuations | | | Rating | Target price (¥) | | Upside/ | P/E(X) | | EV/EBITDA(X) | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | Ticker | | New | Old | Downside FY1E | | FY2E | FY1E | FY2E | | Nissin Foods HD | 2897.T | Neutral | 3,700 | 3,900 | 20.0% | 16.7 | 16.8 | 8.9 | 8.7 | | | | Mkt cap | EBIT YoY | | EV/NOPAT(X) | | P/B(X) ROE | | DY | | | Ticker | (¥ bn) | FY1E | FY2E | FY1E | FY2E | FY1E | FY1E | FY1E | | Nissin Foods HD | 2897.T | 933 | -0.8% | 0.2% | 17.1 | 17.1 | ...

Core Insights - The instant noodle industry in China is expected to maintain steady growth, with the market size projected to exceed 900 billion yuan by 2025, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3%-5% [1] Industry Overview - The Chinese instant noodle market has shown fluctuating growth, indicating a sustained consumer reliance on the product, driven by urbanization, faster lifestyles, and the preference of younger consumers for convenient food options [1] - The market size in 2024 is estimated to be around 850 billion yuan, with growth factors including diversified consumption scenarios, product innovation, and deeper penetration into lower-tier cities [1] Development Trends - Product innovation is anticipated, with plant-based instant noodles (e.g., pea protein noodles) expected to grow by 30% by 2025, and functional additives becoming a key focus in research and development [1] - Channel transformation is underway, with community group buying and instant retail expected to account for 25% of the market, promoting the development of "short shelf-life noodles" [1] Global Expansion - Leading companies are accelerating their manufacturing presence in Southeast Asia, with a 40% increase in production capacity for Kang Shifu in Indonesia in 2024, targeting the Muslim market [2] ESG Initiatives - The industry aims to reduce carbon emission intensity by 15% by 2025, with a target of achieving 20% renewable energy usage [2]

Core Viewpoint - First Pacific Company Limited is focused on defensive businesses in Southeast Asia and is set to present at the dbVIC - Deutsche Bank ADR Virtual Investor Conference on May 15, 2025, to engage with investors [1][2]. Company Overview - First Pacific is a Hong Kong-based investment holding company with operations in consumer food products, telecommunications, infrastructure, and mining [6]. - The company is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and offers shares in the U.S. through American Depositary Receipts (ADR) [6]. Financial Performance - The company has experienced six consecutive years of profit growth, with the last four years achieving record highs [3]. - First Pacific's share price increased by 25% in 2023 and 45% in 2024, with a recurring price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 3.6x for FY 2024 [5]. Strategic Focus - First Pacific's strategy emphasizes maximizing shareholder returns through investments in defensive industries that are not significantly affected by changes in foreign trade tariffs [3]. - The company maintains a focus on emerging economies in Southeast Asia and holds majority stakes in its investments to ensure control over cash flows [8]. Key Assets - First Pacific's portfolio includes major companies such as Indofood (largest maker of instant noodles), MPTC (largest privately owned toll road operator), Meralco (largest power company), PLDT (largest telecommunications company), and Maynilad (largest water company) in the Philippines [4]. - The company is also the largest shareholder in Philex Mining, which plans to open a second gold and copper mine in 2026 [4]. Financial Health - First Pacific has low borrowings with an interest coverage ratio of 4x and has maintained investment-grade credit ratings from Moody's and S&P Global for three years [5].

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly state an investment rating for the convenience food industry Core Insights - The convenience food industry is driven by the acceleration of urbanization and changing consumer behaviors, leading to increased demand for quick and easy meal solutions [5][6] - Technological innovations, such as self-heating technology and vacuum packaging, are enhancing product variety and healthiness, contributing to market growth [5][6] - The rise of e-commerce has transformed consumer purchasing habits, particularly among younger demographics, making online shopping a primary channel for convenience food [5][6] Industry Background and Development Trends - The convenience food sector has become essential in modern life due to its ease of storage and quick consumption [2] - The report aims to analyze the current state, future trends, and challenges of the convenience food industry while exploring the use of digital tools for market research and decision support [2] Consumer Insights - The primary consumer demographic for convenience foods is individuals under 35 years old, with women making up approximately 55% of this group [22] - Consumers are increasingly concerned about the nutritional value and health implications of convenience foods, indicating a shift towards healthier options [34][37] Market Dynamics - The convenience food market is influenced by socio-economic changes, including rising disposable incomes and evolving consumer preferences towards quality and health [13][14] - The report highlights the importance of understanding consumer behavior through data analytics to predict market trends and inform strategic decisions [11][24] Technological Innovations - The application of IoT, big data, and AI technologies across the supply chain is improving efficiency in research, production, and logistics [17] - Automation in production processes is identified as a key direction for reducing costs and enhancing product quality [19] Environmental Considerations - There is a growing trend towards green consumption, with consumers favoring environmentally friendly packaging and sustainable production methods [20][21] Product Development Insights - Companies are encouraged to innovate in flavor offerings and packaging designs to meet diverse consumer preferences and enhance the overall experience [60][62] - The report emphasizes the need for a comprehensive product strategy that addresses nutritional value, safety standards, and price competitiveness [42][43] Marketing Strategies - The report suggests that brands should focus on emotional connections through storytelling and experiential marketing to build consumer loyalty [46] - Time-sensitive marketing strategies are recommended to capitalize on peak consumption times, particularly in the evening and late-night [26][28]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported record high contributions, recurring profits, and full-year distributions to shareholders, with a total payout of HKD0.25 per share [5][6] - The interest coverage ratio at the end of the year was four times, exceeding the comfort level of three times [9] - The company maintained strong cash flows and retained two investment-grade credit ratings [6][9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Indofood achieved record revenues for the eleventh consecutive year, with EBIT margins for the Noodles division reaching 25.9%, the highest ever [10] - Metro Pacific's core profit also reached record highs, driven primarily by power, water, and toll roads, with expectations for continued strong performance in 2025 [12][13] - PLDT reported record high sales and service revenues, with mobile data and SMS showing the strongest growth [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company increased its stake in MPIC from 46.3% to 49.9% [4] - The Philippines and Indonesia's economies are expected to double from 2018 to 2029, which may positively impact the company's performance [75] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to continue focusing on growth in its core businesses, particularly in defensive industries like power, roads, and water [75] - There is an emphasis on improving operational efficiency and reducing non-revenue water in Metro Pacific to enhance revenue [36] - The company is exploring strategic options for Maya, including potential IPO or trade sale discussions [72] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future, indicating that current trends suggest another strong year for Metro Pacific in 2025 and 2026 [75] - The company highlighted the importance of securing long-term contracts for gas supply to mitigate past issues and enhance profitability [28] Other Important Information - The company is planning a new 600-megawatt hydrogen-ready power project expected to commence operations in January 2029 [16] - The financing mix for new power plant projects is anticipated to be approximately 60% debt and 40% equity [47] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the expected earnings trajectory for FPM power in 2025 and 2026? - Management indicated that 2023 was an exceptional year and that profits are expected to taper gradually, with long-run marginal costs influencing future earnings [24][27] Question: Can you provide updates on the Terra Solar Phase two project? - The focus remains on Phase one of the Terra Solar project, with initial delivery expected in Q1 2026 [30] Question: What are the considerations for the spin-off of MailiNet? - The valuation is tied to strong performance and operational efficiency improvements, with a focus on reducing non-revenue water [35] Question: Will there be share buybacks given the current NAV discount? - Management stated that share buybacks are part of a dynamic capital allocation strategy and will be assessed based on liquidity and other commitments [39][41] Question: What is the financing mix for PLP's new power plant projects? - The financing is expected to consist of approximately 60% debt and 40% equity, with dividends continuing to be paid to shareholders [47] Question: What are the plans for Maya, PLDT's online bank? - Maya is experiencing significant growth, and discussions regarding its future, including potential IPO or trade sale, are ongoing [72]