Nongfu Spring (9633.HK) Conference Call Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Nongfu Spring - **Ticker**: 9633.HK - **Period**: 1H25 Key Financial Highlights - **Sales**: Rmb25.6 billion, up 15.6% year-over-year (YoY) [1] - **Net Profit**: Rmb7.6 billion, up 22.1% YoY [1] - **Sales Growth vs. Guidance**: Sales and net profit exceeded guidance estimates (GSe) of Rmb25.4 billion and Rmb7.3 billion, respectively [1] - **Operating Profit**: Grew by 28% YoY, with an operating profit margin (OPM) increase of 3.6 percentage points YoY [1] - **Gross Margin**: 60.3%, up 1.5 percentage points YoY, driven by lower costs in packaging materials and sugar [6] Segment Performance - **Tea Sales**: Increased by 20% YoY, driven by strong momentum from the Oriental Leaf brand and the launch of new Iced Tea products [6] - **Functional Beverages**: Grew by 14% YoY [6] - **Juice Sales**: Increased by 21% YoY [6] - **Packaged Water Sales**: Up 11% YoY [1] Cost Management - **Selling Expenses**: Rmb5,011 million, up 1% YoY, with a selling expense ratio down to 19.6% from 22.4% YoY [6][7] - **Administrative Expenses**: Rmb1,068 million, up 17% YoY, with a stable ratio of 4.1% [7] - **Other Expenses**: Increased due to higher donations and exchange losses, from Rmb6 million in 1H24 to Rmb127 million in 1H25 [7] Cash Position - **Total Cash and Bank Deposits**: Rmb26.4 billion, up 24% from the end of 2024 [7] - **Net Cash**: Rmb22.0 billion, also up 24% from the end of 2024 [7] Future Outlook - **Investor Briefing**: Scheduled for August 27, focusing on 2H25 guidance, competition strategy, product strategy, and raw material cost outlook [2] - **Key Investor Focus**: Competition strategy within the water and tea segments, new growth drivers, and mid to long-term margin outlook [2] Risks and Price Target - **Price Target**: HK$48.00, based on a 30X 2026E P/E [11] - **Key Risks**: Lower-than-expected sales momentum in tea and water, higher cost inflation, and increased competition in the beverage industry [11] Conclusion Nongfu Spring demonstrated strong financial performance in 1H25, with significant growth across multiple beverage segments and effective cost management strategies. The upcoming investor briefing is expected to provide further insights into the company's future growth strategies and market positioning.

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The report focuses on the polarization between New and Old Consumption in China, highlighting three key trends: 1. A stagnant economy limits overall growth, creating selective opportunities [1] 2. Supply-demand mismatches and corporate competency gaps challenge companies amid commoditized supply and demanding consumers [1] 3. A new generation of consumers seeks instant, experiential, and affordable "dopamine" experiences, reflecting a global trend [1] Analytical Framework - The "365" framework is reiterated, consisting of: 1. **Three macro themes**: structural imbalance of supply, demand, and intermediary channels [2] 2. **Six behavior patterns**: emotional value quest, instant gratification, focus on IP/contents, she-economy, brand demystification, and upgrade vs. downgrade [2] 3. **Five baskets**: emotional value, health & wellness, addictiveness, value for money, and new channels [2] New vs. Old Consumption - Definitions of New and Old Consumption are often ambiguous; adaptation to trends is crucial [3] - Strategies for Old Consumption include product innovation, brand rejuvenation, and channel recalibration [3] - Risks for New Consumption include scalability, lifecycle sustainability, and regulatory challenges [3] Market Dynamics - New Consumption was a significant trade in 1H25 due to macro weakness and liquidity, but recent market rotations have negatively impacted it [4] - Earnings sustainability and visibility are emphasized as key factors for investment decisions [4] Stock Picks - Preferred companies based on fundamentals and valuation include: - **New Consumption**: Pop Mart and Laopu Gold - **Old Consumption incorporating New Consumption**: Mao Geping, Eastroc, and Nongfu Spring - Mixue is rated as Underperform due to unfavorable risk-reward dynamics [5] Performance Metrics - New Consumption stocks have shown a 70% increase in share price since March 2025, while Old Consumption remains largely flat [14] - New Consumption trades at a 71% premium to Old Consumption on average since 2024 [17] Consumer Behavior Insights - The report identifies a quest for emotional value driven by stress and a fragmented society, leading to a rise in "dopamine consumption" [45] - Instant gratification and granular "dopamine" are becoming prevalent due to shorter attention spans and digital media immersion [56] - The she-economy is reshaping consumption narratives, with female consumers becoming more vocal and influential [82] Brand Dynamics - Brand demystification is occurring as traditional branding foundations are challenged, leading to a new storytelling journey for brands [94] - The rise of emotional value and community sharing is significant in the she-economy, with consumers focusing on quality-for-money rather than brand prestige [93] Conclusion - The report emphasizes the importance of understanding the evolving landscape of consumer behavior in China, particularly the distinctions between New and Old Consumption, and the implications for investment strategies in the consumer sector [1][2][3][4][5]

Nongfu Spring (9633.HK) Conference Call Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Nongfu Spring (9633.HK) - **Industry**: Beverage Industry Key Financial Metrics - **1H25E Sales**: Rmb 25.4 billion, up 15% YoY - **1H25E Net Income**: Rmb 7.3 billion, up 17% YoY - **NPM**: Expected to expand to 28.7% from 28.1% in 1H24 [1][9][14] Sales Growth Drivers - **Juice and Tea**: Both categories expected to grow by 18% YoY in 1H25, driven by strong consumer demand and new product launches [1][9] - **Packaged Water**: Anticipated recovery with 13% YoY growth, rebounding from a low base of -18% YoY in 1H24 [1][9] - **Functional Drinks**: Expected to grow by 10% YoY, benefiting from new flavors and product introductions [1][9] Market Position and Competitive Landscape - **Market Share Recovery**: Nongfu Spring is focusing on regaining market share for its flagship red-bottle water product, with positive results noted since April [1][9] - **Competitor Dynamics**: Potential consumer migration opportunity from Wahaha, which gained 8-10 percentage points in market share in 2024 but is currently facing publicity issues [1][9] Outlook for 2H25 - **Continued Improvement**: Anticipated growth driven by a lower comparative base, especially in the water segment [1][9] - **Product Innovation**: Nongfu's strong product innovation and effective marketing strategies are expected to adapt to changing consumer preferences towards healthier drinks [1][9] Margin Expansion - **Gross Profit Margin (GPM)**: Expected improvement due to lower raw material prices and a favorable product mix [1][9] - **Operating Profit Margin (OPM)**: Anticipated better expansion compared to NPM, influenced by social responsibility donations [1][9] Earnings Forecast and Price Target - **Revenue Estimates**: Increased by 1-3% for 2025-27E, reflecting improved consumption sentiments and successful product launches [9][14] - **Earnings Growth**: Projected 3-9% higher earnings in 2025-27E, with 17%/20% YoY sales/NP growth in 2025 and 14%/16% in 2026 [9][14] - **12-Month Price Target**: Increased from HK$43.6 to HK$48.0, with a reiteration of "Buy" rating [9][14] Additional Insights - **Consumer Trends**: Increasing health awareness among consumers is driving growth in juice and functional drinks [1][9] - **Promotional Campaigns**: Successful campaigns, such as QR code promotions for sugar-free tea, have expanded the consumer base [1][9] Summary of Key Drivers - **Total Revenue Growth**: Expected to reach Rmb 50.1 billion in 2025, with a YoY growth of 16.9% [13][14] - **Segment Performance**: Packaged drinking water, tea, functional beverages, and juice are all expected to contribute positively to overall revenue growth [13][14] This summary encapsulates the key points from the conference call regarding Nongfu Spring's performance, outlook, and strategic positioning within the beverage industry.

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating on Eastroc, Tingyi, CR Beverage, and Nongfu, with a preference for the beverage sector within staples due to growth potential and earnings visibility [9]. Core Insights - The beverage sector in China has shown a year-to-date rally of 19%, outperforming the MSCI China staples index, which increased by 8% [1]. - Despite rising competition, the sector is expected to sustain long-term volume growth and profit visibility into 2025, driven by a solid product cycle and cost benefits [9]. - Key debates in the beverage space include the impact of freshly made drinks (FMD) due to intensified food delivery subsidies, the ongoing product cycle, and margin resilience amid competition [1][2][8]. Summary by Sections Impact of Freshly Made Drinks (FMD) - FMD has seen a volume boost from delivery subsidies, with a potential short-term impact on ready-to-drink (RTD) soft drinks due to cannibalization [2]. - The analysis suggests a limited overall impact on the beverage industry, primarily affecting nearby soft drink points of sale (POS) [2]. - A scenario analysis indicates a potential low single-digit to mid-single-digit percentage impact on daily volume sold by RTD soft drinks, assuming a 50% cannibalization rate [19]. Product Cycle Dynamics - The product cycle remains a critical driver, with sugar-free drinks, new flavors, and sports/energy drinks gaining traction [3][39]. - New product launches, such as Eastroc's Ice Tea and UPC's sugar-free tea, are expected to contribute significantly to sales in 2025 [7][41]. - The focus on health and functional benefits continues to shape consumer preferences, leading to a rise in innovative beverage offerings [39][40]. Margin Resilience and Cost Benefits - The report highlights manageable impacts from competition risks, with cost benefits expected to continue into the second half of 2025 [8]. - Unit cost deflation is revised to 2.3% to 6.3% for the beverage segments, which is anticipated to offset potential declines in average selling prices (ASP) [8][64]. - Companies are adjusting promotional strategies and scaling down promotions for classic SKUs while benefiting from ASP hikes on larger pack beverages [64].