2026-01-13 02:11Summary of the Conference Call on China Consumer Sector Outlook 2026 Industry Overview - The focus is on the China consumer sector with an emphasis on stock picking strategies for 2026E, balancing "value" vs "growth" investments [1][11] - Anticipation of a less inflationary environment and low expectations for immediate consumption boosts from government policies [1][11] Key Investment Themes 1. Shift Towards Experience/Service Consumption - Consumers are increasingly valuing emotional experiences over basic needs, seeking happiness and self-expression [2][23] - 66% of respondents in a survey indicated a willingness to spend more for special moments [23] - Notable examples include Pop Mart's affordable entertainment options and Haidilao's casual dining as social venues [2][23] 2. Focus on Well-being - Increased spending on wellness, including health, fitness, and nutrition [3] - Growth potential identified in sportswear (Anta), health supplements (H&H), beauty care (Mao Geping), and tourism (Atour) [3] 3. Rising "Silver" Economy - The aging population is creating demand for leisure and cultural experiences [4] - Industries like tourism (Atour, H World), sportswear (Anta), and health supplements (H&H) are expected to benefit [4] 4. Emerging New Channels - Growth in omni-channel operations and new offline channels such as membership stores and snack specialty chains [5] - Food companies like Eastroc and Nongfu are adapting to these changes [5] 5. Multi-brand Strategy - Industry leaders are expanding brand portfolios to meet diversified consumer demands [6] - Companies like Anta and Midea are revising growth targets to ease channel inventory pressure [6] Top Buys in Consumer Sector - Consumer Discretionary: Anta (2020.HK), Pop Mart (9992.HK), Haidilao (6862.HK), Atour (ATAT.O), Midea (300.HK) [1][14] - Consumer Staples: CR Beer (291.HK), Eastroc (605499.SS), Mao Geping (1318.HK) [1][14] Additional Insights - The report emphasizes the importance of sustainable profit growth amid a dynamic marketplace [1][11] - The analysis includes a pecking order of various consumer sub-sectors, highlighting the relative strengths of companies within those sectors [1][14] - The report also notes the potential for companies like Li Ning and Haitian to outperform in case of a better-than-expected recovery in consumption [1] Conclusion - The China consumer sector is poised for a transformation driven by changing consumer preferences towards emotional and experiential consumption, with significant opportunities identified across various industries and companies. The focus on well-being, the aging population, and the emergence of new channels are critical factors influencing investment strategies for 2026E [1][2][3][4][5][6]