中国珠宝行业：2026 年行业增长放缓，聚焦个股机会；买入老铺黄金-China Retail_ China Jewelry_ Milder industry growth in 2026E with focus on idiosyncratic opportunities; Buy Laopu

Summary of the Conference Call on China Jewelry Industry and Laopu Industry Overview - The China jewelry market is expected to experience a normalized growth rate of 4% in 2026, following a significant >60% increase in gold prices throughout 2025, which contributed to approximately 10% market growth from a low base [1][23] - The sector has outperformed the Hang Seng Index (HSI) with a 70% increase compared to HSI's 28% [1] - The overall consumption power remains volatile, leading to a neutral outlook for the sector in 2026 due to a higher base and normalized inelastic demand [1][23] Gold Price Expectations - Goldman Sachs expects the gold price to reach $5,400/toz by the end of 2026, indicating a 25% increase from the end of 2025 [1][24] - The anticipated increase in gold prices is expected to support demand/value growth, although it may create headwinds for gross profit margins (GPM) for weight-based products [1][24] Company-Specific Insights: Laopu - Laopu is projected to have strong earnings growth in 2026, supported by customer acquisitions, an expanded high-quality store network, and GPM improvement [2] - The company benefits from fixed-priced products, which are attractive amid rising gold prices, and shows solid momentum post its October price hike [2] - Laopu's secondary market discount remains low, indicating an advantage in value retention [2][17] Valuation and Market Position - Laopu is trading at a high teens P/E ratio for 2026E, with projected sales and net income growth of 39% and 55%, respectively [3] - Chow Tai Fook (CTF) and Luk Fook have seen strong upward re-ratings, with CTF trading at historical averages and Luk Fook at approximately +1 standard deviation above historical averages [3] Key Factors Impacting Jewelry Consumption - Positive factors include the expectation of further gold price increases, the ongoing popularity of heritage gold products, and the attractiveness of fixed-priced products [24] - Negative factors include inelastic demand, which is influenced by marriage rates and overall consumption power, which remains soft [24][28] Store Count and Market Dynamics - Leading jewelry retailers have seen a HSD% to 20% reduction in store counts since their peak, while emerging brands are expanding [11][35] - Chow Tai Fook and Luk Fook expect fewer store closures in the second half of FY26 compared to the first half of FY25, indicating a stabilization in their store networks [31] Conclusion - The jewelry market in China is expected to face challenges in 2026 due to a higher base and soft consumption power, but Laopu presents a compelling investment opportunity due to its growth potential and market positioning [1][2][3][24]