M Stanley Increases CHINA RES BEER's Target Price to HKD36, Anticipates Ongoing Losses in Alcohol Business
Earnings Forecast Adjustment: Morgan Stanley has reduced its EPS forecast for CHINA RES BEER for 2025-27 by 2-4% due to demand challenges, restructuring needs, and rising aluminum prices impacting profit margins.
Sales and Profit Growth Outlook: Despite the EPS reduction, Morgan Stanley maintains its sales and operating profit growth forecasts for CHINA RES BEER's beer business, expecting efficiency improvements and a higher share of Heineken beer to mitigate raw material cost increases.
Liquor Business Performance: The liquor segment of CHINA RES BEER is projected to incur a loss in 2025, with expectations of narrowing losses in 2026, while overall recurring net profit is anticipated to grow by 11% in both years.
Target Price Update: Morgan Stanley has raised its target price for CHINA RES BEER from HKD35 to HKD36, reflecting RMB appreciation, while maintaining an Overweight rating despite the earnings forecast reduction.
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Goodwill Impairment Loss: CHINA RES BEER announced a significant goodwill impairment loss of RMB2.79-2.97 billion for its white liquor business, far exceeding expectations of RMB300 million.
Profit Forecast: Citi estimates that CHINA RES BEER's core net profit for 2025 will reach RMB5.1-5.3 billion, which is 0-6% higher than their previous forecast, considering a one-time land sale gain.
Stock Performance Expectations: Following the announcement of the impairment provision, Citi anticipates a positive stock price reaction for CHINA RES BEER, similar to MENGNIU DAIRY's previous performance.
Investment Rating: CHINA RES BEER maintains a Buy rating from Citi, with a target price of HKD38, and is ranked as a top pick in the Chinese consumer sector, ahead of competitors like BUD APAC and TSINGTAO BREW.

Market Performance: The Hang Seng Index (HSI) rose by 435 points (1.7%) to close at 25,757, with significant gains also seen in the HSTI and HSCEI, which increased by 151 points (3.2%) and 176 points (2.1%) respectively, and market turnover reached $292.77 billion.
Top Gainers: Notable heavyweights like Xiaomi, Alibaba, and Tencent saw increases of 3.8%, 3.5%, and 3.4% respectively, while JD Logistics surged by 22.98%, and JD gained 9.95%.
Short Selling Activity: High short selling ratios were observed in several stocks, with JD having a ratio of 43.477% and Meituan at 26.184%, indicating significant market speculation.
Other Notable Stocks: Companies like Geely Auto, Trip.com, and Mengniu Dairy also experienced substantial gains, with increases of 7.9%, 7.2%, and 6.9% respectively, reflecting a positive trend in various sectors.

Earnings Forecast Adjustment: Morgan Stanley has reduced its EPS forecast for CHINA RES BEER for 2025-27 by 2-4% due to demand challenges, restructuring needs, and rising aluminum prices impacting profit margins.
Sales and Profit Growth Outlook: Despite the EPS reduction, Morgan Stanley maintains its sales and operating profit growth forecasts for CHINA RES BEER's beer business, expecting efficiency improvements and a higher share of Heineken beer to mitigate raw material cost increases.
Liquor Business Performance: The liquor segment of CHINA RES BEER is projected to incur a loss in 2025, with expectations of narrowing losses in 2026, while overall recurring net profit is anticipated to grow by 11% in both years.
Target Price Update: Morgan Stanley has raised its target price for CHINA RES BEER from HKD35 to HKD36, reflecting RMB appreciation, while maintaining an Overweight rating despite the earnings forecast reduction.
Stock Performance Overview: Various Hong Kong stocks showed mixed performance, with notable gains for ANTA SPORTS (+2.365%) and HAIDILAO (+5.822%), while LI NING (-1.875%) and SANDS CHINA LTD (-1.271%) experienced declines.
Short Selling Data: Short selling activity varied across stocks, with LI NING having the highest ratio at 23.224%, while TSINGTAO BREW reported the lowest at 1.075%.
Investment Ratings: Most stocks listed received a "Buy" rating, except for LI NING, which is rated as "Hold," indicating a generally positive outlook for the majority of the stocks.
Market Insights: Citi's estimate for Macau's February gross gaming revenue (GGR) is projected at MOP20 billion, reflecting a 1% year-over-year increase, suggesting a stable gaming market.

Improvement in Consumption: This year's Chinese New Year holiday data indicates a recovery in the domestic consumption market, particularly in tourism, culture, and catering sectors, compared to last year.
Broker Optimism: UOB Kay Hian expresses optimism about structural consumption growth in China, highlighting potential policy support and overseas growth opportunities, especially in catering and experiential consumption.
Top Stock Picks: UOB Kay Hian's top stock recommendations include ANTA SPORTS, CHINA RES BEER, HAIDILAO, and YUM CHINA, all rated as Buy, with an Overweight rating for the domestic consumption sector.
Target Price Adjustments: The broker has adjusted target prices for several stocks based on CNY holiday consumption and travel data, increasing targets for HAIDILAO, LI NING, KWEICHOW MOUTAI, and WULIANGYE.

Lunar New Year Consumption Performance: The Lunar New Year holiday showed strong demand in catering and tourism, prompting Daiwa to recommend stocks like GUMING and YUM CHINA that benefit from this trend.
Economic Reflation Signs: The report highlighted initial signs of reflation in the Chinese economy driven by service consumption, with rising prices and reduced promotions in various sectors.
Catering Sector Outlook: Daiwa remains optimistic about GUMING and YUM CHINA, suggesting that a broader recovery in catering could enhance alcohol consumption at venues, while also favoring NONGFU SPRING and TINGYI due to domestic tourism.
Caution on MIXUE GROUP: Despite the positive outlook for many stocks, Daiwa expressed caution regarding MIXUE GROUP due to uncertain profit growth visibility, maintaining a Neutral rating.






