Equity Analyst - Asia Consumer Sector, Investory

Devi Subhakesan

Equity Analyst - Asia Consumer Sector

ASIA CONSUMER: INSIGHTS AND INVESTMENT IDEAS

Investory

Investory is a Singapore-based boutique independent equity research firm founded in January 2017 with a primary focus on consumption themes across Asia-Pacific.

We aim to generate investible ideas based on consumption trends and outlook. We screen our ideas on several parameters - product potential, long-term growth and management commitment being the most critical.  We follow a fundamental analysis approach in our stock selection process and are not restricted by market cap.

We aspire to grow into a leading source of unbiased research, free of conflict of interest, for investors yearning for independent and disciplined analysis. 

We also undertake bespoke research mandates to support our Institutional clients’ investment needs.

Our team comprises of professionals with extensive experience in the Asian equity markets, in areas ranging from research, servicing institutional clients and investment management.

Equity Bottom-Up

<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/yum-china-holdings-inc-0533692c-6dae-4014-baa1-ed0b050638f2" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29259:1" rel="noopener">Yum China Holdings (9987 HK)</a> posted robust year-over-year operating profit growth in 4Q2024 on the back of low single digit sales increase and operating efficiencies.</li>
<li>Despite significant sector headwinds, Yum China has managed to outperform peers and grow ahead of sector in 2024 by swiftly adapting  to shifting consumer preferences.</li>
<li>Yum China's value-for-money QSR model with mid-tier pricing amidst tough sector outlook implies limited margin upside, a likely single-digit sales growth outlook, and a modest dividend yield for 2025.</li>
</ul>



Yum China Holdings (9987 HK) posted robust year-over-year operating profit growth in 4Q2024 on the back of low single digit sales increase and operating efficiencies.
Despite significant sector headwinds, Yum China has managed to outperform peers and grow ahead of sector in 2024 by swiftly adapting  to shifting consumer preferences.
Yum China's value-for-money QSR model with mid-tier pricing amidst tough sector outlook implies limited margin upside, a likely single-digit sales growth outlook, and a modest dividend yield for 2025.


Yum China (9987 HK): 2025 Outlook. Modest Growth and Margin Upside Amid Sector Headwinds

External broker reports(aggregated public sources), CMB International

CMB International

External broker reports(aggregated public sources)

Incorporated in Hong Kong, supported by the mainland and targeting in global market, CMB International Capital Corporation Limited (“CMBI”) is an integrated financial institution providing comprehensive and professional services. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Merchants Bank ("CMB"), by leveraging on the Group’s synergy and coordination in domestic and overseas markets, as well as CMB’s strong resources and outstanding social reputation, CMBI and its subsidiaries have been actively implementing diversified business strategies and set up an overall layout of main business segments including Corporate Finance, Asset Management, Wealth Management, Global Markets and Structured Finance, etc. Adhering to the philosophy of “being clients oriented and increasing our own values by the way of creating value for clients”, CMBI endeavors to provide quality and integrated financial services to institutional, corporate and individual customers both domestic and overseas including Hong Kong IPO sponsorship and underwriting, share placement and rights issue for listed companies, financial advisors, bonds issuance services, asset management, direct investment, wealth management, equity sales and trading, etc.

<ul><li>We believe Yum China SSSG might still be negative in 4Q24E (despite a positive foot traffic growth), but thanks to its soft raw material inflation and efficiency gains across store and headquarters levels, we do expect net profit growth to be decent in 4Q24E.</li><li>Moreover, supported by the slightly more optimistic FY25E outlook, generous cash return programme and attractive valuation, we maintain BUY.</li><li>Sales trend may still be mildly under pressure in 4Q24E. We expect Yum China’s SSSG in 4Q24E to be at around -3%, similar to that in 3Q24.</li></ul>Content is external broker report sourced from online content aggregator through publicly available sources and is displayed below for general informational purposes only. Refer full disclaimer below.

We believe Yum China SSSG might still be negative in 4Q24E (despite a positive foot traffic growth), but thanks to its soft raw material inflation and efficiency gains across store and headquarters levels, we do expect net profit growth to be decent in 4Q24E.Moreover, supported by the slightly more optimistic FY25E outlook, generous cash return programme and attractive valuation, we maintain BUY.Sales trend may still be mildly under pressure in 4Q24E. We expect Yum China’s SSSG in 4Q24E to be at around -3%, similar to that in 3Q24.Content is external broker report sourced from online content aggregator through publicly available sources and is displayed below for general informational purposes only. Refer full disclaimer below.

Yum China (YUMC US) - Improving Outlook and Decent Cash Returns

Asian Hedge Fund Manager, Long Short Equity, Macro

David Mudd

<ul>
<li>As Hong Kong market continues to consolidate, the consumer discretionary sector is leading in momentum and strength while the energy and materials sectors lag.</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/trip-com-group-ltd-23a341d0-4f63-4175-a8c5-ee990906cacd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:36424:1" rel="noopener">Trip.com Group (9961 HK)</a> , <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/trip-com-group-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:180:1" rel="noopener">Trip.com (TCOM US)</a> received BUY ratings after a strong 3Q24 announcement on revenue and earnings.  China's tourist numbers are projected to reach Pre-COVID levels soon.
</li>
<li><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/yum-china-holdings-inc-0533692c-6dae-4014-baa1-ed0b050638f2" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29259:1" rel="noopener">Yum China Holdings (9987 HK)</a> , <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/yum-china-holdings-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:23677:1" rel="noopener">Yum China Holdings (YUMC US)</a> received BUY ratings after initial success from its small store/franchising strategy.  The company is actively returning capital to shareholders.</li>
</ul>


As Hong Kong market continues to consolidate, the consumer discretionary sector is leading in momentum and strength while the energy and materials sectors lag.

Trip.com Group (9961 HK) , Trip.com (TCOM US) received BUY ratings after a strong 3Q24 announcement on revenue and earnings.  China's tourist numbers are projected to reach Pre-COVID levels soon.

Yum China Holdings (9987 HK) , Yum China Holdings (YUMC US) received BUY ratings after initial success from its small store/franchising strategy.  The company is actively returning capital to shareholders.


BUY/SELL/HOLD: Hong Kong Stock Updates (NOVEMBER 29)

<ul>
<li>Although Hong Kong markets have slumped after Trump's election, mainland China's markets have gained.  Southbound net buying of HK stocks hit a 2024 high on the day Trump won.</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sands-china-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:182:1" rel="noopener">Sands China (1928 HK)</a> had a breakout from a double top as Macau recorded good Golden Week arrivals.  <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/blue-moon-group-holdings" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29179:1" rel="noopener">Blue Moon Group Holdings (6993 HK)</a> had a breakout after 3 years.
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/cansino-biologics-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27739:1" rel="noopener">CanSino Biologics (6185 HK)</a> formed a breakout after a new vaccine was approved and it reported better results.  <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/haidilao-international-holding" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27044:1" rel="noopener">Haidilao International Holding (6862 HK)</a> share price advanced as it expands stores.
</li>
</ul>


Although Hong Kong markets have slumped after Trump's election, mainland China's markets have gained.  Southbound net buying of HK stocks hit a 2024 high on the day Trump won.

Sands China (1928 HK) had a breakout from a double top as Macau recorded good Golden Week arrivals.  Blue Moon Group Holdings (6993 HK) had a breakout after 3 years.


CanSino Biologics (6185 HK) formed a breakout after a new vaccine was approved and it reported better results.  Haidilao International Holding (6862 HK) share price advanced as it expands stores.



Technically Speaking, Breakouts and Breakdowns: HONG KONG (NOVEMBER 13)

<ul>
<li>Hong Kong markets continue to outperform this year with the HSCEI up 30% year to date.  Market breadth continues to be healthy with 80% of stocks over &gt; 200 DMA.</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/xpeng-inc-4cc65854-d10c-4d20-bf7e-ca0e016715ff" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:33772:1" rel="noopener">XPeng (9868 HK)</a> announced its new hybrid technology which gives vehicles a range of more than 870 miles (1400 Kms).  The company has delivered more than 120k vehicles YTD.</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/china-merchants-securities-co-4f5d644c-0051-426f-9706-eaa74b0ba280" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22738:1" rel="noopener">China Merchants Securities Co Ltd (H) (6099 HK)</a> benefits from increased market turnover.   <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/yum-china-holdings-inc-0533692c-6dae-4014-baa1-ed0b050638f2" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29259:1" rel="noopener">Yum China Holdings (9987 HK)</a> beat consensus for 3Q24 earnings and will continue its buyback program.</li>
</ul>


Hong Kong markets continue to outperform this year with the HSCEI up 30% year to date.  Market breadth continues to be healthy with 80% of stocks over &gt; 200 DMA.

XPeng (9868 HK) announced its new hybrid technology which gives vehicles a range of more than 870 miles (1400 Kms).  The company has delivered more than 120k vehicles YTD.

China Merchants Securities Co Ltd (H) (6099 HK) benefits from increased market turnover.   Yum China Holdings (9987 HK) beat consensus for 3Q24 earnings and will continue its buyback program.


The Heat Is On: News Flow and Sentiment in CHINA / HONG KONG (November 7)

China

Yum China Holdings, Inc. operates chain restaurants. The Company offers pizza, entrees, pasta, rice dishes, appetizers, soups, vegetables, beverages, and desserts. Yum China Holding conducts its business worldwide.

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Yum China Holdings (YUMC US)

Yum China (9987 HK): 2025 Outlook. Modest Growth and Margin Upside Amid Sector Headwinds

Cautious Consumers, Fierce Competition, and the Guochao Trend are Key hurdles on Yum China's path in 2025. Its Value positioning could be a double...

Devi Subhakesan

Yum China (YUMC US) - Improving Outlook and Decent Cash Returns

Sales trend may still be mildly under pressure in 4Q24E. We expect Yum China’s SSSG in 4Q24E to be at around -3%, similar to that in 3Q24.

CMB International

BUY/SELL/HOLD: Hong Kong Stock Updates (NOVEMBER 29)

Hong Kong and China markets are outperforming their Asian peers this year. Trip.com announced strong results as China's tourism industry...

David Mudd

Technically Speaking, Breakouts and Breakdowns: HONG KONG (NOVEMBER 13)

Mainland China's A-share market advanced after Trump's election as South Connect buying hit a 3 year high. Sands China had a breakout as Macau...

David Mudd

The Heat Is On: News Flow and Sentiment in CHINA / HONG KONG (November 7)

Hong Kong markets are among the top performers this year. Short selling has declined as Southbound buying increases. Xpeng introduced a new hybrid...

David Mudd

Price Gauge

52-week Range

Market Cap (USDm)

P/E

Dividend (Yield)

Yum China (9987 HK): 2025 Outlook. Modest Growth and Margin Upside Amid Sector Headwinds

​Cautious Consumers, Fierce Competition, and the Guochao Trend are Key hurdles on Yum China's path in 2025. Its Value positioning could be a double...

Devi Subhakesan

Yum China (YUMC US) - Improving Outlook and Decent Cash Returns

Sales trend may still be mildly under pressure in 4Q24E. We expect Yum China’s SSSG in 4Q24E to be at around -3%, similar to that in 3Q24.

CMB International

BUY/SELL/HOLD: Hong Kong Stock Updates (NOVEMBER 29)

Hong Kong and China markets are outperforming their Asian peers this year. Trip.com announced strong results as China's tourism industry...

David Mudd

Technically Speaking, Breakouts and Breakdowns: HONG KONG (NOVEMBER 13)

Mainland China's A-share market advanced after Trump's election as South Connect buying hit a 3 year high. Sands China had a breakout as Macau...

David Mudd

The Heat Is On: News Flow and Sentiment in CHINA / HONG KONG (November 7)

Hong Kong markets are among the top performers this year. Short selling has declined as Southbound buying increases. Xpeng introduced a new hybrid...

David Mudd

Cautious Consumers, Fierce Competition, and the Guochao Trend are Key hurdles on Yum China's path in 2025. Its Value positioning could be a double...