BUD APAC(01876) 市值风云·2024-06-14 12:01Investment Rating - The report assigns a positive investment rating to Budweiser APAC, highlighting its effective product upgrade strategy and leading profitability and dividend performance in the beer industry [1]. Core Insights - The report emphasizes that Budweiser APAC is at the forefront of premiumization in the Chinese beer market, which is crucial for revenue and profit growth [1][5]. - The company has demonstrated strong financial performance, with a revenue of 920 million, up 6.8% [1][7]. - Budweiser APAC's strategy focuses on high-end beer products, which has resulted in a higher average selling price and a significant market share in China [7][9]. Summary by Sections Company Overview - Budweiser APAC, a subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, was established in 2019 and operates in key beer markets across the Asia-Pacific region, including China, Korea, India, and Vietnam [1][2]. Market Position - The company holds a 19.5% market share in China, making it a significant player in a highly concentrated market where the top five companies control 92% of the market [4][5]. - Budweiser APAC's revenue from the Chinese market grew by 12.8% in 2023, with a notable increase in profitability [7]. Financial Performance - The company reported a gross margin of 50.4% in 2023, which is the highest among its peers, and maintained a strong adjusted net profit margin of 13% [9][10]. - In Q1 2024, the gross margin improved to 51%, reflecting effective cost management and pricing strategies [9]. Product Strategy - Budweiser APAC has successfully implemented a high-end product strategy, achieving a beer price of 5,235 RMB per ton, significantly higher than competitors [5][9]. - The company has introduced innovative products, contributing to a 10% increase in sales volume for new products in 2023 [7]. Shareholder Returns - The average dividend payout ratio for Budweiser APAC is 41.5%, with a remarkable 82.2% payout ratio in 2023, surpassing its competitors [20][22]. - The company has not engaged in stock buybacks since its listing, focusing instead on returning value to shareholders through dividends [22]. Valuation - Budweiser APAC's price-to-book (PB) ratio is currently at a historical low of approximately 1.7, influenced by the overall market conditions in the Hong Kong beer sector [23].