CLSA has increased its price target for CHINA RES BEER (00291) by 4.2%, raising it from HK$33.2 to HK$34.6, while maintaining an "Outperform" rating. However, the firm has lowered its profit forecasts for the company for the years 2026 and 2027. The report noted that CHINA RES BEER's 2025 results were largely in line with a prior profit warning, but the average selling price (ASP) for beer in the second half of 2025 fell by 4.6% year-on-year, which was worse than expected. The company attributed this decline to one-time consumer promotion activities and anticipates a return to normalcy in 2026. Management expressed optimism regarding ASP growth for 2026, citing year-on-year increases in both average selling price and sales volume for the January-February period. CLSA views the sustainability of the recovery in the餐饮业 (catering industry) as a key potential driver to monitor this year. The company's dividend payout ratio of 53% for 2025 was lower than market expectations. Despite the current dividend yield exceeding 4%, management aims to steadily increase the payout ratio over time.
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