Analyst

Steve Zhou, CFA

Equity Bottom-Up

<ul>
<li>Since my previous insight on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/wh-group-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:13200:1" rel="noopener">WH Group (288 HK)</a> in October 2023, the stock is up 17%, massively outperforming the <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hong-kong-hang-seng-index" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:22899:1" rel="noopener">Hang Seng Index (HSI INDEX)</a>. </li>
<li>The company is still trading at 6x forward PE, compared to an average forward PE of 11x since 2016. </li>
<li>With the US business recovering as well as its potential IPO, and a stable China business, the stock remains a buy with limited downside. </li>
</ul>


Since my previous insight on WH Group (288 HK) in October 2023, the stock is up 17%, massively outperforming the Hang Seng Index (HSI INDEX). 
The company is still trading at 6x forward PE, compared to an average forward PE of 11x since 2016. 
With the US business recovering as well as its potential IPO, and a stable China business, the stock remains a buy with limited downside. 


WH Group (288 HK):  Update On The Bull Case

<ul>
<li>According to public news yesterday, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/wh-group-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:13200:1" rel="noopener">WH Group (288 HK)</a> plans to list its US pork business Smithfield Foods, the largest US pork producer, back in the US again. </li>
<li>WH Group currently trades at 5x 2024E PE, assuming earnings return to the 2022 level in 2024E.  Since 2016, the company has had an average PE of 11x. </li>
<li>The stock is a buy with a fairly strong catalyst in the potential US listing of the Smithfield Foods business, while downside is limited. </li>
</ul>


According to public news yesterday, WH Group (288 HK) plans to list its US pork business Smithfield Foods, the largest US pork producer, back in the US again. 
WH Group currently trades at 5x 2024E PE, assuming earnings return to the 2022 level in 2024E.  Since 2016, the company has had an average PE of 11x. 
The stock is a buy with a fairly strong catalyst in the potential US listing of the Smithfield Foods business, while downside is limited. 


WH Group (288 HK):  Potential US Listing Of Smithfield Foods Could Be A Catalyst

Equity, Bottom-up Analyst, Investics Research

Sameer Taneja

Equity, Bottom-up Analyst

Investics Research

It is important to note that the information provided by Investics Research is based on publicly available data and own knowledge, which has been gathered and analyzed from a variety of sources. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information provided, it is not guaranteed to be free from errors or omissions. All forecasts and estimates are based on information that has been obtained from public sources that are considered to be reliable. The sources include but are not limited to, company announcements, exchange filings, presentations, etc. Investics does not guarantee the accuracy and completeness of the forecasts, estimates, and/or other information.

Equity Bottom-up Research

<ul>
<li>Earnings for Q3 2023 came in at 17.5 mn HKD up 5% YoY, about 15% below our expectations due to closure costs incurred on some restaurants in November. </li>
<li>The company added four restaurants in December 2022 which should result in strong revenue growth in January 2023. We expect monthly revenue to surpass HKD 80 mn. </li>
<li>Post the recent rally, the stock trades at 8.2x/5.2x FY23e/24e, with a 7.3%/11.5% FY23e/24e dividend yield assuming a 60% payout. We see this as an extremely cheap HK recovery play. </li>
</ul>


Earnings for Q3 2023 came in at 17.5 mn HKD up 5% YoY, about 15% below our expectations due to closure costs incurred on some restaurants in November. 
The company added four restaurants in December 2022 which should result in strong revenue growth in January 2023. We expect monthly revenue to surpass HKD 80 mn. 
Post the recent rally, the stock trades at 8.2x/5.2x FY23e/24e, with a 7.3%/11.5% FY23e/24e dividend yield assuming a 60% payout. We see this as an extremely cheap HK recovery play. 


Taste Gourmet: Encouraging 3Q 2023, Super Set Up for Q4.

HK/China Equity Long-Short

Osbert Tang, CFA

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

<ul>
<li>Many have missed out on the 14%, or 2,300 points, rally of the HSI in the last 9 trading days. There are still several stocks that look interesting now.</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/li-auto-inc-3dbe6187-544f-40dd-b9f9-72fba9c0110e" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:33811:1" rel="noopener">Li Auto (2015 HK)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/link-reit" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:872:1" rel="noopener">Link REIT (823 HK)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/china-mengniu-dairy-co" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:354:1" rel="noopener">China Mengniu Dairy Co (2319 HK)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/hang-lung-properties-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:49:1" rel="noopener">Hang Lung Properties (101 HK)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/galaxy-entertainment-group-limited" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:806:1" rel="noopener">Galaxy Entertainment Group (27 HK)</a> are massive laggards YTD.</li>
<li>As they have only experienced limited rebounds from the 19-Apr trough, they are set to catch up. Also, their earnings prospects look positive this year. </li>
</ul>


Many have missed out on the 14%, or 2,300 points, rally of the HSI in the last 9 trading days. There are still several stocks that look interesting now.

Li Auto (2015 HK), Link REIT (823 HK), China Mengniu Dairy Co (2319 HK), Hang Lung Properties (101 HK) and Galaxy Entertainment Group (27 HK) are massive laggards YTD.
As they have only experienced limited rebounds from the 19-Apr trough, they are set to catch up. Also, their earnings prospects look positive this year. 


HK Strategy: Where Are the Short-Term Opportunities?

<ul>
<li>With US inflation figures higher than expectations, there is an increase in risk that the Fed's next move may be a hike.  Some HSI constituents are set to benefit.</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/orient-overseas-international" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:801:1" rel="noopener">Orient Overseas International (316 HK)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/budweiser-brewing-co-apac-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28077:1" rel="noopener">Budweiser Brewing APAC (1876 HK),</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/galaxy-entertainment-group-limited" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:806:1" rel="noopener">Galaxy Entertainment Group (27 HK)</a> have significant USD net cash position and will be gainers.</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/sunny-optical-technology-group" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:13363:1" rel="noopener">Sunny Optical Technology Group (2382 HK)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/haier-smart-home-co-ltd-b3ef445f-0f54-4586-8c58-9073de98d60e" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:31105:1" rel="noopener">Haier Smart Home (6690 HK)</a> have large China operations but they are net long on USD balance and this will make them beneficiaries.</li>
</ul>


With US inflation figures higher than expectations, there is an increase in risk that the Fed's next move may be a hike.  Some HSI constituents are set to benefit.

Orient Overseas International (316 HK), Budweiser Brewing APAC (1876 HK), and Galaxy Entertainment Group (27 HK) have significant USD net cash position and will be gainers.

Sunny Optical Technology Group (2382 HK) and Haier Smart Home (6690 HK) have large China operations but they are net long on USD balance and this will make them beneficiaries.


HK Strategy: What Are the Winners if US Hike Rates Instead of Cut?

Hong Kong

China Foods Limited, through its subsidiaries, operates food processing businesses.  The Company processes and refines edible oil and fats, produces confectionery products, wine and beverage as well as flour including wheat and other grain products.  In addition, China Foods Limited trades food products.

Vitasoy International Holdings Limited, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and distributes food and beverages.

Nissin Foods Co., Ltd. operates as an instant food manufacturing company. The Company produces fried, cup, and buck wheat noodles. Nissin Foods markets its products worldwide.

Lam Soon (Hong Kong) Limited, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and distributes a range of food products, including flour, edible oils and vegetable fats. The Company also manufactures and distributes household cleaning products, including dishwashing detergent, laundry powder, fabric softener, and floor cleanser.

China Starch Holdings Limited manufactures cornstarch. The Company also manufactures L-lysine hydrochloride salt and other ancillary corn-refined and corn-base products such as corn slurry, corn germ, corn fiber, corn glutten meal, and agricultural fertilizers.

Four Seas Mercantile Holdings Limited, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and trades snack foods, confectionery, beverages, and frozen food products. The Company also manufactures and sells ham and ham related products.

Vedan International (Holdings) Limited manufactures and sells fermentation-based food additive and biochemical products, cassava starch-based industrial products, specialty chemical products, and beverages.

China Resources Beer (Holdings) Company Limited is an alcoholic beverage retailer.

Global Bio-chem Technology Group Company Limited manufactures corn refined and corn based biochemical products in China.  The Company also researches and develops corn based biochemical products.  The products mainly comprise cornstarch, corn gluten, corn oil, feed, modified starch, corn sweeteners, and amino acids.

Global Bio-Chem Technology Group (809 HK)

DaChan Food Asia Ltd. produces chicken feed and hatches, slaughters, and processes chicken.

China Mengniu Dairy Company Limited, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and distributes quality dairy products in China. The principal products are liquid milk products, ice cream, and other dairy products, such as milk powder. The Company markets its products under its primary MENGNIU core brand.

Want Want China Holdings Limited manufactures and trades rice crackers, snack food, beverages, and packing materials.  The Company also manufactures wheat, flour, and raw materials for the manufacture of snack foods.  Most of the company's production facilities are located in China and Taiwan.

Dali Foods Group Company Ltd. is a snack food and beverage company. The Company is actively expanding its products offering and distributes its products through retailers.

Ingredion Incorporated refines corn and produces sweeteners and starches.  The Company has customers in a wide range of industries, including the food, soft drink, brewing, pharmaceutical, corrugating, paper, and textile industries.  Ingredion has Company-owned operations, joint ventures, alliances, and technical licenses in countries around the world.

Pilgrim's Pride Corporation produces prepared and fresh chicken products in the United States and Mexico.  Through vertical integration, the Company controls the breeding, hatching, and growing of chickens and the processing, preparation, and packaging of its product lines.  Pilgrim's Pride exports its products to Canada, Eastern Europe, the Far East, and other world markets.

Nestle (Malaysia) Berhad is an investment holding company.  The Company, through its subsidiaries, markets and sells powdered milk and drinks, liquid milk and juices, instant coffee, and instant noodles. Nestle also manufactures and provides packaging for culinary and chocolate-based food products and trades flavoring ingredients.

NISSIN FOODS HOLDINGS CO.,LTD. produces instant noodle and processed food products.  The Company also develops pharmaceuticals.  NISSIN FOODS operates production facilities in overseas countries including Hong Kong, India, U.S., Singapore, and other countries.

Ruchi Soya Industries Limited manufactures soybean oil, vanaspati vegetable fat, texturized soya protein, soya flour and other soya products.  The Group has also developed Palm stearin and Palm olein cooking oils.

Tingyi (Cayman Islands) Holding Corporation, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells instant noodles, baked goods, and beverages in China.

Post Holdings Inc. is a food company. The Company manufactures, distributes, and markets a wide range of ready-to-eat cereal products.

WH Group Limited operates as a holdings company. The Company, through its subsidiaries, provides meat processing services, supplies chilled meat, meat products, and other related products.

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WH Group (288 HK)

WH Group (288 HK): Update On The Bull Case

With the US business recovering as well as its potential IPO, and a stable China business, the stock remains a buy with limited downside.

Steve Zhou, CFA

WH Group (288 HK): Potential US Listing Of Smithfield Foods Could Be A Catalyst

WH Group (288 HK) plans to list its US pork business Smithfield Foods back in the US, offering a potential catalyst for the stock which trades at...

Steve Zhou, CFA

Taste Gourmet: Encouraging 3Q 2023, Super Set Up for Q4.

Taste Gourmet trades at 8.2x/5.2x FY23e/24e, with a 7.3%/11.5% FY23e/24e dividend yield assuming a 60% payout. We see this as an extremely cheap HK...

Sameer Taneja

HK Strategy: Where Are the Short-Term Opportunities?

Li Auto, Link REIT, China Mengniu, Hang Lung Properties, and Galaxy Entertainment are massive laggards YTD but the recent rebound from the trough...

Osbert Tang, CFA

HK Strategy: What Are the Winners if US Hike Rates Instead of Cut?

HSI constituents like Orient Overseas, Budweiser Brewing, Galaxy Entertainment, Sunny Optical, and Haier Smart Home are set to gain in case the...

Osbert Tang, CFA

Price Gauge

52-week Range

Market Cap (USDm)

P/E

Dividend (Yield)

WH Group (288 HK): Update On The Bull Case

With the US business recovering as well as its potential IPO, and a stable China business, the stock remains a buy with limited downside.

Steve Zhou, CFA

WH Group (288 HK): Potential US Listing Of Smithfield Foods Could Be A Catalyst

​WH Group (288 HK) plans to list its US pork business Smithfield Foods back in the US, offering a potential catalyst for the stock which trades at...

Steve Zhou, CFA

Taste Gourmet: Encouraging 3Q 2023, Super Set Up for Q4.

Taste Gourmet trades at 8.2x/5.2x FY23e/24e, with a 7.3%/11.5% FY23e/24e dividend yield assuming a 60% payout. We see this as an extremely cheap HK...

Sameer Taneja

HK Strategy: Where Are the Short-Term Opportunities?

Li Auto, Link REIT, China Mengniu, Hang Lung Properties, and Galaxy Entertainment are massive laggards YTD but the recent rebound from the trough...

Osbert Tang, CFA

HK Strategy: What Are the Winners if US Hike Rates Instead of Cut?

​HSI constituents like Orient Overseas, Budweiser Brewing, Galaxy Entertainment, Sunny Optical, and Haier Smart Home are set to gain in case the...

Osbert Tang, CFA

WH Group (288 HK) plans to list its US pork business Smithfield Foods back in the US, offering a potential catalyst for the stock which trades at...

HSI constituents like Orient Overseas, Budweiser Brewing, Galaxy Entertainment, Sunny Optical, and Haier Smart Home are set to gain in case the...