EVENTS:   Acceleration in the Energy Transition - David Scott/CHA-AM Advisors - 12 May 26     ROADSHOWS: Consumer Research & Industry Trends focused on US Retail, E-Tail, and Consumer Products Companies - Scott Mushkin /R5 Capital   •   London   07 - 08 May 26       US Equity Short Research & Strategy - Zach Shannon /Corto Capital Advisors   •   New York   18 - 19 May 26       Investing in Constraint: Governance, Scarcity, and the Next Phase of the Energy Transition - François Boutin-Dufresne & Félix-A. Boudreault & Lenka Martinek /Sustainable Market Strategies   •   London   18 - 19 May 26      
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The Cut

Fortnightly publication highlighting latest insights from IRF providers

Company Research

Consumer Discretionary

Report by Hedgeye

MNSO is a well-managed, tech-infused, Gen Z favourite, global value retailer, so Felix Wang was flabbergasted to hear the company plans to acquire a 29.4% stake in Yonghui Superstores. Is CEO Ye Guofu’s gushing view on Pangdonglai, an innovative new retail concept that Yonghui is experimenting, worth destroying his hard-built global vision for MNSO? At the very least, it throws some uncertainty into its investment story. Felix also thinks consensus forecasts are too high for 4Q24 and 2025. While MNSO will benefit from a rebound in the China consumer, this new deal is an overhang on the stock's valuation, unless the deal is axed by SAMR and / or by shareholders.

Closer to Chinese Markets

Consumer Discretionary

Report by Horizon Insights

Horizon recently met with investors and exchanged views on China consumer trends. The primary focus of this analysis revolves around Chinese brands "domestic substitution strategy". This strategic approach adopted by local brands involves a calculated penetration into diverse consumer sectors within China, with the exception of luxury markets. Noteworthy achievements by certain companies across various sectors, such as Luckin Coffee, Gambol Pet, Miniso, Anjoy Food, Flyco, etc. These companies have effectively tapped into the lower-tier markets, offering cost-effective products in areas that international brands tend to overlook. Following the acquisition of substantial market shares and the establishment of brand recognition, these local companies subsequently enhance their product offerings and services, thereby cementing their competitive stance.

Miniso (9896 HK) Hong Kong

Consumer Discretionary

Report by Horizon Insights

Chinese consumers' purchasing behaviour is driving a demand shift from traditional individual local variety stores to more appealing and upscale discount retail chains - Miniso stands out as a key beneficiary of this trend given its efficient supply chain, leading franchise management model, and advanced IT capability, provide it with a significant competitive advantage vs. peers. Having displaced Muji as market leader, Miniso is focused on further expanding its international business (26% of total revenue) where it aims to provide more localised, affordable, and well-designed products to consumers.