<Research>CLSA: Founder’s Comeback Probably Won't Significantly Change HAIDILAO's Strategic Path
Zhang Yong's Return: Zhang Yong has resumed his role as CEO of HAIDILAO after four years, with no major strategic changes expected according to CLSA.
Market Recovery Outlook: Regulatory interventions in the food delivery sector are anticipated to help dining frequency in China recover by 2025, making Zhang's return timely.
Target Price Increase: Citi has raised HAIDILAO's target price from HKD16 to HKD18, maintaining a "Buy" rating based on a more optimistic revenue outlook.
Operational Challenges: Despite challenges from declining table turnover rates last year, CLSA believes HAIDILAO can recover due to its operational leverage.
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Stock Performance Overview: Various Hong Kong stocks showed mixed performance, with notable gains for ANTA SPORTS (+2.365%) and HAIDILAO (+5.822%), while LI NING (-1.875%) and SANDS CHINA LTD (-1.271%) experienced declines.
Short Selling Data: Short selling activity varied across stocks, with LI NING having the highest ratio at 23.224%, while TSINGTAO BREW reported the lowest at 1.075%.
Investment Ratings: Most stocks listed received a "Buy" rating, except for LI NING, which is rated as "Hold," indicating a generally positive outlook for the majority of the stocks.
Market Insights: Citi's estimate for Macau's February gross gaming revenue (GGR) is projected at MOP20 billion, reflecting a 1% year-over-year increase, suggesting a stable gaming market.

Improvement in Consumption: This year's Chinese New Year holiday data indicates a recovery in the domestic consumption market, particularly in tourism, culture, and catering sectors, compared to last year.
Broker Optimism: UOB Kay Hian expresses optimism about structural consumption growth in China, highlighting potential policy support and overseas growth opportunities, especially in catering and experiential consumption.
Top Stock Picks: UOB Kay Hian's top stock recommendations include ANTA SPORTS, CHINA RES BEER, HAIDILAO, and YUM CHINA, all rated as Buy, with an Overweight rating for the domestic consumption sector.
Target Price Adjustments: The broker has adjusted target prices for several stocks based on CNY holiday consumption and travel data, increasing targets for HAIDILAO, LI NING, KWEICHOW MOUTAI, and WULIANGYE.

Catering Sales Growth: Goldman Sachs predicts a 4.2% year-on-year growth in catering sales in Mainland China for this year, an increase from last year's 3.2%, with demand stabilizing despite overall consumption not improving significantly.
Price Hikes and Demand: The industry is facing price increases due to higher operational and raw material costs, alongside a rise in food delivery orders, which is supported by the stabilization of demand.
Stock Recommendations: Goldman Sachs is optimistic about GUMING and MIXUE GROUP, adjusting their target prices to $34 and $493 respectively, with ratings of Conviction List Buy and Buy, citing GUMING's strong expansion and product launch capabilities.
HAIDILAO's Outlook: The target price for HAIDILAO has been adjusted to $14.7 with a Neutral rating, as the company is in a mature stage and building new brands will take time.

Spring Festival Travel Rush: The first week of the 2026 Spring Festival travel rush saw significant growth in passenger flows, with strong flight and hotel bookings, indicating a positive outlook for leisure travel demand during the holiday period.
Market Optimism: CICC expressed optimism regarding the recovery of the social services sector, anticipating that leading enterprises will experience price rebounds or restoration of same-store sales due to a stabilizing competitive landscape.
Investment Recommendations: BofAS highlighted that YUM CHINA's 4Q25 results exceeded expectations, leading to slightly raised EPS forecasts, and recommended several companies including Luckin Coffee and Atour Lifestyle Holdings for investors.
Short Selling Data: The report included short selling data for various companies, indicating varying levels of short interest, with notable figures for YUM CHINA and HAIDILAO among others.

New Store Opening: Haidilao has launched its first dessert shop in Shanghai, utilizing a "store-in-store" model within an existing location.
Product Offering: The new shop features 23 items, including desserts and handcrafted teas, with prices ranging from RMB9.9 to RMB20, emphasizing affordability and health.

Zhang Yong's Return: Zhang Yong has resumed his role as CEO of HAIDILAO after four years, with no major strategic changes expected according to CLSA.
Market Recovery Outlook: Regulatory interventions in the food delivery sector are anticipated to help dining frequency in China recover by 2025, making Zhang's return timely.
Target Price Increase: Citi has raised HAIDILAO's target price from HKD16 to HKD18, maintaining a "Buy" rating based on a more optimistic revenue outlook.
Operational Challenges: Despite challenges from declining table turnover rates last year, CLSA believes HAIDILAO can recover due to its operational leverage.



