As global trade tensions build and geopolitical risks rise, we think Australian retailers are going to need to diversify their supply chains. Australia imports ~86% of its non-food consumer goods and we estimate 57% of these imports come from China. The productivity of China has led to a concentration of sourcing that represents a real risk on a 5-10 year horizon as Chinese wage rates rise further, supply chains face further disruptions and trade tensions rise. Electronics is the most at-risk category entirely imported, with 56% of imports from China, followed by clothing and accessories at 94% imported, with 55% from China.

Australia is an open economy and over the past twenty years, its retailers have increasingly imported consumer goods. In Issue 4 of The Retail Mosaic, we explore the extent of imports by retail category, the significance of China in supplying goods and exposure various companies have to direct imports from China. China provides the most efficient source of production and for many companies represents more than 70% of their offshore sourcing. The risk is that any increase in costs, supply disruptions or trade tensions could impact sales and margins. The companies sourcing most of their goods from China are Wesfarmers, City Chic, Woolworths, Premier Investments and Super Retail Group.

Treasury hosted a meeting with Treasury Premium Brands MD, Peter Nielson. The message was very clear about driving a higher EBITS margin. However, the path there is dependent on many factors. A better channel mix towards on-premise, more sales to Asia and leveraging 19 Crimes, Wynns, Pepperjack, St Huberts The Stag and Squealing Pig were all called out as drivers. We also see lower COGS as a factor in supporting margins over the next three years. Treasury Premium Brands accounts for 9% of our enterprise value. We expect the key business drivers to remain as Penfolds and the Americas.

Treasury hosted a meeting with Penfolds MD, Tom King. The discussion clarified Penfolds emphasis on luxury wines and efforts to lift its distribution reach across key markets. The next 12 months will be about the globalisation of the brand with French and Californian product released. The company is holding firm to its target of 40%-45% EBITS margins. We see 40% as more plausible as marketing investment is required to build the brand in key markets.

Treasury Wines reported FY21 EBITS of $510 million, with 2H21 EBITS up 45%. While China earnings were down given tariffs, the company successfully reallocated wine to the rest of Asia and this will continue in FY22e. Grape costs have been a headwind for two years. However, price growth was ahead of COGS growth in 2H21 and lower grape costs will boost EBITS from late FY22e onwards. Penfolds contributed 68% to group EBITS in FY21 despite the loss of China.

We initiate coverage of Treasury Wine Estates. After a tough 18 months, we expect stabilisation in earnings the shift to a “divisional” model that separates Penfolds will put the spotlight on that segment. The loss of earnings from China is painful, but the reallocation to other markets is likely. The company has scaled back its Americas business to focus on premium wines. The simplification of Treasury and focus on its core brands should support both sales and margins.