Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2024, revenue was RMB 13.4 billion, up 5.3% year on year, with a better growth rate in the second half of the year compared to the first half [32] - Gross margin decreased to 37.4% from 38.7% in 2023, attributed to lower gross margin in ODM yield growth [33] - Profit before tax was RMB 1.655 billion, down 14.5%, while after-tax profit decreased by 4.8% [36] - Comprehensive income for the year was RMB 1.416 billion, with earnings per share at RMB 21.42 and a final dividend of RMB 5, resulting in a payout ratio of 40.2% [38] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Self-branded business revenue was RMB 2.48 billion, increasing its share of total revenue from 16.5% in 2023 to 21% in 2024 [39] - ODM business revenue was RMB 9.32 billion, accounting for 70% of total revenue, with a slight decline of 0.3% year on year [40] - The self-branded business saw a 30% growth in the first half of the year but only 13.3% in the second half due to a higher base [41] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S. market, revenue was RMB 402 million, with significant contributions from Europe and other overseas markets [42] - The China market generated RMB 30 million in revenue, primarily from beauty atomization products launched in the first half of the year [43] - ODM business in Europe saw a slight increase of 0.3%, while the U.S. market experienced a small decline of 2.4% due to cash flow pressures faced by some customers [46] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to solidify its position in the atomization industry, focusing on e-cigarettes, H&B, beauty, inhalation therapy, and special purpose atomization [20][22] - The management emphasizes the importance of R&D and technology as the main engine for development, with a commitment to innovation and long-term operation [24][25] - The company is optimistic about the future, expecting growth in various segments, particularly in H&B and beauty optimization products [20][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about growth amidst stability in the e-cigarette market, with expectations for a turning point in 2025 [18][21] - The company is focused on enhancing management quality and productivity to prepare for future high-speed growth [30] - The management highlighted the importance of compliance and adapting to regulatory changes in key markets like the U.S. and Europe [67][116] Other Important Information - The company has invested significantly in R&D, with expenses increasing from RMB 1.48 billion to RMB 1.57 billion in 2024 [35] - The beauty atomization product, Moyo, launched in 2024, has received positive feedback and is expected to perform better in 2025 [75] - The company is exploring new markets and product categories, including inhalation therapy and beauty atomization, to diversify its offerings [54][75] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the considerations behind the stock incentive plan linked to market cap? - The management emphasized the alignment of the incentive plan with shareholder interests and the confidence in achieving the set market cap goals [81][83] Question: How is customer feedback on new HMB products and their global launch progress? - The management reported positive feedback from trial sales, highlighting improvements in convenience and flavor, with plans for a proactive global rollout [92][95][96] Question: How is the company adapting to changes in consumer behavior and regulations in Europe? - The management noted a shift towards pod-based and open system products, with a focus on compliance and product innovation to meet market demands [99][103] Question: What is the expected timeline for H&B product development and market launch? - The management indicated that the R&D process for H&B products took ten years, and they are now focused on empowering customers to expedite market entry [106][108] Question: What is the impact of new regulations on product pricing and profits in Europe? - The management expressed optimism about stable growth in Europe, driven by compliance and product iteration, which is expected to enhance revenue and profits [116]

Financial Performance - For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, the company reported total revenue of RMB 11,798,662 thousand, representing a year-on-year growth of approximately 5.3%[6] - The gross profit for the same period was RMB 4,411,969 thousand, with a gross margin of 37.4%[4] - The company’s net profit for the fiscal year was RMB 1,303,255 thousand, a decrease from RMB 1,645,090 thousand in the previous year[4] - The comprehensive income for the year was approximately RMB 1,416,913 thousand, a decrease of about 9.5% from RMB 1,566,470 thousand in 2023, primarily due to increased sales and R&D expenses[49] - The group reported a segment profit of RMB 1,640,180 thousand for 2024, down from RMB 1,949,597 thousand in 2023, reflecting a decrease of about 15.9%[113] - Basic earnings per share for 2024 were RMB 21.42, down from RMB 27.01 in 2023[95] Revenue Breakdown - Revenue from the proprietary brand business is approximately RMB 2,475,033 thousand, a year-on-year increase of about 34.0%, accounting for about 21.0% of total revenue[16] - Revenue from the enterprise customer business is approximately RMB 9,323,629 thousand, a slight decline of about 0.3%, accounting for about 79.0% of total revenue[16] - In the U.S. market, revenue from enterprise customers is approximately RMB 3,988,170 thousand, a decline of about 2.4%, accounting for about 33.8% of total revenue[21] - Revenue from the Chinese market was approximately RMB 238,751 thousand, representing a year-on-year growth of about 25.1%[24] - The group’s revenue from major customer A was RMB 4,732,568 thousand in 2024, up from RMB 4,582,362 thousand in 2023, contributing over 10% to total revenue[116] Market Position and Share - The company maintained a market share of approximately 13.1% in the global electronic vaporization equipment market for 2024, down from 13.7% in 2023[11] - The company’s proprietary brand "VAPORESSO" has further increased its market share in the open product segment, becoming a leading brand in major global markets[17] - The proprietary brand business in the U.S. market achieved revenue of approximately RMB 424,289 thousand, a year-on-year increase of about 14.0%[17] Research and Development - Research and development expenditure for the review period was approximately RMB 1,572,313 thousand, an increase of about 6.0% from the previous year, accounting for approximately 13.3% of revenue[25] - The company achieved significant breakthroughs in research and development for its heating-not-burning and medical vaporization businesses during the review period[8] - The company plans to enhance its R&D focus on heated tobacco products and aerosol medical products as key directions for 2025[44] Operational Efficiency - The company achieved significant progress in production operations, enhancing manufacturing competitiveness through collaboration across teams and optimizing production processes[35] - The group aims to enhance manufacturing competitiveness and optimize production processes, with a focus on resource integration and cost reduction[47] Expenses and Costs - Distribution and selling expenses increased by approximately 74.7% to about RMB 919,552 thousand, representing about 7.8% of revenue, driven by increased marketing investments in global operations and new product launches in the Chinese market[60] - Administrative expenses rose by approximately 5.4% to about RMB 914,109 thousand, maintaining a stable percentage of about 7.7% of revenue[63] - R&D expenses grew by approximately 6.0% to about RMB 1,572,313 thousand, accounting for about 13.3% of revenue, with significant investments in the fields of atomization medical and heated non-combustible products[66] Future Outlook - The global electronic vaporization product market is projected to reach approximately $91.42 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 7.4% from 2024 to 2029[37] - The global heated tobacco market is expected to reach around $66.86 billion by 2029, with a CAGR of approximately 10.1% from 2024 to 2029[39] - The company is committed to building a leading global vapor technology platform, focusing on electronic vaporization, heated non-combustible products, and medical vaporization solutions[36] Corporate Governance - The company maintained a governance structure that complies with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange's corporate governance code, with a board comprising eight directors, including three independent non-executive directors[143] - The board of directors is committed to ensuring transparency and accountability to all shareholders, with regular reviews of governance effectiveness[145] Shareholder Communication - The company has established a shareholder communication policy to ensure effective communication with shareholders[152] - The company encourages shareholders to express their opinions and suggestions during the annual general meeting[150]

Key Points Company Overview - **Company Name**: SMOORE - **Established**: 2009 - **Industry**: Physical Vaporization Technology Solutions - **Revenue**: 5 billion CNY (50 billion RMB) in H1 2024, down 1.7% - **Net Profit**: 680 million CNY (6.8 billion RMB) in H1 2024, down 4.8% [1] Business Segments - **2B Business**: 78% of revenue, providing components and design & manufacturing services for international tobacco companies like British American Tobacco, Japan Tobacco, and Philip Morris International [2] - **2C Business**: 22% of revenue, selling open system vaporizers, special purpose vaporizers, and free brand products [2] Industry and Market Dynamics - **Policy Changes**: The industry has been affected by policy changes in the past few years, but policy uncertainty has decreased [2] - **Domestic vs. International Revenue**: Domestic revenue has decreased to a small percentage, with the majority of revenue coming from the US and Europe [2] - **Product Categories**: Four main categories: disposable e-cigarettes, reusable e-cigarettes, open system vaporizers, and heat not burn (HNB) products [2] Regulatory Environment - **China**: Policy is currently aimed at driving out non-compliant companies and products, focusing on market compliance [3] - **Global Enforcement**: Many countries are increasingly cracking down on non-compliant products [3] - **US PMTA**: The process is lengthy, strict, and costly [3] - **EU GDP**: Easier process after providing specific content reports [3] Market Trends - **Shift to Disposable Products**: The shift to disposable products has led to increased regulation and potential bans in some regions [4] - **Profit Margins**: Disposable products have a lower profit margin (18%), while reusable products have a higher margin (40%) [4] - **Japanese HNB Market**: Expected to grow in 2025 due to patent settlement [5] - **Market Share**: Flyco International's iQOO holds a 70% market share in the HNB market [5] Technology and Innovation - **Patents**: Over 3,800 patents applied for in 2023, with significant R&D investment [6] - **Ceramic Core Technology**: Leading in the market, providing a deep technical barrier [6] - **Product Innovation**: Continuous innovation in open system vaporizers and HNB products [6] Financial Projections - **Revenue Projections**: 14 billion, 17 billion, and 24 billion RMB for 2024, 2025, and 2026 respectively [7] Risks - **Regulatory Risks**: Industry policy and regulatory changes [7] - **Competition**: Risk of technological breakthroughs by competitors [7] - **Product Approval**: Risk of product authorization failure [7] - **Exchange Rate**: Currency risk [7] - **Product Replacement**: Risk of product substitution [7] - **New Business**: Risk of new business development not meeting expectations [7]

Key Points Company and Industry Overview 1. **Company Overview**: The company in focus is engaged in the traditional tobacco industry, with a significant presence in the H&B (Heat Not Burn) segment. The company also has a growing interest in the H&B market and has been actively developing new products in this area. 2. **Industry Overview**: The industry is currently experiencing regulatory changes, particularly in the H&B segment, with a trend towards increased regulation and compliance. The H&B market is expected to grow significantly due to its potential as a substitute for traditional cigarettes. Key Points on Company's Strategy and Performance 3. **Board Chairman's Equity Incentive**: The board chairman has been granted a 61 million share equity incentive with a performance target of achieving an average market capitalization of HKD 30 billion, 40 billion, and 50 billion over a 25 to 30-year period, corresponding to 30%, 60%, and 100% of the equity incentive, respectively. This demonstrates the management's confidence in the company's future prospects. 4. **Valuation**: The company is currently undervalued, with a market capitalization of around HKD 60 billion and net cash of approximately HKD 10-15 billion. The company has also been actively repurchasing shares. 5. **Market Trends**: The H&B segment has faced regulatory challenges in both China and overseas markets, leading to a significant decline in revenue and profit expectations. However, the company expects a recovery in this segment as regulatory trends become clearer and compliance becomes more important. 6. **H&B Market**: The H&B market is expected to grow significantly, with a global market size of approximately USD 40 billion and a historical growth rate of double-digit percentages. The company has a strong position in this market, with a 15% share and a strong competitive advantage due to its early entry and technological barriers. Key Points on H&B Segment 7. **H&B Market Size and Growth**: The global H&B market is expected to grow significantly, with a market size of approximately USD 40 billion and a historical growth rate of double-digit percentages. The company has a strong position in this market, with a 15% share and a strong competitive advantage due to its early entry and technological barriers. 8. **H&B Product Advantages**: The company's H&B products have several advantages, including faster charging speed, higher heating efficiency, and a more portable and refined design compared to competitors. 9. **Regulatory Changes**: Regulatory changes in the H&B market are expected to become clearer and compliance will become more important. The company expects a recovery in the H&B segment as regulatory trends become clearer and compliance becomes more important. Key Points on Future Growth 10. **New Growth Drivers**: The company is exploring new growth drivers, including medical and beauty H&B products, as well as free brand APV. These areas are expected to contribute significantly to the company's future growth. 11. **Research and Development**: The company has been investing heavily in research and development, with a focus on traditional tobacco products and H&B products. This investment is expected to contribute to the company's long-term competitiveness and growth.

Industry and Company Analysis Key Points: 1. **Industry Overview**: - The industry is focused on heated tobacco products (HTP), including IQOS and other alternatives. - The market is experiencing rapid growth, with the H&B market reaching $34 billion in 2023 and expected to double in size over the next 3-5 years. - The market is dominated by IQOS, with a 15-16% market share, but there is significant potential for growth and competition. 2. **Smart International**: - Smart International is a key supplier to major tobacco companies and has a strong position in the HTP market. - The company has faced challenges due to the decline in the Chinese market and the rise of illegal products in the US and Europe. - Smart International is investing heavily in research and development to maintain its competitive advantage and develop new product categories. 3. **Glow Halo Product**: - Glow Halo is Smart International's new H&B product, offering several advantages over competitors like IQOS. - The product has a faster heating time, better heat distribution, improved portability, and competitive pricing. - The company expects Glow Halo to replace older products and capture a significant market share. 4. **Market Dynamics**: - The Chinese market is expected to recover as the government relaxes restrictions on flavored products. - The US market is facing increased regulation and enforcement against illegal products, which could benefit Smart International. - The European market is experiencing a shift towards alternative product formats, which could also benefit Smart International. 5. **Future Outlook**: - Smart International is targeting significant growth in the H&B market, with potential for revenue to triple over the next few years. - The company is also exploring new product categories, including medical, beauty, and hemp-based products. - The company's long-term growth prospects are strong, driven by its strong position in the HTP market and its commitment to innovation.

Financial Performance - The group's revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was RMB 5,037,242 thousand, a decrease of 1.7% compared to RMB 5,122,862 thousand in the same period of 2023 [20]. - Gross profit increased by 3.2% to RMB 1,914,597 thousand, with a gross margin of 38.0%, up 1.8 percentage points from 36.2% in 2023 [20]. - The net profit margin decreased to 13.6% from 14.0% in the previous year, with net profit for the period at RMB 683,198 thousand, down 4.8% from RMB 717,342 thousand [20]. - The comprehensive income for the period was approximately RMB 724.60 million, a decrease of about 1.3% compared to the same period last year [70]. - Basic earnings per share decreased to RMB 11.20 from RMB 11.81, reflecting a decline of 5.2% year-over-year [197]. - The total revenue for the group during the review period was approximately RMB 5,037.24 million, a decrease of about 1.7% compared to the same period last year [70]. Research and Development - The company continued to increase R&D investment in the first half of 2024, focusing on aerosol medical and heated non-combustible products, with expectations for new revenue and profit growth points [13]. - Research and development expenditure totaled approximately RMB 760,112 thousand, an increase of about 23.7% compared to the previous year, with R&D spending as a percentage of revenue rising from approximately 12.0% to about 15.1% [57]. - The R&D team consists of over 1,400 personnel, with significant investment in innovation to support long-term growth and maintain competitive advantages [49]. - The company filed a total of 699 new patent applications globally during the review period, including 401 invention patents, bringing the total to 8,394 patents as of June 30, 2024 [54]. Product Development and Launches - The company launched multiple new products, including the FEELM Pro and the XROS 4, which received positive feedback and contributed to rapid revenue growth in its proprietary brand business [10]. - The atomization beauty product "MOYAL" was successfully launched, being the first in the industry to atomize high-viscosity serums, and is currently in the channel development phase [12]. - The company successfully launched several new product solutions in the first half of 2024, including the world's first 20,000 puff high-explosion dual-core disposable solution [25]. - The company plans to launch more innovative products in the second half of 2024 to enhance its product matrix and market share [15]. Market Expansion and Strategy - The company is actively advancing its atomization technology into new business areas, with steady progress in atomization medical and beauty sectors [12]. - The company is focusing on localizing its sales teams and enhancing delivery capabilities to better meet consumer preferences [12]. - The company plans to diversify its revenue across different countries and regions and enhance its product portfolio, focusing on the application of aerosol technology in healthcare and other industries [39]. - The company is committed to building a global leading aerosol technology platform, with confidence in the long-term growth of the global aerosol market [60]. Financial Position and Assets - The total assets of the group as of June 30, 2024, reached RMB 26,540,994 thousand, representing a 4.0% increase from RMB 25,508,284 thousand at the end of 2023 [20]. - Cash and cash equivalents increased by 22.6% to RMB 6,534,871 thousand from RMB 5,332,076 thousand at the end of 2023 [20]. - As of June 30, 2024, net current assets were approximately RMB 13,861,870 thousand, down from RMB 16,004,419 thousand as of December 31, 2023 [102]. - The current ratio as of June 30, 2024, was approximately 396.2%, down from 548.8% as of December 31, 2023 [102]. Regulatory Environment - The regulatory environment for electronic atomization products is strengthening, which is expected to benefit the long-term development of the industry [10]. - The EU's new regulations require all tobacco products to have unique identification codes, enhancing traceability and compliance [34]. - Belgium has received EU approval to implement a ban on disposable e-cigarettes, set to take effect on January 1, 2025 [35]. Shareholder and Governance - The board declared an interim dividend of HKD 0.05 per share for the six months ended June 30, 2024, consistent with the previous year [145]. - The company has established an ESG committee to enhance its ESG management capabilities [131]. - The company has established various communication channels with shareholders and investors to provide updates and gather feedback [141]. - The board of directors believes that the current governance structure is appropriate for shareholder interests and will continue to review its effectiveness [123]. Employee and Operational Efficiency - The company emphasizes employee training and development, with structured programs for various talent levels and a focus on online learning [110]. - The company is focusing on cost reduction and efficiency improvements, successfully achieving a significant decrease in administrative expenses during the review period [27]. - Employee compensation and benefits increased by 37.1% to RMB 148,642 thousand, accounting for 3.0% of total revenue [88]. Future Outlook - The company has outlined a future outlook with a focus on market expansion and new product development [1]. - The company projects a revenue growth of 2.99% to 3.51% for the periods ending in 2025 and 2026, respectively [1]. - The company plans to continue its strategy of incentivizing key personnel through the share incentive plan to drive further growth [169].

Financial Performance - For the six months ended June 30, 2024, the company reported revenue of RMB 5,037,242 thousand, a decrease of approximately 1.7% compared to RMB 5,122,862 thousand in the same period last year[5]. - Gross profit for the same period was RMB 1,914,597 thousand, reflecting a growth of 3.2% year-on-year, with a gross margin of 38.0%, up 1.8 percentage points from 36.2%[5]. - The company achieved a profit before tax of RMB 811,555 thousand, an increase of 1.9% compared to RMB 796,170 thousand in the previous year[5]. - Net profit for the period was RMB 683,198 thousand, down 4.8% from RMB 717,342 thousand year-on-year, resulting in a net profit margin of 13.6%[5]. - The total revenue for the group during the review period was approximately RMB 5,037,242 thousand, a decrease of about 1.7% compared to RMB 5,122,862 thousand in the same period last year[39]. - The comprehensive income for the period was approximately RMB 724,597 thousand, a decrease of about 1.3% compared to RMB 734,356 thousand in the same period last year[39]. - The group reported a segment profit of RMB 820,065 thousand, a slight increase of 2.47% from RMB 802,075 thousand in the previous year[100]. - The company reported a net profit of RMB 683,198 thousand for the period, down 4.8% from RMB 717,342 thousand in the same period last year[84]. Assets and Liabilities - The total assets increased by 4.0% to RMB 26,540,994 thousand as of June 30, 2024, compared to RMB 25,508,284 thousand at the end of 2023[5]. - As of June 30, 2024, the group's current assets net value was approximately RMB 13,861,870 thousand, down from RMB 16,004,419 thousand as of December 31, 2023[65]. - The group's asset-liability ratio was approximately 24.5% as of June 30, 2024, compared to 19.1% as of December 31, 2023[68]. - The group had no bank or other financial institution borrowings as of June 30, 2024, consistent with the previous year[67]. Cash Flow and Expenditures - Cash and cash equivalents rose by 22.6% to RMB 6,534,871 thousand, up from RMB 5,332,076 thousand[5]. - Operating cash flow for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was RMB 602,829 thousand, a decline of 43.7% from RMB 1,072,440 thousand in 2023[89]. - Capital expenditures for the six months ended June 30, 2024, totaled approximately RMB 282,315 thousand, significantly lower than RMB 560,670 thousand in the same period of 2023[15]. - The group had capital commitments of approximately RMB 395,328 thousand, down from RMB 494,304 thousand as of December 31, 2023[78]. Revenue Breakdown - Revenue from the self-owned brand business was approximately RMB 1,115,607 thousand, representing a growth of about 71.9% compared to RMB 648,852 thousand in the same period last year[41]. - Revenue from enterprise customer sales was approximately RMB 3,921,635 thousand, a decrease of about 12.3% from RMB 4,474,010 thousand in the same period last year[43]. - Revenue from the European and other markets reached approximately RMB 928,687 thousand, with a year-on-year growth of about 88.0%[13]. - In the U.S. market, revenue was approximately RMB 1,858,160 thousand, a decrease of about 9.8% year-on-year, accounting for approximately 36.9% of total revenue[15]. - Revenue from the company's disposable electronic vapor products decreased by approximately 18.9% year-on-year to about RMB 1,217,423 thousand[16]. - Revenue from electronic vapor products and components (excluding APV) was RMB 3,921,635 thousand, down 12.34% from RMB 4,474,010 thousand in 2023[98]. - APV revenue increased significantly to RMB 1,115,607 thousand, up 71.93% from RMB 648,852 thousand in 2023[98]. Research and Development - The company has over 1,400 R&D personnel and significantly higher R&D investment compared to peers, ensuring long-term healthy growth[19]. - Research and development expenditure for the first half of 2024 totaled approximately RMB 760.1 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 23.7%, and accounting for about 15.1% of revenue, up from 12.0% in the same period last year[25]. - Research and development expenses grew by approximately 23.7% to RMB 760,112 thousand, increasing from 12.0% to 15.1% of total revenue, reflecting increased investment in nebulization medical and heat-not-burn product areas[56]. - The company’s employee compensation and benefits in R&D rose by approximately 23.6% to RMB 477,901 thousand, accounting for 9.5% of total revenue, due to increased salaries for R&D personnel in the nebulization medical field[56]. Market Expansion and Product Development - The company launched several new products during the review period, including the world's first 20,000 puff high-explosion dual-core disposable solution, enhancing user experience and nicotine delivery efficiency[8]. - The company is expanding its international market presence, operating six distribution centers in Europe and the United States as of June 30, 2024, to enhance global operational capabilities[10]. - The company is actively expanding its international market presence and localizing its product and sales systems to meet diverse consumer needs[13]. - The company plans to launch the MOYAL brand and its first generation of aerosol beauty products in Q1 2024, which will be the industry's first to achieve high-viscosity skincare essence aerosolization[22]. - In the medical field, the company has developed several drug delivery devices for asthma and COPD, with products receiving recognition from European and American regulatory authorities[23]. Compliance and Regulatory - The company is focusing on compliance and safety in the U.S. market, with a gradual recovery expected in its performance due to strengthened regulatory enforcement[15]. - The company aims to enhance its compliance operations to support customer market expansion amid increasing regulatory scrutiny in the electronic vapor market[29]. - The company has implemented cost reduction and efficiency improvement measures, resulting in a significant decrease in administrative expenses during the review period[10]. Other Financial Metrics - The group's financing costs were approximately RMB 18,512 thousand, representing an increase of about 68.6% from RMB 10,980 thousand in the same period last year[61]. - Income tax expenses for the group were approximately RMB 128,357 thousand, an increase of about 62.8% from RMB 78,828 thousand in the same period last year[62]. - The group recognized government grants amounting to RMB 57,955 thousand, an increase from RMB 35,096 thousand in 2023[107]. - The interim dividend declared for the six months ended June 30, 2024, is HKD 0.05 per share, totaling approximately HKD 308,888,000[122].

Financial Data and Key Metrics - The company expects a double-digit growth in overseas markets, potentially between 10% to 20% [2] - Domestic market revenue is expected to remain flat [2] - Free brand business is projected to grow by 10% to 20% [2] - Medical sector is expected to see a high single-digit to low double-digit growth, excluding additional R&D investments [2] - Capital expenditure for 2024 is estimated to be around 1 billion, similar to 2023 [2] - The company aims to maintain a dividend payout ratio of around 35% [2] Business Line Data and Key Metrics - Growth in 2024 is expected to be driven mainly by disposable products, while refillable products may see a slight decline [1][2] - Cannabis vaporizers are expected to maintain a growth rate of over 20% [2] - The company is investing in new product lines, particularly in medical and beauty sectors, with expected returns in 2025 and 2026 [2][3] Market Data and Key Metrics - The US market saw a decline in the second half of 2023 due to the impact of non-compliant disposable products [6] - The company is preparing for potential bans on disposable products in Europe and the US by developing new product lines [4][5] - The company's free brand, VAPORESSO, is expanding in Europe with new product offerings [5] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is focusing on differentiated products and new technological routes to stay competitive [1] - It is preparing for potential regulatory changes in Europe and the US by diversifying its product portfolio [4][5] - The company is investing in R&D to develop new solutions and technologies, particularly in the medical and beauty sectors [2][3] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The company is optimistic about future growth, particularly in 2025 and 2026, as new product lines mature [2][3] - Management is cautious about the regulatory environment in the US and Europe, particularly regarding disposable products [1][4] - The company is prepared to adapt to market changes and regulatory shifts by leveraging its R&D capabilities [4][5] Other Important Information - The company has a strong cash position, with cash and deposits totaling approximately 16 billion [5] - It is open to increasing share buybacks if necessary [5] - The company uses a mix of USD and RMB for customer settlements, with complex arrangements for large clients [6] Q&A Session Summary Question: Trends for refillable and disposable products in 2024 - Disposable products are expected to drive market growth, while refillable products may see a decline due to regulatory pressures [1] Question: CBD growth trends in 2024 - CBD growth is expected to recover in the second half of 2024, driven by new product launches and market recovery [2] Question: Cash flow, capital expenditure, and dividend guidance for 2024 - The company expects strong cash flow, with capital expenditure similar to 2023 and a dividend payout ratio of around 35% [2] Question: Revenue and profit guidance for 2024 - Revenue is expected to grow in overseas markets, while domestic revenue remains flat. Profit growth is expected to be in the high single-digit to low double-digit range, excluding medical R&D investments [2] Question: Impact of US flavor ban and FDA enforcement - The company is cautious about FDA enforcement and the potential impact of flavor bans, but remains optimistic about its product portfolio [4] Question: New product launches in Europe - The company is preparing to launch new products in Europe, including larger-capacity refillable products, to adapt to potential bans on disposable products [4] Question: Pricing pressure from large clients - Pricing pressure from large clients is decreasing as the focus shifts to differentiated products and innovation [5] Question: R&D investment in HMB market - The company is investing in R&D to develop new solutions and technologies, particularly in the HMB market, with expected returns in the future [5] Question: Free brand strategy in Europe - The company is expanding its free brand, VAPORESSO, in Europe with new product offerings, including bottled e-liquids [5] Question: Share buyback plans - The company is open to increasing share buybacks if necessary, given its strong cash position [5] Question: US market decline in H2 2023 - The decline in the US market in H2 2023 was due to the impact of non-compliant disposable products and changes in customer stocking patterns [6] Question: Currency settlement arrangements - The company uses a mix of USD and RMB for customer settlements, with complex arrangements for large clients [6]

Financial Performance - Revenue for 2023 decreased to RMB 11,168,422 thousand, down from RMB 12,144,980 thousand in 2022[10] - Gross profit for 2023 was RMB 4,334,446 thousand, with a gross margin of 38.8%, compared to 43.3% in 2022[10] - Net profit for 2023 was RMB 1,645,090 thousand, with a net profit margin of 14.7%, down from 20.7% in 2022[10] - Total assets increased to RMB 25,508,284 thousand in 2023, up from RMB 24,359,317 thousand in 2022[10] - Cash and cash equivalents decreased significantly to RMB 5,332,076 thousand in 2023 from RMB 9,762,933 thousand in 2022[10] - Total sales revenue for the period was approximately RMB 11,168,422 thousand, a decrease of 8.0% year-over-year[40] - Revenue from the Chinese mainland market was approximately RMB 163,008 thousand, a significant decrease of 92.7% year-over-year, accounting for 1.5% of total revenue[40] - Revenue from overseas markets was approximately RMB 11,005,414 thousand, an increase of 11.2% year-over-year, accounting for 98.5% of total revenue[40] - Revenue from enterprise customers decreased by 12.7% year-over-year, accounting for 83.5% of total revenue[40] - Revenue from the company's own brand business increased by 26.0% year-over-year, accounting for 16.5% of total revenue[40] - Revenue from the US market for enterprise customers was approximately RMB 4,083,779 thousand, an increase of 8.2% year-over-year, accounting for 36.6% of total revenue[41] - Revenue from Europe and other markets for enterprise customers was approximately RMB 5,074,276 thousand, an increase of 8.9% year-over-year, accounting for 45.4% of total revenue[43] - Revenue from disposable e-vapor products in Europe and other markets was approximately RMB 3,370,149 thousand, a significant increase of 74.5% year-over-year, accounting for 30.2% of total revenue[43] - Revenue from the company's own brand business was approximately RMB 1,847,359 thousand, an increase of 26.0% year-over-year[44] - The company's total R&D expenditure in 2023 was approximately RMB 1,482,846 thousand, an increase of 8.1% compared to the previous year, accounting for 13.3% of revenue[50][51] - The company's R&D expenditure in the electronic nicotine delivery systems sector (including e-cigarettes and heated non-combustible products) was RMB 1,033,899 thousand, accounting for 69.7% of total R&D spending[50] - The company's R&D expenditure in the atomized medical and beauty products sector increased by 67.4% to RMB 277,627 thousand, accounting for 18.7% of total R&D spending[50] - The company's total revenue for the review period was approximately RMB 11,168,422 thousand, a decrease of 8.0% year-on-year[61] - The company's gross profit for the review period was approximately RMB 4,334,446 thousand, a decrease of 17.6% year-on-year, with a gross margin of 38.8% compared to 43.3% in 2022[61] - Revenue from enterprise customers decreased by 12.7% to approximately RMB 9,321,063 thousand, with a significant drop of 92.7% in revenue from the Chinese mainland market[63] - Revenue from the US market increased by 8.2% to approximately RMB 4,083,779 thousand, accounting for 36.6% of total revenue[63] - Revenue from Europe and other regions increased by 8.9% to approximately RMB 5,074,276 thousand, accounting for 45.4% of total revenue[63] - The company's own brand business sales increased by 26.0% to approximately RMB 1,847,359 thousand, accounting for 16.5% of total revenue[62] - Revenue from the company's own-brand business reached approximately RMB 1,847,359 thousand, a year-on-year increase of 26.0%, with revenue from the US at RMB 372,192 thousand (up 8.8%) and from Europe and other regions at RMB 1,475,167 thousand (up 31.3%)[64] - Total revenue for 2023 was RMB 11,168,422 thousand, a decrease of 8.0% compared to 2022, with revenue from Europe and other regions accounting for 45.4% (RMB 5,065,271 thousand), the US at 10.8% (RMB 1,210,769 thousand), and Hong Kong at 36.0% (RMB 4,016,522 thousand)[65] - Revenue from the Chinese mainland market was approximately RMB 875,860 thousand, a significant decrease of 92.7% compared to 2022, accounting for only 1.5% of total revenue after adjustments[66] - Gross profit for 2023 was RMB 4,334,446 thousand, a decrease of 17.6% year-on-year, with the gross margin dropping from 43.3% to 38.8% due to lower-margin products and reduced revenue from the Chinese mainland market[68] - Distribution and sales expenses increased by 35.7% to RMB 526,238 thousand, accounting for 4.7% of total revenue, driven by the expansion of localized marketing teams and increased promotional activities in overseas markets[69] - Employee compensation and benefits within distribution and sales expenses grew by 44.4% to RMB 269,416 thousand, reflecting the company's efforts to strengthen overseas market presence[69] - Market development expenses rose by 42.4% to RMB 129,155 thousand, primarily due to increased marketing activities for new product launches in overseas markets[69] - Travel expenses increased by 22.4% to RMB 34,525 thousand, as the company intensified its overseas market expansion and promotional efforts[70] - Raw material costs accounted for 49.4% of total revenue, up from 41.5% in 2022, driven by the increased proportion of lower-margin disposable e-vapor products[68] - Labor costs decreased by 30.6% to RMB 608,898 thousand, reflecting improved production efficiency and automation, reducing the need for manual labor[68] - Administrative expenses decreased by 24.5% to approximately RMB 867,154 thousand, accounting for 7.8% of revenue, down from 9.5% in the previous year[71] - Employee compensation and benefits decreased by 17.8% to approximately RMB 564,044 thousand, accounting for 5.1% of revenue, down from 5.6% in the previous year[71] - Professional service fees decreased by 38.8% to approximately RMB 100,073 thousand, accounting for 0.9% of revenue, down from 1.3% in the previous year[71] - R&D expenses increased by 8.1% to approximately RMB 1,482,846 thousand, accounting for 13.3% of revenue, up from 11.3% in the previous year[73] - Development costs increased by 25.8% to approximately RMB 466,953 thousand, accounting for 4.2% of revenue, up from 3.1% in the previous year[74] - Other income increased by 24.6% to approximately RMB 619,147 thousand, with bank deposit interest income increasing by 23.9% to RMB 515,056 thousand[75] - Other losses totaled approximately RMB 103,740 thousand, compared to other gains of RMB 133,266 thousand in the previous year[76] - Tax expenses decreased by 34.4% to approximately RMB 291,449 thousand, primarily due to a decrease in taxable profits and the impact of preferential tax rates[78] - Comprehensive income for the year decreased by 37.2% to approximately RMB 1,566,470 thousand, primarily due to a decline in revenue and gross profit margin[79] - The company's current ratio increased to 548.8% as of December 31, 2023, up from 534.9% in the previous year, primarily due to an increase in short-term bank deposits[80][81] - The company's asset-liability ratio was approximately 19.1% as of December 31, 2023, compared to 19.5% in the previous year[84] - The company recorded foreign exchange gains of approximately RMB 19,509 thousand in 2023, compared to RMB 126,711 thousand in 2022[86] - The company incurred losses of approximately RMB 95,810 thousand from forward foreign exchange contracts in 2023, compared to RMB 50,029 thousand in 2022[86] - Approximately 60% of the company's revenue was settled in USD, while 40% was settled in RMB during the reporting period[87] - A 10% increase in the USD/RMB exchange rate would increase the company's comprehensive income by approximately RMB 599,744 thousand, while a 10% decrease would reduce it by the same amount[88] - The company's total employee costs accounted for approximately 23.0% of revenue in 2023, down from 25.0% in 2022[90] - The company invested approximately RMB 1,155,547 thousand in property, plant, equipment, and intangible assets in 2023, compared to RMB 2,478,206 thousand in 2022[92] - As of December 31, 2023, the company had capital commitments of approximately RMB 494,304 thousand for property, plant, and equipment[93] - The company had no bank or financial institution borrowings as of December 31, 2023, and held a bank credit line of RMB 6,000.0 million, of which RMB 1,102.2 million was utilized[83] - The company had no significant contingent liabilities as of December 31, 2023[96] - The annual transaction caps for battery procurement are set at RMB 4,500,000 thousand, RMB 6,000,000 thousand, and RMB 7,500,000 thousand for the years ending December 31, 2023, 2024, and 2025, respectively[101] - Battery product procurement transactions during the review period amounted to approximately RMB 548,638 thousand, accounting for 9.9% of the company's total procurement[102] - The company's independent non-executive directors confirmed that the ongoing connected transactions are conducted under normal commercial terms and are fair and reasonable, aligning with the overall interests of shareholders[104] - The company's auditors issued an unqualified opinion on the ongoing connected transactions, confirming compliance with the relevant agreements and not exceeding the annual cap for 2023[105] - Available distributable reserves stood at RMB 7,440.8 million as of December 31, 2023[155] - Charitable donations amounted to RMB 6.3 million in 2023, down from RMB 8.6 million in 2022[156] - The company proposed a final dividend of HK$0.05 per ordinary share for 2023[160] - The share-based compensation plan accounted for approximately 0.94% of the weighted average number of shares issued in 2023[165] - The pre-IPO share option plan allows for the issuance of up to 319,032,000 shares, representing approximately 5.20% of total issued shares[168] - The exercise price for each share option under the pre-IPO share option plan is RMB 0.38[171] - The pre-IPO share option plan has a validity period from the adoption date (September 30, 2019) to the listing date (July 10, 2020), after which no further options will be granted[172] - Each grantee must pay HKD 1 as consideration for accepting the share options under the pre-IPO share option plan, which is non-refundable and not part of the exercise price[171] - The term of share options is determined by the board and shall not exceed ten years from the date of the option offer[170] - Any unexercised share options will expire after the option term ends[170] - The company granted a total of 16,000,000 share options to Director Chen Zhiping, with an exercise price of HKD 0.38 and a fair value ranging from HKD 2.04 to HKD 2.08 per option[174] - Director Wang Guisheng was granted 6,000,000 share options, with an exercise price of HKD 0.38 and a fair value ranging from HKD 2.34 to HKD 2.42 per option[174] - Director Wang Xin received 1,428,000 share options, with an exercise price of HKD 0.38 and a fair value ranging from HKD 2.34 to HKD 2.42 per option[174] - Director Bu Zhiqiang was granted 544,000 share options, with an exercise price of HKD 0.38 and a fair value ranging from HKD 2.34 to HKD 2.42 per option[174] - Director Bu Weiqiang received 290,000 share options, with an exercise price of HKD 0.38 and a fair value ranging from HKD 2.31 to HKD 2.42 per option[174] - Director Li Xiaoping was granted 1,192,000 share options, with an exercise price of HKD 0.38 and a fair value ranging from HKD 2.34 to HKD 2.42 per option[174] - Director Yuan Xiang received 52,000 share options, with an exercise price of HKD 0.38 and a fair value ranging from HKD 2.31 to HKD 2.42 per option[174] - Director Xiong Fei was granted 81,000 share options, with an exercise price of HKD 0.38 and a fair value ranging from HKD 2.34 to HKD 2.42 per option[174] - Non-director employees were granted a total of 73,219,000 share options, with an exercise price of HKD 0.38 and a fair value ranging from HKD 2.31 to HKD 2.42 per option[174] - The company granted an additional 37,000 share options to non-director employees, with an exercise price of HKD 0.38 and a fair value ranging from HKD 2.08 to HKD 2.11 per option[174] - The number of share options available under the post-IPO share option plan at the beginning of 2023 was 160,063,272 shares, and at the end of 2023, it was 86,793,572 shares[175] - The maximum number of shares that can be issued under the post-IPO share option plan and other share option plans combined is 574,351,272 shares, which is 10% of the total issued shares as of the listing date[177] - The total number of shares that can be issued under the post-IPO share option plan is 255,319,272 shares, representing approximately 4.16% of the total issued shares of 6,137,238,720 as of the annual report date[177] - The post-IPO share option plan is valid for ten years from the listing date (July 10, 2020), after which no further options will be granted[183] - In 2023, the company granted a total of 85,475,100 share options under the post-IPO share option plan on April 19, July 20, August 23, and October 20[184] - 319,150 stock options were granted to Director Wang Guisheng on 2023/08/23, with exercise prices of HKD 7.79 and fair values ranging from HKD 2.15 to HKD 3.06[185] - 172,825 stock options were granted to Director Xiong Shaoming on 2023/08/23, with exercise prices of HKD 7.79 and fair values ranging from HKD 2.15 to HKD 3.06[185] - 87,650 stock options were granted to Director Wang Xin on 2023/08/23, with exercise prices of HKD 7.79 and fair values ranging from HKD 2.15 to HKD 3.06[185] - 66,500 stock options were granted to Director Wang Guisheng on 2022/11/09, with an exercise price of HKD 11.11 and a fair value of HKD 2.77[185] - 117,000 stock options were granted to Director Xiong Shaoming on 2022/11/09, with an exercise price of HKD 11.11 and fair values of HKD 2.77 and HKD 3.19[185] - 7,500 stock options were granted to Director Wang Xin on 2022/11/09, with an exercise price of HKD 11.11 and fair values of HKD 2.77 and HKD 3.19[185] - 44,333 stock options were granted to Director Wang Guisheng on 2021/04/01, with an exercise price of HKD 51.05 and fair values ranging from HKD 10.15 to HKD 12.40[185] - 78,000 stock options were granted to Director Xiong Shaoming on 2021/04/01, with an exercise price of HKD 51.05 and fair values ranging from HKD 10.15 to HKD 12.40[185] - 5,000 stock options were granted to Director Wang Xin on 2021/04/01, with an exercise price of HKD 51.05 and fair values ranging from HKD 10.15 to HKD 12.40[185] - 21,667 stock options were granted to Li Xiaoping (Director) on 2021/04/01 with an exercise price of HK$51.05 and a vesting period from 2021/04/01 to 2023/03/31[186] - 32,500 stock options were granted to Li Xiaoping (Director) on 2022/11/09 with an exercise price of HK$11.11 and a vesting period from 2022/11/09 to 2024/03/31[186] - 33,550 stock options were granted to Bu

Financial Performance - For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, the company's revenue was RMB 11,168,422 thousand, a decrease of 8.0% compared to RMB 12,144,980 thousand in 2022[4] - Gross profit for the same period was RMB 4,334,446 thousand, resulting in a gross margin of 38.8%, down from 43.3% in 2022[4] - The company reported a net profit of RMB 1,645,090 thousand, a decline of 34.4% from RMB 2,510,316 thousand in the previous year[4] - The total comprehensive income for the review period was approximately RMB 1,566,470 thousand, down about 37.2% from RMB 2,494,934 thousand in 2022[41] - Basic earnings per share for 2023 were RMB 27.01, down from RMB 41.66 in 2022, reflecting a decrease of 35.4%[85] - The company reported a significant increase in inventory provision costs, which rose to RMB 61,176 thousand in 2023 from RMB 8,791 thousand in 2022[129] Market Performance - The company maintained a market share of approximately 13.7% in the global electronic vaporizer equipment market, down from 18.1% in 2022[11] - Revenue from the mainland China market was approximately RMB 163,008 thousand, a significant decline of about 92.7%, accounting for approximately 1.5% of total revenue[19] - Revenue from overseas markets increased by approximately 11.2% to RMB 11,005,414 thousand, rising to approximately 98.5% of total revenue[16] - In the U.S. market, revenue from enterprise customers reached approximately RMB 4,083,779 thousand, an increase of about 8.2%, representing approximately 36.6% of total revenue[17] - Revenue from Europe and other regions increased by approximately 17.9% to RMB 5,065,271 thousand, representing about 45.4% of total revenue[46] Research and Development - The company continues to focus on research and development in electronic vaporization products, enhancing its R&D management system to improve efficiency[7] - The total R&D expenditure amounted to approximately RMB 1,482,846 thousand, representing an increase of about 8.1% compared to the previous year, with the percentage of revenue rising from approximately 11.3% to about 13.3%[28] - The company has over 1,400 R&D personnel and significantly higher R&D investment compared to peers, ensuring long-term growth and innovation[23] - The company has filed a total of 2,033 new patent applications globally during the review period, including 1,172 invention patents, bringing the cumulative total to 7,695 patents, of which 3,867 are invention patents[28] - The introduction of a digital management system for new product development has significantly improved the efficiency and effectiveness of R&D resource allocation[28] Cost Management - The company has implemented cost reduction strategies, resulting in a significant decrease in administrative expenses during the review period[9] - Distribution and sales expenses increased from approximately RMB 387,671 thousand to about RMB 526,238 thousand, a growth of approximately 35.7%, accounting for about 4.7% of revenue[53] - Administrative expenses decreased from approximately RMB 1,147,916 thousand to about RMB 867,154 thousand, a decline of approximately 24.5%, accounting for about 7.8% of revenue[54] - Total employee costs accounted for approximately 23.0% of the group's revenue in 2023, down from 25.0% in 2022, due to improved operational efficiency[78] Corporate Governance - The board of directors consists of eight members, including three independent non-executive directors, exceeding the one-third requirement set by listing rules[148] - The board has recommended a final dividend of HKD 0.05 per ordinary share for the year ending December 31, 2023, pending approval at the upcoming annual general meeting[158] - The company has adopted a dividend policy that considers its financial condition and other relevant factors before declaring dividends[158] - The audit committee has been established in accordance with the listing rules, consisting of three independent non-executive directors, with Mr. Zhong Shan as the chairman[171] - The board is committed to maintaining high standards of corporate governance and has reviewed the effectiveness of its governance structure[150] Future Outlook - The global electronic vaporization product market is projected to reach approximately $19.86 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 11.5% from 2023 to 2028[32] - The company plans to launch a new oil cartridge-based closed product in the European market in 2024, which has successfully obtained TPD compliance certification[33] - The company aims to enhance production management levels in 2024 to reduce manufacturing costs and improve product competitiveness[38] - The company will continue to invest in R&D across electronic vaporization, heated tobacco, and medical vaporization products to maintain its leading position in these sectors[37] - The company is committed to optimizing supply chains and production processes to shorten order delivery cycles and improve delivery efficiency[38]