资金链告急却惊现“掏空式分红”，遇见小面豪赌IPO？

Core Viewpoint - The company "Yujian Xiaomian" is seeking to go public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, aiming to become the first publicly listed Chinese noodle restaurant chain, amidst a booming market for Chinese noodle restaurants, particularly in the Sichuan-Chongqing flavor segment [1][2]. Company Overview - Founded in 2014, Yujian Xiaomian specializes in Chongqing-style noodles and has expanded its menu to include rice and various Sichuan-Chongqing snacks [2]. - As of April 2025, the number of stores has increased from 133 in 2022 to 380, representing a growth of 185.7% [2]. Market Position - The Chinese noodle restaurant market is projected to reach RMB 296.2 billion in 2024 and exceed RMB 510 billion by 2029, with Sichuan-Chongqing flavors leading the segment at a 13.2% annual growth rate [1]. - Despite the growth potential, the market remains fragmented, with the top five brands holding less than 3% market share [1]. Financial Performance - Revenue has shown a positive trend, with sales increasing from RMB 418 million in 2022 to RMB 1.154 billion in 2024, while net profit has shifted from a loss of RMB 36 million to a profit of RMB 61 million during the same period [4][5]. - However, the average daily sales per store have declined from approximately RMB 13,880 in 2023 to RMB 12,402 in 2024, indicating challenges in maintaining sales performance [5][6]. Expansion Strategy - The company plans to open 450 new stores from 2025 to 2027, focusing on lower-tier cities and overseas markets [11]. - As of 2024, over 65% of its stores are concentrated in Guangdong province, with a significant presence in Guangzhou and Shenzhen [2][3]. Challenges - The company faces challenges such as declining average transaction values and increasing food safety issues, which could impact its growth sustainability [1][7][8]. - The average order value has decreased from RMB 36.1 in 2022 to RMB 32.0 in 2024, contributing to a lower gross margin compared to industry averages [5][6]. Financial Health - As of the end of 2024, Yujian Xiaomian's current liabilities reached RMB 4.9 billion, with a current ratio of 0.5, indicating potential liquidity issues [12][13]. - The company has been criticized for its high dividend payouts, which accounted for 48.6% of its net profit, raising concerns about its capital management strategy [23]. Governance Issues - The company's governance structure has been described as centralized, with significant ownership held by the founders, which may lead to transparency issues and potential conflicts of interest [25][27]. - Recent reports of abrupt layoffs and management issues have raised concerns about the company's internal culture and governance practices [25][27].