
Core Viewpoint - LABUBU, a character from the THE MONSTERS series by Pop Mart, has gained immense popularity, significantly contributing to the company's revenue growth and stock market performance [2][10][11]. Group 1: Revenue and Market Performance - In 2024, the revenue from the THE MONSTERS series, which includes LABUBU, is projected to reach 3.04 billion yuan, marking a year-on-year increase of 726.6% and accounting for 23.3% of Pop Mart's total revenue [2][10]. - On May 20, Pop Mart's stock price peaked at 212.2 HKD per share, briefly surpassing a market capitalization of 280 billion HKD [2][11]. - The demand for LABUBU, particularly in the U.S. market, is expected to drive new store openings and be a key growth factor for 2025-2026 [11]. Group 2: Brand and Market Strategy - Pop Mart has strategically opened stores in prime locations near luxury brands, enhancing visibility and foot traffic, which has turned these stores into social hotspots for tourists and locals [8]. - The recent global release of LABUBU's third-generation plush product saw long queues at U.S. stores, leading to Pop Mart's app topping the U.S. App Store shopping charts [8][10]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape and Challenges - The success of LABUBU is partly attributed to celebrity endorsements and market dynamics in Thailand, where it has become a cultural phenomenon [4][6]. - The toy industry is characterized by a cycle of trends, and while LABUBU is currently popular, there is a risk of market saturation and changing consumer preferences [12][14]. - Pop Mart's reliance on LABUBU raises concerns about the sustainability of its success, as past trends show that popular IPs can quickly lose relevance [12][14]. Group 4: Investment and Market Sentiment - The current price-to-earnings ratio of Pop Mart exceeds 80, indicating a potentially inflated stock price, with some investors beginning to exit [16]. - Recent capital withdrawals from major investors suggest a transition for Pop Mart towards a more mature phase in the collectible toy market, emphasizing the need for effective operational strategies [16].