Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2025-08-01 03:45Core Viewpoint - The industry has experienced high prosperity from 2019 to 2022, but since 2023, the downturn in market conditions has led to declining performance and pessimistic expectations, resulting in a gradual decline in valuations, with the current PE around 20 times. However, the long-term development logic of the industry remains solid, and leading companies are actively adjusting to seek incremental growth, which could lead to a rebound if performance exceeds expectations [1][2]. Group 1: Industry Performance - The restaurant industry's revenue growth is significantly slowing to low single digits from 2019 to 2024, leading to noticeable pressure on the demand side for the frozen food industry. This has resulted in a decline in the performance of listed companies in the sector over the past two years, with no clear turning point in sight. Market expectations regarding the long-term development space and growth ceiling of leading companies are pessimistic [2]. - The industry is facing a mismatch between supply and demand, exacerbated by increased competition due to prior optimistic expansion. The combination of weak demand and increased supply has led to intensified competition, with mainstream manufacturers prioritizing market share over profit, resulting in increased promotional discounts and higher expenditure, which has decreased the capital return rate in the sector [3]. Group 2: Strategic Adjustments - Some companies within the sector are actively seeking solutions to break the current impasse by expanding product categories, launching new products, and exploring emerging channels for growth. For instance, Anjuke Foods, as a leading player in the frozen food sector, has shown strong operational resilience and plans to emphasize product-driven growth by increasing new product launches and focusing on the consumer end to enhance profit margins by 2025 [4]. - Qianwei Central Kitchen, which has a higher proportion of restaurant business, faces greater short-term performance pressure but has been increasing its R&D and sales personnel in recent years. The company is also enhancing its channel capabilities in both large and small B-end markets while embracing new retail channels and expanding into dish and baking categories to seek incremental growth [4].