Core Viewpoint - The financial performance of Tao Li Bread (603866) in the first half of 2025 shows a significant decline in both revenue and profit, reflecting the deep challenges faced by traditional baking companies amid consumer upgrades and channel transformations [1] Financial Performance - In the first half of 2025, the company reported revenue of 2.611 billion yuan, a year-on-year decline of 13.6% [1] - The net profit attributable to shareholders was 204 million yuan, with a year-on-year decrease of 30% [1] - For the full year of 2024, revenue fell by 9.93% to 6.087 billion yuan, and net profit decreased by 9.05% [1] - The first quarter of 2025 saw an even larger revenue decline of 14.2% and a net profit reduction of 27.07% [1] - The gross margin remained around 23%, slightly recovering from the first quarter but still below levels seen before 2022, indicating ongoing cost pressures and underutilization of capacity [1] Market Competition - The baking sector has seen an influx of cross-industry competitors, with traditional giants like Dali Foods and Binbao accelerating their presence in the short-shelf-life market, intensifying market competition [2] - Tao Li's brand premium is diminishing, and terminal sales are slowing down due to this price war [2] - The company's R&D investment dropped sharply by 31.84% in 2024, with an R&D expense ratio of only 0.38%, significantly lower than the industry average of 3.2% [2] Channel and Product Strategy - The company heavily relies on supermarket channels for revenue, which has been challenged by competitors promoting their own in-store baked goods and new retail formats enhancing supply chain advantages [2] - Tao Li has lagged in emerging channels like instant retail and community group buying, missing out on online traffic opportunities [2] - Consumer demand for low-sugar and high-fiber baked products is rising, but the company's product line remains focused on traditional sweet bread, with slow progress in health-oriented transformations [2] Regional Expansion Challenges - The company's national expansion strategy has faced setbacks in southern regions, particularly in South China, where revenue has significantly declined due to differences in consumer habits, regional brand competition, and high supply chain costs [3] - Despite new production bases in East and Central China, low capacity utilization and depreciation costs are eroding profits [3] - Although wheat prices have decreased from their 2023 highs, they remain elevated, compounded by rising oil prices, which continue to pressure gross margins [3] Strategic Adjustments - In response to these challenges, the company is implementing multi-dimensional adjustments, including accelerating its presence in instant retail and community group buying by partnering with platforms like Meituan and Pinduoduo [3] - Product upgrades are underway, with the introduction of low-sugar and whole grain products, as well as exploring co-branded and seasonal limited-edition products [3] - The second half of 2025 will be a critical period for assessing the effectiveness of these strategic adjustments [3]
桃李面包半年报透视:短保龙头的增长困局与转型阵痛