Fuling Zhacai(SZ:002507) Xin Lang Cai Jing·2025-09-29 10:28Core Viewpoint - Fuling Pickle is facing stagnation in performance, leading to significant management changes and a need for new growth strategies as traditional sales channels decline [1][2][6]. Management Changes - Zhao Ping, the long-serving general manager, has stepped down, and Gao Xiang has been appointed as the new general manager [1]. - Zhao Ping has been with the company since 1995 and has played a crucial role in its development over the past 15 years [1]. Performance Stagnation - The company's revenue growth slowed to 1.18% in 2022, with projections for continued decline in 2023 and 2024 [1]. - Sales volume of pickled vegetables peaked at 135,600 tons in 2020 but is expected to drop to 111,400 tons by 2024, a decrease of nearly 18% [1]. Market Dynamics - The pickled vegetable market is experiencing increased competition, with consumers shifting preferences towards alternative products [2]. - The core consumer base, primarily urban migrant workers, is diminishing as many return to their hometowns due to economic factors [2]. Sales and Distribution Challenges - Despite expanding the number of distributors from 1,790 in 2019 to 3,239 in 2023, revenue growth has stagnated since 2022 [3]. - In the first half of the year, revenue was 1.313 billion yuan, a slight increase of 0.51%, while net profit declined by 1.66% [3]. Financial Metrics - Accounts receivable and inventory have significantly increased, with accounts receivable up 28% and inventory up 12% year-on-year [3]. - The inventory turnover days reached a historical high of 193.3 days, indicating potential liquidity issues [3]. Production Capacity - The production capacity utilization rate is low, at only 76%, with actual production of 113,600 tons against a designed capacity of 149,900 tons [4]. - A planned expansion project has been delayed, with only 19.04% of the investment progress completed as of mid-year [5]. Growth Strategy - The company is pursuing a dual growth strategy, focusing on expanding into related product categories and developing new markets for compound seasonings and pre-prepared dishes [6]. - New product lines have been introduced, but their contribution to overall revenue remains minimal, with pickled vegetables still accounting for 86% of total revenue [6]. Acquisition Plans - Fuling Pickle is in the process of acquiring a 51% stake in Sichuan Weizimei Food Technology Co., which specializes in compound seasonings and pre-prepared dishes [7]. - The acquisition is still in the audit phase, and Weizimei's financial performance has shown a decline, with a projected revenue of 265 million yuan and a net profit of 39.62 million yuan for 2024 [7]. Financial Position - The company has accumulated 3.053 billion yuan in cash and 3.084 billion yuan in trading financial assets, indicating a strong liquidity position for potential acquisitions and market promotions [7].