超半数产品“贴牌”，3年砸23亿元营销，“中国最大高端茶企”今起招股“高端化”存疑

Core Viewpoint - Baima Tea officially launched its IPO in Hong Kong, marking its fourth attempt to enter the capital market after over a decade. The company aims to raise funds through the issuance of 9 million H-shares, with a maximum price of HKD 50 per share, highlighting its position as a leading player in China's high-end tea market [1][8]. Financial Performance - Revenue increased from RMB 1.82 billion in 2022 to RMB 2.14 billion in 2024, with a net profit growth from RMB 166 million to RMB 224 million, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 16.16% [2][3]. - Sales and marketing expenses rose from RMB 616.76 million in 2022 to RMB 692.15 million in 2024, with a total of RMB 2.32 billion spent over three and a half years, consistently accounting for over 30% of revenue [3][5]. Marketing Strategy - The company emphasizes its high-end positioning, yet its marketing expenditures significantly outweigh its research and development costs, which totaled only RMB 42.8 million over three and a half years [1][14]. - Advertising and promotional expenses increased by 32% from RMB 209 million in 2022 to RMB 276 million in 2024, primarily for KOL live streaming and offline events [3][5]. Product Pricing and Sales Channels - The pricing of Baima Tea's flagship products on various platforms often falls below high-end standards, indicating a disconnect between marketing efforts and actual product positioning [4][10]. - Over 30% of revenue is generated from low to mid-range products, suggesting that high marketing investments have not effectively driven sales of premium offerings [5][10]. Inventory and Operational Efficiency - As of June 2025, the company's inventory reached RMB 444 million, with a turnover period of 168 days, raising concerns about potential asset impairment if sales do not meet expectations [5][9]. Regulatory and Compliance Issues - The company has faced scrutiny regarding the high ratio of marketing expenses to revenue, with regulatory bodies questioning the necessity and effectiveness of its marketing strategies [8][9]. - Previous attempts to go public have been hindered by concerns over related-party transactions and the overall efficiency of its marketing expenditures [8][9]. Production and Supply Chain - Baima Tea operates two production bases and relies heavily on a franchise model, with over half of its 3,273 stores being franchises, contributing significantly to its revenue [12][14]. - The company has a high reliance on third-party products, with over 50% of sales coming from private label products, indicating a strategy focused on outsourcing rather than in-house production [13][14].