Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent developments surrounding Wancheng Group's application for an IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, highlighting its transition from a fresh mushroom business to a snack retailing company, and the challenges it faces in maintaining growth and profitability amidst market saturation and governance concerns [1][2][4]. Company Overview - Wancheng Group, formerly known as Wancheng Biological, specializes in the research, cultivation, and sale of edible mushrooms, with a significant shift to the snack retail sector since 2022 [1][2]. - The company has expanded its snack brand "Haoxianglai" through acquisitions, increasing its store count to over 3,800 and achieving a market share of 1 [2]. Financial Performance - In 2022, Wancheng Group's revenue surged from 549 million yuan to 32.328 billion yuan by 2024, with a net profit increase from 67.85 million yuan to 611 million yuan, reflecting compound annual growth rates of 289.0% and 108.0% respectively [2]. - The company reported a 77.4% year-on-year revenue growth for the first nine months of 2025, with net profit increasing by 361.5% compared to the same period in 2024 [4]. Market Dynamics - The snack retail market has seen significant investment, with over 3 billion yuan raised in equity financing from 2022 to 2024, indicating a growing interest in the "bulk snack" concept [1]. - However, the rapid expansion of snack retailing has led to market saturation, with Wancheng Group's average customer transaction value dropping by 33.3% from 53.33 yuan to 35.56 yuan between 2022 and 2024 [8]. Operational Challenges - Despite initial growth, Wancheng Group's revenue growth has slowed significantly, with quarterly growth rates declining from 534.0% in Q1 2024 to 44.2% in Q3 2025 [5]. - The company's gross margin has decreased from 20%-30% to 10%-15% since entering the snack business, with a net margin remaining in single digits [6]. Governance Issues - Wancheng Group is characterized as a family-run business, raising concerns about governance and management practices, especially following the resignation of its chairman amid legal investigations [13][15]. - The company's recent acquisition strategy has drawn scrutiny, particularly regarding the high valuations paid for subsidiaries and the potential conflicts of interest involved in these transactions [16][17].
万辰集团开启A+H征程：“薄利”难换“多销” 高溢价收购背后的套现迷局