Core Viewpoint - Huaxi Securities initiates coverage on Guoquan (02517) with a "Buy" rating, emphasizing its positioning around "eating at home" and its ability to meet consumer demands through convenience, high cost-performance, and multiple options [1] Group 1: Store Operations - Guoquan's products are centered on "eating at home," catering to consumers who seek convenience and high-quality dining experiences, extending its offerings in three directions: convenience through hot pot sets and 24-hour operations, high cost-performance with prices 20% lower than major fresh supermarkets, and an increasing number of SKUs, with 412 new SKUs added in 2024, reaching a historical high [1][2] Group 2: Supply Chain Enhancement - The company strengthens its supply chain through self-production and cold chain acquisitions, increasing business coverage and optimizing costs. As of April 2025, it has established seven processing plants, with self-produced products accounting for 20% of total products in 2024. A planned investment of 490 million yuan in a Hainan food industrial park aims to enhance overseas ingredient processing [2] - The acquisition of Huading Cold Chain in 2024 complements the existing supply chain, enhancing store coverage. By June 2025, the company has set up 19 digital central warehouses, improving product delivery range and inventory turnover days [2] Group 3: Franchise Model - Guoquan is exploring regional ecological rooting strategies with four store types: standard stores, black pearl stores, agricultural trade stores, and township stores. The standard store model is expected to improve operational capabilities through refined management and training mechanisms [2] - Township stores are innovating their business models, enhancing market penetration and becoming a new revenue support point. The agricultural trade store model targets market needs with low initial investment, while the new "Guoquan Stir-fry" business aims to optimize efficiency and standardize operations, potentially becoming a new profit growth point [2] Group 4: Future Trends - The company is positioned as a leading player in the "eating at home" sector, with over 10,000 stores and entering a new expansion phase post-integration. The period from 2026 to 2027 is expected to see accelerated growth [3] - The new management model for standard stores is anticipated to enhance operational performance, while the township store market has ample growth potential. The supply chain network is rapidly expanding, with third-party cold chain acquisitions bolstering national delivery capabilities and maintaining cost control [3] - The financial structure is robust under a franchise-based light asset model, with significant cash reserves and fast inventory turnover [3]