HAIDILAO(HK:06862) 3 6 Ke·2026-01-20 02:40Core Viewpoint - COMMUNE is set to become China's first "restaurant and bar" public company, with a business model that successfully integrates various dining experiences and social interactions, achieving over 1 billion RMB in annual revenue and a profitable operation model [1][2]. Business Model and Strategy - COMMUNE operates 112 fully-owned stores across China, generating over 1 billion RMB in annual revenue, and has submitted its IPO application to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange [1][2]. - The company has adopted a unique operational strategy that allows it to serve multiple dining experiences throughout the day, including coffee in the morning, Western cuisine for lunch, and cocktails at night, effectively utilizing the same physical space [3][5]. - The average payback period for COMMUNE's stores is approximately 17 months, with a break-even point of just 3 months, which is considered top-tier in the industry [6]. Financial Performance - In the first three quarters of 2025, COMMUNE reported a profit of 78.63 million RMB, showcasing its ability to maintain profitability despite the challenges faced by the industry [2]. - The company's gross profit margin ranges from 68.7% to 70.5%, significantly higher than the industry average, with approximately 45% of its revenue coming from high-margin alcoholic beverages [10]. - Despite high gross margins, the adjusted net profit for 2023 was 73.4 million RMB, which decreased to 66.2 million RMB in 2024, indicating challenges in maintaining profitability as the number of stores increased [12]. Market Position and Competition - COMMUNE has established itself as a market leader in the restaurant and bar segment, holding a market share of 7.8% in 2024, which is nearly double that of its closest competitors [16]. - The decline of traditional low-cost bars like Helen's, which saw a 95% drop in market value, highlights a shift in consumer preferences towards more engaging and transparent dining experiences [16][19]. - The company faces competition from emerging brands that focus on unique local flavors and community-oriented experiences, which may appeal to younger consumers seeking deeper emotional connections [18][19]. Consumer Trends - There is a notable shift in the social drinking habits of young consumers in China, with a preference for environments that offer a relaxed atmosphere and transparent pricing, as opposed to traditional high-pressure bar settings [3][16]. - The average consumer spending at COMMUNE is around 97 RMB, with various pricing strategies aimed at attracting a diverse customer base [9][10]. - The company is strategically expanding into lower-tier cities, although the average spending in these areas is significantly lower than in first-tier cities, indicating a potential challenge in maintaining profitability [15].