Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Outperform the Market" [6][26]. Core Views - The company is expected to face operational pressure in 2024, with a projected revenue of 6.07 billion yuan, a slight increase of 1.5% year-on-year, but a significant decline in core operating profit by 60.1% to 250 million yuan, and a drastic drop in net profit attributable to shareholders by 87.7% to 55.81 million yuan due to cost leverage effects [1][9]. - The company is focusing on its core brands by selling off non-core brands and optimizing its store portfolio, which includes closing underperforming locations [2][24]. - The company has committed to maintaining a dividend payout ratio of no less than 40%, with a total dividend payout rate reaching 92.5% for the year [3][24]. Summary by Sections Financial Performance - In 2024, the company achieved a revenue of 6.07 billion yuan, with a year-on-year growth of 1.5%. However, the net profit attributable to shareholders fell to 55.81 million yuan, a decrease of 87.7% [1][5]. - For the second half of 2024, the company expects a revenue of 3.01 billion yuan, a decline of 3.1%, and a net loss of 16.48 million yuan, reversing from a profit of 230 million yuan in the same period of the previous year [1][9]. Brand Performance - The core brand, Tai Er, generated a revenue of 4.41 billion yuan, down 1.4% year-on-year, with same-store sales declining by 18.8%. The company opened 95 new stores while closing 39 [2][12]. - The company’s other brands, including Song Hotpot and Jiumaojiu, also faced challenges, with significant declines in same-store sales [2][12]. Cost Structure - The company is experiencing rising costs, with raw material costs accounting for 35.6% of revenue, employee costs at 28.8%, and lease depreciation at 11.7%. This cost rigidity is negatively impacting profit margins [3][21]. - The net profit margin for 2024 is projected to be 0.9%, a decrease of 6.7 percentage points from the previous year, primarily due to rising costs and impairment losses from store closures [3][21]. Future Outlook - The company is actively adapting to market changes by introducing new store formats and menu items to attract customers, while also focusing on a light-asset model for new brand incubation [4][24]. - The profit forecasts for 2025 and 2026 have been adjusted downwards to 216 million yuan and 295 million yuan, respectively, reflecting a more cautious outlook on same-store sales and expansion pace [4][24].
九毛九（09922）：024年经营承压，期待关店固本后的业绩回升