Hongqi Chain(SZ:002697) NORTHEAST SECURITIES·2025-04-21 01:14Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the company, indicating a positive outlook for the stock's performance in the coming months [5][15]. Core Views - The company reported a slight decline in revenue and net profit for 2024, with total revenue at 10.123 billion yuan, down 0.09%, and net profit at 521 million yuan, down 7.12% [10][11]. - The company is positioned as a leading convenience store operator in the Sichuan region, with a stable market position and operational resilience, expected to leverage its state-owned background for further business expansion [12][15]. - The revenue structure is gradually optimizing, with significant growth in suburban areas, while the main business revenue showed a slight increase of 0.23% [11][12]. Financial Performance Summary - In 2024, the company achieved a gross margin of 29.35%, a decrease of 0.28 percentage points, and a net profit margin of 5.15%, down 0.39 percentage points [13]. - The company’s operating income for 2025 is projected to be 10.358 billion yuan, with a net profit forecast of 585 million yuan, reflecting a growth rate of 12.20% [15][16]. - The company’s expenses were well-controlled, with a total expense ratio of 24.54%, down 0.25 percentage points from the previous year [12][13]. Revenue Breakdown - For 2024, the revenue breakdown by product shows: - Food revenue at 4.559 billion yuan, accounting for 45.04%, down 0.74% - Tobacco and alcohol revenue at 3.524 billion yuan, accounting for 34.81%, up 4.30% - Daily necessities revenue at 1.288 billion yuan, accounting for 12.72%, down 6.53% - Other business revenue at 0.753 billion yuan, accounting for 7.43%, down 3.90% [11][12]. Regional Performance - Revenue from Chengdu urban areas was 5.269 billion yuan, accounting for 52.05%, down 6.58%, while suburban revenue increased to 3.712 billion yuan, accounting for 36.67%, up 12.39% [11][12].