步步高深度报告：东山再起，步步高升

Investment Rating - The report assigns a "Buy" rating for the company, marking its first coverage [7][13]. Core Insights - The report highlights that the company has completed its restructuring, resulting in a healthier balance sheet. The company is expected to see significant profit growth as it completes its store renovations, with sales and customer traffic exceeding expectations [2][15]. - The restructuring has led to a reduction in debt levels, with the debt-to-asset ratio decreasing from 86.8% in 2023 to 62.1% by Q1 2025. The company is projected to have cash and equivalents exceeding 1 billion yuan by the end of 2024 [2][41]. - The report anticipates that the company will complete all supermarket renovations by 2025, with sales per store expected to increase significantly post-renovation [2][65]. Summary by Sections Restructuring and Financial Health - The company has successfully restructured, becoming a non-controlling entity with the introduction of industrial investors who enhance its supply chain and digital capabilities. The management team has also undergone changes to improve efficiency [2][32][33]. - The restructuring plan includes cash settlements for debts under 100,000 yuan and equity swaps for larger debts, extending remaining debts to a 10-year term [2][39]. - The company’s cash flow situation has improved significantly, with cash and equivalents projected to return to pre-2018 levels by the end of 2024 [2][36]. Supermarket Renovation Success - The report notes that the company has already renovated 17 out of 27 supermarkets, with sales and customer traffic increasing dramatically post-renovation. The average daily sales have reportedly increased sixfold, and customer traffic has tripled [2][65]. - The renovation strategy has led to a significant change in product offerings and store environments, enhancing customer experience and employee satisfaction [2][14]. Department Store Transformation - The company is set to initiate a comprehensive renovation of its department stores in May 2024, focusing on improving employee experience and customer service [3][15]. - The department store segment is expected to contribute significantly to the company's revenue, with a projected recovery in gross margins [3][12]. Profit Forecast and Valuation - The company is expected to achieve net profits of 184 million yuan in 2025, with projections of 402 million yuan and 674 million yuan in the following years, reflecting a rapid profit release phase [4][12]. - The report provides a valuation based on comparable companies, indicating that the company is currently undervalued relative to its peers in the supermarket sector [4][12].