Core Viewpoint - The company, Three Squirrels, is facing significant challenges despite a return to over 10 billion RMB in revenue, with declining net profits and increasing reliance on price competition, raising concerns about the sustainability of its "high-end cost-performance" strategy [3][4][6][26]. Financial Performance - In Q1 2025, Three Squirrels reported a net profit of 239 million RMB, a year-on-year decline of 22.46%, with a non-recurring net profit drop of 38.31%, indicating a situation of revenue growth without profit increase [3][6]. - For the year 2024, the company achieved a revenue of 10.622 billion RMB, a 49.3% increase year-on-year, and a net profit of 408 million RMB, up 85.51% [4][19]. - The sales expenses for 2024 reached 1.868 billion RMB, a 50.92% increase, significantly outpacing management, financial, and R&D expenses [6][12]. Strategic Challenges - The "high-end cost-performance" strategy is under pressure, as the company heavily relies on online sales, which accounted for 69.73% of total revenue in 2024, leading to high marketing costs that erode net profits [6][9]. - The average selling price of core products has been declining, with price reductions of 9%-16% in key categories, resulting in a continuous drop in gross margin from over 31% in 2021 to below 25% in 2024 [10][11][17]. Market Position and Competition - The snack industry is experiencing intensified competition, with a shift to "stock competition," where traditional marketing strategies are becoming less effective [15][17]. - The company’s offline store count has decreased from 1,043 in 2020 to 333 in 2024, contrasting sharply with competitors like Good Products, which has over 2,700 stores [3][17]. IPO and Future Plans - Three Squirrels aims to achieve a revenue target of 20 billion RMB by 2026, requiring a doubling of revenue in two years, with significant growth needed in offline sales [19][22]. - The company plans to use part of the IPO proceeds to strengthen its offline store network and expand into new product categories, including pet food and ready-to-eat meals [21][23]. Supply Chain and Operational Issues - The company is facing challenges with cash flow, as operating cash flow net amount decreased by 62.96% year-on-year, and inventory surged by 70%, raising concerns about unsold stock [13][24]. - The current production capacity is heavily concentrated in East China, which may lead to supply-demand imbalances as new factories are planned [24].

Core Viewpoint - After four consecutive years of revenue decline, Three Squirrels is set to return to the "100 billion club" in 2024, bolstered by its upcoming IPO in Hong Kong, which would make it the first Chinese snack company to achieve dual listing in A+H shares [1][3]. Financial Performance - Three Squirrels reported revenues of approximately 72.93 billion RMB, 71.15 billion RMB, and 106.22 billion RMB for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024, respectively, with corresponding net profits of approximately 1.29 billion RMB, 2.2 billion RMB, and 4.07 billion RMB [1][2]. - The overall gross margins for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024 were 26.2%, 22.7%, and 23.8%, respectively, with a noted decline in 2023 attributed to rising raw material and logistics costs, while a recovery is expected in 2024 due to supply chain optimization [6][12]. Market Position - In the Chinese snack market, Three Squirrels ranked fourth in sales last year, trailing behind international giants Mars, Mondelez, and Pepsi, while being the top domestic snack brand [2][3]. - The company has diversified its product offerings, with nuts accounting for 50.5% of revenue in 2024, followed by fast-growing categories like comprehensive snacks, which increased from 12% in 2022 to 19% in 2024 [5][6]. Strategic Transformation - The company has undergone a strategic transformation under founder Zhang Liaoyuan, focusing on high-end cost performance and a "full-channel + full-category" operational model, which includes restructuring the supply chain and entering new sales channels [3][12]. - Three Squirrels is shifting from an OEM model to a self-owned brand model, enhancing control over product quality and cost management, which is expected to improve profitability [12][13]. Channel Strategy - The company has implemented a "D+N" strategy, combining short video platforms with traditional e-commerce, resulting in significant revenue growth from platforms like Douyin, which saw a compound annual growth rate of 99.27% from 2022 to 2024 [14][16]. - Despite challenges in offline retail, Three Squirrels aims to increase its presence in physical stores, planning to adjust its revenue structure from a 7:3 online-to-offline ratio to a 5:5 ratio over the next 2-3 years [21][22]. Future Outlook - The upcoming IPO is expected to provide the necessary capital for further expansion and to strengthen the company's supply chain and offline presence, as well as to explore new product categories such as beverages and pet food [11][23]. - The company plans to build new processing plants across various regions in China and Southeast Asia, aiming to enhance production capacity significantly [11][12].

将投中网设为"星标⭐"，第一时间收获最新推送 你爱吃的零食，又要上市了。 在冲刺港股的过程中，三只松鼠并不孤单。 仅在2025年4月，东鹏饮料、卡游、遇见小面、溜溜果园、鸣鸣很忙、伯希和等一大批消费公司也都 纷纷来到港交所门前。与此同时，通过港交所聆讯的沪上阿姨和绿茶集团，离正式登陆港股也不远 了。 安徽前首富，打造出一个超级品牌 作者丨鲁智高 来源丨 投中网 三只松鼠又要上市了。 2019年7月在A股IPO后，这个超级品牌在安徽前首富章燎原的带领下，又于近日踏上赴港上市之 路。 凭借"三只松鼠"和"小鹿蓝蓝"等品牌，这家公司通过卖坚果、烘焙食品、零食组合、肉制品及干果等 休闲零食，一年的收入超过百亿元。 截至2024年底，章燎原持股40.37%，IDG资本持股4.2%，今日资本持股2%。长期的陪伴，也已经为 IDG资本和今日资本带来丰厚的回报。解禁以来，这两位股东共套现数十亿元。 移动互联网的浪潮，最终成就了三只松鼠。 2012年，章燎原发现电子商务存在巨大的机会。于是，他选择从詹氏食品总经理的位置上离开，同 时以休闲食品为重点发力方向，在安徽芜湖踏上创业之路。 有IDG资本、今日资本、峰瑞资本等投资者支持 ...

Summary of the Conference Call for Three Squirrels Company Overview - **Company**: Three Squirrels - **Industry**: Snack and Beverage Industry Key Points and Arguments Financial Performance - In Q1 2025, online channel revenue accounted for 70% of total revenue, while offline distribution and small retail outlets made up 30% [2][5] - The company plans to gradually change this structure by increasing offline distribution [2] - Q1 2025 profits were weaker than expected due to the impact of the Spring Festival and increased investments in short video channels, as well as depreciation from new facilities [2][9] - Overall gross margin remained stable, fluctuating by approximately 0.55 percentage points, benefiting from a diversified product range [2][9] Strategic Shifts - The company's strategy has shifted from focusing solely on cost-effectiveness to emphasizing differentiation and high-quality products [2][12] - The core philosophy has evolved to "sell good products," aiming for a balance between high-end cost-effectiveness and product differentiation [8][12] - The company is leveraging market insights for reverse customization in product development, enhancing supply chain efficiency and capacity utilization [2][7] Product Development and Market Insights - In April 2025, the company launched 60 new beverage products, with orders estimated at 30-40 million [2][3] - The snack category's share is increasing, with a focus on high-margin products despite rising raw material costs [7][20] - The company is the largest single buyer of macadamia nuts globally, achieving cost savings of 8-10 percentage points through direct sourcing [2][11] Distribution and Sales Channels - Offline distribution has shown strong performance, with daily sales products accounting for 40% of sales, a year-on-year increase of over 100% [3][5] - The company aims to adapt to changes in the offline market through a comprehensive channel strategy, including e-commerce [3][15] - The beverage segment is expected to perform well in the summer season, contributing positively to overall revenue [10][21] Cost Structure and Profitability - The company anticipates a mid-term improvement in gross margins due to optimized supply chain management and increased sales of daily consumer goods [20][21] - The focus will be on adjusting product categories and sales channels to enhance overall profitability [20] Challenges and Future Outlook - The company faces challenges such as high logistics costs due to insufficient network density and the need to adapt to new sales patterns [16][18] - Despite Q1 performance pressures, the company maintains a positive outlook for future growth, supported by strategic initiatives and market demand [11][33] Investor Confidence - Investor sentiment remains optimistic, with expectations for the company's performance at the upcoming May 20 conference [33] Additional Important Information - The company is not in a rush regarding its Hong Kong IPO plans, viewing it as important but not urgent [32] - The convenience store project aims to enhance service to small retail outlets, not merely to open numerous stores [22][24]

线上渠道势能不减，线下分销持续发力。在线上，公司依托"D+N"全渠道协同体系，短视频电商定 位"新品类发动机"，主动打造爆品，并在货架电商有效承接，带动综合电商稳步增长。在线下，24年5 月公司召开全域生态大会，发布了新的区域分销模式，提出百万终端，百亿规模的"双百目标"。公司重 点聚焦分销业务，逐步推动日销品区域化深度分销的打造。 构建全品类产品矩阵，爱折扣完善社区折扣业态布局。在"高端性价比"总战略牵引下，公司加速零食产 品上新，为全渠道适配并经营全品类零食，24全年累计上线超1000款SKU。公司通过"一品一链"的供应 链管理模式，重新梳理价值链，做强一批大单品；通过"品销合一"的协同价值观，做强新组织。24年10 月公司公告收购爱折扣，完善硬折扣社区业态的全面布局。 公司发布25年一季报，实现营业收入37.23亿元，同比微增2.13%。归母净利润为2.39亿元，同比下降 22.46%；扣非归母净利润为1.62亿元，同比下降38.31%。 平安观点： 毛利率小幅下滑，净利率短期承压。25Q1公司毛利率同比小幅下滑0.66个百分点至26.74%；销售费用 率为18.67%，同比增长2.41个百分点，反映了 ...

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the company [6] Core Views - The company reported a revenue of 3.72 billion yuan in Q1 2025, a year-on-year increase of 2.1%, while the net profit attributable to the parent company was 240 million yuan, a decrease of 22.5% year-on-year [1] - The revenue growth was impacted by a 12-day delay in the Spring Festival, but when considering Q4 2024 and Q1 2025 together, the revenue shows a year-on-year increase of 16.2% [1] - The company is expanding its distribution channels to enhance offline growth, leveraging its competitive advantages in brand and pricing [1][3] Financial Performance - The company's net profit margin decreased by 2.0 percentage points to 6.4% in Q1 2025, primarily due to the Spring Festival delay and a decline in gift box sales [2] - The gross profit margin also saw a decline of 0.7 percentage points to 26.7% [2] - Sales expense ratio increased by 2.4 percentage points to 18.7%, attributed to increased marketing expenses during the Spring Festival and initial costs for distribution expansion [2] Future Outlook - The company is expected to achieve revenue growth of 25.2%, 24.9%, and 19.7% for the years 2025, 2026, and 2027, respectively, reaching 13.30 billion, 16.61 billion, and 19.89 billion yuan [3] - Net profit is projected to grow by 10.3%, 33.3%, and 25.4% for the same years, reaching 450 million, 599 million, and 752 million yuan [3] - The company is actively participating in retail transformation and has plans to deepen its supply chain advantages through investments and acquisitions [3]

Core Viewpoint - Three Squirrels has submitted its IPO application to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, aiming to become the first "A+H" snack company if successful [1] Fundraising Purpose - The funds from the IPO will be used to strengthen the supply chain, enhance sales networks and brand awareness, expand product offerings, pursue strategic alliances and acquisitions, and for working capital and other general corporate purposes [1] Supply Chain Development - The company plans to establish new supply chain bases by building multiple production lines across various regions in China and setting up a factory in Vietnam to achieve economies of scale and cost advantages [2][3] Sales Network Expansion - Three Squirrels will focus on advertising on short video platforms like Douyin and Kuaishou, as well as enhancing offline store networks, reflecting a shift in sales channel strategy [4] Strategic Shift - The company has transitioned from a focus on brand building and sales channels to a more integrated approach emphasizing supply chain efficiency and cost reduction, aligning with its core strategy of "high-end cost performance" [5][6] Competitive Landscape - The snack industry is highly competitive with increasing homogenization and the rise of new entrants, necessitating Three Squirrels to adapt its strategies, particularly in offline sales where it has historically been weaker [6][7]

Core Viewpoint - Three Squirrels has submitted an application for a Hong Kong IPO, aiming to become the first snack brand in China to achieve dual listing on A-share and H-share markets, with plans to use the raised funds for global supply chain enhancement, channel expansion, digital capabilities, and strategic investments [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - In 2022-2024, Three Squirrels reported revenues of 72.93 billion RMB, 71.15 billion RMB, and 106.22 billion RMB respectively, with net profits increasing from 1.29 billion RMB to 4.08 billion RMB [1] - The company achieved a revenue of 139.8 billion RMB in 2024, ranking fourth in China's snack industry, following Mars, Mondelez, and PepsiCo [2] Group 2: Strategic Adjustments - Since April 2022, Three Squirrels has halted store expansion, focusing on closing underperforming stores and enhancing distribution and self-production [4] - The company has introduced a "high-end cost-performance" strategy and a "full-category + full-channel" development approach, launching over 600 new standard product units (SPUs) in 2024 [5] Group 3: Product and Brand Development - The main revenue source remains nuts, but its contribution has decreased from 56.3% in 2022 to 50.5% in 2024, while the revenue from other snacks has increased significantly [5] - The "Three Squirrels" brand saw a 50.57% revenue growth in 2024, while the "Little Deer Blue" brand, targeting children's snacks, achieved profitability and ranked among the top three in its category [6] Group 4: Channel Strategy - Revenue from short video platforms has surged from 7.17 billion RMB in 2022 to 26.35 billion RMB in 2024, increasing its share from 9.8% to 24.8% [7] - The company has reduced its offline store count from 1,065 in 2021 to 333 by the end of 2024, with offline store revenue declining during this period [8] Group 5: Future Outlook and Challenges - Three Squirrels plans to invest up to 360 million RMB to acquire control of new snack brands, aiming to expand its offline presence to over 2,000 stores [9] - The company targets a revenue of 20 billion RMB by 2026, indicating significant growth ambitions despite current challenges in maintaining its revenue structure [9] - Sales expenses increased by 50.92% in 2024, outpacing revenue growth, while overall gross margins have fluctuated, indicating potential pressure on profitability [10]

整理 ｜ 彭倩 #Big News# 增长压力之下，雀巢中国换帅 雀巢中国的首位本土 CEO 卸任。 近日，雀巢宣布现任雀巢大中华区董事长兼 CEO 张西强辞任，由现任菲律宾市场负责人马凯思 （Kais Marzouki）接替。这是雀巢集团自去年10月宣布不再将中国市场设立为独立大区后（今年1 月1日起生效），推出的一项人事调整举措。 由于中国市场曾表现颇佳，雀巢曾在2022年为其单独设立大中华区，张西强同年成为雀巢中国首位 本土CEO。中国是雀巢的第二大市场，一直被寄予厚望，张西强在上任时也曾为雀巢中国制定较为乐 观的增长计划：雀巢中国区要在2025年实现600亿小目标，在2030年实现1000亿大目标。 翻看过去3年的财报，雀巢中国区的体量分别为401.6亿元、436亿元和408.69亿元，遇到增长瓶 颈，与张西强曾制定的2025年达到600亿的目标也相差较大。 如今，全球消费市场正处于周期性波动，雀巢在内的一系列外资企业都需要更好的让产品适应当地市 场消费者需求和习惯的变化。 雀巢曾公开表示对中国市场的反思，前 CEO 施耐德曾表示，过去10年，雀巢在中国多项投资没有成 功，如对花生牛奶品牌银鹭的收购， ...

Core Viewpoint - In 2024, Three Squirrels is focused on developing investment plans and advancing its "high-end cost-performance" strategy, following a strong performance in the previous year with significant revenue and profit growth [2][8]. Financial Performance - Three Squirrels reported a revenue of 10.622 billion yuan in the previous year, representing a year-on-year increase of 49.30% [2]. - The net profit attributable to shareholders was 408 million yuan, up 85.51% year-on-year, while the net profit excluding non-recurring items reached 319 million yuan, marking a 214.33% increase [2]. - The company plans to distribute a cash dividend of 1.25 yuan per 10 shares (including tax) to all shareholders [2]. Sales Channels - In 2024, offline sales generated revenue of 3.215 billion yuan, a growth of 48.62%, accounting for 30.27% of total revenue [3]. - The offline distribution revenue grew by 80%, while revenue from offline stores increased by 12.85%, reaching 404 million yuan [3]. - As of the end of last year, Three Squirrels had opened 333 offline stores, with 296 being national snack stores and 37 alliance stores [3]. Business Model - The company operates a mixed model of franchising and direct sales, with a focus on franchising to build brand strength through flagship stores [4]. - The chairman emphasized the importance of market-oriented product offerings to enhance store operations and meet consumer demands [4]. Capital Operations - Three Squirrels announced multiple capital operations, including investments of up to 100 million yuan for new brand incubation and up to 200 million yuan for supply chain development [6]. - The company is also looking to acquire control of Hunan Ailing Food Technology Co., Ltd. and Future Has Arrived (Tianjin) Technology Development Co., Ltd., which have over 1,800 offline stores combined [6]. New Brand Development - The company has established subsidiaries for new brand incubation, focusing on pet food and coffee products [7]. - Plans to enhance supply chain capabilities in the southern region and expand overseas operations in Southeast Asia are also in progress [7]. Hong Kong Listing Plans - Three Squirrels is planning to list in Hong Kong to support global supply chain expansion, digital capability enhancement, and offline channel development [8]. - The chairman addressed investor concerns regarding the clarity and direction of the company's various operations, reaffirming the commitment to a "high-end cost-performance" strategy and a "full-category + full-channel" approach [8].