Core Viewpoint - The company, Lao Xiang Ji, is preparing for its IPO in the Hong Kong market after withdrawing its A-share listing application, aiming for rapid expansion in the competitive fast-food industry [1][3]. Company Overview - Lao Xiang Ji is a Chinese fast-food brand focusing on chicken soup and chicken dishes, recognized for its standardized operations across the industry [2]. - The company has received investments from various institutions, with only Cahua Capital holding a 4.98% stake as of January 2025 [2]. Market Position and Strategy - The Chinese fast-food sector is the largest sub-market within the domestic fast-food industry, and Lao Xiang Ji aims to leverage its IPO for capital to support its expansion [3]. - The company has been expanding its presence in first-tier cities, although it acknowledges its brand recognition is significantly lower than Western fast-food brands [3]. Financial Performance - Lao Xiang Ji reported revenues of 45.28 billion yuan, 56.51 billion yuan, and 46.78 billion yuan for the years 2022, 2023, and the first three quarters of 2024, respectively, with adjusted net profits of 2.68 billion yuan, 4.03 billion yuan, and 3.85 billion yuan [6]. - As of September 30, 2024, the company operated 1,404 stores across 53 cities, including 949 direct-operated and 455 franchised stores [6]. Franchise Growth - The number of franchised stores increased significantly from 102 in mid-2022 to 455 by the third quarter of 2024, while the number of direct-operated stores slightly decreased [7][8]. - The performance of franchised stores has been less favorable compared to direct-operated stores, with lower turnover rates and sales per unit area [7]. Competitive Landscape - The fast-food industry is experiencing intense price competition, with local brands introducing low-cost meal options [4]. - Lao Xiang Ji has maintained a stance against engaging in price wars, although it has offered discounts through online platforms [4][5]. Operational Challenges - The company faces challenges in managing its rapid expansion, particularly in supply chain management, franchisee oversight, food safety, and talent development [1][5]. - The shift towards a franchise model has led to a reduction in direct-operated stores, attributed to factors such as decreased consumer traffic and the impact of the pandemic [8].

Company Overview - LXJ International Holdings Limited, known as "老乡鸡," is the largest Chinese QSR brand, founded in 2003 by a veteran and poultry farmer [1] - The company has transitioned from an A-share listing attempt to pursuing a listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, with the prospectus updated recently [1] Market Position - In 2024, the company holds a 0.9% market share in the Chinese QSR industry and ranks eighth in the overall fast food sector with a 0.5% market share [1] - The brand's menu focuses on home-style dishes centered around chicken, with signature items priced between 12-17 yuan [1] Supply Chain and Expansion - The company has established a comprehensive supply chain involving breeding, procurement, processing, and logistics, with three chicken farms and two automated central kitchens [2] - Plans for further supply chain integration include developing a new central kitchen in Hefei, expected to be completed by 2027 [2] - As of April 30, 2025, the company operates 1,564 stores across 58 cities, with a mix of 911 direct-operated and 653 franchised stores [2] Financial Performance - The company's revenue for 2022, 2023, and 2024 is projected to be 4.528 billion yuan, 5.651 billion yuan, and 6.288 billion yuan, respectively, with net profits of 252 million yuan, 375 million yuan, and 409 million yuan [3] - For the first four months of 2025, revenue reached 2.12 billion yuan, a 9.84% increase year-on-year, with net profit at 174 million yuan, up 7.41% from the previous year [3]

Core Viewpoint - Anhui Laoxiangji Catering Co., Ltd. is aiming to become the "first stock of Chinese fast food" by updating its IPO prospectus for the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, after previously withdrawing its A-share IPO application in August 2023 [1] Company Overview - Laoxiangji is the largest Chinese fast food brand, holding a 0.9% market share in the Chinese fast food industry and ranking first in terms of total transaction volume in 2024 [1] - The company was founded in 2003 by veteran Shuceng Xuan, starting with a store named "Feixi Laomujin" in Hefei, Anhui Province, specializing in the signature dish "Feixi Laomujin Soup" [1] - The brand was upgraded in 2012 to "Laoxiangji," offering a variety of dishes primarily made from chicken, pork, beef, vegetables, rice, and seafood [1] Business Model and Expansion - Laoxiangji has adopted a "direct-operated + franchise" store network model since exploring franchising in 2020, balancing quality and expansion [2] - As of April 30, 2025, Laoxiangji operates a total of 1,564 stores, including 911 direct-operated and 653 franchise stores, with an overall increase of 85 stores since 2025 [2] Financial Performance - The revenue for Laoxiangji in 2022, 2023, and 2024 was 4.528 billion, 5.651 billion, and 6.288 billion yuan respectively, with net profits of 252 million, 375 million, and 409 million yuan [2] - In the first four months of 2025, the revenue reached 2.12 billion yuan, representing a year-on-year growth of 9.84%, while net profit was 174 million yuan, up 7.41% from the previous year [2]