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].

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]