Core Viewpoint - The snack retail industry in China is experiencing significant attention from the capital market, with companies like Wancheng Group planning to expand their financing structure to include both A-share and Hong Kong listings, reflecting a strategic upgrade to capture international capital [1][3]. Group 1: Business Growth and Market Position - Wancheng Group's business scale is rapidly expanding, with 15,365 stores across 29 provinces by June 30, 2025, and a GMV of 42.6 billion yuan in 2024, marking a 282% year-on-year growth [3][4]. - The company is positioned as a leader in the Chinese snack and beverage retail market, driven by changing consumer preferences towards quality and reasonable pricing post-pandemic [3][4]. - The "hard discount" retail model is gaining traction, with Wancheng Group being a key player in this trend, benefiting from consumers' shift away from brand loyalty and low-price focus [3][4]. Group 2: Growth Strategy and Operational Efficiency - Wancheng Group's growth strategy involves a well-planned store expansion to build scale advantages, focusing on high-consumption areas like the Yangtze River Delta while also penetrating populous provinces [4][6]. - The company achieves procurement efficiency by having approximately 95% of its products supplied directly from brands, reducing distribution costs and enhancing supply chain structure [4][6]. - The average product prices are 20% to 30% lower than those in supermarkets and convenience stores, achieved without compromising quality, thus attracting consumers with the "good quality at low price" proposition [4][6]. Group 3: Membership and Franchise Model - Wancheng Group has developed a robust membership system, boasting over 150 million registered members, with 110 million active members in the first eight months of 2025, indicating strong customer loyalty [6][7]. - The franchise model, with over 99% of stores being franchises, creates a win-win situation where the company's revenue is primarily from product sales to franchisees, ensuring mutual success [6][7]. - The franchise stability is reflected in a low closure rate of 1.9% in the first half of 2025, significantly below the industry average, showcasing the effectiveness of the business model [6][7]. Group 4: Technological Innovation and Digitalization - Wancheng Group leverages a self-developed digital system that covers the entire business process, enhancing operational efficiency and supporting over 15,000 stores [9][10]. - The AI-driven site selection system improves the success rate of new franchises by providing data-driven insights, thus accelerating network expansion [9][10]. - The digital platform enables real-time monitoring of store operations, reducing closure risks and facilitating precise inventory management and marketing strategies [10][12]. Group 5: Financial Performance and Future Plans - Wancheng Group's total revenue surged from 549 million yuan in 2022 to 32.33 billion yuan in 2024, with 22.58 billion yuan achieved in the first half of 2025 [12][13]. - The adjusted net profit also increased, reaching 822 million yuan in 2024 and surpassing 922 million yuan in the first half of 2025 [12][13]. - The upcoming Hong Kong listing aims to raise funds for expanding the store network, enhancing product variety, strengthening digital infrastructure, and strategic investments, positioning the company as a leader in the hard discount retail revolution in China [13].