Core Insights - The Chinese潮玩 (trendy toy) market has seen the emergence of popular products, with brands like TOP TOY and 52TOYS gaining traction on social media, while泡泡玛特's Labubu series has become a significant revenue driver, contributing nearly half of the company's income in 2024 [1] - The sustainability of IP潮玩 companies' growth post-explosion in popularity is a pressing question, as the market experiences a cooling phase and investors reassess growth logic [1][2] Group 1: Business Strategies - Continuous monetization and content ecosystem development are crucial for潮玩 companies to build a competitive moat, as highlighted by Michelle Cheng from Goldman Sachs [2] - Two typical paths for IP lifecycle are identified: one relies on sudden social media popularity lasting two to three years, while the other, exemplified by brands like Hello Kitty, achieves longevity through stable growth and multi-channel content output [2] - The definition of content has expanded beyond traditional media to include short videos, collaborations, theme parks, and retail experiences, emphasizing the need for ongoing consumer engagement [2][3] Group 2: Market Dynamics - The current market environment has led to a reevaluation of the growth potential in the new consumption sector, including the潮玩 industry, as companies face the challenge of maintaining performance after initial popularity fades [1][2] - The structure of IP combinations is essential for mitigating risks associated with over-reliance on a single brand, as seen in the comparison with Disney's diverse IP portfolio [3] Group 3: Valuation Perspectives - The valuation of潮玩 companies is influenced by whether they are categorized as retail or content companies, with a stable growth phase justifying a price-to-earnings (PE) ratio of 20 to 25 times [3][4] - The Chinese capital market tends to be more cautious with "retail" labels, often leading to discounted valuations compared to Western markets where high-quality retail firms maintain higher PE ratios [3][4] Group 4: International Expansion - The trend of Chinese潮玩 brands expanding internationally is notable, with泡泡玛特's Labubu series gaining popularity in the U.S. market, indicating a potential for "cute culture" to resonate beyond Asia [5][6] - Localized design efforts, such as the Crybaby series created by a Thai designer, have shown promise in enhancing market appeal, although the reasons for success in different regions require further validation [5][6]