Core Insights - The article highlights the increasing attention from the capital market towards the snack retail industry in China, particularly focusing on the quality-price balance that consumers now prioritize [1] - Fujian Wancheng Group has submitted a listing application to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, aiming to establish an "A+H" dual-platform financing structure, which will enhance its connection with international capital markets [1] - The company's business model, referred to as the "virtuous cycle flywheel," is a key driver behind its rapid growth and expansion [1] Group 1: Growth Strategy - Wancheng Group's growth strategy is centered around store expansion, with over 15,365 stores planned by June 30, 2025, strategically located in high-consumption areas and populous provinces [2] - The company has achieved a significant scale advantage through centralized procurement, with approximately 95% of products supplied directly by brand owners, reducing costs and reshaping the traditional retail supply chain [2][3] - The average product price is 20% to 30% lower than that of supermarkets and convenience stores, achieved without compromising quality, thus attracting consumers with the "good quality at low price" proposition [2] Group 2: Membership and Franchise Model - Wancheng Group has developed a robust membership system, boasting over 150 million registered members, with active members averaging 2.9 purchases per month, indicating strong customer loyalty [3] - The majority of Wancheng's stores operate on a franchise model, with over 99% being franchisee-owned, which fosters a mutually beneficial relationship between the company and its franchisees [3] - The company's revenue primarily comes from product sales to franchisees rather than franchise fees, ensuring that the success of franchisees directly impacts the company's profitability [3] Group 3: Technological Innovation - Wancheng Group has implemented a comprehensive digital system that enhances operational efficiency across all business processes, including order management, logistics, and member management [5] - The AI-driven site selection system significantly improves the success rate of new franchise locations by analyzing various data points, thus reducing the trial-and-error costs for franchisees [5][6] - The digital platform allows for real-time monitoring of store operations, enabling quick responses to issues and contributing to a low franchise closure rate of only 1.9% [6] Group 4: Financial Performance and Future Plans - Wancheng Group's total revenue surged from 549 million in 2022 to 32.329 billion in 2024, with a half-year revenue of 22.583 billion in 2025, indicating strong financial growth [6] - The adjusted net profit also increased, reaching 822 million in 2024 and 922 million in the first half of 2025, surpassing the previous year's total [6] - The upcoming Hong Kong listing aims to raise funds for expanding the store network, enhancing product variety, strengthening digital infrastructure, and promoting the brand, marking a strategic upgrade for the company [7]

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].