Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the rapid growth and strategic evolution of Guoquan, a company that has successfully capitalized on the increasing demand for home dining in China, positioning itself as a significant player in the food supply chain and retail market [4][6][18]. Group 1: Company Overview - Guoquan was established in 2015, focusing on various hot pot ingredients and adopting a retail-centric business model by 2017 [6]. - The company expanded its store count from over 4,000 to nearly 10,000 between 2020 and 2022, leveraging a franchise model to enhance its market presence [6][12]. - As of 2024, Guoquan's revenue from franchise sales accounted for 84.2% of total revenue, while service fees contributed 2.4% [8]. Group 2: Financial Performance - In the first half of 2025, Guoquan achieved revenue of 3.24 billion RMB, a year-on-year increase of 21.6%, and a net profit of 183 million RMB, up 113.2% [12]. - The company’s core operating profit reached 190 million RMB, reflecting a growth of 52.3% [12]. - The average store efficiency declined from 700,000 RMB to 520,000 RMB in 2023 but began to recover in 2024, reaching 250,000 RMB in the first half of 2025, a 3.1% increase year-on-year [10][11]. Group 3: Strategic Initiatives - Guoquan has shifted its strategic focus from rapid expansion to optimizing existing franchise operations, termed the "seedling-sitting" strategy [11]. - The company plans to enhance its product offerings beyond hot pot ingredients to include barbecue, beverages, and breakfast items, aiming for comprehensive meal coverage [14]. - Guoquan has launched a second 10,000-store plan, targeting the addition of 10,000 new stores over the next five years, with a focus on expanding in lower-tier cities and towns [25]. Group 4: Supply Chain and Production - The company has invested in building its own food production facilities, increasing the proportion of self-produced products from less than 4% in 2021 to approximately 20% by mid-2025 [28][31]. - Guoquan has established a digital supply chain system, ensuring next-day delivery to retail stores, which has contributed to a stable gross margin of over 20% for three consecutive years [31][34]. - The company’s logistics capabilities have also led to a new growth segment in B2B sales, with revenue from other channels reaching 867 million RMB in 2024, a 50.8% increase [36]. Group 5: Market Position and Competitive Advantage - Guoquan is uniquely positioned in the market, with a significant presence in third-tier cities and below, where it operates approximately 80% of its stores [22][25]. - The company offers competitive pricing, with its products priced significantly lower than those in supermarkets and dining channels, providing a natural advantage in lower-income markets [20][21]. - Guoquan's business model integrates production, retail, and supply chain management, allowing for greater control and efficiency compared to traditional players in the market [18][19].