Core Viewpoint - Lin Qingxuan, a leading high-end domestic skincare brand in China, is attempting to enter the capital market with an IPO, but there are concerns about its high-end positioning and reliance on marketing expenditures [2][3][4]. Financial Overview - Lin Qingxuan's sales and distribution expenses for 2022 to 2024 are projected to be 509 million, 486 million, and 688 million RMB, respectively, accounting for 73.66%, 60.37%, and 56.86% of revenue [11]. - The company reported revenues of 691.15 million, 805.004 million, and 1.209641 billion RMB for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024, respectively [14]. Marketing and Sales Strategy - The company has heavily invested in marketing, with 1,739 out of 2,043 employees (85.2%) dedicated to sales and marketing roles [15]. - Lin Qingxuan's pricing strategy aligns with its high-end branding, with products priced at 599 RMB for 30ml of camellia oil and 730 RMB for 50g of anti-wrinkle cream [11]. Consumer Concerns - There have been numerous consumer complaints regarding product safety, including allergic reactions and misleading advertising claims [6][10]. - The brand faced regulatory scrutiny for advertising claims that did not match the actual efficacy of its products, resulting in a fine of 21,000 RMB [6]. Research and Development - Lin Qingxuan's R&D expenditures for 2022 to 2024 are 21.12 million, 19.74 million, and 30.40 million RMB, which are significantly lower compared to its marketing expenses [13]. - The R&D expense ratio is relatively low, with rates of 3.06%, 2.45%, and 2.51% for the respective years, indicating a lack of investment in foundational research compared to international competitors [13][15]. IPO and Future Outlook - The upcoming IPO could provide funding for R&D and supply chain upgrades, but there are doubts about whether the company will prioritize these areas over continued marketing expenditures [18]. - Concerns arise from the founder's pre-IPO cash-out of approximately 22 million RMB, raising questions about the long-term vision of the brand [16][18].

Core Viewpoint - Lin Qingxuan Biotechnology Co., Ltd. has submitted an application for listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, focusing on the anti-wrinkle and firming skincare market with a strong emphasis on high-end skincare solutions based on natural camellia ingredients [1][2]. Financial Performance - From 2022 to 2024, Lin Qingxuan's revenue grew from 691 million RMB to 1.21 billion RMB, while the net profit attributable to the parent company improved from a loss of 5.87 million RMB to a profit of 187 million RMB [7][9]. - The gross profit margin increased from 78% to 82.5% during the same period [8]. Sales and Distribution - Sales and distribution expenses reached 688 million RMB in 2024, exceeding 50% of the total revenue [1][9]. - The revenue from offline channels decreased from 54.7% in 2022 to 40.8% in 2024, while online channel revenue increased from 45.2% to 59.1% [4][6]. Product Portfolio - As of December 31, 2024, Lin Qingxuan offered 188 SKUs, with significant revenue contributions from essence oils, creams, lotions, and masks, each accounting for over 10% of total revenue [3][4]. Market Position - In 2024, Lin Qingxuan ranked first among all high-end domestic skincare brands in China by retail sales and was the only domestic brand among the top 15 high-end skincare brands, which included both domestic and international brands [2][3]. Use of Proceeds - The funds raised from the listing will be used for brand value enhancement, deepening the multi-channel sales network, and strengthening production and supply chain capabilities [10].

Core Viewpoint - Lin Qingxuan is poised to become the first high-end domestic skincare stock in Hong Kong, having submitted its prospectus to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, highlighting its leadership in the high-end domestic skincare market in China [1] Industry Overview - The Chinese cosmetics market is expanding, driven by increased consumer focus on health and appearance, digital transformation in shopping behavior, and innovation in cosmetics [1] - The skincare segment holds the largest market share, with the market size growing from RMB 332.9 billion in 2019 to RMB 461.9 billion in 2024, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% [1] Company Performance - Lin Qingxuan's total revenue is projected to grow from RMB 691 million in 2022 to RMB 1.21 billion in 2024, achieving a CAGR of 32.3% [2] - The company's net profit is expected to reach RMB 187 million in 2024 [2] Market Trends - The market for high-end anti-wrinkle and firming skincare products is anticipated to increase from RMB 59.4 billion in 2024 to RMB 155.5 billion by 2029, with a CAGR of 21.2% [2] - The overall high-end skincare market in China is expected to reach RMB 218.5 billion by 2029, with a CAGR of 13.8% from 2024 to 2029 [2] Strategic Outlook - As a leading brand in the high-end domestic skincare sector, Lin Qingxuan is expected to benefit from its strong R&D capabilities and existing product leadership [2] - The company aims to align its product strategy with evolving consumer demands, focusing on core products and expanding its product matrix to offer customized skincare solutions [2]