Core Viewpoint - The acquisition of Wanda Film by China Ruyi has raised questions about the value of the transaction, especially as both companies have reported declining performance and losses post-acquisition. However, Ruyi's leader, Ke Liming, is positioning the company for future growth by diversifying into gaming and other sectors, suggesting that the integration of IP resources may yield positive results in the long run [1][14][19]. Company Overview - Wanda Film was a dominant player in the Chinese cinema market, having established a significant presence with 700 cinemas across 350 cities. It has been a leader in box office performance, holding 51 out of the top 100 cinemas in the country as of mid-2023 [10]. - China Ruyi, initially a newcomer in the film industry, has rapidly evolved into a major player through strategic investments and acquisitions, including the recent takeover of Wanda Film [9][10]. Historical Context - The rise of Wanda Film and Ruyi occurred during a prosperous period for the film industry in 2013, with Wanda aiming for vertical integration in film production and international expansion [3][4]. - Ruyi's significant breakthrough came with the success of films like "To Youth" and subsequent hits, establishing it as a key player in the industry [6][9]. Financial Performance - Following the acquisition, Wanda Film's revenue dropped by 15.44% to 12.362 billion yuan, resulting in a net loss of 940 million yuan in 2024. Ruyi's content production revenue also saw a decline of over 90%, leading to a total loss exceeding 200 million yuan [14][15]. - Despite a booming film market in 2025, the combined film business of Ruyi and Wanda has struggled to perform, indicating ongoing challenges in the industry [14][15]. Strategic Moves - Post-acquisition, Ruyi has continued to expand its capital operations, acquiring stakes in gaming companies and investing in the潮玩 (trendy toy) market, indicating a broader strategy beyond just film [17][18]. - Ruyi's approach to IP management is comprehensive, involving various sectors such as publishing, gaming, and film, which positions it well for future growth [20][22]. Market Dynamics - The film industry is experiencing a shift, with new players emerging and established companies facing challenges. Ruyi and Wanda's merger is part of a larger trend of consolidation in the industry, as companies seek to leverage resources and capitalize on IP [12][13]. - The competitive landscape is evolving, with new entrants and established firms adapting to market demands, highlighting the need for innovative strategies in content creation and distribution [12][13].

Core Insights - POP MART International Group reported a revenue of 13.04 billion RMB for the full year of 2024, marking a year-on-year increase of 106.9%, and an adjusted net profit of 3.4 billion RMB, up 185.9% from the previous year [1] Revenue Breakdown - Revenue from Mainland China was 7.97 billion RMB, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 52.3% [2] - Revenue from markets outside Mainland China, including Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, reached 5.07 billion RMB, up 375.2% year-on-year [2][6] Intellectual Property Performance - The IP operation system achieved maturity with four key properties generating over 1 billion RMB in revenue [3] - Revenue from 13 other IPs surpassed 3 billion RMB, showcasing significant growth [3] - HIRONO alone achieved revenue of 730 million RMB, reflecting year-on-year growth of 106.9% [4] Business Expansion - The company opened its first brick-and-mortar outlets in Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Italy, and Spain, expanding its global footprint [7] - The number of brick-and-mortar stores grew to 130, while ROBOSHOPs increased to 192 [6] Product Lineup and Revenue Categories - Annual revenue from figures reached 6.94 billion RMB, up 44.7%, while plush toys saw explosive growth with revenue of 2.83 billion RMB, up 1289% year-on-year [8] - The MEGA COLLECTION brand generated revenue of 1.68 billion RMB, an increase of 146.1% year-on-year [8] Operational Efficiency - The gross profit margin hit a record 66.8%, up by 5.5 percentage points from 61.3% in 2023 [9] - Inventory turnover days decreased from 133 days in 2023 to 102 days in 2024, indicating enhanced operational capabilities [9]