Core Viewpoint - Miniso's high gross profit margin is showing signs of strain as the company faces challenges in maintaining profitability despite revenue growth [1][2][3] Financial Performance - In Q1, Miniso reported revenue of 4.427 billion yuan, an 18.9% year-on-year increase, but net profit fell by 4.8% to 587 million yuan, leading to a net profit margin decline of 3.3 percentage points to 13.3% [2] - The company's revenue has grown 1.5 times over the past two years, with 2,200 new stores opened, and overseas store growth consistently outpacing domestic growth [9] Market Position and Strategy - Miniso's optimistic outlook on same-store sales contrasts with market skepticism, as the company aims for a revenue growth acceleration in the latter half of the year [4] - The company is transitioning from a low-cost brand to a "global IP co-branded store," which has raised expectations for international expansion [7][8] Operational Challenges - The increase in revenue without corresponding profit growth is seen as a potential warning sign, with significant investments in IP licensing and a shift in business strategy [5][6] - The company has adopted a three-pronged store opening strategy: partner model, direct operation model, and agency model in overseas markets [10] International Expansion - Miniso's overseas direct stores have increased to 548, more than doubling in two years, with a focus on the North American market [11] - However, the rapid expansion of overseas direct stores has led to increased upfront costs, impacting short-term profitability [12] Domestic Market Dynamics - The domestic market is showing signs of saturation, particularly in first- and second-tier cities, with a projected store penetration rate of 66% [15] - Same-store sales growth is declining, with a shift from a 30-35% growth rate in 2023 to an expected 8-9% decline in 2024 [16] IP Strategy and Risks - Miniso's reliance on IP products has increased, with IP product sales contributing significantly to revenue, but the associated costs are rising [23][26] - The company faces challenges in balancing the cost of IP licensing with consumer price sensitivity, especially in a competitive market [25][27] Capital Management - Financial costs have nearly doubled year-on-year, with the company issuing $550 million in convertible bonds and facing increased debt levels [32][42] - Miniso's acquisition of Yonghui Superstores has raised questions about its impact on profitability, despite the stock price increase since the acquisition [40][41] Future Outlook - The potential IPO of TOP TOY could alleviate some financial pressures on Miniso while expanding its market presence [43][46] - The company aims to maintain double-digit growth in the domestic market, focusing on same-store sales rather than aggressive new store openings [17][19]

Group 1 - Miniso (MNSO.N) stock fell over 2% in pre-market trading following earnings report [1] - Multiple major investment banks have downgraded earnings forecasts for the company [1]

Core Viewpoint - Miniso's 1Q25 revenue increased by 18.9% YoY to RMB4,427 million, but adjusted net profit (NP) declined by 4.8% YoY to RMB587 million, missing market expectations significantly. This decline is attributed to higher operating expenses related to new self-operated stores in the US, impacting the margin structure. Management remains optimistic about the full-year outlook, particularly for 4Q25, but investor concerns regarding earnings may take time to alleviate. The company is expected to present buying opportunities following the post-1Q25 earnings softness [1][2][5]. Revenue and Profit Performance - 1Q25 revenue growth of 18.9% YoY was in line with expectations, but adjusted NP fell by 4.8% YoY to RMB587 million, marking the lowest level since 3Q23. This decline contrasts sharply with the 20% YoY growth in NP recorded in 4Q24. The significant drop in adjusted NP is primarily due to a 47% YoY increase in selling and distribution expenses, which reached RMB1,021 million [2][3]. Operating Expenses and Store Strategy - The increase in operating expenses is mainly due to frontloaded costs associated with new self-operated stores in the US, which have higher operating expenses compared to franchised stores. Although the impact of these self-operated stores may diminish over time, it requires proof of effectiveness [3][4]. Management Outlook and Same-Store Sales Growth - Management anticipates that the new US stores will begin contributing to operating profits during the peak season in 4Q25. There has been sequential improvement in same-store sales growth (SSSG) in overseas markets, particularly in the US and Mexico, attributed to a refined strategy focusing on SSSG [4][5]. Future Expectations and Strategy Adjustments - Despite the 1Q25 miss, management's full-year target for 2025 remains unchanged, emphasizing a commitment to improving SSSG rather than aggressive store expansion. After a weak SSSG performance in 2024, there has been a quarter-over-quarter improvement in China, with expectations for further SSSG enhancement in 2Q25 [5][6]. Store Opening Plans - While the company still aims for a net store opening of 200-300 in 2025, management has indicated that this target is negotiable. The strategy of opening larger stores, particularly the IP-focused Miniso Land, is expected to support long-term SSSG growth [6]. Valuation and Earnings Forecast - The earnings forecast remains unchanged, with expectations that Miniso's earnings will align with original forecasts if self-operated stores overseas ramp up sufficiently in the second half of 2025. The target price is set at US$26.5 and HK$51.60, reflecting a P/E ratio of 20x/15x for 2025E/26E [7].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the company [4][6]. Core Insights - The company reported a revenue of 4.427 billion yuan for Q1 2025, representing a year-on-year growth of 18.9%, while net profit decreased by 28.9% to 417 million yuan [1]. - The adjusted net profit for Q1 2025 was 587 million yuan, a decline of 4.8% year-on-year [1]. - The overall gross margin increased by 0.8 percentage points to 44.2% in Q1 2025, driven by an increase in overseas market revenue and improvements in product mix [2]. - The MINISO brand revenue grew by 16.5% year-on-year, with overseas revenue increasing by 30.3% due to a 24.6% rise in average store count [2]. - The total number of stores reached 7,768 by the end of Q1 2025, with a net decrease of 12 stores, while domestic stores decreased by 111 and overseas stores increased by 95 [3]. - The company returned a total of 990 million yuan to shareholders, including 100 million USD in cash dividends and 260 million yuan in share buybacks [3]. Financial Performance Summary - For 2025, the company expects revenues of 20.415 billion yuan, with a growth rate of 20.1% [5]. - The projected profit attributable to equity shareholders for 2025 is 2.701 billion yuan, reflecting a growth rate of 2.8% [5]. - The earnings per share (EPS) for 2025 is estimated at 2.16 yuan [5]. - The company’s return on equity (ROE) is projected to be 20.8% for 2025 [12]. Strategic Focus - The company is focusing on optimizing store quality and structure domestically while maintaining significant investments in overseas markets [4]. - The report highlights the importance of releasing operational leverage in overseas markets during peak seasons [4].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the company with a target price of HKD 47.00 [8] Core Views - The company reported a Q1 revenue increase of 18.9% to RMB 4.43 billion, exceeding previous guidance of 15-18%, driven by domestic channel upgrades and inventory optimization [1] - Adjusted net profit decreased by 4.8% to RMB 590 million due to rapid expansion of direct stores and increased financial expenses [1] - The company's strategy has shifted from aggressive expansion to refined operations, focusing on enhancing profitability and supporting global business expansion [1][4] Revenue Performance - Domestic revenue for Miniso increased by 9.1%, with offline and online sales growing by 7.3% and 32.7% respectively [2] - Overseas revenue grew by 30.3%, with 95 new stores opened during the quarter, particularly in North America [2] - TopToy's revenue surged by 58.9% to RMB 340 million, with self-developed products accounting for over 40% of sales [2] Profitability Metrics - Gross margin improved by 0.8 percentage points to 44.2%, although it decreased by 2.8 percentage points quarter-on-quarter due to seasonal effects [3] - Selling and administrative expense ratios increased by 4.4 percentage points and 0.3 percentage points to 23.1% and 5.5% respectively, primarily due to significant investments in direct stores [3] - Adjusted net profit margin fell by 3.3 percentage points to 13.3% [3] Strategic Focus - The company is pursuing a "high-quality growth" strategy, emphasizing same-store sales improvement and store competitiveness through upgrades and new openings [4] - In the overseas market, the focus is on localization and efficiency, with nearly 40% of U.S. procurement sourced locally to mitigate tariff risks [4] Earnings Forecast and Valuation - Adjusted net profit forecasts for 2025-2027 have been reduced by 7.1%, 9.0%, and 9.0% to RMB 2.99 billion, RMB 3.73 billion, and RMB 4.57 billion respectively [5] - The target price is based on a 2025 PE ratio of 18x, reflecting increased uncertainty in overseas expansion [5]

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "OUTPERFORM" rating for the company with a target price of USD 22.50, reflecting a potential upside from the current price of USD 18.29 [2][10]. Core Insights - The company reported a revenue of RMB 4.43 billion in 1Q, representing a 19% year-over-year increase, while adjusted net profit decreased by 5% to RMB 587 million [3][16]. - Domestic revenue was RMB 2.49 billion, up 9% year-over-year, with a net closure of 111 domestic stores [3][16]. - Overseas revenue reached RMB 1.59 billion, a 30% increase year-over-year, with a net addition of 95 overseas stores [5][16]. - The gross profit margin (GPM) improved to 44.2%, up 0.8 percentage points year-over-year, while the adjusted net profit margin (NPM) was 13.3%, down 3.3 percentage points [8][16]. Financial Projections - Revenue projections for 2025-2027 are RMB 20.9 billion, RMB 24.9 billion, and RMB 29.2 billion, respectively, with adjusted net profits expected to be RMB 2.76 billion, RMB 3.66 billion, and RMB 4.57 billion [10][17]. - The company anticipates a net store opening of 200-300 in China and 500-600 overseas in 2025, focusing on high-quality development and channel upgrades [4][5]. Cost Structure and Profitability - The sales expense ratio increased to 23.1%, up 4.4 percentage points year-over-year, primarily due to expenses related to direct stores [8][16]. - The adjusted net profit margin is projected to improve gradually, with expectations of 13.2%, 14.7%, and 15.6% for 2025-2027 [10][14].

Core Viewpoint - Nomura reports that Miniso's profitability is under greater pressure, leading to a 3% reduction in its target stock price from $23.2 to $22.5 while maintaining a buy rating [1] Financial Performance - Miniso's Q1 earnings fell short of expectations, with operating profit margin declining by 4 percentage points year-on-year [1] - The decline in profit margin is attributed to an increase in revenue contribution from lower-margin Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) business and a decrease in profit margin from DTC stores in the US and China [1] Future Outlook - Miniso maintains that revenue growth for 2025 is expected to outpace that of 2024, but will reassess this by the end of Q2 2025 [1] - The report indicates that adjusted earnings growth for 2025 is anticipated to exceed that of 2024, highlighting ongoing pressure on profitability [1] - Nomura emphasizes the need to closely monitor the trend of slower profit growth compared to revenue growth in the US, which has persisted for four consecutive quarters [1]

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "OUTPERFORM" rating for the company with a target price of USD 22.50, reflecting a potential upside from the current price of USD 18.29 [2][10]. Core Insights - The company reported a revenue of RMB 4.43 billion in 1Q, representing a 19% year-over-year increase, while adjusted net profit decreased by 5% to RMB 587 million [3][16]. - Domestic revenue was RMB 2.49 billion, up 9% year-over-year, with a net closure of 111 domestic stores [3][16]. - Overseas revenue reached RMB 1.59 billion, a 30% increase year-over-year, with a net addition of 95 overseas stores [5][16]. - The gross profit margin (GPM) improved to 44.2%, up 0.8 percentage points year-over-year, while the adjusted net profit margin (NPM) was 13.3%, down 3.3 percentage points [8][16]. Financial Projections - Revenue projections for 2025-2027 are RMB 20.9 billion, RMB 24.9 billion, and RMB 29.2 billion, respectively, with adjusted net profits expected to be RMB 2.76 billion, RMB 3.66 billion, and RMB 4.57 billion [10][17]. - The company anticipates a net store opening of 200-300 in China and 500-600 overseas in 2025 [4][5]. Cost Structure and Profitability - The sales expense ratio increased to 23.1%, up 4.4 percentage points year-over-year, primarily due to expenses related to direct stores [8][16]. - The adjusted net profit margin is projected to improve gradually, with expectations of 13.2%, 14.7%, and 15.6% for 2025-2027 [10][14]. Market Position and Strategy - The company is focusing on high-quality development and channel upgrades in the domestic market, with a strategy of opening larger stores while closing smaller ones [4][9]. - In the overseas market, the company aims to enhance efficiency and reduce costs, particularly in the U.S. market, while replicating successful domestic strategies [5][9].

Summary of MINISO's Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: MINISO (名创优品) - **Industry**: Retail, specifically in the consumer goods sector Key Financial Performance - **Q1 2025 Revenue**: 44.3 billion RMB, a 19% year-over-year increase, exceeding expectations of 15% to 18% growth [2][9] - **Brand Revenue**: 40.9 billion RMB, up 16.5% year-over-year [2][9] - **Domestic Market Contribution**: 24.9 billion RMB, a 9% increase [9] - **Overseas Market Contribution**: 15.9 billion RMB, a 30% increase, with overseas revenue share rising to 36% [2][9] - **Gross Margin**: 44.2%, up 1 percentage point year-over-year [2][10] - **Adjusted EBITDA Margin**: 23.4% [10] - **Adjusted Net Profit Margin**: 16.6% [10] Domestic Market Insights - **Same-store Sales**: Decline has narrowed significantly, with positive growth in first and second-tier cities, while northern regions still face challenges [3][13] - **Management Strategies**: Focus on enhancing operational quality through strategic management improvements and data-driven insights [3][6] - **Store Strategy**: Closing inefficient small stores while opening larger, more efficient ones [10][24] Overseas Market Strategies - **North America**: Focus on improving store operation quality and cost control, with a 30% increase in overseas revenue [5][9] - **Supply Chain Adjustments**: Increasing local inventory and sourcing to reduce reliance on imports, with local sourcing in the U.S. nearing 40% [4][16] - **Market Expansion**: Plans to open new stores in key U.S. states to enhance customer satisfaction and operational efficiency [18] Product and IP Strategy - **IP Development**: Continued focus on proprietary IP and interest-driven consumption, with new product lines like the "吉福特熊" expected to generate 4-5 billion RMB in sales [2][19] - **Product Innovation**: Introduction of new product series such as the Spring Festival series and Sakura series, which have received positive market feedback [3][19] Future Outlook - **Growth Strategy**: Emphasis on same-store sales growth while dynamically adjusting new store openings based on performance [25] - **Financial Management**: Commitment to shareholder returns through dividends and share buybacks, with a dividend of 740 million RMB announced [12][8] - **Cost Management**: Focus on improving operational efficiency and managing expenses to ensure healthy profit growth [12][10] Additional Insights - **TOP TOY Performance**: The TOP TOY brand saw a 59% revenue increase in Q1 2025, with self-selected products accounting for over 40% of sales [7] - **Franchisee Confidence**: Increased investment returns for franchisees, with new store openings primarily operated by them, indicating strong brand confidence [14][15] - **Third-party Product Strategy**: Careful selection of third-party products to maintain gross margins while enhancing customer experience [21][22][23] This summary encapsulates the key points from MINISO's conference call, highlighting financial performance, market strategies, product innovation, and future outlook.

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article indicates that while Miniso's Q1 2025 revenue met expectations, the significant increase in marketing expenses led to core operating profits falling short of market forecasts [1][4][6] Group 2 - Overall revenue for Q1 2025 reached 4.43 billion RMB, a year-on-year increase of 19%, aligning with expectations. Domestic revenue was 2.84 billion RMB, up 13.3%, while overseas revenue was 1.59 billion RMB, growing 30% [2][14] - The company has slowed its store opening pace, with a net decrease of 111 domestic stores, marking the first decline in total store count. Closures were primarily in lower-tier cities, while first-tier cities focused on optimizing store locations [3][17] - Same-store sales growth in China showed a narrowing decline, while overseas performance remained flat. New product categories and partnerships with Meituan enhanced store efficiency [24][25] - Gross margin remained stable at 44%, despite rising overseas procurement costs. The increase in IP licensing fees (up 40%) and significant rent and depreciation costs (up 71%) led to a marketing expense ratio of 23.1% [27][29] - Core operating profit and adjusted EBITDA were 710 million RMB and 1.04 billion RMB, respectively, both below market expectations [4][29] Group 3 - The article highlights that Miniso's strategy of relying on IP licensing has resulted in a lower premium compared to competitors with stronger original design capabilities, indicating a potential risk in profitability [6][7] - The increase in rental costs is attributed to the expansion of overseas direct stores, particularly in North America, raising concerns about the profitability of these operations [8][26] - Future performance is expected to improve as same-store sales in major markets, including the U.S., have turned positive since April, suggesting potential for marginal improvement in upcoming quarters [8][6]