Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly state an investment rating for the industry or the specific company. Core Insights - The IP snack market in China is projected to grow significantly, with a market size expected to reach 11.5 billion RMB in 2024 and 30.5 billion RMB by 2029, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 20.9%, which is substantially higher than the overall retail market growth of 4.1% during the same period [10]. - Jin Tian Animation claims to be the largest IP snack company in China, with a market share of 7.6% and projected revenues of 877 million RMB and a net profit of 122 million RMB for 2024 [16]. - The company's gross margin for the first half of 2025 is reported at 34.7%, which is over 8 percentage points higher than competitors like Three Squirrels and Liangpinpuzi, whose margins hover around 25% [7]. Summary by Sections Section 1: Industry Overview - The IP snack industry is characterized by the integration of popular anime IPs into food products, enhancing their emotional and collectible value, which drives consumer purchasing behavior [6][9]. - The report highlights the potential for high product premiums due to the emotional connection consumers have with the IPs [7]. Section 2: Company Performance - Jin Tian Animation's revenue has shown rapid growth, increasing from 596 million RMB in 2022 to 877 million RMB in 2024, with a CAGR of 21.3% [53]. - The company has a diverse portfolio with 26 licensed IPs and over 600 active SKUs, covering various snack categories [17]. Section 3: Key IPs and Risks - The company's flagship product, the "Ultraman Egg," has sold 70 million units since its launch, contributing 12.7 billion RMB in revenue over three and a half years [20]. - However, the company faces risks related to IP licensing, particularly with the Ultraman IP, which has less than 12 months remaining on its current licensing agreement [24][26]. Section 4: Financial Health - Despite revenue growth, the company's cash flow has shown signs of decline, with a 34.7% drop in net cash flow from operating activities in the first half of 2025 compared to the previous year [63]. - The reliance on a distributor network has decreased, with revenue from distributors dropping to 55.1% of total revenue in the first half of 2025, down from over 95% in previous years [59][60]. Section 5: Future Outlook - Jin Tian Animation is attempting to diversify its IP portfolio to reduce dependency on single IPs, with other IPs like "My Little Pony" and "Peppa Pig" contributing to revenue [41]. - The company has plans to develop its own IPs, but current R&D spending is minimal, accounting for less than 0.5% of total revenue [49][48].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rise of IP (Intellectual Property) in the snack industry, focusing on JinTian Animation's potential as the first "IP food play" stock in Hong Kong, while highlighting the challenges and risks associated with reliance on licensed IPs [3][52]. Group 1: Market Overview - The IP snack market in China is projected to grow from 11.5 billion yuan in 2024 to 30.5 billion yuan by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 20.9%, significantly outpacing the overall retail market growth of 4.1% [6][55]. - JinTian Animation claims to be the largest IP snack company in China, achieving revenues of 877 million yuan and a net profit of 122 million yuan in 2024, capturing a market share of 7.6% [10][60]. Group 2: Product and Profitability - JinTian Animation's gross margin reached 34.7% in the first half of 2025, an increase of over 8 percentage points from 2022, while competitors like Three Squirrels and Liangpinpuzi maintained margins around 25% [5][54]. - The company's flagship product, the "Ultraman Egg," has sold 70 million units since its launch, contributing 1.27 billion yuan in revenue over three and a half years [13][62]. Group 3: Licensing and Dependency Risks - JinTian Animation relies heavily on licensed IPs, with Ultraman accounting for approximately 63% of its revenue in 2022-2023, and 43.9% in the first half of 2025 [16][65]. - The licensing agreement for Ultraman is set to expire in less than 12 months, raising concerns about the company's core revenue source if the contract is not renewed [14][63]. Group 4: Corporate Governance and Changes - The departure of key shareholder Sun Jian, who was also the controlling party of the IP licensing entity, has severed the previously strong ties between JinTian Animation and its core IP sources [19][68]. - Following Sun Jian's exit, the company's IP licensing fees have increased significantly, from 21.14 million yuan in 2022 to 36.79 million yuan in 2024, indicating rising costs amid uncertain renewal terms [23][72]. Group 5: Sales Channels and Financial Performance - JinTian Animation's revenue structure has shifted, with sales through distributors dropping from 95% of total revenue in 2022 to 55.1% in the first half of 2025, while direct sales to retailers have increased significantly [37][41]. - Despite revenue growth, the company's cash flow from operating activities has declined by 34.7% year-on-year, raising concerns about financial sustainability [43][46].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rise of the IP economy in the snack industry, focusing on Jin Tian Animation's potential as the first "IP food play" stock in Hong Kong, while highlighting the challenges and risks associated with reliance on licensed IPs [3][4]. Group 1: Market Potential - The IP snack market in China is projected to grow from 11.5 billion RMB in 2024 to 30.5 billion RMB by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 20.9%, significantly outpacing the overall retail market growth of 4.1% [6]. - Jin Tian Animation's gross margin reached 34.7% in the first half of 2025, an increase of over 8 percentage points compared to 2022, while competitors like Three Squirrels and Liangpinpuzi maintained margins around 25% [5]. Group 2: Company Performance - Jin Tian Animation reported revenues of 877 million RMB and a net profit of 122 million RMB in 2024, holding a market share of 7.6% in the IP snack sector, making it the leading company in this niche [13]. - The company has a diverse portfolio with 26 licensed IPs and over 600 active SKUs, covering five major categories of snacks, and has a distribution network that spans over 1,700 counties in China [15]. Group 3: Dependency on IPs - The company's flagship product, "Ultraman Egg," has sold 70 million units since its launch, contributing 12.7 billion RMB in revenue over the past three and a half years, but the IP license is set to expire in less than 12 months [17][19]. - Approximately 63% of the company's revenue in 2022-2023 came from the Ultraman IP, which dropped to 43.9% in the first half of 2025, indicating a heavy reliance on a single IP [19]. Group 4: Licensing Risks - The company faces significant risks as it does not own the IPs it relies on, making it vulnerable to potential increases in licensing fees and the possibility of losing key IPs upon contract expiration [10][28]. - Following the exit of a key shareholder who was also the IP agent for Ultraman, the company lost its close ties to the IP source, raising concerns about future licensing negotiations and costs [25][27]. Group 5: Financial Health - From 2022 to 2024, the company experienced rapid revenue growth from 596 million RMB to 877 million RMB, with a CAGR of 21.3%, and net profit growth of 98% [41]. - However, the company's cash flow has shown signs of deterioration, with a 34.7% decline in net cash flow from operating activities in the first half of 2025 compared to previous years [49][51].

Macroeconomic Analysis - The narrow revenue growth has slowed down, with national public budget revenue increasing by only 0.8% year-on-year from January to November 2025, and the growth rate in November being flat compared to the same period in 2024 [1] - Narrow budget expenditure grew by 1.4% year-on-year from January to November 2025, with a decline of 3.7% in November, indicating a marginal narrowing of the decline compared to October [1] - The overall fiscal expenditure growth remains low, influenced by prior fiscal efforts and year-end budget adjustments, with key areas like health, technology, and environmental protection seeing leading expenditure growth [1] Government Fund Analysis - Government fund budget revenue decreased by 4.9% year-on-year from January to November 2025, with a significant decline of 15.8% in November [2] - Government fund budget expenditure increased by 13.7% year-on-year from January to November 2025, with a notable recovery in November, growing by 2.8% compared to a decline of 38.2% in October [2] - The increase in expenditure is attributed to the allocation of 500 billion yuan from the central government to support local investment projects [2] Fiscal Policy Outlook - The fiscal balance remains tight, with moderate revenue growth constraining expenditure amid economic growth and real estate market transitions [3] - Expenditure is becoming more targeted and effective, with a clear focus on key areas such as social welfare and technological innovation [3] - The decision-makers plan to implement a more proactive fiscal policy in 2026, with an expected narrow fiscal deficit rate of around 4%, emphasizing structural optimization and enhancing local fiscal sustainability [3] IP Fun Food Industry Analysis - The IP fun food sector, which combines IP with food and collectible gifts, is rapidly growing, driven by consumer demand for emotional consumption [6][7] - The market size of China's IP food industry is projected to grow from 18.1 billion yuan in 2020 to 35.4 billion yuan by 2024, with a CAGR of 18.2%, while the IP fun food segment is expected to grow from 5.6 billion yuan to 11.5 billion yuan, with a CAGR of 19.6% [7] - The growth is fueled by the younger generation's increasing emotional consumption needs and the mature supply chain of the snack industry in China [7] Competitive Landscape - The core competitiveness in the IP fun food market lies in supply chain management and IP operation, with low differentiation in snack products making cost control crucial [8] - The market remains fragmented, with leading companies holding only 7.6% market share, indicating a competitive environment with many small players [9] - The differentiation provided by IP toys as gifts is key to achieving premium pricing in a market where snack products lack inherent differentiation [8][9]

Company Overview - JinTian Animation is a leader in China's IP fun food industry, focusing on providing enjoyable and healthy IP fun food products. As of June 30, 2025, the company has established five production bases nationwide, holds 26 licensed IPs, and offers over 600 active SKUs across five product categories: candies, biscuits, puffed snacks, chocolates, and seaweed snacks. According to a Frost & Sullivan report, JinTian Animation is the largest IP fun food company in China by revenue in 2024, with a market share of 7.6% [2][6][25]. Industry Overview - The market size of China's IP food industry has grown from 18.1 billion RMB in 2020 to 35.4 billion RMB in 2024, with a CAGR of 18.2%. It is expected to reach 84.9 billion RMB by 2029, with a CAGR of 18.5% from 2025 to 2029. The IP fun food segment specifically has increased from 5.6 billion RMB in 2020 to 11.5 billion RMB in 2024, with a CAGR of 19.6%, projected to grow to 30.5 billion RMB by 2029 [3][18][25]. Business Model - JinTian Animation operates primarily through licensed IPs, innovating with an IP gift model. The company is the largest holder of licensed IPs in the IP fun food sector in China, with 26 licensed IPs. The licensing agreements typically last one to three years and can be renewed or extended by mutual consent [4][29][33]. Financial Performance - The company has shown stable revenue growth, achieving revenues of 596 million RMB in 2022, 664 million RMB in 2023, 877 million RMB in 2024, and 444 million RMB in the first half of 2025, with year-on-year growth rates of 12%, 32%, and 10% respectively. Adjusted net profits were 37 million RMB in 2022, 76 million RMB in 2023, 131 million RMB in 2024, and 70 million RMB in the first half of 2025, with growth rates of 72% and 13% [13][14][39]. Product Structure - The company focuses on IP fun food, offering a variety of products under two main brands: "TianLe Cartoon King" and "TALA'S". The product range includes candies, biscuits, puffed snacks, chocolates, and seaweed snacks, all designed to enhance consumer engagement and extend product life cycles through unique packaging that integrates IP elements [39][40]. Distribution Channels - JinTian Animation's distribution structure includes a strong dealer network and rapidly growing direct sales channels. As of mid-2025, the company has over 2,675 dealers covering 31 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in China. The direct sales channel has seen significant growth, with a year-on-year increase of 182% in 2024 [5][44].

Core Viewpoint - This week, seven companies submitted listing applications to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, with three companies passing the hearing, five companies conducting IPOs, and three new stocks being listed [1]. Group 1: Companies Submitting Listing Applications - Guangdong Jintian Animation Co., Ltd. submitted a listing application on October 20, focusing on the IP fun food industry with a projected revenue of approximately RMB 5.96 billion in 2022, growing to RMB 8.77 billion by 2024 [2]. - Yuwang Biological Nutrition Co., Ltd. is the largest supplier of food-grade refined fish oil globally, with a market share of 8.1% and projected revenues of RMB 5.34 billion in 2022, increasing to RMB 8.32 billion by 2024 [3]. - Binhua Group Co., Ltd. is a leader in the chlor-alkali chemical industry, with revenues of RMB 88.92 billion in 2022, expected to reach RMB 102.28 billion by 2024 [4]. - Xichang Zhihui Mining Co., Ltd. focuses on mining zinc, lead, and copper in Tibet, with revenues of RMB 4.82 billion in 2022, projected to decline to RMB 3.01 billion by 2024 [5]. - Zhongwei Co., Ltd. specializes in new energy battery materials, with total revenues of RMB 303.44 billion in 2022, expected to grow to RMB 402.23 billion by 2024 [6]. - Hehui Optoelectronics Co., Ltd. is a leading AMOLED semiconductor display panel manufacturer, with revenues of RMB 41.91 billion in 2022, projected to reach RMB 49.58 billion by 2024 [7]. Group 2: Companies Passing Hearing - Suzhou Wangshan Wangshui Biomedical Co., Ltd. focuses on small molecule drug development, with revenues of RMB 2 billion in 2022, declining to RMB 322.4 million by 2024 [8]. - Guangdong Tianyu Semiconductor Co., Ltd. is the largest silicon carbide epitaxial wafer manufacturer in China, with revenues of RMB 4.37 billion in 2022, expected to grow to RMB 11.71 billion by 2023 [9]. - Baile Tianheng is a biopharmaceutical company focusing on tumor treatment, with revenues of RMB 7.02 billion in 2022, projected to reach RMB 58.21 billion by 2024 [10]. Group 3: Companies Conducting IPOs - Sany Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. had an oversubscription of 53 times, raising approximately HKD 663 billion (USD 85 billion) [11]. - Dippu Technology Co., Ltd. had an oversubscription of 7590 times, raising HKD 2,721 billion, making it the second-highest oversubscription in history [12]. - Cambridge Technology Co., Ltd. set its final price at HKD 68.88 per share, with significant backing from cornerstone investors [13]. - Bama Tea Co., Ltd. attracted approximately 169,000 subscription applications, with an oversubscription of 2684 times [14]. - Minglue Technology Co., Ltd. plans to issue 721.9 million A shares, with a proposed price of HKD 141.00 per share [15]. Group 4: Newly Listed Stocks - Haixi New Drug Co., Ltd. saw a first-day increase of 20.60%, with a total increase of 26.74% in the first week [15]. - Jushuitan Co., Ltd. had a first-day increase of 23.86%, but saw a decline in the following days, ending the week with a 13.92% increase [16]. - Guanghe Tong Co., Ltd. experienced a first-day drop of 11.72%, with a total decline of 9.44% in the first week [17].

Core Insights - Recent surge in companies from the New Third Board, such as Jintian Animation, Bama Tea, and Shenghuo Technology, seeking to list in Hong Kong, indicating a trend towards international capital markets [1][2] - Successful transitions of companies like Pop Mart and Smoore International to Hong Kong have set benchmarks for others, showcasing the potential value of such moves [4] Company Developments - Jintian Animation has submitted its IPO application to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, focusing on IP-based fun food products, with projected revenues of 596 million RMB in 2022, increasing to 877 million RMB by 2024 [2] - Bama Tea is set to list at a maximum price of 50 HKD, with a strong market position in the Chinese tea industry, particularly in oolong and black tea, and has received backing from major investment firms [3] - Pop Mart has demonstrated significant growth since its Hong Kong listing, with a revenue increase of 245%-250% year-on-year, and a market capitalization reaching 309.4 billion HKD [4] Market Trends - The "New Third Board + H-share" model is gaining traction, allowing companies to leverage both domestic and international capital markets simultaneously [6][7] - Companies like Tian Tu Investment have successfully utilized this model, maintaining flexibility in financing while gaining international recognition [7] Expert Opinions - Experts suggest that while listing in Hong Kong can enhance brand visibility and resource integration, some companies may resort to this option due to challenges in listing on domestic exchanges [8]

Group 1: Recent IPOs - Zhuoyuan, a corporate services company, successfully listed on NASDAQ, raising $5.6 million with a market capitalization of $32.11 million [1] - Wangsu Technology, a supply chain management service provider, listed on NASDAQ, raising $9.5 million with a market capitalization of $112 million [2] - Haixi New Drug, a pharmaceutical company, successfully listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, raising approximately HK$994 million with a market capitalization of HK$8.603 billion [3] - Jushuitan, an e-commerce SaaS ERP provider, listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, raising approximately HK$2.086 billion with a market capitalization of HK$14.852 billion [4] - Guanghetong, a wireless communication module provider, completed its "A+H" listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, raising approximately HK$2.904 billion with a market capitalization of HK$24.891 billion [5] Group 2: Upcoming IPOs - Bama Tea, a high-end tea brand, plans to issue 9 million shares, aiming to raise approximately HK$428 million, with an expected listing date of October 28 on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange [6] - Cambridge Technology, a supplier of optical and wireless connection devices, plans to issue 67.01 million shares, aiming to raise approximately HK$4.616 billion, with an expected listing date of October 28 [7] - Dipu Technology, an AI application solution provider, plans to issue 26.63 million shares, aiming to raise approximately HK$710 million, with an expected listing date of October 28 [8] - Sany Heavy Industry, an engineering machinery company, plans to issue 580 million shares, aiming to raise approximately HK$12.064 billion, with an expected listing date of October 28 [9] - Minglue Technology, a data intelligence application software company, plans to issue 7.219 million shares, aiming to raise approximately HK$1.018 billion, with an expected listing date of November 3 [10] Group 3: Companies Filing for IPO - Sijiao Infrastructure Fund, a public open-end fund, filed for an IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, focusing on infrastructure investments [11] - Qingtian Quansuitong, a cross-border intelligent tax solution provider, filed for an IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, ranking first in the cross-border enterprise intelligent tax solution market [12] - Lakala, an independent digital payment service provider, filed for an IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, holding a 9.4% market share in the independent digital payment service sector [13] - Yuwang Biological Nutrition, a supplier of food-grade refined fish oil, filed for an IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, being the largest supplier in its category with an 8.1% market share [14] - Jintian Animation, an IP fun food company, filed for an IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, focusing on fun and healthy food products [15] Group 4: Companies Undergoing Hearing for IPO - Pony.ai, an autonomous driving technology company, passed the hearing for its IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, focusing on safe and reliable autonomous driving solutions [19] - Joyson Electronics, a smart automotive technology solution provider, passed the hearing for its IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, ranking second in the automotive passive safety product sector [20] - WeRide, an autonomous driving technology company, passed the hearing for its IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, ranking second in the global market for urban road L4-level autonomous driving [21] - Wangshan Wangshui, a biopharmaceutical company, passed the hearing for its IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, focusing on innovative small molecule drug development [22] - Baitian Tianheng, an innovative biopharmaceutical company, passed the hearing for its IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, developing ADC drugs and multi-specific antibody drugs [23] - Tianyu Semiconductor, a silicon carbide epitaxial wafer supplier, passed the hearing for its IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, holding a 38.8% market share in the silicon carbide epitaxial wafer market [24] Group 5: Companies Approved for Filing - Six companies, including Naxin Micro and Baiguoyuan, received approval for overseas IPOs and domestic unlisted shares "full circulation" filing from the China Securities Regulatory Commission [25]

Core Viewpoint - Guangdong Jintian Animation Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Jintian Animation") has submitted its prospectus to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, aiming to capitalize on its position as a leading player in China's IP fun food industry, with significant market shares and growth potential [1][2]. Financial Performance - Jintian Animation's revenue for the years 2022 to 2024 is projected to be CNY 596 million, CNY 664 million, and CNY 878 million respectively, with net profits of CNY 36.7 million, CNY 75.2 million, and CNY 130 million for the same years [2][3]. - In the first half of 2025, the company achieved revenue of CNY 444 million, representing a year-on-year growth of 9.82%, with a net profit of CNY 70 million, up 13.45% year-on-year [2]. Market Position - According to a report by Frost & Sullivan, Jintian Animation is expected to be the largest IP fun food company in China by revenue in 2024, holding a market share of 7.6%, and the fourth largest IP food company with a market share of 2.5% [1]. - As of June 30, 2025, the company is also noted to have the most IP licenses in the Chinese IP fun food sector [1]. Leadership - Cai Jianchun, aged 58, has been with the company since April 2011 and serves as the Executive Director and General Manager, also holding the position of Chairman since February 2016. He is responsible for the overall strategic planning and operational management of the group [4][5]. - Cai has over 20 years of experience in the food supply chain industry and has held various managerial positions in food production companies prior to his current role [4][5].

Core Insights - Guangdong Jintian Animation Co., Ltd. (referred to as "Jintian Animation") plans to list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, having disclosed its prospectus on October 20 [1] Company Overview - Jintian Animation was established in April 2011 and claims to be a pioneer and leader in the "IP Fun Food" industry [1] - The company operates five production bases in Dongguan, Taishan, and Shantou, with one additional base under construction in Hengyang, Hunan [1] - Jintian Animation holds 26 licensed IPs, including popular brands such as Ultraman, My Little Pony, Crayon Shin-chan, and Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf, along with over 600 active SKUs across five product categories: candies, biscuits, puffed snacks, chocolates, and seaweed snacks [1] Financial Performance - Revenue for the fiscal years 2022 to 2024 and the first half of 2024 and 2025 is projected as follows: - 2022: 595.6 million CNY - 2023: 664.3 million CNY (11.5% year-on-year growth) - 2024: 877.4 million CNY (32.1% year-on-year growth) - First half of 2024: 404.2 million CNY - First half of 2025: 443.9 million CNY (9.8% year-on-year growth) [1] - The revenue growth is attributed to product portfolio expansion, enhanced IP operational capabilities, and the expansion of direct sales channels [1] Market Dynamics - The market size for the industry has grown from 5.6 billion CNY in 2020 to an estimated 11.5 billion CNY in 2024, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.6% from 2020 to 2024 [1]