Core Viewpoint - Lakala Payment Co., Ltd. has submitted an application for listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, with CITIC Securities International as the sole sponsor [1]. Company Overview - Lakala is a leading digital payment and digital business solutions provider in Asia, leveraging technologies such as big data, blockchain, and artificial intelligence to create a comprehensive digital operating service system for small and medium-sized merchants and industry clients [3][4]. - The company holds a prominent market position in China's digital payment sector, with a projected total payment volume exceeding RMB 4 trillion in 2024, capturing a market share of 9.4% among independent digital payment service providers [3][4]. Market Position - In 2024, Lakala is expected to rank first among independent digital payment service providers in Asia, with a market share of 1.1% in total payment volume [4]. - The company is also the largest independent digital payment service provider in China's comprehensive acquiring market, with a market share of 11.7%, and in the QR code acquiring market, with a market share of 9.3% [4]. Financial Performance - For the six months ending June 30, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, the company reported revenues of approximately RMB 5.36 billion, RMB 5.93 billion, RMB 5.75 billion, and RMB 2.65 billion, respectively [6][7]. - The net profit/loss for the same periods was approximately -RMB 1.44 billion, RMB 457 million, RMB 351 million, and RMB 229 million, respectively [6][7].

Core Viewpoint - Lakala Payment Co., Ltd. has submitted an application for listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, with CITIC Securities International as the sole sponsor [1]. Company Overview - Lakala is a leading digital payment and digital business solutions provider in Asia, leveraging technologies such as big data, blockchain, and artificial intelligence to create a comprehensive digital operation service system for small and medium-sized merchants and industry clients globally [3][4]. Market Position - The company holds a prominent market position in China's digital payment sector, with a projected total payment volume of approximately RMB 331.7 trillion by 2024, of which independent digital payment service providers will account for RMB 45.7 trillion. Lakala's total payment volume is expected to exceed RMB 4.0 trillion, capturing a market share of 9.4% among independent digital payment service providers, ranking first in this segment [4][5]. Service Offerings - Lakala provides a one-stop payment solution covering online, offline, domestic, and international transactions, enabling clients to handle various payment methods and currencies efficiently. The company is also advancing the innovative application of digital currencies and supporting clients in achieving full-chain digital operations [4][5]. Financial Performance - For the six months ending June 30, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, the company reported revenues of approximately RMB 5.36 billion, RMB 5.93 billion, RMB 5.75 billion, and RMB 2.65 billion, respectively. The net profit/loss for the same periods was approximately -RMB 1.44 billion, RMB 457 million, RMB 351 million, and RMB 229 million [6][7].

Core Insights - PayPal China released a report on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in cross-border e-commerce, indicating strong growth despite a complex international trade environment, with 67% of enterprises having annual revenues below $3 million, highlighting the dominance of SMEs in the sector [2] Group 1: Growth Opportunities - Shenzhen SMEs demonstrate remarkable innovation capabilities, with examples of businesses leveraging unique products to attract significant overseas interest [3] - Emerging business models, such as interest-based e-commerce, are showing substantial growth potential, with Shenzhen companies having a clear advantage in these new fields [4] - The report highlights a rapid increase in digital product transactions, alongside traditional sectors like consumer electronics and furniture [4] Group 2: Payment Localization Challenges - Localized payment requirements are critical for successful transactions, with specific needs varying by country, such as local tax invoices in Mexico and "buy now, pay later" options in Brazil [5] - PayPal offers a comprehensive payment solution that allows Chinese merchants to accept payments in over 200 countries, addressing local payment preferences and facilitating quick currency conversion [5][6] Group 3: Fast Settlement Solutions - PayPal's four-hour RMB withdrawal service is a leading cross-border settlement solution, enabling quick fund recovery for SMEs, which is crucial in the current trade environment [6] - The service supports multi-currency transactions and ensures rapid access to funds, enhancing cash flow for small businesses [6] Group 4: Diversification Strategies - In response to US-China trade tensions, successful companies exhibit traits such as multi-market presence, product differentiation, and digital empowerment [8] - Chinese enterprises are expanding into emerging markets in Europe and Latin America, with localized adaptations being essential for success [8] - A Shenzhen home goods company has successfully shifted focus from the US market to multiple European countries, increasing its European business share to 35% through PayPal's localized payment solutions [8] Group 5: Technology Empowerment - Shenzhen companies utilizing digital tools have an average order conversion rate 18 percentage points higher than traditional firms, with AI tools expected to reduce operational costs by 30% [8] - The digitalization of global trade necessitates inclusive global collaboration platforms, with PayPal's innovative payment solutions providing crucial support for SMEs venturing abroad [8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue decreased by 21% from RMB3.9 billion in 2023 to RMB3.1 billion in 2024 due to a volatile macroeconomic environment and phasing out less profitable projects [27] - Gross profit slightly declined by 1.3% to RMB728 million, but overall gross profit margin increased by 4.7 percentage points from 18.7% in 2023 to 23.6% in 2024 [28] - Adjusted EBITDA exceeded RMB100 million with net profit growing over sixfold year over year to RMB73 million compared to 2023 [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The annual gross margin of One Stop payment increased by 4.5 percentage points from 9.7% in 2023 to 14.2% in 2024, reaching 21.6% in the second half of 2024 [29] - Revenue and profit per merchant served in the in-store e-commerce business doubled year over year in 2024, with upfront fees contributing around 50% of revenue in this segment [21][9] - The position marketing business achieved a record high in business transaction amount in 2024, with marketing transaction volume hitting a record high [8][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Overseas gross payment volume (GPV) grew five times year over year, with significant expansion in Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong [11][17] - QR code payments accounted for about 80% of total payment volume, indicating a strong preference for mobile payment methods [36] - The penetration of QR code payments in other Asian markets is still at an early stage, providing opportunities for growth [55] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to strengthen cohesiveness along the value chain and increase commercialization of business segments, focusing on high-quality and profitable customers [6][10] - Emphasis on leveraging AI to enhance quality, risk management, and operational efficiency, with a commitment to continuous innovation [8][25] - The strategy includes expanding into more regions in Asia and enhancing partnerships with global banks to provide more product offerings [11][18] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about consumer spending trends and government policies enhancing consumer sentiment [35] - The company is focused on maximizing profit delivery to stakeholders rather than just revenue, with a gross profit take rate increasing by over 10% year to date [36] - The long-term growth opportunities in overseas markets and AI products are seen as key drivers for future profitability [72] Other Important Information - The company significantly reduced investment in direct sales teams and instead developed distribution channels, leading to improved sales efficiency [20] - AI applications have contributed to a 20% reduction in operating expenses, enhancing overall cost efficiency [25] - The company has built a customized one-stop solution for cross-selling payments, merchant solutions, and in-store services [6] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can management provide more color about the app-based payments and traditional payment of total payment volume in 2024? - Management noted that QR code payments account for about 80% of total payment volume, with a focus on maximizing gross profit levels rather than just revenue [36] Question: Should we expect AI to be earnings accretive or dilutive? - Management indicated that AI is viewed as a mid to long-term opportunity, with investments being made prudently to ensure profitability is in sight [40] Question: What is the competition landscape for QR code payments in China and the Asian market? - Management highlighted that the QR code payment market is growing and dominated by a few key players, with a focus on service excellence and product customization to maintain market share [49][50]