Summary of Zhou Hei Ya Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Zhou Hei Ya - **Industry**: Food and Beverage, specifically in the snack and ready-to-eat segment Key Points Store Expansion and Performance - Zhou Hei Ya achieved a slight positive growth in total store count in 2025, increasing from approximately 2,800 stores at mid-year to about 3,000 by year-end, aligning with annual targets [3][4] - Same-store sales showed recovery with positive growth across all quarters, particularly in Q3, benefiting from delivery subsidies and summer effects [2][3] - The company plans to maintain this positive trend into 2026, expecting continued growth in same-store sales [3][4] Channel Business Development - In the second half of 2025, Zhou Hei Ya focused on expanding its channel business, targeting major KA supermarkets and large snack wholesale systems [5] - Collaborations with Sam's Club led to the launch of new products, including the Zhongbao series, which is expected to have a strong market outlook in 2026 [5] International Expansion - Zhou Hei Ya opened its first overseas store in Malaysia in December 2025, which serves as a pilot for localized operations and future international expansion [6][14] - The store's opening was faster than anticipated, and it aims to gather experience for future overseas ventures [6][15] Product and Revenue Structure - The primary revenue source remains from store operations, followed by channel business, with channel revenue in 2024 around 90 million, targeting to double to approximately 200 million in 2025 and again in 2026 [8][9] - The overseas market is still in its infancy, contributing minimally to overall revenue [9] New Product Lines and Collaborations - Zhou Hei Ya is advancing its side product business through joint ventures, introducing new items like marinated seasoning packs and hot pot bases [7] - Collaborations with other brands, such as Mi Village, aim to enhance brand recognition and support core business development [24] Financial Performance and Dividend Policy - Zhou Hei Ya maintains a stable dividend policy, with a payout ratio of at least 60%, and has historically provided full dividends [22][23] - The company anticipates profit growth to outpace revenue growth in 2026, with overall positive trends expected as it rebounds from previous challenges [28] Market and Cost Outlook - Cost levels are expected to remain stable in 2026, following a period of fluctuations in 2023, with no significant decreases anticipated [19] - The product structure remains largely unchanged, with duck products making up about 70% of offerings, while new chicken and vegetable products are being introduced [20][21] Investor Sentiment and Market Challenges - Investor sentiment is generally positive, viewing Zhou Hei Ya's business as recovering well despite liquidity challenges faced in 2025 [25] - The increase in the Hong Kong Stock Connect threshold poses a challenge, requiring the company to enhance its market capitalization to re-enter [26] Future Plans - Zhou Hei Ya has not disclosed specific plans for the next 3-5 years but emphasizes the importance of optimizing existing store networks and improving operational quality [10][11] This summary encapsulates the key insights from Zhou Hei Ya's conference call, highlighting the company's growth strategies, market performance, and future outlook.