Core Viewpoint - The domestic skincare brand Gu Yu is set to launch its IPO process in A-shares, aiming to become the "first whitening stock" in the beauty market, despite facing challenges such as brand loyalty and high online sales ratio [1][3][25]. Company Overview - Gu Yu was established in March 2010 and has a registered capital of 36 million RMB. The company is headquartered in Guangzhou and is primarily engaged in cosmetics manufacturing [2]. - The company has shown rapid growth, with GMV reaching 10 billion RMB in 2010, and projected sales of 35 billion RMB in 2023 and over 50 billion RMB in 2024 [1][3]. Market Position - Gu Yu's sales growth positions it among leading domestic beauty brands, with competitors like Proya and Shiseido achieving significant revenue milestones [1][32]. - The brand's online sales ratio is projected to be 93% in 2024, indicating a heavy reliance on e-commerce channels [22]. Competitive Landscape - The domestic beauty market is experiencing intensified competition, with many brands accelerating their IPO processes as a survival strategy [25][26]. - Gu Yu has successfully leveraged various online platforms for marketing, including early adoption of live streaming on Taobao and collaborations with influencers on platforms like Xiaohongshu and Douyin [4][6]. Challenges and Risks - Despite its rapid growth, Gu Yu faces challenges such as insufficient brand loyalty, a lack of a diversified brand matrix, and the need to establish a stronger brand identity [3][14][20]. - The brand's reliance on a single product line and the potential for market saturation pose risks to its long-term sustainability [20][23]. Future Outlook - To succeed in the competitive landscape, Gu Yu must enhance its brand power and explore new product lines beyond its current offerings [20][30]. - The company aims to establish a more robust brand presence and diversify its product portfolio to mitigate risks associated with market fluctuations and consumer preferences [20][30].

Core Viewpoint - The performance of beauty companies listed in 2024 reflects a challenging environment, with many traditional giants facing significant losses while some emerging brands show strong growth [1][2]. Industry Overview - In 2024, China's total retail sales of consumer goods grew by 3.5%, but the retail sales of cosmetics declined by 1.1%, amounting to 435.65 billion yuan [2]. - The overall industry is experiencing a downturn, leading to price cuts and store closures by several foreign brands [2]. - Major companies like Shanghai Jahwa reported a loss of 833 million yuan, highlighting the struggles of established players [2][4]. Company Performance - As of April 27, 2024, 15 A-share cosmetic companies reported a total revenue of 50.081 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 3.59%, but net profit fell to 3.765 billion yuan, down from 5.127 billion yuan [4]. - Notable performances include: - Proya achieved revenue of 10.778 billion yuan, becoming the first domestic beauty brand to surpass 10 billion yuan [2][11]. - Shanghai Jahwa's revenue decreased by 13.93% to 5.679 billion yuan, with a net profit loss of 833 million yuan [6]. - Betaini reported revenue of 5.736 billion yuan, up 3.87%, but net profit fell by 33.53% to 503 million yuan [8]. - Huaxi Biological's revenue dropped by 11.61% to 5.371 billion yuan, with net profit down 70.59% to 174 million yuan [8]. Emerging Brands - New entrants like Gu Yu Biotechnology are preparing to enter the capital market, showcasing strong growth with a revenue of 4 billion yuan and GMV exceeding 5 billion yuan [14][15]. - Gu Yu's success is attributed to its focus on a unique ingredient and effective online marketing strategies, although its reliance on a single product category may pose future challenges [15]. Market Trends - The market is witnessing a shift where traditional giants are retracting while new players are emerging, indicating a potential reshaping of the industry landscape [10][14]. - The global beauty market is expected to see a coexistence of domestic brands leading in niche segments while foreign brands focus on high-end markets [16].