Core Insights - The company achieved a revenue of 7.098 billion yuan in the first three quarters of 2025, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 1.89%, and a net profit of 1.026 billion yuan, up 2.65% year-on-year, indicating a rational return to growth amidst a challenging consumer environment [1] - The improvement in gross margin to 73.69% from 70.07% and a net profit margin of 14.86% highlights the company's position as a leading player in the domestic beauty market [1] - The company is transitioning from a focus on rapid expansion to prioritizing quality and sustainability, as evidenced by a significant increase in operating cash flow by 196.65% year-on-year to 1.198 billion yuan [1] Financial Performance - Revenue for the first three quarters of 2025 reached 7.098 billion yuan, a 1.89% increase year-on-year [1] - Net profit was reported at 1.026 billion yuan, reflecting a 2.65% year-on-year growth [1] - Operating cash flow significantly improved to 1.198 billion yuan, marking a 196.65% increase year-on-year [1] Brand Strategy - The company is shifting its growth logic from reliance on single blockbuster products to a multi-brand collaboration approach, focusing on structural growth rather than just volume [2][3] - The main brand continues to serve as a core anchor for profit and reputation, with successful product lines validating the closed-loop model of "scientific ingredients - product efficacy - market conversion" [3] - The company is replicating its successful product validation model across other brands, enhancing their market presence and operational capabilities [4] Research and Development - The company maintains a stable R&D expense ratio of 2%, investing 142 million yuan in R&D in the first three quarters of 2025, which is crucial for long-term sustainable growth [8] - Recent collaborations with universities for research projects indicate a shift towards a more integrated research ecosystem, enhancing the company's innovation capabilities [8][12] - The establishment of multiple R&D centers in China and Europe supports a comprehensive research framework, focusing on anti-aging mechanisms and sustainable ingredient development [12] Organizational Changes - Recent management changes signal a transition from founder-led to a more professional governance structure, emphasizing collaboration and system thinking [14][15] - The new management team, with diverse backgrounds, aims to enhance organizational resilience and internal collaboration, aligning with the company's long-term strategic goals [15] - The company is positioning itself as an "enabler" in the beauty industry through strategic investments, such as in the domestic makeup brand Huazhixiao, to connect with younger consumers [16][17] International Expansion - The submission of an H-share listing application to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange marks a significant step towards international capital market entry, enhancing the company's governance and transparency [17][18] - The company aims to leverage its international presence to strengthen its research and innovation capabilities, creating a cycle of "domestic R&D + international innovation" [17][18] - The focus on long-term value creation reflects a shift in corporate strategy from immediate gains to sustainable growth, positioning the company for future success in the global beauty market [18]

Core Viewpoint - Proya Cosmetics has officially submitted an IPO application to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, aiming to become the largest domestic cosmetics group listed in both A and H shares [4][5]. Company History and Development - Proya was founded in 2003 by Hou Juncheng and his brother-in-law Fang Youyou in Hangzhou, overcoming challenges in a market dominated by international brands [6][7]. - The company initially struggled but began to gain traction around 2007 by associating itself with hydration and leveraging celebrity endorsements, leading to significant revenue growth [7]. - Proya achieved revenue of 1 billion RMB for the first time in 2008 and entered the top tier of domestic cosmetics brands by 2013 [7]. Financial Performance - In 2023, Proya reported revenue of 8.905 billion RMB, surpassing competitors like Shanghai Jahwa and Huaxi Biological, establishing itself as a leader in the domestic beauty market [7][9]. - The company is projected to reach 10.778 billion RMB in revenue for 2024, with net profits expected to grow from 1.230 billion RMB in 2022 to 1.585 billion RMB in 2024 [9][10]. - The first half of 2025 saw Proya generate 5.362 billion RMB in revenue, marking a 7.21% year-on-year increase, with net profit rising by 13.80% [9][10]. Management Transition - In September 2022, Hou Yamen, the son of founder Hou Juncheng, took over as CEO, marking a significant leadership change [9][11]. - The company has experienced several high-level executive departures since the transition, which has raised concerns about management stability [11]. Market Position and Competitive Landscape - Proya's market capitalization is currently around 29.2 billion RMB, but it has seen a decline of over 10% in stock price this year, resulting in a loss of approximately 4 billion RMB in market value [11]. - The company has a diverse brand portfolio, including Proya, Caitang, and Off&Relax, with several brands exceeding 500 million RMB in sales [11]. Industry Trends - There is a growing trend of domestic beauty brands pursuing IPOs, with several companies, including Lin Qingxuan and Zhenyan Biotechnology, also seeking to list [12][13]. - The beauty industry is witnessing a capital wave, with many companies aiming to attract international investment by meeting specific profit thresholds [15].

Core Insights - The company reported a revenue of 7.098 billion yuan for the first three quarters of 2025, representing a year-on-year growth of 1.89% [1] - The net profit attributable to shareholders reached 1.026 billion yuan, with a year-on-year increase of 2.65% [1] - The gross profit margin improved to 73.69%, up 3.62 percentage points from 70.07% in the same period of 2024, while the net profit margin was 14.86% [1][7] Brand Performance - The flagship brand, Proya, has maintained a strong market position, leading the Tmall beauty category during the Double Eleven shopping festival [4] - Multiple brands under the company, including Off&Relax and others, are experiencing rapid growth and complementing each other in market coverage [2] Research and Development - The R&D expense ratio was stable at 2.00%, with R&D investment amounting to 142 million yuan, supporting the synergy between R&D and profitability [7] - The company has established a diverse R&D system, focusing on technological innovation, including a partnership with Sichuan University to research mitochondrial anti-aging [7] Strategic Outlook - The company has demonstrated resilience and strategic clarity through consistent revenue growth, improved profitability, and ongoing commitment to R&D and multi-brand strategies [8] - Future prospects include enhanced R&D innovation, digital capabilities, and accelerated globalization, positioning the company to continue leading the domestic beauty industry [8]

Core Insights - The company reported a revenue of 7.098 billion yuan for the first three quarters of 2025, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 1.89%, with a net profit of 1.026 billion yuan, up 2.65% year-on-year [1] - The gross margin reached 73.69%, an increase of 3.62 percentage points from the same period in 2024, while the net margin was 14.86%, indicating an improvement in profitability quality [1] Revenue Growth Strategy - The growth is attributed to the company's multi-brand strategy, which emphasizes the core brand's stability and new brand growth, enhancing its market position in the skincare sector [2] - The flagship brand, Proya, has maintained its leading position in the market, particularly during the Double 11 shopping festival, where it ranked first in the Tmall beauty category for the first four hours of sales [4] Research and Development - The company maintained a stable R&D expense ratio of 2.00%, with R&D investments amounting to 142 million yuan, supporting product upgrades and enhancing profitability [5] - Recent collaborations and innovations in R&D, such as partnerships with Sichuan University and the release of a white paper on scalp microecology, have strengthened the company's competitive edge in the beauty industry [5]

Core Viewpoint - The 2025 CAME (China Aroma and Cosmetic Industry Annual Conference and Expo) held in Nanjing focused on "Technology, Brand, and Co-prosperity," showcasing over 500 brands and more than 1,000 new products, emphasizing the integration of government, industry, academia, research, and investment [2][5][38]. Group 1: Event Overview - The event featured high-quality, high-standard, and professional exhibitions, attracting leading beauty companies such as L'Oréal, Procter & Gamble, and Unilever, along with top raw material suppliers like BASF and DSM, creating an "all-star" lineup [5][10]. - CAME has evolved into a "core technology release conference" for domestic and international beauty brands and raw material companies, highlighting its significance in the industry [8][10]. Group 2: Technological Innovations - Numerous innovative technological achievements were showcased, with a strong emphasis on "Chinese-style innovation," including Proya's mitochondrial anti-aging technology and Shiseido's research on the hidden skincare benefits of fermented natto bacteria [10][11][17]. - Shanghai Jahwa introduced the industry's first non-invasive skin glycation quantification and imaging device, filling a gap in the cosmetic field [12]. Group 3: Industry Trends - The event highlighted a shift in the cosmetics industry from "scale expansion" to "value enhancement," with raw material innovation becoming a strategic pivot for this transformation [23][38]. - The demand for diverse consumer needs is pushing upstream supply chain companies to continuously innovate in technology research and scientific communication [23][26]. Group 4: Collaboration and Future Outlook - CAME serves as a bridge for collaboration among raw material suppliers, brands, distributors, and technology companies, accelerating technology transfer and commercial cooperation [34][37]. - The conference is viewed as a crucial opportunity for enhancing the global competitiveness of domestic brands, with a focus on high-quality innovation and development [38].

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Buy" and is maintained [6]. Core Views - The company reported a revenue of 5.36 billion yuan for H1 2025, representing a year-on-year growth of 7.2%, while the net profit attributable to shareholders was 800 million yuan, up 13.8% year-on-year. In Q2 alone, revenue was 3 billion yuan, with a year-on-year increase of 6.5%, and net profit of 410 million yuan, growing 2.4% year-on-year [2][4]. - The company plans to issue H shares and list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange to accelerate its international strategy and overseas business development, as well as enhance its overseas financing capabilities [2][4]. Financial Performance - In H1 2025, online direct sales, online distribution, and offline sales generated revenues of 3.91 billion, 1.2 billion, and 250 million yuan respectively, with year-on-year changes of 4.9%, 25.9%, and -21.5% [9]. - The main brand and sub-brands showed varied performance, with the main brand's revenue slightly declining by 0.1%, while sub-brands like OR and 原色波塔 saw significant growth of 103% and 80% respectively [9]. - The gross profit margin improved by 3.6 percentage points in H1 2025, attributed to cost reduction and efficiency improvements [9]. - The overall net profit margin increased by 0.9 percentage points to 14.9%, although Q2 saw a slight decline of 0.5 percentage points to 13.6% due to increased sales expenses during promotional periods [9]. Future Outlook - The company is expected to benefit from the ongoing expansion of its main brand and the continued strong performance of its sub-brands, which could contribute to incremental growth [9]. - EPS forecasts for 2025, 2026, and 2027 are projected to be 4.28, 5.05, and 5.77 yuan per share respectively [9].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Recommended" rating for the company, indicating a potential upside of over 15% relative to the benchmark index [4][12]. Core Insights - The company achieved a revenue of 5.362 billion yuan in H1 2025, representing a year-on-year growth of 7.21%. The net profit attributable to shareholders was 799 million yuan, up 13.80% year-on-year [1]. - The skincare segment showed steady growth, with revenue of 4.199 billion yuan in H1 2025, a slight increase of 0.20% year-on-year, while the beauty makeup segment grew by 25.79% to 837 million yuan [2]. - The company plans to list in Hong Kong to further its international strategy [1]. Financial Performance - The gross margin for H1 2025 increased by 3.56 percentage points to 73.38%, while the net profit margin rose by 0.86 percentage points [3]. - The main brand, Proya, generated 3.979 billion yuan in revenue, a slight decline of 0.08% year-on-year, while the sub-brand Cai Tang saw a revenue increase of 21.11% to 705 million yuan [4]. - The company forecasts net profits of 1.8 billion yuan, 2.08 billion yuan, and 2.35 billion yuan for 2025, 2026, and 2027, respectively, with growth rates of 15.9%, 15.3%, and 13.2% [4][6]. Revenue Breakdown - In H1 2025, online sales accounted for 95.39% of total revenue, amounting to 5.109 billion yuan, while offline sales decreased by 21.49% to 247 million yuan [2]. - The revenue from the hair care segment surged by 131.25% to 320 million yuan, indicating strong performance in this category [2]. Future Projections - The company expects revenue growth rates of 10.3%, 7.8%, and 6.5% for the years 2025, 2026, and 2027, respectively [6][9]. - The projected earnings per share for 2025, 2026, and 2027 are 4.54 yuan, 5.24 yuan, and 5.93 yuan, respectively [6][9]. Brand Development - The main brand Proya continues to enhance its brand strength, while other brands are also making significant progress, with Off&Relax being the fastest-growing brand, achieving a revenue of 279 million yuan, up 102.52% year-on-year [4].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the company [3][6]. Core Views - The mid-year report demonstrates the resilience of the company's multi-brand strategy, achieving a revenue and net profit growth of 7% and 14% respectively in a competitive beauty industry [11]. - The company has shown a good upward trend in profitability, with a gross margin increase of 3.56 percentage points, attributed to improved bargaining power over raw material procurement and reduced shipping costs [11]. - The company plans to issue H shares to enhance its international presence, which is expected to boost brand recognition and global influence [11]. Financial Performance Summary - Revenue (in million CNY) is projected to grow from 8,905 in 2023 to 14,156 in 2027, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5% [4]. - Net profit attributable to the parent company is expected to rise from 1,194 million CNY in 2023 to 2,330 million CNY in 2027, reflecting a CAGR of 14.6% [4]. - Earnings per share (EPS) are forecasted to increase from 3.01 CNY in 2023 to 5.88 CNY in 2027 [4]. - The company’s gross margin is expected to improve from 69.9% in 2023 to 73.6% in 2027, indicating enhanced operational efficiency [4]. - The net profit margin is projected to rise from 13.4% in 2023 to 16.5% in 2027, showcasing improved profitability [4]. Earnings Forecast and Valuation - The earnings forecast for 2025-2027 has been slightly adjusted, with EPS estimates of 4.44, 5.13, and 5.88 CNY respectively [3][12]. - The discounted cash flow (DCF) target valuation is set at 112.65 CNY [3][12].

Core Viewpoint - China Lianhe Credit Rating Co., Ltd. maintains the long-term credit rating of Proya Cosmetics Co., Ltd. at AA, with a stable outlook for both the company and its convertible bonds, indicating strong financial health and operational performance [1][3][4]. Company Overview - Proya Cosmetics Co., Ltd. specializes in the research, production, and sales of cosmetics, maintaining competitive advantages in brand recognition, product diversity, and R&D capabilities [4][9]. - The company has a diverse brand portfolio including Proya, Caitang, Off&Relax, and others, covering various segments of the cosmetics market [9][14]. Financial Performance - For 2024, Proya reported a total revenue of 107.78 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 21.04%, and a profit of 18.89 billion yuan, up 26.34% from the previous year [4][10]. - As of March 2025, the company had cash assets of 47.34 billion yuan, with a low debt burden reflected in an asset-liability ratio of 28.15% [6][10]. Operational Strategy - The company successfully implemented a "big single product strategy," enhancing its market share in key categories and achieving significant sales growth through online channels [5][15]. - Proya's production capacity increased to 40.118 million units per year, with a focus on flexible production and inventory management [21][22]. R&D and Innovation - In 2024, Proya increased its R&D investment by 21.21%, totaling 2.10 billion yuan, and obtained 25 new patents, enhancing its technological edge [5][16]. - The company has established a European innovation center in Paris to strengthen its R&D capabilities [15]. Industry Context - The cosmetics industry in China is characterized by low technical barriers and high competition, with many players and a low market concentration [12][13]. - The online retail market for cosmetics is growing, with Proya ranking among the top companies in various categories on platforms like Tmall and Douyin [5][12]. Future Outlook - The stable rating outlook suggests that Proya's operational performance and competitive position are expected to improve further, driven by enhanced R&D and brand development [4][5].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the leadership transition at Proya, highlighting the challenges faced by the new CEO, Hou Yameng, in shifting the company's focus from marketing to research and development, amidst significant executive turnover and a legacy of high marketing expenses [1][10]. Group 1: Leadership Changes - Wang Li, the Vice General Manager and Secretary of the Board, resigned two years before her term ended, indicating potential instability in the company's leadership [4]. - Several key executives, including the R&D Director and Chief Marketing Officer, have left the company recently, suggesting a significant shift in the management team [4][5]. - Hou Yameng, the son of the company's actual controllers, has taken over as CEO, marking a generational transition in leadership [5]. Group 2: R&D and Marketing Focus - Despite Hou Yameng's efforts to enhance R&D hiring, Proya still struggles with the perception of being "heavy on marketing and light on R&D" [10]. - In 2024, Proya's sales expenses reached 5.16 billion yuan, a 30% increase year-on-year, with a sales expense ratio of 48% [10]. - The company's R&D expense ratio has remained around 2%, which is relatively low compared to industry standards, indicating a potential area for improvement [10]. Group 3: Historical Context - Proya's rise can be attributed to effective marketing strategies, including collaborations with influencers and the introduction of popular product lines [8][9]. - The company's founder, Hou Jun Cheng, initially built trust by distributing established brands before launching Proya as its own brand [7][8].