Core Viewpoint - Metro Supply Chain Co., Ltd. has faced significant challenges in its attempts to go public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, marking its third unsuccessful attempt in five years, reflecting a decline in its business performance and market confidence [1][2]. Financial Performance - From 2021 to 2023, Metro Supply Chain's total revenue decreased from 27.82 billion to 24.86 billion, with net profits fluctuating at 332 million, -471 million, and 253 million respectively, indicating instability [3]. - For the first seven months of 2024, the company reported revenue of 14.82 billion, a slight decline of 1.0% year-on-year, with operating profit halved compared to the same period in 2023 [3]. Business Segments - The company operates primarily in four segments: retail distribution solutions, food service and distribution solutions, welfare gift solutions, and wholesale goods, with retail distribution solutions accounting for approximately 59.6% of total revenue in the first seven months of 2024 [3][4]. Client Dependency - Metro Supply Chain heavily relies on the Wumart Group, with sales to its top five clients constituting 64.0% of total revenue, and sales to Wumart alone accounting for over 96% of this amount [4][5]. Financial Health - The company has a high debt-to-asset ratio, consistently above 100%, and has seen its cash reserves drop significantly, with only 5.37 billion remaining as of July 31, 2024, a decrease of 64.4% year-on-year [7][8]. - The financial costs related to bank loans and non-trade payables have consumed a significant portion of its gross profit, with interest costs accounting for 67.0% and 73.5% of financial costs in 2023 and the first half of 2024 respectively [7]. Investor Pressure - Various venture capital and private equity investors, including IDG Capital and Tencent, are under pressure to exit their investments, with a potential redemption obligation of up to 15 billion USD if the company fails to go public by June 28, 2025 [8][9].

Core Viewpoint - Metro Supply Chain's application for a Hong Kong IPO has become invalid, marking the third failed attempt, leading to increased uncertainty regarding its listing prospects [1][2][4]. Company Overview - Metro Supply Chain, originally a German brand, opened its first store in Shanghai in 1996, focusing on B2B operations with a membership and cash-and-carry model [2]. - In October 2019, Metro China was acquired by Wumart Group, which integrated it into its operations [2]. Financial Performance - From 2021 to 2023, Metro Supply Chain reported revenues of RMB 27.82 billion, RMB 27.10 billion, and RMB 24.86 billion, with net profits of RMB 0.33 billion, a loss of RMB 0.47 billion, and a profit of RMB 0.25 billion respectively [6]. - In the first seven months of 2024, the company achieved revenue of RMB 14.82 billion, a year-on-year decline of 0.96%, with a net loss of RMB 41 million, a reduction of 54.19% compared to the previous period [6]. Business Segments - The main business segments of Metro Supply Chain include retail distribution solutions, food service and distribution solutions, welfare gift solutions, and wholesale [5]. - The retail distribution solutions segment is heavily reliant on Wumart Group, which accounted for over 60% of the company's revenue in recent years [9][11]. Client Dependency - In 2022, 2023, and the first seven months of 2024, revenue from Wumart Group was RMB 16.89 billion, RMB 15.40 billion, and RMB 9.11 billion, representing 62.3%, 62.0%, and 61.4% of total revenue respectively [9]. - The company's dependency on Wumart has raised concerns about its operational sustainability, especially as Wumart's store count decreased by approximately 15% [11][12]. Profitability Challenges - The gross margin for the retail distribution solutions segment was only 3.8% in the first seven months of 2024, compared to 18.7% for food service and distribution solutions [12]. - The overall gross margin for Metro Supply Chain was reported at 9.7% [12]. Future Outlook - Metro Supply Chain aims to reduce its reliance on Wumart by expanding its client base, having recently added two independent third-party retail clients in Hunan and Hubei [11]. - Despite efforts to diversify, revenue from other clients remains minimal, contributing only RMB 2.3 million in the first seven months of 2024 [11].