Core Viewpoint - Yatsen E-commerce, the parent company of the cosmetics brand Perfect Diary, reported a significant narrowing of net losses in its financial results for the first half and second quarter of 2025, indicating potential for profitable growth despite ongoing challenges in the beauty industry [1][3]. Financial Performance - In the first half of 2025, Yatsen E-commerce achieved revenue of 1.92 billion yuan, a 22.4% increase from 1.568 billion yuan in the same period of 2024 [1]. - The net loss for the first half of 2025 was 25.08 million yuan, compared to a net loss of 210 million yuan in the same period of 2024 [1]. - For the second quarter of 2025, revenue reached 1.09 billion yuan, up 36.8% from 795 million yuan in the second quarter of 2024 [1]. - The net loss for the second quarter of 2025 was 19.5 million yuan, a significant improvement from a net loss of 85.5 million yuan in the same quarter of 2024 [1]. Business Challenges - The beauty industry is experiencing a slowdown, and Yatsen E-commerce has faced development bottlenecks since its peak performance in 2019, when revenue was 3.031 billion yuan, growing 377% year-on-year [3][4]. - The company's revenue has been on a downward trend since 2022, with figures of 3.706 billion yuan, 3.415 billion yuan, and 3.393 billion yuan for 2022, 2023, and 2024 respectively, reflecting year-on-year declines of -36.5%, -7.9%, and -0.6% [3][4]. Strategic Shifts - Yatsen E-commerce is undergoing a transformation, focusing on "self-sustaining" strategies and launching a "second entrepreneurship" initiative to adapt to external uncertainties [4]. - The skincare segment, which includes brands like "完子心选" and acquisitions of KORRES, EVE LOM, and DR. WU, has shown rapid growth, with skincare revenue increasing by 78.7% to 580 million yuan in the second quarter of 2025, accounting for 53.5% of total revenue [4][5]. Marketing and Brand Image - The company's heavy reliance on marketing has led to increased costs, with marketing expenses rising from 309 million yuan in 2018 to 3.412 billion yuan in 2020, a growth of over 1004% [6][7]. - Despite high marketing expenditures, consumer fatigue with advertising has diminished the effectiveness of these strategies, leading to a decline in brand reputation and increased complaints regarding product quality and customer service [9][10]. - The stock price of Yatsen E-commerce has significantly dropped, losing 63.7% from its peak, reflecting declining investor confidence due to prolonged losses [7][8].

Core Viewpoint - KK Group is involved in a legal dispute with Miniso regarding trademark infringement and unfair competition related to its brand "THE COLORIST," which is set to be heard in court on September 1. This case is significant for intellectual property protection in the beauty retail industry [2][4]. Company Overview - KK Group, established in 2015, is a leading new retail enterprise in China, owning multiple brands including "THE COLORIST," "KKV," and X11. The company has expanded to over 1,000 stores across more than 200 cities globally, including locations in Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia [2][3]. Legal Background - The dispute began in 2019 when KK Group's brand "THE COLORIST" was registered by "Axin Technology" in China and by "Shenzhen Falaisheng" in several overseas countries, both of which are linked to Miniso. KK Group opened its first stores in Guangzhou and Shenzhen on September 26, 2019, quickly gaining recognition as a leading beauty retail brand [3][4]. Previous Legal Actions - Since 2020, KK Group has taken legal actions to protect its trademarks. The Beijing High People's Court ruled in favor of KK Group, stating that the registration by the infringing party constituted "unfair means of registration," leading to the cancellation of the trademark. Additionally, the Nanjing Intermediate People's Court found that Miniso's "WOW COLOUR" store design was highly similar to "THE COLORIST," ordering a cessation of infringement and a compensation of 2 million yuan [4][5]. Industry Context - The beauty retail sector in China has seen explosive growth, with the market size reaching 13 billion yuan in 2021 and projected to exceed 40 billion yuan by 2025. However, the industry faces challenges of homogenization, with many brands adopting similar business models and store designs, making it difficult for consumers to distinguish between them [5][6]. Market Trends - Recent reports indicate a slowdown in growth within the beauty retail sector, with some brands closing stores due to poor management. For instance, Sasa International announced the closure of its last 18 stores in mainland China in June 2025. In the first half of 2025, at least 34 domestic and international brands announced closures or exits from the Chinese market [6].

Core Viewpoint - The KK Group is suing Miniso and its affiliates for trademark infringement and unfair competition regarding its brand "THE COLORIST," with the trial set for September 1, which could significantly impact intellectual property protection in the beauty retail industry [2][3]. Company Dynamics - KK Group, established in 2015, operates multiple brands including "THE COLORIST," "KKV," and X11, and has expanded to over 1,000 stores across more than 200 cities globally, including locations in Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia [7]. - The company has been actively pursuing legal actions against trademark infringement since 2019, achieving partial victories in previous cases [3][6]. - KK Group has submitted its IPO application to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange four times since November 2021, with the latest application now expired, but the company states that the IPO process is progressing as planned [7]. Industry Overview - The beauty retail sector in China has seen explosive growth, with the market size reaching 130 billion yuan in 2021 and projected to exceed 400 billion yuan by 2025 [5]. - The rapid expansion has led to increased competition and a rise in trademark disputes due to the high degree of similarity among brands, making it difficult for consumers to distinguish between them [5][6]. - The industry has experienced a slowdown in growth, with many brands closing stores or exiting the market, including the closure of 18 stores by Sa Sa International in mainland China by June 2025 [6].