Core Viewpoint - Lin Qingxuan, a high-end domestic skincare brand, has submitted its IPO application to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, marking its ambition to enter the public market after 23 years of establishment [1] Company Overview - Founded in 2003 by Sun Chunlai, Lin Qingxuan has gained popularity among young consumers through its unique marketing strategies, including the distribution of handmade essential oil soaps [1] - The brand claims to rank first among domestic high-end skincare brands in China based on retail sales for 2024, and it is the only domestic brand among the top 15 high-end skincare brands in China [1] Financial Performance - Lin Qingxuan's revenue for the years 2022 to 2024 was reported as 691 million yuan, 805 million yuan, and 1.209 billion yuan respectively [2] - The company's profit over the past three years showed significant fluctuations, with figures of -5.93 million yuan, 84.5 million yuan, and 186 million yuan, indicating a transition from losses to profitability [2] Market Trends - The high-end skincare market in China has grown from 749 billion yuan in 2019 to an expected 1,144 billion yuan in 2024, with projections to reach 2,185 billion yuan by 2029 [3] - The market for high-end anti-wrinkle and firming products is projected to grow from 594 billion yuan in 2024 to 1,555 billion yuan by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.2% [3] Product Strategy - Lin Qingxuan has focused on essential oil skincare, with its signature Camellia Oil leading sales, accounting for 31.5%, 35.3%, and 37% of total revenue over the past three years [5] - The company has also introduced new products, with facial creams becoming a significant revenue contributor, increasing from 13.7% of total revenue in 2022 to 15.7% in 2024 [5] Brand Positioning - Despite its focus on essential oils, Lin Qingxuan struggles to position itself as a "high-end" brand compared to international competitors like La Mer and Sisley [6] - The average price per milliliter for Lin Qingxuan's Camellia Oil is approximately 27.3 yuan, significantly lower than that of its high-end counterparts [6] Distribution Channels - As of 2024, Lin Qingxuan operates 506 stores nationwide, with a significant presence in new first-tier and third-tier cities [7] - The company has seen a shift in sales channels, with online sales projected to account for 59.1% of revenue in 2024, compared to 40.8% from offline channels [6] Challenges Ahead - Lin Qingxuan's primary market is in new first-tier and third-tier cities, but competition from international brands like Lancôme and Estée Lauder poses challenges for capturing the high-end market segment [8] - The company's R&D expenditures from 2022 to 2024 were 21.1 million yuan, 19.7 million yuan, and 30.4 million yuan, representing a moderate investment level relative to its revenue base [8]