Core Insights - Haidilao is actively expanding its brand portfolio and experimenting with new restaurant concepts to adapt to changing consumer preferences and market conditions [3][9][12] Group 1: Brand Expansion and Strategy - Haidilao has launched the "Red Pomegranate Plan" to encourage internal entrepreneurship and develop new restaurant brands across various price segments [9][10] - The brand "Jugaogao," acquired from former Haidilao employees, offers a self-service hot pot experience at a significantly lower price point of 59.9 yuan per person, attracting high customer traffic [4][5][11] - The company has rapidly expanded "Jugaogao" to over 50 locations within six months, indicating a strong market demand for affordable dining options [6][11] Group 2: Market Position and Consumer Response - Despite the initial success of new brands, there are concerns about service quality and operational issues, with some consumers reporting inconsistent food quality and slow service [8][11][14] - The overall dining market is experiencing a downturn, with average consumer spending in the restaurant sector declining, which poses challenges for Haidilao's growth strategy [12][13] Group 3: Financial Performance and Challenges - Haidilao's aggressive expansion strategy has led to significant financial losses in the past, prompting a reevaluation of its growth approach [13][14] - The company's market valuation has fluctuated significantly since its IPO, reflecting a shift from high-growth expectations to a focus on sustainable profitability [13][14] - The new brands launched under the "Red Pomegranate Plan" have yet to contribute significantly to overall revenue, highlighting the challenges of scaling new concepts effectively [11][14]

Core Viewpoint - Haidilao is actively expanding its business lines to seek new growth opportunities amid increasing competition in the hot pot market, which has seen a decline in net store openings [2][3][4]. Group 1: Business Expansion - Haidilao has launched a new self-service hot pot concept called "Juhighao Self-Service Hot Pot" in cities like Changsha, Ningbo, and Nanjing, priced at 59.9 yuan per person, attracting significant consumer interest despite long wait times [2]. - The company has been diversifying its offerings since 2024, introducing new brands in various categories such as spicy hot pot, clay pot dishes, grilled fish, and baking, indicating a strategic move to explore multiple revenue streams [2][4]. - The hot pot market is becoming increasingly competitive, with new brands emerging and traditional restaurant giants entering the space, leading to a challenging environment for established players like Haidilao [3][4]. Group 2: Market Challenges - The hot pot industry has experienced a net decrease of 29,676 stores over the past year, highlighting a trend where the number of closures exceeds openings, which poses a significant challenge for all brands, including Haidilao [3]. - Despite achieving a service volume of 414 million and an average of 303,000 service visits per store in 2024, Haidilao's revenue growth has slowed, with a reported revenue of 42.75 billion yuan, a mere 3.1% increase year-on-year, compared to much higher growth rates in previous years [4][3]. Group 3: Diversification Strategy - Haidilao's diversification strategy includes launching a baking brand "Schwasua," which has seen initial success but faces challenges in maintaining consumer interest and differentiation in a crowded market [5][7]. - The company is also transforming its hot pot restaurants into nightlife venues, offering a broader range of services and products, such as DJ performances and themed food items, to attract a different customer base [5][6]. - The "Red Pomegranate Plan" aims to develop multiple brands and ecosystems with minimal costs, allowing Haidilao to experiment and adapt its offerings based on market feedback [7][9]. Group 4: Future Outlook - While the expansion into new business lines is intended to alleviate growth anxiety, the effectiveness of these initiatives in driving significant revenue growth remains uncertain and will require time to evaluate [8][9]. - The dual nature of expanding into new lines presents both opportunities and challenges, particularly concerning supply chain and operational costs, which could impact the overall success of these ventures [8][9].