Core Viewpoint - Proya (603605.SH) has become the first domestic beauty brand to surpass 10 billion in revenue but is currently facing pressure from slowing performance [1][2] Financial Performance - In the first half of 2025, Proya reported revenue and net profit attributable to shareholders of 5.362 billion and 799 million respectively, representing year-on-year growth of 7.21% and 13.8% [1] - The second quarter showed a significant slowdown, with revenue of 3.003 billion, a year-on-year increase of only 6.49%, down over 30 percentage points compared to the same period in 2024 [1] - The main brand's revenue declined slightly by 0.08% to 3.979 billion in the first half of 2025, compared to a growth rate of 38% in the same period last year [5] Marketing Strategy - Proya has significantly increased its marketing expenditures, signing at least three top celebrities as brand ambassadors in 2025, which is more than the total of the past five years [1][9] - Marketing expenses reached 2.659 billion in the first half of 2025, a year-on-year increase of 13.64% [7] - The company is focusing on cost control, with operating costs down over 5% year-on-year to 1.427 billion [1][11] Competitive Landscape - Proya is set to compete with its peer, Shiseido's parent company, Up Beauty (2145.HK), which reported a revenue growth rate of 16% in the first half of 2025 [3][15] - Proya's market share is currently around 2%, indicating significant room for growth compared to mature markets [6] Future Plans - Proya is planning to list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, aiming to enhance its international strategy and financing capabilities [13][14] - The company has identified potential acquisition targets to boost its performance, with a goal of increasing its overall revenue to 35 billion from its own brands and 15 billion through acquisitions over the next decade [15][16]

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].