Core Viewpoint - The performance report of Blokus (HK.0325), known as the "Chinese version of Lego," shows revenue growth and a turnaround from loss to profit, but the growth rate is significantly below expectations [2][3][4]. Financial Performance - In the first half of 2025, Blokus achieved revenue of 1.338 billion RMB, a year-on-year increase of 27.9%, and adjusted profit of 320 million RMB, up 9.6% [4]. - The adjusted net profit margin was 23.9%, down 4% year-on-year, while the company reported a profit of 297 million RMB, recovering from a loss of 255 million RMB in the same period last year [4]. - The sales volume of core products, building block toys, increased by 96.8%, from 56 million units to 111 million units, but revenue growth was only 27.9% [5]. Market Context - The overall retail sales of consumer goods in China reached 24.55 trillion RMB in the first half of the year, growing by 5% year-on-year, indicating a low growth environment for consumer spending [3]. - The competitive landscape in the building block toy market is intensifying, with brands like Pop Mart expanding rapidly, leading to increased consumer choices and market fragmentation [5]. Strategic Insights - Blokus's low-price strategy, while boosting sales volume, has compressed profit margins, leading to a decline in adjusted net profit margin [5][6]. - The company's inventory turnover days increased from 28 days in 2024 to 75 days in the first half of 2025, indicating potential inventory buildup and market demand forecasting issues [7]. International Expansion - Blokus reported significant growth in overseas markets, achieving revenue of 111 million RMB, which accounted for 8.3% of total revenue, marking a year-on-year increase of 898.6% [8]. - The company successfully penetrated markets in Southeast Asia and North America, leveraging local partnerships and distribution channels [8]. Industry Trends - The market for building block toys is experiencing polarization, with high-end consumers seeking unique IPs and designs, while the mass market focuses on cost-effectiveness and entertainment value [9][10]. - The demand for two-dimensional peripheral products is growing, with the user base in China expected to reach 526 million by 2025 [9]. Future Outlook - Blokus plans to enhance its R&D capabilities and expand its IP product offerings, aiming to provide quality toys at affordable prices [10]. - The company will invest further in sales and marketing in both domestic and international markets to support efficient expansion [10].

Core Viewpoint - The financial performance of Bluko in the first half of 2025 fell short of market expectations, with revenue growth of 27.9% and adjusted net profit growth of 9.6%, significantly lower than the previous year's figures and compared to competitors like Pop Mart [1][2]. Financial Performance - Bluko reported a revenue of 1.338 billion, a year-on-year increase of 27.9%, and an adjusted net profit of 320 million, up 9.6% [1]. - In contrast, Pop Mart achieved revenue growth of 204% and adjusted net profit growth of 363% in the same period [1]. Sales Strategy and Challenges - The significant revenue growth disparity is attributed to a low-price strategy, particularly the promotion of the "Starry Version" series priced at 9.9 yuan, which accounted for a large portion of sales growth [2]. - The sales volume of core products increased by 96.8%, but revenue growth was only 27.9%, indicating that low-priced products did not translate into proportional revenue increases [2]. Inventory and Turnover - Bluko's inventory turnover days increased from 28 days in 2024 to 75 days in the first half of 2025, suggesting potential sales pressure at the retail level [3]. - In comparison, Pop Mart's inventory turnover days decreased from 130 days to 87 days during the same period [3]. Profitability and Cost Structure - The expansion into low-price products has negatively impacted Bluko's gross margin, which fell by over 4 percentage points compared to 2024, despite increased sales volume [3][5]. - Depreciation costs rose significantly, with a 140% increase in total depreciation and a 200% increase in mold-related depreciation, which outpaced revenue growth [5]. International Business Growth - Bluko's overseas revenue reached 110 million, a ninefold increase year-on-year, accounting for 8% of total revenue, indicating strong international market performance [6]. - The North American market showed the highest growth, with revenue exceeding 43 million, a year-on-year increase of over 20 times [6]. Valuation Perspective - Bluko's annualized adjusted net profit is estimated at 640 million, corresponding to a dynamic price-to-earnings ratio (PE) in the range of 35-40 times, similar to Pop Mart's valuation [8]. - Both companies face pressure to demonstrate sustainable growth, with Bluko needing to show that its revenue slowdown is a temporary adjustment [9].

Core Insights - Bruco's financial performance for the first half of 2025 fell short of market expectations, with revenue of 1.338 billion RMB, a year-on-year increase of 27.9%, and adjusted net profit of 320 million RMB, up 9.6% [1][7] - The company's stock price dropped over 10% following the earnings report, reflecting investor disappointment compared to its previous year's performance and that of competitors like Pop Mart [1][2] Revenue and Profitability - Bruco's revenue growth rate and adjusted net profit growth rate for 2024 were significantly higher at 156% and 702%, respectively [1] - The sales volume of Bruco's core product, building block toys, increased by 96.8%, but revenue growth was only 27.9%, primarily due to a low-price strategy [2][7] - The introduction of low-priced products, such as the "Starry Version" series priced at 9.9 RMB, contributed significantly to sales volume but did not translate into proportional revenue growth [2][6] Inventory and Cost Management - Bruco's inventory turnover days increased from 28 days in 2024 to 75 days in the first half of 2025, indicating potential issues with product movement at the distributor level [3][6] - The company's gross margin declined by over 4 percentage points in 2025 compared to 2024, attributed to the low-margin low-priced products and increased depreciation costs from a larger SKU base [6][7] International Expansion - Despite overall revenue and profit growth being below expectations, Bruco's overseas business showed significant growth, with revenue reaching 110 million RMB in the first half of 2025, a ninefold increase year-on-year [9][10] - The North American market exhibited the highest growth, with revenue of 43 million RMB, up over 20 times compared to the previous year [9][10] Market Position and Valuation - Bruco's estimated annualized adjusted net profit of approximately 640 million RMB corresponds to a dynamic price-to-earnings ratio of 35-40, similar to that of Pop Mart, indicating market expectations for future growth [12][13] - The company must demonstrate that the slowdown in revenue growth is a temporary adjustment and that its long-term growth strategy remains intact [12][13]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the company with a target price of HKD 188.00 [9][10] Core Insights - The company has accelerated its product launch pace since March, introducing new products and IPs that are expected to contribute positively to growth in 2025 [3][4] - The establishment of the "Blokus System" creates competitive barriers through a standardized building block system, extensive patent layout, and a large, continuously expanding high-quality IP matrix [3][4] - The company aims for growth through a comprehensive approach targeting all demographics, price points, and global markets, indicating a clear growth trajectory [3][4] Summary by Sections Product Development - The company has launched several new products in its main product line, including various iterations of popular IPs such as Kamen Rider, Naruto, Ultraman, and Transformers [4] - The introduction of the Starry Edition series at a price point of HKD 9.9 has shown strong sales performance, expected to contribute significantly to 2025's revenue [4] - New products targeting adult fans and female demographics have also been introduced, indicating potential for market expansion [4] International Expansion - The company reported a 518% year-on-year increase in overseas sales revenue, reaching RMB 64 million, with significant contributions from Asia (excluding China) and North America [5] - Participation in international toy exhibitions has helped the company connect with global fans, and popular IPs have received licensing in multiple regions [5] Financial Projections and Valuation - The report maintains profit forecasts for 2025-2027, estimating adjusted net profits of RMB 1.128 billion, RMB 1.772 billion, and RMB 2.564 billion respectively [6] - The target price is based on a 36x PE ratio for 2025, reflecting the company's strong competitive position and growth potential [6][10] - Revenue projections show significant growth, with expected revenues of RMB 4.499 billion in 2025, up from RMB 2.241 billion in 2024 [8][19]