Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the company [4]. Core Views - The company is considered the purest player in the hard discount sector and is the only listed company in the bulk snack market, possessing scale, first-mover, and management advantages. The company has over 15,000 stores, strong bargaining power in the supply chain, and potential for improved net profit margins as subsidy costs decrease. Additionally, the bulk snack stores effectively meet the consumption needs of lower-tier markets, allowing for continuous category expansion and significant growth potential [2][3][4]. Financial Forecast and Valuation - The revenue forecasts for 2025-2027 are 540 billion, 643 billion, and 734 billion yuan, respectively, with net profits of 9.36 billion, 12.92 billion, and 16.02 billion yuan, reflecting growth rates of 219%, 38%, and 24%. The current stock price corresponds to a PE ratio of 33 and 24 for 2025 and 2026, respectively, indicating substantial room for market capitalization growth due to the company's rarity and growth potential [3][4]. Category Expansion - The company is transitioning from a "snack+" model to a "discount supermarket" model, driven by the need to address the challenges of scale inefficiency and low-price competition in the retail sector. The bulk snack channel has become a significant player in the snack category, with expectations of revenue exceeding 500 billion yuan by 2025. The industry is moving towards a dual oligopoly competition structure, where leading companies have a competitive edge due to their scale and first-mover advantages [12][13][14]. Consumer Demand and Market Position - The bulk snack channel meets consumer demands for "more, faster, better, and cheaper," with a typical customer price point of 20-30 yuan. The channel's products are priced at 70-80% of those in other channels, making it an attractive option for consumers. The company aims to leverage its scale and bargaining power to capture market share in lower-tier cities [15][16][20]. Store Experience and Product Offering - The company's stores are designed to enhance consumer experience, featuring clear product area divisions and engaging layouts that encourage deeper exploration of the store. The introduction of diverse product categories, including fresh food, baked goods, and toys, aims to create a one-stop shopping experience that meets various consumer needs [63][68][70].

Core Insights - The concept of "instant gratification" is a key driver for convenience stores, allowing them to maintain a competitive edge over e-commerce platforms, as consumers are willing to pay a premium for immediate access to products like bottled water [1][2] - Convenience stores benefit from high turnover rates, with products like bottled water having a turnover cycle of just 2 to 3 days, which enhances cash flow efficiency [1][3] - The psychological aspect of spending on urgent needs, as explained by the mental accounting theory, indicates that consumers categorize these expenses differently, prioritizing certainty over other considerations [1][2] Industry Dynamics - Leading beverage companies invest heavily in convenience stores by providing dedicated coolers, recognizing the unique value of the "instant gratification" experience that cannot be replicated by online platforms [2] - The rise of instant retail is prompting major e-commerce platforms to enter this space, but the unpredictability of urgent needs means that the immediate availability of convenience stores remains unmatched [2][3] - Convenience stores and vending machines have evolved into essential emergency stations for immediate needs, with water products being particularly well-suited for this market due to their high-frequency demand and strong cash turnover capabilities [3]

Core Insights - The company is implementing a "high-end cost-performance" strategy, investing up to 200 million yuan to enhance its snack supply chain and centralized bases in East China, North China, and Southwest China [1][3] - The company has experienced a decline in revenue from 2020 to 2023, with a notable 68.61% drop in net profit in 2022 [3] - The "high-end cost-performance" strategy aims to improve product quality and differentiation while maintaining competitive pricing, leveraging brand strength to enhance consumer value [3][4] - In 2024, the company reported a revenue of 10.622 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 49.3%, and a net profit of 408 million yuan, marking the highest revenue and profit growth since its listing [3][4] Financial Performance - The company's gross margin decreased from 29.38% in 2021 to 24.25% in 2024, indicating pressure on profitability despite revenue growth [4] - Average selling prices for core products decreased significantly, with nuts, baked goods, and snacks seeing price drops of 9.3%, 16.5%, and 8.8% respectively [4] - In Q1 2025, the company reported a slight revenue increase of 2.13% to 3.723 billion yuan, but net profit fell by 22.46% to 239 million yuan, indicating a trend of revenue growth without corresponding profit increase [4] Strategic Developments - The company is incubating 33 sub-brands across various sectors, including beverages and pre-prepared foods, to support its full-category expansion [5] - Significant investments are being made in supply chain construction, with plans for centralized bases in multiple cities, including Wuhu and Tianjin [5] - The "one product, one chain" strategy aims to streamline the supply chain by integrating global raw material sourcing [5]

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Accumulate" rating for the industry [5] Core Insights - The report highlights the rapid expansion of the multi-category discount retail format, with "零食有鸣" leading the way in this transformation. The company has established over 4,000 stores by the end of 2024, with a significant increase in the number of stores opening in 2025 [1][3] - The discount retail format is seen as a response to insufficient overall demand and excess supply, similar to trends observed in the retail markets of the US and Japan. This format is expected to capture a significant market share [20] Summary by Sections Section 1: Market Development - "零食有鸣" has pioneered the multi-category discount retail format, opening its first store in Chengdu in 2021 and expanding to over 4,000 stores by the end of 2024. The company opened 189 new stores during the 2024 National Day holiday, surpassing 1,500 stores by April 2025 [1][11] - The company focuses on community-based locations, targeting local residents and students, which positions it well against traditional small supermarkets [12] Section 2: Product Categories and Pricing - The product mix includes snacks, beverages, daily necessities, and seasonings, with snacks occupying approximately 50% of shelf space. The pricing strategy emphasizes value, with many products priced at 70-80% of nearby supermarkets and online platforms [2][16] - The high proportion of private label products in the daily necessities category is expected to enhance profitability and meet diverse community needs [16][19] Section 3: Supply Chain and Operational Efficiency - The report indicates that the category adjustments are minimal, allowing for easier operational scalability. The company is expected to establish direct partnerships with suppliers as it continues to expand its store network [3][20] - The report emphasizes the importance of supply chain efficiency, which is crucial for the success of the discount retail model, particularly in the early stages of multi-category expansion [20]