Core Viewpoint - Tobacco packaging plays a crucial role in brand promotion, product protection, and compliance with strict government regulations across various countries. The market is influenced by factors such as regulatory requirements, anti-counterfeiting needs, the shift towards low-risk products, sustainability pressures, emerging market growth, and trends in personalization and branding [1][3][4]. Regulatory Environment - Governments in countries like Australia, France, and the UK enforce plain packaging laws requiring graphic health warnings that cover 50-90% of the packaging area, prohibiting brand logos and colors [1]. - Increasing graphic and textual warnings necessitate redesigning packaging and limit branding space [2]. - Regulations also mandate child-safe packaging with tamper-evident seals or complex opening mechanisms [2]. Anti-Counterfeiting Demand - The rise of illegal tobacco trade has increased the demand for advanced security features such as holograms, QR codes, and invisible ink to verify product authenticity and comply with the WHO's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control [3]. Shift to Low-Risk Products - The growing popularity of e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products (e.g., IQOS), and nicotine pouches requires specialized packaging, including heat-resistant materials and moisture barriers [3]. Sustainability Pressures - There is a demand from governments and consumers for eco-friendly solutions, such as biodegradable films and recyclable cardboard, to reduce plastic waste and carbon footprints [3]. Emerging Market Growth - The increasing tobacco consumption in regions like Asia-Pacific (e.g., India, Indonesia) and Africa drives the demand for cost-effective, high-capacity packaging [4]. Personalization and Branding Trends - Despite regulatory constraints, there is a growing trend towards personalized and premium packaging designs, including limited edition packaging and unique opening mechanisms to attract consumers seeking exclusive experiences [4]. Market Size and Growth Forecast - According to QYResearch, the global tobacco packaging market is projected to reach USD 10.15 billion by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.9% in the coming years [4]. Market Composition - Paper is the dominant product type in the tobacco packaging market, accounting for approximately 75.8% of the market share [12]. - Traditional tobacco remains the primary application, representing about 91.2% of the demand [14]. Key Manufacturers - Major manufacturers in the global tobacco packaging market include Amcor, WestRock, Delfort, TANN GROUP, and Jinjia Group, with the top five companies holding around 36.0% of the market share in 2024 [10].

Group 1: Financial Performance - Education business revenue increased by 12% year-on-year, but net profit contribution is less than 5% [2] - 2024 revenue increased by 16.26%, while net profit rose by 5.67% [5] - 2024 operating cash flow net amount decreased by 65%, but improved by 19.39% year-on-year [4] - Financial expenses increased by 12.80% in 2024, with interest expenses accounting for 154.70% of net profit [5] - 2024 government subsidies accounted for 27.89% of net profit [5] Group 2: Inventory and Debt Management - Inventory turnover rate decreased by 22% year-on-year, but year-end inventory decreased by 4.48% compared to the beginning of the year [3] - Short-term borrowings increased by 70%, while long-term borrowings decreased by 30% [4] - 2024 asset-liability ratio was 63.81%, with measures in place to control debt risk [4] Group 3: Business Strategy and Development - The company is focusing on integrating quality resources to enhance operational efficiency in the education sector [2] - The Han Du Hospital project was approved on April 24, 2024, and is progressing as planned [3][7] - The tobacco supporting business accounted for over 58.58% of revenue, with a gross margin of 25.30% [5] Group 4: Market and Investor Relations - The company emphasizes a focus on core tobacco and education businesses, despite suggestions to divest from education [3] - The stock price performance is influenced by multiple factors, and the company encourages rational investment [7]

Core Viewpoint - Jihong Co., Ltd. is set to launch its IPO, offering 67.91 million shares at a price range of HKD 7.48 to 10.68, with H-shares expected to be listed on May 27, 2023. The company is positioned as the first "AI-driven cross-border social e-commerce A+H stock" and is a leader in both the B2C export e-commerce and paper fast-moving consumer goods packaging industries, showcasing significant multi-dimensional value potential [1]. Industry Overview - Jihong Co., Ltd. operates in the B2C export social media e-commerce sector and the paper fast-moving consumer goods packaging industry, both characterized by large market space and high growth potential. The Chinese B2C export e-commerce market is projected to reach USD 927.6 billion by 2029, accounting for 11.4% of the global market, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.2% from 2024 to 2029 [2]. - The Asian segment of the B2C export e-commerce market is expected to grow to USD 458.4 billion by 2029, with a CAGR of 15.8%, outpacing the overall market growth. Social media is identified as the fastest-growing traffic source in this sector, with the Asian market projected to reach USD 69.5 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 19.0% [2]. Company Strategy and Performance - Jihong Co., Ltd. employs an AI-driven approach to enhance operational efficiency in cross-border e-commerce, effectively reshaping the competitive landscape and reducing costs. This strategy allows for improved product selection, marketing, and user experience, transitioning the competition from resource consumption to algorithm evolution [5]. - The company focuses on the Asian market, particularly along the Belt and Road Initiative, which provides stability against fluctuations in Western markets. Over 80% of its cross-border e-commerce revenue comes from Asia, with minimal exposure to the U.S. market [5]. - Jihong Co., Ltd. has a robust long-term strategy that includes AI-driven e-commerce, proprietary brand development, and international expansion of its packaging business. The company has developed the Giikin system to optimize its operations across the supply chain, achieving a low inventory turnover ratio and high return on investment (ROI) compared to industry averages [8][9]. - The company has established several proprietary brands and is leveraging its marketing data to enhance brand influence and sales efficiency. Its packaging business has also expanded into new markets, collaborating with local firms to strengthen its operational capabilities [9][10]. Financial Performance - In 2024, Jihong Co., Ltd. is projected to generate revenue of CNY 3.366 billion from cross-border social e-commerce, accounting for 60.9% of total revenue, while its paper packaging business is expected to contribute CNY 2.099 billion, or 38% [11]. - The company is anticipated to maintain a gross margin of 60.5% for its cross-border e-commerce segment, supporting an overall gross margin of 43.8%. In Q1 2025, Jihong Co., Ltd. reported a revenue of CNY 1.477 billion, a year-on-year increase of 11.55%, with net profit rising by 38.21% [11]. Conclusion - Jihong Co., Ltd.'s upcoming IPO is expected to enhance its market visibility and provide a platform for international expansion, potentially transforming it from a regional leader to a global player. The company's strategic focus on technology and market positioning is likely to drive its value and attract investor interest [12][13].