Core Insights - The county-level market in China is emerging as a new competitive arena for the automotive service industry, with a projected doubling of car wash and beauty stores by 2025 [2][4] - The automotive aftermarket is expected to reach a scale of 2 trillion yuan, with the penetration rate of new energy vehicles exceeding 50%, making the lower-tier market a critical growth area [2][4] Demand Drivers - The increasing number of vehicles, with a projected total of 353 million by the end of 2024, is driving demand, particularly in third and fourth-tier cities, which contribute nearly 60% of the growth [3] - The average age of vehicles in county areas has surpassed 5 years, leading to a surge in demand for car washing, beauty, and basic maintenance services [3] Industry Dynamics - Independent small repair shops are struggling, with 54% of single auto repair shops expected to see negative growth in customer visits by 2024, while chain brands are capitalizing on their advantages in procurement and standardized services [3][4] - The service gap in the lower-tier market presents a significant opportunity for chain brands to fill [3][4] Policy and Trends - The Chinese Chain Operation Association has identified "downward expansion" as one of the four main lines for the aftermarket, with local governments promoting the standardization of automotive after-services [4] - The impending "warranty expiration wave" for over 3 million new energy vehicles by the end of 2025 will create a spike in demand for battery maintenance and testing services in county markets [4] Company Strategy - Tuhu, a leading player in the automotive aftermarket, is leveraging its "system strength" rather than merely expanding its store count, focusing on a deep-rooted service network and standardized offerings [5][6] - As of June 2025, Tuhu operates 7,205 service stations, with a coverage rate of 70% in counties with over 20,000 passenger vehicles [5][6] Operational Excellence - Tuhu emphasizes detail-oriented standardization to alleviate customer concerns about service quality, ensuring that all core products are sourced directly from reputable brands [6] - The company has established partnerships with 135 educational institutions to train over 1,200 new energy vehicle technicians annually, ensuring skilled labor availability in county markets [6] Market Adaptation - Tuhu's strategy includes lowering entry barriers for franchisees and adapting services to meet local demands, such as expanding light beauty service capabilities to 5,700 stores by 2024 [7][8] - The introduction of digital tools, such as an intelligent pricing system, enhances operational efficiency and customer engagement in county markets [8] Industry Implications - Tuhu's approach signifies a new paradigm for the automotive service industry, demonstrating that the lower-tier market can be profitable and scalable [9] - The company's comprehensive standardization across supply chain, services, talent, and digitalization sets a replicable model for other chain enterprises in the industry [9]

Core Insights - The company reported a decline in revenue for 2024 but saw significant growth in net profit and non-recurring net profit, indicating improved operational efficiency despite lower sales [1] - The sales of high-end composite films have driven net profit growth, with optical film revenue increasing significantly [2] - The solar panel segment experienced a revenue decline, but gross margin improved, reflecting a shift in product mix [4] Financial Performance - For 2024, total revenue was 2.18 billion, down 6% year-on-year; net profit attributable to shareholders was 190 million, up 32% year-on-year; and non-recurring net profit was 152 million, up 93% year-on-year [1] - In Q4 2024, revenue was 540 million, down 19% year-on-year but up 3% quarter-on-quarter; net profit was 21 million, down 63% year-on-year and down 54% quarter-on-quarter [1] - In Q1 2025, revenue was 480 million, down 11% year-on-year; net profit was 59 million, up 20% year-on-year; and non-recurring net profit was 50 million, up 35% year-on-year [2] Segment Performance - Optical film revenue reached 1.34 billion in 2024, up 19% year-on-year, accounting for 61% of total revenue, with a gross margin of 31.1%, up 2.8 percentage points [2] - The window film business generated 70 million in revenue, down 7% year-on-year, with a gross margin of 45.9%, down 0.4 percentage points [3] - The solar panel segment saw revenue of 500 million, down 43% year-on-year, with a gross margin of 18.4%, up 4.5 percentage points [4] Future Outlook - Revenue projections for 2025-2027 are 2.18 billion, 2.22 billion, and 2.33 billion, with expected growth rates of 0%, 2%, and 5% respectively; net profit forecasts are 240 million, 290 million, and 340 million, with compound annual growth rates of 21% [6]