Core Viewpoint - The company, Chando, is preparing for an IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, marking a significant shift from its historically cautious approach to capital markets. The brand has established itself as a leading domestic cosmetics player in China, but faces challenges in innovation and market dependence on a single brand [1][4][11]. Company Overview - Chando Group has developed five main brands, including "Chando," "Pofuyan," "Meisu," "Chunxia," and "Jichu," covering a comprehensive range of skincare, makeup, personal care, and children's products [2]. - The founding family, led by Zheng Chunying, maintains significant control over the company, with the Zheng family holding nearly 87% of the shares post-IPO [2][4]. Financial Performance - The company reported revenues of 42.92 billion RMB in 2022, 44.42 billion RMB in 2023, and projected 46.01 billion RMB in 2024, with a net profit of 1.39 billion RMB in 2022, increasing to 3.13 billion RMB in 2023, and a projected 2.03 billion RMB in 2024 [4]. - The gross margin has shown a steady increase from 66.5% in 2022 to 69.4% in 2024, while the net profit margin fluctuated between 3.2% and 6.8% during the same period [4]. Digital Transformation - Chando Group is recognized as the first in the Chinese beauty industry to establish a "one inventory system," enhancing its digital operations and supply chain management [5]. - The company has received strategic support from investors like Cathay Capital, which has facilitated its digital transformation efforts [5]. Challenges and Risks - The company faces a significant imbalance between marketing and R&D expenditures, with R&D spending decreasing from 2.8% of revenue in 2022 to 1.7% in 2025, while marketing expenses remain high [6]. - Chando's revenue is heavily reliant on its flagship brand, accounting for approximately 95% of total income, indicating a lack of market presence for its other brands [6][7]. Market Position - The domestic beauty market is experiencing growth, with Chando positioned as a leading player. However, the market remains fragmented, with the top five brands holding less than single-digit market shares [11]. - The upcoming IPO is seen as a starting point for Chando, with future growth potential hinging on diversifying its product offerings and reducing reliance on a single brand [11][12].

Core Viewpoint - The establishment of the new fermentation factory by the company is not only a business strategy but also a mission to provide high-quality products for global consumers' beauty and health needs [3][9]. Group 1: Factory Significance - The new fermentation factory enhances the company's ability to control the supply of core ingredients, ensuring a stable and independent supply chain [4][9]. - The factory's production capacity has increased by approximately five times, reaching an annual total capacity of 1,000 tons, which supports large-scale commercialization of fermentation ingredients [9][11]. Group 2: Technological Advancements - The factory employs fifth-generation intelligent fermentation technology, which integrates microbiology, synthetic biology, data science, and AI to optimize fermentation processes [15][13]. - This technology allows for precise control of fermentation conditions and real-time data analysis, significantly improving production efficiency and product quality [15][19]. Group 3: Research and Development - The company has invested 16 years in developing its own raw materials, focusing on the unique microbial resources found in the Himalayas, which are believed to have superior survival traits and beneficial properties for skincare [21][22]. - The research team has identified over 601 effective molecular components in the polar yeast ingredient, with significant benefits for skin rejuvenation and hydration [23][24]. Group 4: Market Positioning - The company aims to reduce reliance on imported raw materials, which currently account for over 70% of the industry, by developing its own core functional ingredients [33][34]. - The establishment of the fermentation factory positions the company as a leader in sustainable and innovative beauty solutions, contributing to the global beauty market [34][30].