Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent performance and valuation of Laopu Gold, highlighting its significantly high P/E ratio compared to industry peers and the implications of its stock price surge in the Hong Kong market since mid-2024 [1][5][6]. Company Overview - Laopu Gold, established in 2009, is the first brand in China to promote traditional gold craftsmanship, focusing on the design, production, and retail of handmade gold products [2]. Market Performance - Since June 2024, Laopu Gold's stock price has experienced a dramatic increase, rising from 69.4 HKD per share to a peak of 1015 HKD per share, representing a maximum increase of 1362.54% [5]. - As of June 26, 2025, Laopu Gold's closing price was 868.5 HKD per share, maintaining a P/E ratio of 94.3, which is significantly higher than its competitors such as Chow Tai Fook (22.3) and Chow Sang Sang (15.3) [6][7]. Financial Performance - In 2024, Laopu Gold reported revenues of 8.506 billion CNY, a year-on-year increase of 167.5%, with a net profit of 1.473 billion CNY, reflecting a growth of 253.9% [10]. - The company's gross profit was 3.501 billion CNY, with a gross margin maintained at a high level of around 41.2% to 41.9% from 2021 to 2024 [12]. Inventory and Cash Flow Concerns - Laopu Gold's inventory surged by 222.4% in 2024, reaching a balance of 4.09 billion CNY, which raises concerns about potential overstock and sales risks in a competitive market [14][16]. - Despite strong revenue growth, the company reported a negative operating cash flow of -1.228 billion CNY in 2024, indicating potential liquidity issues [14]. Valuation and Market Sentiment - The high P/E ratio of Laopu Gold suggests optimistic market expectations for future growth, but it also carries risks related to overvaluation and shareholder pressure due to the upcoming release of a significant number of shares [6][8].