Core Viewpoint - The company, Xiaobai Xiaobai, anticipates a revenue decline of approximately 18.9% year-on-year for the first half of the year, with expected losses between RMB 0.8 billion and RMB 1.0 billion, representing a year-on-year decrease in losses of about 63.2% to 70.5% [1] Financial Performance - For the year ended December 31, 2024, the company reported a revenue of RMB 4.75 billion, down from RMB 5.92 billion in 2023 [2] - The company has been experiencing continuous losses since 2021, with net losses of RMB 293 million in 2021, RMB 353 million in 2022, RMB 199 million in 2023, and an expected loss of RMB 401 million in 2024, totaling approximately RMB 1.33 billion in cumulative losses [2] Market Reaction - Following the announcement, the company's stock price fell by 3.85% to HKD 0.75 per share, with a total market capitalization of HKD 8.15 billion [3][4] - Since the peak in January 2023, the stock has declined over 92%, leading to its classification as a "penny stock" [3] Company Background - Founded in 1998, Xiaobai Xiaobai transformed the Taiwanese hot pot concept into a rotating hot pot format and went public in 2014, becoming the first listed chain hot pot company [6] - The company has launched several brands, including "Cha Mi Cha" in 2015, "Cou Cou" in 2016, and "Chen Shao" in 2022, with over 95% of revenue coming from Xiaobai Xiaobai and Cou Cou brands [6]

Group 1: Market Overview - The Hong Kong stock market opened lower but rebounded, with the Hang Seng Index closing at 24,627.25 points, up 119.44 points, or 0.49% [1] - The Hang Seng Tech Index also rose, closing at 5,447.62 points, up 50.22 points, or 0.93% [1] - Gold stocks in Hong Kong surged, with Shandong Gold and Chifeng Gold rising over 9% due to increased attractiveness of gold amid Fed rate cut expectations [1][16] Group 2: Company Performance - Xia Bo Xia Bo - Xia Bo Xia Bo, known as the "first rotating hot pot stock," announced a projected revenue of approximately RMB 1.9 billion for the first half of the year, a year-on-year decrease of about 18.9% [3] - The company expects a net loss between RMB 80 million to 100 million, with a year-on-year decline in losses of approximately 63.2% to 70.5% [3] - Since 2021, Xia Bo Xia Bo has faced continuous losses, accumulating a total loss of approximately RMB 1.326 billion from 2021 to 2024 [4] Group 3: Stock Performance - Xia Bo Xia Bo - Xia Bo Xia Bo's stock price fell nearly 4% in early trading, with a cumulative decline of over 92% since its peak in January 2023, leaving a market capitalization of only HKD 815 million [5] - The stock price was reported at HKD 0.75 per share, reflecting a drop of 3.85% [5][6] Group 4: Gold Market Dynamics - The recent surge in gold prices, with London gold spot prices rising over 2% to USD 3,362.64 per ounce, has been attributed to increasing expectations of a Fed rate cut [16] - This rise in gold prices has led to a significant increase in the stock prices of gold companies in Hong Kong, with several stocks rising over 8% [15][16] Group 5: InnoTek's Market Activity - InnoTek's stock price increased by over 40% in two trading days, driven by a partnership with NVIDIA to promote an 800 VDC power architecture for AI data centers [9][12] - The stock price reached HKD 62.65, with a market capitalization of HKD 56.03 billion [11]

Core Viewpoint - The dual-brand strategy of Xiaobai Xiaobai has become a burden, leading to significant financial losses and a decline in market position [1][5][11] Market Environment - The hot pot market is experiencing intense price competition, with average customer spending dropping 14% year-on-year to 59 yuan, and the proportion of meals priced below 30 yuan increasing by 2% [2] - The 50-70 yuan price range has become the most competitive segment, accounting for 45% of the market, while the share of meals priced over 100 yuan has shrunk to 7% [2] - There are over 50,000 small hot pot outlets nationwide, with the largest share (over 30%) in the 20-40 yuan price range [3] Company Performance - Xiaobai Xiaobai's 2024 financial report revealed a revenue of 4.755 billion yuan, a year-on-year decline of 19.65%, and a net loss of 401 million yuan, marking the fourth consecutive year of losses with total losses exceeding 1.2 billion yuan [5][7] - The stock price has plummeted from a peak of 26.9 HKD in 2021 to 0.81 HKD, triggering delisting warnings from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange [5] - The company closed 138 Xiaobai Xiaobai outlets and 73 Coucou outlets in 2024, with closures primarily in areas not aligned with the brand's "high cost-performance" positioning [7] Brand Strategy and Challenges - The high-end brand Coucou, with an average customer spending of 123.5 yuan, is struggling to fit into the current market dynamics, as its revenue dropped 26% year-on-year [7][11] - The company's attempts to reposition itself towards high-end dining have led to a disconnect with consumer trends, resulting in a fragmented brand image [9][11] - Coucou's strategy of combining hot pot with tea has not resonated with consumers, leading to negative feedback regarding its product offerings and service quality [10][11] Future Outlook - The company plans to open 95 new Xiaobai Xiaobai outlets in 2025, aiming for a threefold increase in table turnover rates [13][15] - However, the challenges of competing in both high-end and budget markets, along with declining consumer trust and brand image, pose significant hurdles for recovery [11][15] - The hot pot industry is projected to grow, with a market size of 617.5 billion yuan in 2024, but the competitive landscape is shifting, favoring brands that can adapt to consumer preferences [14]