Core Viewpoint - Yatsen Holding Ltd. is experiencing a turnaround, driven primarily by a significant increase in skincare product revenue, marking a shift from its previous focus on color cosmetics [2][3][4]. Financial Performance - Yatsen reported a 7.8% year-on-year increase in first-quarter revenue, reaching 833.5 million yuan ($114.9 million), compared to 773.4 million yuan in the same quarter of 2024 [3][4]. - The company's net loss narrowed by 95.5% to 5.6 million yuan from 124.9 million yuan year-on-year, indicating improved financial health [3][4]. - Skincare revenue surged 47.4% year-on-year to 362.4 million yuan, increasing its share of total revenue to 43.5% from 31.7% a year earlier [4][8]. Market Position and Strategy - Yatsen's skincare segment is positioned as the fastest-growing area within China's 400 billion yuan beauty market, with skincare projected to reach over 700 billion yuan by 2028 [10]. - The company has invested heavily in R&D, filing 240 patents, primarily for skincare products, which has contributed to its recent success [3][4]. - Yatsen's market share in China's cosmetics market is currently only 1%, indicating significant room for growth [13]. Competitive Landscape - Yatsen's price-to-sales ratio (P/S) of 0.99 is significantly lower than that of profitable competitors like Shanghai Chicmax (3.88) and Proya Cosmetics (3.11) [6]. - The company has added several skincare brands to its portfolio, including DR. WU and Eve Lom, to enhance its market presence [9]. Consumer Trends - Chinese consumers are increasingly focused on skincare, particularly anti-aging and skin whitening products, which are perceived as essential rather than luxury items [11][14]. - The demand for innovative products is high among Chinese consumers, who are looking for value rather than just low prices [14].

Core Insights - The company reported a revenue increase to 830 million yuan in Q1 2025, representing a year-on-year growth of 7.8%, continuing its growth trend [2] - The skincare segment, including brands Galénic, DR.WU, and EVELOM, saw a net income increase of 58%, contributing to a 47.7% growth in skincare revenue, totaling 360 million yuan [2] - The skincare segment accounted for 43.5% of total revenue, maintaining over 30% for 12 consecutive quarters [2] - Gross profit increased by 9.7% year-on-year, with a gross margin rising to 79.1%, marking a historical high for the quarter [2] - The company achieved a Non-GAAP net profit of 7.14 million yuan, marking two consecutive quarters of positive revenue growth and profitability [2] - The company emphasizes R&D as a core strategy for future growth, with Q1 2025 R&D investment nearing 22.64 million yuan, and a cumulative investment of over 580 million yuan since 2020 [2] Market Analysis - Analysts view the Q1 performance as a strong start, with strategic transformation yielding results, laying a solid foundation for stable growth throughout the year [3] - The company projects Q2 2025 total revenue between 810 million and 890 million yuan, indicating a year-on-year growth of approximately 2% to 12% [3] - The board has approved a new stock repurchase plan, allowing for the buyback of up to 30 million USD in common stock over the next 24 months, reflecting management's confidence in the company's long-term prospects [3]

Core Viewpoint - Yatsen Holding Limited reported a 7.8% year-over-year increase in total net revenues for Q1 2025, driven by significant growth in skincare brands despite a challenging beauty market [3][4][6]. Financial Performance - Total net revenues for Q1 2025 reached RMB 833.5 million (US$ 114.9 million), up from RMB 773.4 million in the same period last year [4][6]. - Skincare brands contributed RMB 362.4 million (US$ 49.9 million) in net revenues, marking a 47.7% increase year-over-year [6]. - Gross profit increased by 9.7% to RMB 659.1 million (US$ 90.8 million), with gross margin rising to 79.1% from 77.7% [4][6]. Operating Expenses - Total operating expenses decreased by 8.6% to RMB 693.2 million (US$ 95.5 million) compared to the prior year [5][7]. - Selling and marketing expenses were RMB 553.8 million (US$ 76.3 million), with a decrease in percentage of total net revenues to 66.4% from 69.7% [7]. - General and administrative expenses dropped to RMB 64.9 million (US$ 8.9 million), representing 7.8% of total net revenues, down from 18.1% [7][8]. Loss and Income Metrics - The company recorded a net loss of RMB 5.6 million (US$ 0.8 million), significantly reduced from RMB 124.9 million a year ago [6][11]. - Non-GAAP net income for Q1 2025 was RMB 7.1 million (US$ 1.0 million), compared to a non-GAAP net loss of RMB 83.8 million in the previous year [12][36]. Cash Flow and Balance Sheet - As of March 31, 2025, Yatsen had cash and short-term investments totaling RMB 1.28 billion (US$ 176.4 million) [13]. - Net cash generated from operating activities was RMB 23.8 million (US$ 3.3 million), a turnaround from net cash used in operating activities of RMB 121.8 million in the prior year [13]. Business Outlook - For Q2 2025, Yatsen expects total net revenues to be between RMB 810.4 million and RMB 889.9 million, indicating a year-over-year increase of approximately 2% to 12% [14]. Share Repurchase Program - The company has initiated a new share repurchase program allowing for the repurchase of up to US$ 30.0 million worth of ordinary shares over the next 24 months [15][16].