Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the accelerating growth of upgraded consumption, particularly in high-end sectors, with a focus on the rising demand for tobacco and alcohol products, especially electronic cigarettes [1] Group 1: Market Trends - The electronic cigarette sector has shown a continuous upward trend since mid-April, with leading company Smoore International's stock price increasing by 100% since the beginning of the year [1] - British American Tobacco (BAT) reported a 2.4% year-on-year increase in revenue from new tobacco products, reaching £1.651 billion, with adjusted gross profit rising by 6.8% to £1.006 billion [2] - The HNB (Heated Not Burned) segment of BAT achieved revenue of £440 million, a 0.8% increase, with sales volume growing by 1.6% to 10.1 billion units [2] Group 2: Company Performance - Smoore International's revenue for the first half of the year was 6.013 billion yuan, an 18% year-on-year increase, while pre-tax profit is expected to be between 629 million and 769 million yuan, reflecting a decrease of 5% to 23% [3] - The company has seen significant growth in its proprietary brand and enterprise client business, contributing to an increase in gross profit [3] - Smoore has established a METEX division to enhance its strategic layout in the HNB field, showcasing its technological capabilities and patent portfolio [4] Group 3: Future Outlook - The global HNB market is expected to continue growing, with significant potential in the U.S. market as regulations tighten on non-compliant products [6][7] - Smoore's ongoing investment in R&D, particularly in HNB and medical aerosol products, reached 390 million yuan, a 41.3% increase, indicating a strong commitment to this sector [6] - The collaboration with BAT on the Glo Hilo series is anticipated to enhance Smoore's position in the value chain, transitioning from a component supplier to a core technology partner [4][5]