UTour (SZ:002707)2025-05-08 15:31Summary of the Conference Call for Zhongxin Tourism Industry Overview - The tourism industry is gradually recovering post-pandemic, with Zhongxin Tourism's revenue reaching approximately 6.4 billion RMB in 2024, which is about half of the pre-pandemic levels. The Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) is around 8 billion RMB, recovering to about 60-70% of pre-pandemic levels, outperforming the industry average [2][21]. Key Points and Arguments Revenue and Business Segments - The company's main business segments include wholesale (80% of revenue), retail (10%), and other services (10%). Retail revenue is now accounted for on a net basis, with approximately 30% of retail GMV recognized as revenue [2][4]. - Domestic tourism is showing strong growth, contributing 10-15% to total revenue, with high-end domestic products being launched [2][5]. - The wholesale business generated revenue between 4.8 to 5 billion RMB, with outbound tourism market recovery at 100%, primarily due to the full recovery of European products in 2023 [2][17]. Store Expansion and Business Model - As of the end of 2024, the company has over 2,300 stores nationwide, with plans to expand to 3,500 by the end of 2025 and 5,000 by the end of 2026, primarily through franchising [2][7]. - The company does not take commissions from store revenues but profits through upstream rebates, ensuring retail profits remain with the stores [2][10]. Market Recovery and Future Outlook - The inbound tourism market is recovering slowly, with policies like visa exemptions and tax incentives in place, but the market response is still developing. The company is focusing on corporate clients for inbound services while exploring the individual market [2][11]. - The company anticipates a potential decline in gross margin due to the return of foreign enterprises to the Chinese market, but aims to improve margins through increased market share and industry influence [3][6]. Strategic Partnerships - Alibaba remains a strategic investor, holding over 10% of shares, and has collaborated with the company to establish a B2B platform to bridge information gaps between retailers and wholesalers, particularly in lower-tier cities [3][14]. Product Development and Target Markets - The company plans to focus on high-net-worth individuals and enhance customer loyalty, with significant investments in niche products and deep-dive tours in destinations like Japan and Europe [3][12][13]. - The Antarctic tourism market is identified as having significant potential, with high customer spending [12]. Financial Management - The company is implementing stricter cash flow management practices, including accounts receivable management, to ensure financial health [2][25]. - The net profit margin has been affected by increased personnel costs, with employee numbers rising from 1,800 at the end of 2023 to approximately 2,700 by the end of 2024 [3][20]. Additional Important Information - The company’s revenue from immigration consulting, overseas education, and medical services has decreased, now recorded under other income, which amounted to 46 million RMB in 2024 [2][24]. - The company is cautious about expanding its domestic tourism business, focusing on cost-effectiveness in resource procurement [2][23]. This summary encapsulates the key insights from the conference call, highlighting the company's performance, strategic direction, and market conditions in the tourism industry.