Xiaocaiyuan International Holding Ltd. released its unaudited results for the six months ended 30 June 2026, highlighting top-line growth but weaker profitability amid rising costs and a strategic tilt toward dine-in traffic.
Revenue and Earnings • Revenue increased 7.0% year on year to RMB2.90 billion, driven mainly by an expanded restaurant network. • Profit before tax declined 28.0% to RMB0.39 billion; profit for the period fell 24.3% to RMB0.29 billion. • Basic and diluted EPS slipped to RMB0.25 (-24.2% YoY). • Adjusted EBITDA (non-IFRS) dropped 20.4% to RMB0.51 billion.
Operating Drivers • Restaurant operations revenue jumped 18.1% to RMB1.94 billion, now contributing 67.0% of total sales (H1 2025: 60.7%). • Delivery revenue contracted 10.6% to RMB0.95 billion, reflecting a strategic shift toward dine-in services and a reduction in orders (14.7 million vs. 16.8 million a year earlier). • Network expanded to 824 outlets (H1 2025: 672); lower-tier cities account for 40.5% of restaurant revenue. • Overall table turnover improved to 3.5 times per day (H1 2025: 3.1), while average spend per diner fell to RMB50.5 (-11.6%), evidencing the “value-for-money” strategy. • Same-store sales declined 12.5% to RMB2.21 billion.
Cost Dynamics and Margins • Raw materials and consumables rose 17.0% to RMB0.94 billion, lifting the cost-to-sales ratio to 32.3% (H1 2025: 29.5%). • Staff costs jumped 24.1% to RMB0.83 billion, representing 28.5% of revenue (H1 2025: 24.6%) amid increased headcount and remuneration enhancements. • Other expense lines reflected network growth: depreciation and amortisation of other assets up 18.4% to RMB0.11 billion; utility expenses up 20.5% to RMB0.10 billion. • Advertising and delivery expenses both declined in value terms, aligning with lower promotional spending and softer delivery volumes.
Balance Sheet and Liquidity • Cash and cash equivalents stood at RMB0.25 billion, supplemented by RMB0.27 billion in time deposits and RMB1.54 billion in financial assets at fair value. • Short-term bank borrowings increased to RMB0.56 billion, lifting the gearing ratio to 23.3% (31 Dec 2025: 4.1%). • Net cash generated from operations totalled RMB0.64 billion (H1 2025: RMB0.76 billion).
Capital Allocation • The Board declared an interim dividend of RMB0.2139 per share (HKD0.2472), payable on 15 September 2026 to shareholders on record as of 1 September 2026; total payout approximates RMB0.25 billion. • During May–June 2026, the company repurchased 7.89 million shares for HKD54.32 million, which are held as treasury shares.
Operational Focus and Outlook Management points to a more value-conscious consumer environment, continued expansion of chain penetration, and increasing importance of digital and supply-chain capabilities in China’s catering sector. Xiaocaiyuan plans to: 1. Deepen network penetration, especially in lower-tier cities; 2. Advance digital operations and supply-chain upgrades following commencement of its Ma’anshan central factory; 3. Develop a multi-brand portfolio to serve diversified dining scenarios.
No significant post-period events were reported up to the announcement date.