GUOQUAN (02517) saw its shares rise more than 4% during the trading session. At the time of writing, the stock was up 3.96% to HK$4.73, with a turnover of HK$9.8041 million.

On the news front, on April 2, GUOQUAN announced that its board of directors has approved a proposed dividend policy. The policy aims to standardize the company's profit distribution, establish a scientific, sustainable, and stable mechanism for shareholder returns, and balance shareholders' immediate income with the company's long-term development, thereby protecting the legitimate rights and interests of all shareholders. This dividend policy is subject to approval by shareholders at the 2025 annual general meeting scheduled for April 29, 2026. Once formally adopted, the policy will guide the company in declaring and distributing dividends, allowing shareholders to share in the company's profits.

A research report from CICC noted that GUOQUAN's 2025 performance was in line with the institution's expectations. In 2025, the company's store count increased by a net 1,416 to 11,566, including 3,010 stores in township markets. The company distributed dividends of RMB 290 million, representing a payout ratio of approximately 67%, and conducted share buybacks totaling RMB 180 million.

GUOQUAN provided guidance for 2026, projecting a net increase of over 2,934 stores, with a focus expected on township markets and the southern China region. The store closure rate is anticipated to decrease by 1 percentage point year-on-year to below 4%. Regarding new business models, the market is watching the pilot results of GUOQUAN's small stir-fry concept and camping-themed stores.

CICC stated that, considering GUOQUAN's store expansion and same-store sales guidance exceeded expectations, it has raised its forecasts for core net profit attributable to the parent company for 2026 and 2027 by 4% each, to RMB 572 million and RMB 686 million, respectively.