Pop Mart: The gross profit margin in the second half of the year is expected to decline compared to the first half

During the third quarter earnings call of Pop Mart (09992.HK), the company's management stated that the group's gross profit margin for the second half of the year is expected to decline compared to the first half, with a decrease of no more than two percentage points.

The management mentioned that the reasons include a projected decrease in the proportion of overseas revenue compared to the first half, as well as the company's proactive adjustment of pricing for certain products in some overseas markets to enhance competitiveness. In terms of expenses, the group plans to open a significant number of new stores in core overseas markets in the second half, leading to an increase in fixed costs such as labor, rent, property, and renovation amortization, with an overall expense ratio expected to be higher than in the first half.