Core Viewpoint - The lawsuit between Mengbaihe and Huazhu highlights the competitive dynamics between the mattress and hotel industries, with both sides seeking to capitalize on each other's markets [1][3][20]. Group 1: Legal Dispute - Mengbaihe Home Technology Co., Ltd. has filed a lawsuit against Huazhu Hotel Management Co., Ltd. and its subsidiaries for trademark infringement [2]. - The case is set to be heard in the Shanghai Pudong New Area People's Court on February 13, 2025 [2]. - The ongoing competition between the two companies has been characterized as a "water under the bridge" rivalry, with both aiming to capture market share from each other [2][3]. Group 2: Industry Challenges - The hotel industry is facing declining performance, with the average occupancy rate in 2024 at 58.8%, down 2.5 percentage points year-on-year, and average room prices decreasing by 5.8% [4]. - Increased competition and a saturated market have forced hotels to lower prices and seek cost-cutting measures, leading them to consider producing their own bedding products [4][20]. Group 3: Market Strategies - Huazhu's decision to enter the mattress market is driven by the need to enhance profitability amid declining hotel revenues [3][4]. - Other hotel brands, like Atour, have successfully launched their own bedding lines, significantly boosting their revenue [8][10]. - Mengbaihe's strategy involves collaborating with hotels to promote its products, effectively turning hotel rooms into immersive showrooms for its bedding items [16][20]. Group 4: Future Outlook - Mengbaihe aims to open 2,000 "zero-pressure" hotels, although its current progress is limited, with only a few locations operational [17][19]. - The competition between mattress manufacturers and hotels is expected to intensify, as both sectors explore new revenue streams and customer engagement strategies [13][20].

Group 1: Travel and Tourism Data - During the five-day May Day holiday, 314 million domestic trips were made in China, representing a year-on-year increase of 6.4% [1] - Domestic tourists spent a total of 180.27 billion yuan during the holiday, marking an 8.0% increase compared to the previous year [1] Group 2: Hotel Industry Performance - Huazhu Group reported that its hotels received nearly 6.3 million guests during the May Day holiday, 1.3 times more than the same period last year [2] - The overall hotel occupancy rate exceeded 84%, with peak occupancy reaching 97% from May 1 to May 3, and on May 2, occupancy hit 103% [2] - Jinjiang Hotels (China) reported nearly 8.9 million guests from April 30 to May 4, a 13% increase year-on-year, with over 5,000 hotels fully booked for three consecutive days [2] Group 3: Performance in Smaller Cities - Many third and fourth-tier cities showed strong growth, with cities like Bengbu, Huaihua, and Yangjiang reporting hotel occupancy rates exceeding 100% [3] - Jinjiang Hotels noted that the average occupancy rate in Qianjiang reached 104%, the highest in the country during the holiday [3] Group 4: Resort and Vacation Destination Success - The Atlantis Sanya hotel achieved an average occupancy rate of 94% during the holiday, with 120,000 visitors [4] - Several Club Med resorts reported occupancy rates exceeding 95% during the holiday period [4] Group 5: Inbound Tourism Growth - Huazhu Group received over 43,000 foreign guests during the holiday, 1.75 times more than last year [6] - Jinjiang Hotels reported a 4.7 times increase in foreign guests compared to the previous year, with top source countries including Russia, South Korea, and Thailand [6] Group 6: Rise of the Homestay Industry - Tujia reported that the homestay industry experienced its "hottest May Day" with a booking increase of over 30% compared to last year [7] - Popular destinations for homestays included Chengdu and Chongqing, with Guangdong becoming the top province for homestay bookings [7] Group 7: Impact of Music Events - Numerous concerts and music festivals contributed to increased homestay bookings, with some cities experiencing booking increases of over 80% due to local events [8]

5月6日，记者从华住集团获悉，2025年"五一"假期期间(5月1日至5月5日)，该集团旗下酒店总接待人次 近630万，是2024年同期的1.3倍；酒店整体的入住率超84%，和2024年同期相比微增约1个百分点。其 入住高峰时段出现在5月1日至5月3日，这三日酒店平均入住率达97%。其中，5月2日当天的酒店整体入 住率达103%，满房酒店数量超过9600家，入住率90%以上的门店超1万家。(上证报) ...

Group 1 - The inbound tourism market in China is expected to experience a significant surge during the upcoming "May Day" holiday, with daily cross-border movement projected at 2.15 million people, surpassing pre-pandemic levels [1] - Inbound travel orders have seen a remarkable year-on-year increase of 173% during the "May Day" holiday, with Japan and China experiencing a notable reciprocal travel trend [2] - Major airports such as Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou Baiyun, Beijing Capital, and Chengdu Tianfu are expected to see daily inbound and outbound passenger numbers exceeding 10,000 [1][2] Group 2 - The trend of "reverse tourism" is gaining traction, with younger consumers opting for vacations in smaller cities, leading to a consumption upgrade in county-level tourism markets [3][4] - Data indicates that tourism in lower-tier cities is growing at a faster rate than in higher-tier cities, with a 25% increase in market heat for four-tier cities and below, outpacing higher-tier cities by 11 percentage points [3] - Hotel bookings in county-level cities have expanded significantly, with a 30% year-on-year increase in high-star hotel reservations during the "May Day" holiday [3]

Core Insights - The collaboration between Huazhu and Didi Chuxing aims to address the time management challenges faced by business travelers, enhancing the overall travel experience by integrating accommodation and transportation services [8][10][12] - The traditional hotel industry has limitations, primarily focusing on accommodation, while the evolving needs of travelers demand a more comprehensive service that includes travel logistics [4][6][15] Group 1: Market Demand and Challenges - Business travelers experience significant time anxiety due to fragmented travel arrangements, requiring them to switch between multiple apps for transportation and accommodation [3][4] - There is a growing expectation from travelers for hotels to provide services beyond just lodging, with a focus on seamless travel integration [5][6] Group 2: Huazhu and Didi Collaboration - The partnership allows over 270 million Huazhu members to book Didi rides directly through the Huazhu app, streamlining the travel process [9][10] - This integration reduces the need for users to switch between different platforms, addressing the anxiety associated with fragmented travel experiences [10][12] Group 3: Redefining Service Value - The collaboration signifies a shift in the hotel industry towards valuing time as a currency, with services designed to enhance the efficiency of travel [12][19] - The Huazhu app now serves as a comprehensive travel management tool, extending its services from accommodation to transportation and other travel-related needs [12][15] Group 4: Future of Hotel Membership Systems - The evolution of hotel membership programs is moving towards a model that emphasizes seamless integration of various services rather than traditional point-based rewards [14][16] - Huazhu aims to become an intelligent platform that manages the entire travel journey, enhancing user experience through data-driven insights [14][15]

Hotel Network Expansion - The company expanded its hotel network from 8,543 hotels as of December 31, 2022, to 11,147 hotels as of December 31, 2024, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.2%[4] - The company is developing 3,013 new hotels, including 17 leased and owned hotels and 2,996 managed franchise hotels[4] - The hotel network covers 11,147 hotels across 1,115 cities in Greater China and 18 other countries, with an additional 3,013 hotels under development[37] Financial Performance - Total revenue for the company was RMB 13,862 million in 2022, RMB 21,882 million in 2023, and RMB 23,891 million in 2024, showing a significant recovery post-COVID-19[7] - The net profit attributable to the company was RMB 4,085 million in 2023 and RMB 3,048 million in 2024, compared to a net loss of RMB 1,821 million in 2022[7] - Adjusted EBITDA for the company was RMB 1,178 million in 2022, RMB 6,268 million in 2023, and RMB 6,820 million in 2024, indicating strong operational recovery[7] Loyalty Program - As of December 31, 2024, the company has over 266 million members in its loyalty program, with approximately 70% of room nights sold to these members[5] - As of December 31, 2024, the Huazhu loyalty program had over 266 million members, contributing to about 70% of room nights sold[73] Hotel Management and Operations - The company operates 4,139 existing HanTing hotels and has 711 HanTing hotels under development as of December 31, 2024[10] - The company’s unique hotel management approach balances scale, quality, and returns, allowing for effective expansion in a capital-light model[6] - The company provides comprehensive support to franchisees, including training, marketing, and operational assistance, to ensure product quality and consistency across its hotel network[47] Franchise and Licensing - The company has entered into a brand franchising agreement with Accor, gaining exclusive rights for several hotel brands in China and Mongolia[9] - The company charges franchise fees ranging from RMB 80,000 to RMB 1,000,000 per hotel, and monthly fees of approximately 3% to 6.5% of total revenue generated by each managed franchise hotel[48] - The company has 1,789 hotels in the conversion phase, with 1,224 hotels expected to be operational by the end of the reporting period[41] Technology and Innovation - The company has established a proprietary technology infrastructure that enhances customer experience and operational efficiency, supporting rapid growth[5] - The company utilizes a centralized revenue management system to adjust hotel room prices based on seasonal and market demand, optimizing revenue generation[59] - The company has developed a fully automated revenue management system that adjusts hotel prices in real-time based on market demand, aiming to maximize room revenue[64] Environmental Initiatives - Over 3,300 hotels are equipped with air source heat pumps, and nearly 1,000 hotels have adopted solar water heating systems as of the end of 2024[78] - The "Green Stay - No Towel Change" initiative has expanded to over 9,000 hotels, successfully avoiding the washing of over 7.8 million towels[80] - The company is actively collaborating with suppliers to develop eco-friendly materials, including straw toothbrushes and RPET bottled products[81] Regulatory Compliance - The company must comply with labor laws that protect employee rights, including the right to request non-fixed-term contracts after two consecutive fixed-term contracts[120] - The company must ensure strict confidentiality and security of personal information collected from users, as mandated by various regulations[123] - The company has established dedicated committees and centers to oversee data security, ensuring compliance with laws such as the Cybersecurity Law of the People's Republic of China and GDPR[69] Market Presence and Competition - The hotel industry is highly fragmented, with competition arising from independent hotels, other lodging facilities, and major hotel groups like Marriott and Hilton[74] - The company is expanding its market presence by entering three new countries, aiming for a 15% market share within the first year[94] Future Projections - The company provided guidance for the next quarter, projecting revenue between $1.6 billion and $1.8 billion, which reflects a growth rate of 10% to 20%[92] - The company expects continued revenue growth from managed franchise and licensed hotels due to an increase in the number of such hotels in its network[170] - The company plans to maintain a 15% preferential tax rate for its high-tech enterprises through 2026[183]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent quarterly report of E Fund's star fund manager Zhang Kun, highlighting his portfolio adjustments and investment philosophy amidst changing market conditions [1][2]. Group 1: Fund Performance and Adjustments - As of the end of Q1 2025, Zhang Kun's managed funds have a total scale exceeding 60.82 billion yuan, an increase of 1.841 billion yuan from the end of the previous year [2]. - The largest fund, E Fund Blue Chip Selection, saw its scale grow by over 1.4 billion yuan to 38.908 billion yuan, while E Fund Quality Selection increased by 500 million yuan to 14.169 billion yuan [2]. - All four funds experienced varying degrees of net redemptions, with E Fund Blue Chip Selection facing a net redemption of 960 million units [3]. Group 2: Portfolio Composition and Strategy - Zhang Kun maintained a high stock position, with stock holdings remaining above 94% across his funds, and a consistent allocation of around 45% in Hong Kong stocks [4]. - In Q1, he optimized the structure of his holdings, reducing exposure to internet stocks while increasing investments in logistics and tourism sectors [5]. - Major reductions were noted in holdings of Tencent Holdings, Alibaba-W, and Yanghe Brewery, with reductions around 30% for Alibaba and Yanghe, and over 10% for Tencent [5][6]. Group 3: Market Outlook and Investment Philosophy - Zhang Kun emphasized that the stock market's returns are fundamentally linked to corporate earnings, which he believes will not remain below the return on equity (ROE) levels for an extended period [7]. - He noted improvements in competitive landscapes across certain industries and highlighted the importance of focusing on companies with strong business models and shareholder-friendly capital allocation [7]. - The manager expressed optimism regarding the economic impact of real estate downturns and consumer stimulus policies, suggesting that investors should concentrate on corporate performance rather than macroeconomic concerns [7].

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Buy" with a target price not specified [7][15]. Core Views - The company reported Q4 2024 revenue of 6 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 7.8%, exceeding the previous guidance of 1%-5% growth. However, adjusted net profit fell by 37.9% to 320 million yuan, primarily due to a 420 million yuan impairment loss from the DH business [1]. - For 2024, the company expects revenue of 23.9 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 9.2%, and adjusted net profit of 3.72 billion yuan, a growth of 5.8% [1]. - The company anticipates a positive outlook for franchise growth in 2025, with expected revenue growth of 2%-6% and a focus on franchise and management income growth of 17%-21% [4]. Summary by Sections Financial Performance - Q4 2024 revenue was 6 billion yuan, with a year-on-year growth of 7.8%. Adjusted net profit was 320 million yuan, down 37.9% due to impairment losses [1]. - For 2024, revenue is projected at 23.9 billion yuan, a 9.2% increase, with adjusted net profit expected to reach 3.72 billion yuan, up 5.8% [1]. Operational Metrics - The RevPAR for Huazhu China in Q4 2024 was 222 yuan, down 3.1% year-on-year, while the DH segment saw a RevPAR of 81 euros, up 11.0% [2]. - The company plans to open 2,442 new stores in 2024, exceeding the target of 2,400, bringing the total to 11,147 hotels by year-end [3]. Future Guidance - For Q1 2025, the company expects revenue growth of 0%-4%, with franchise income projected to grow by 18%-22% [4]. - The company plans to open approximately 2,300 new stores in 2025, with a net increase of about 1,700 stores after closures [4]. Shareholder Returns - The company plans to return 770 million USD to shareholders in 2024, including 500 million USD in cash dividends and 270 million USD in share buybacks [5]. - Adjusted net profit forecasts for 2025-2027 are 4.49 billion yuan, 5.13 billion yuan, and 5.94 billion yuan, respectively, with corresponding PE ratios of 17, 15, and 13 [5].

Core Insights - The article highlights the top short-selling stocks in the Hong Kong market, indicating significant investor sentiment against these companies [1][2]. Short Selling Ratios - The top three stocks with the highest short-selling ratios are Great Wall Motors-R (89.22%), Li Ning-R (82.43%), and BYD Company-R (79.48%) [1][2]. - Other notable companies with high short-selling ratios include Baidu Group-SWR (77.03%) and Lenovo Group-R (73.78%) [2]. Short Selling Amounts - The highest short-selling amounts are recorded for Tencent Holdings (67.43 billion), Xiaomi Group-W (56.17 billion), and Alibaba-SW (52.37 billion) [1][2]. - BYD Company also appears in the top short-selling amounts with 38.64 billion [2]. Deviation Values - The stocks with the highest deviation values, indicating a significant difference from their average short-selling ratios over the past 30 days, are Hong Kong Exchanges-R (60.43%), Baidu Group-SWR (52.06%), and BYD Company-R (37.56%) [1][2]. - Great Wall Motors-R and China Bank Hong Kong-R also show notable deviation values of 35.61% and 35.39%, respectively [2].

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Buy" (maintained) [1] Core Insights - The company achieved a total revenue of 23.89 billion RMB in 2024, representing a year-on-year growth of 9.2%. The adjusted EBITDA was 7.45 billion RMB, up 13.9% year-on-year, indicating that despite a decline in RevPAR, rapid store openings offset significant performance pressure [4][5] - The company plans to maintain a rapid store opening pace, with a target of opening 2,300 new stores in 2025 while closing 600, resulting in a net increase of 1,700 stores. The focus will be on franchise operations and optimizing the existing self-operated store structure [5][6] Financial Performance Summary - For the fiscal year 2024, the company reported: - Revenue: 23,891 million RMB - Year-on-year growth: 9.2% - Adjusted EBITDA: 6,150 million RMB - Year-on-year growth: -10.1% - Net profit attributable to shareholders: 3,048 million RMB - Year-on-year growth: -25.4% [6][8] - Forecasted financials for 2025E, 2026E, and 2027E: - Revenue: 25,090 million RMB (5.0% growth), 26,837 million RMB (7.0% growth), 28,888 million RMB (7.6% growth) - Adjusted EBITDA: 7,227 million RMB (17.5% growth), 7,968 million RMB (10.3% growth), 8,848 million RMB (11.0% growth) - Net profit: 4,263 million RMB (39.9% growth), 4,852 million RMB (13.8% growth), 5,505 million RMB (13.5% growth) [6][8] Revenue Breakdown - In Q4 2024, the company achieved revenue of 60.2 billion RMB, a year-on-year increase of 7.8%, exceeding performance guidance. Revenue from domestic self-operated, domestic franchised, overseas self-operated, and overseas franchised segments were 21.8 billion RMB, 24.7 billion RMB, 12.0 billion RMB, and 0.3 billion RMB, respectively [5][6] RevPAR and Operational Metrics - For Q4 2024, the domestic RevPAR, ADR, and OCC were 222 RMB, 277 RMB, and 80.0%, showing year-on-year declines of 3.1%, 2.5%, and 0.5 percentage points. Conversely, overseas RevPAR, ADR, and OCC were 81 Euros, 115 Euros, and 70.5%, reflecting year-on-year increases of 10.7%, 0.2%, and 6.7 percentage points [5][6] Future Outlook - The company is expected to stabilize its RevPAR in 2025, driven by a normalized macroeconomic environment and the growth of the mid-to-high-end market. The long-term profit margin is anticipated to improve due to the ongoing light-asset strategy [5][6]