Core Viewpoint - The article discusses how Huazhu has leveraged high commission rates to enhance its performance, positioning itself as a leading player in the hotel industry despite challenges faced by its franchisees [4][7][36]. Group 1: Commission Structure and Revenue - Huazhu's overall commission rate is estimated to reach 12%, significantly higher than Ctrip's hotel booking commission rate of approximately 8%-10% [4][26]. - In 2025, Huazhu's total revenue is projected to be 800 billion, with franchisees contributing 703 billion, and Huazhu earning 87 billion from franchisees, resulting in a commission rate of 12.38% [25][26]. - Huazhu has managed to collect service fees from Ctrip, amounting to 1.12 billion and 1.46 billion in 2023 and 2024, respectively, effectively recouping nearly half of its commission expenses [11][12]. Group 2: Franchisee Challenges - Many franchisees report difficulties due to a lack of distance protection, leading to multiple franchises opening within close proximity, which has resulted in declining single-store revenue [7][43]. - Franchisees are increasingly dissatisfied, with reports of high turnover among store managers and complaints about operational inefficiencies [41][46]. - The average occupancy rate and daily room price for Huazhu's franchisees have declined, with single-store revenue dropping from 637 million to 630 million [43][44]. Group 3: Membership and User Base - Huazhu has built a robust membership system, with over 300 million members as of Q3 2025, contributing significantly to its order volume [15][16]. - The central reservation system accounted for 65.1% of Huazhu's room nights, indicating a lower reliance on OTA platforms compared to competitors [16][17]. Group 4: Expansion and Market Strategy - Huazhu has aggressively expanded its franchise model, increasing the number of franchise hotels from 5,746 to 10,380 between 2020 and 2024 [30][31]. - The company has focused on upgrading older hotels, with the proportion of outdated stores dropping from 29% to 4%, while newer versions have increased from 34% to 71% [32][35]. - Despite the rapid expansion, the competitive landscape has intensified, leading to franchisee concerns about profitability and market saturation [38][46].

Core Viewpoint - The current hotel industry is at a historical cycle bottom, with stock prices leading the fundamental recovery, suggesting a valuation repair is gradually starting [1] Group 1: Industry Overview - The hotel industry is expected to enter a new normal growth phase, with leading companies showing resilience in performance due to supply-side adjustments and demand policy options [2] - The RevPAR (Revenue per Available Room) for leading hotels is anticipated to rebound as the industry stabilizes, with a shift from occupancy-focused strategies to optimal RevPAR strategies [2] - The hotel REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) are providing capitalized opportunities for leading companies with operational efficiency advantages [2] Group 2: Company Performance - Leading hotel companies have shown non-linear growth characteristics, driven by cyclical turning points and capital integration, with long-term focus on scale and efficiency [1] - The valuation of leading hotels is influenced by macro supply-demand mismatches, with historical peaks reaching 40-50x during upcycles and dropping to 15-20x during downcycles [1] - Companies like Huazhu have demonstrated significant valuation expansion during mid-upgrade phases, while Atour has shown resilience by leveraging retail business to enhance valuation during industry downturns [1] Group 3: Market Dynamics - The current market dynamics indicate a divergence among companies, with leading firms benefiting from improved pricing power and operational efficiencies [2] - The growth of leisure travel and the decline in business travel demand are contributing to a favorable outlook for the hotel sector, supported by service consumption policies [2] - The ongoing valuation repair phase is characterized by different growth trajectories among leading companies, with Atour and Huazhu leading the charge in performance recovery [3]

Group 1 - The top short-selling ratios are led by AIA Group (81299) and JD Health (86618) at 100.00%, followed by Baidu Group (89888) at 95.46% [1][2] - The highest short-selling amounts are recorded for Pop Mart (09992) at 1.3 billion, Alibaba (09988) at 1.26 billion, and Xiaomi Group (01810) at 1.064 billion [1][2] - The highest deviation values are for Baidu Group (89888) at 62.11%, Shenzhen Expressway (00548) at 37.02%, and SenseTime (80020) at 34.65% [1][2] Group 2 - The top ten short-selling ratios include AIA Group (81299) at 100.00%, JD Health (86618) at 100.00%, and Baidu Group (89888) at 95.46% [2] - The top ten short-selling amounts show Pop Mart (09992) leading with 1.3 billion, followed by Alibaba (09988) with 1.26 billion, and Xiaomi Group (01810) with 1.064 billion [2] - The top ten deviation values highlight Baidu Group (89888) at 62.11%, Shenzhen Expressway (00548) at 37.02%, and SenseTime (80020) at 34.65% [2]

Core Insights - The report emphasizes the structural opportunities in both domestic demand and overseas expansion for 2026, particularly focusing on new services and new retail sectors [2][24] - It highlights the positive resonance between policy and fundamentals, suggesting that leading companies in the commercial sector are likely to benefit from policy stimuli and improve their fundamentals [2][4] Domestic Demand - The report identifies new services and new retail as the main lines for domestic demand, with a focus on the marginal changes in the fundamentals of related sub-sectors [2][5] - Specific sub-sectors showing price increase potential include: - **Hotels**: Strong leisure demand and optimized supply structure, with prices expected to remain stable or slightly increase. Recommended companies include Huazhu Group, Jinjiang Hotels, and Shoulv Hotels [2][3] - **Duty-Free**: With the opening of Hainan, the sector is stabilizing, and China Duty Free is highlighted as a key player [2][3] - **Gold and Jewelry**: The report notes a high volatility in gold prices but anticipates improved terminal sales. Recommended companies include Chow Tai Fook and Lao Puhuang [2][3] - **Mother and Baby**: Leading companies are expected to maintain steady growth, supported by favorable policies. Recommended companies include Kidswant and Aiyingshi [2][3] Sub-Sectors Driven by Volume Growth - The report suggests focusing on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for sectors primarily driven by volume growth: - **Supermarkets**: CPI increases are beneficial for same-store sales, with a shift in focus from store adjustments to supply chain reforms. Recommended companies include Yonghui Superstores and Jiajiayue [3][5] - **Tourism**: The report highlights the potential for expansion and asset integration in the tourism sector, recommending companies like Jiuhua Tourism and Changbai Mountain [3][5] - **Dining**: Emphasizes refined operations and incentives for leading companies, with recommendations including Yum China and Haidilao [3][5] - **Tea Drinks**: The report notes that delivery subsidies may impact pricing, with store openings expected to drive growth. Recommended companies include Mixue and Gu Ming [3][5] Overseas Expansion - The report indicates that leading companies with high barriers to entry are expected to continue showing strong performance in overseas markets, with a focus on brand building and diversified destinations [4][24] - Recommended companies for overseas expansion include: - **Small Commodity City** and **Miniso**: Both are noted for their strong performance and brand development [4][24] - **Anker Innovations** and **Sumida**: Highlighted for their competitive advantages in specific segments [4][24] Investment Recommendations - The report suggests that for 2026, investors should focus on sectors benefiting from policy support and those with strong performance certainty in overseas markets [5][24] - It emphasizes the importance of monitoring the recovery of volume in certain sectors while maintaining a cautious approach to pricing stability [5][24]

Core Viewpoint - The hotel industry is experiencing a dichotomy, with some players struggling while others thrive through innovation in operations and business models, emphasizing efficiency and cash flow health over mere expansion [1][3]. Group 1: Industry Trends - The economic hotel segment is shrinking, with brands like Pudding Hotel and Wan Feng exiting the market, while leading players like Huazhu and Atour are leveraging "stay + retail" and AI technology to enhance their operations [1][3]. - The focus has shifted from opening new locations to improving operational efficiency and innovating business models, as the era of aggressive expansion is over [1][3]. Group 2: Financial Challenges - The hotel industry is capital-intensive, with long payback periods, particularly for mid-range hotels, which now have a return cycle extending to 5-6 years, compounded by tightening financing conditions [3][4]. - Many innovative ideas are hindered by a lack of funding, as hotels face significant financial pressure [3][4]. Group 3: Digital Hotel Solutions - A new digital hotel solution has emerged, aiming to tokenize future revenue rights of hotels into digital equity, allowing public investors to purchase these rights [4][6]. - For example, a hotel with 300 rooms can issue 20,000 digital rights at 2,000 yuan each, generating 40 million yuan in cash without incurring debt, effectively "securitizing" future room revenues [6][7]. Group 4: Benefits of Digital Solutions - This approach provides quick capital for hotels, allowing them to bypass traditional financing routes and directly attract market investment [7][9]. - Tokenizing assets enhances liquidity, enabling holders to transfer rights in a compliant secondary market, thus unlocking the value of previously illiquid assets [7][9]. - The model fosters a win-win ecosystem where equity holders are also long-term customers, enhancing customer loyalty and trust through transparent digital technology [7][10]. Group 5: Future Outlook - With the influx of funds from digital equity sales, hotels can further develop their "stay + retail" offerings, creating more sophisticated environments and products [9][10]. - The integration of AI with clear user profiles and blockchain data can lead to more precise service delivery and automated management of rights [9][10]. - The hotel industry is likely to evolve into a multifaceted value platform that combines investment, consumption, and brand experience, moving beyond traditional accommodation services [10].

Summary of Hotel Industry Conference Call Industry Overview - The hotel industry is experiencing an upward trend driven by supply-demand dynamics and structural optimization, with a significant mismatch in supply and demand in 2023 due to a post-pandemic demand surge while supply lagged behind, leading to increased Average Daily Rates (ADR) [1][2] - The chain hotel rate in China is approximately 40%, lower than over 70% in the U.S., indicating potential for growth in the chain hotel segment, particularly in the economy sector [1][10] Key Insights - **Supply and Demand Dynamics**: The pandemic caused a significant reduction in hotel supply, with recovery to pre-pandemic levels only occurring in 2023 and 2024. The mismatch in supply and demand has led to a notable increase in ADR, attracting single hotels back into the market, which disrupts the chain rate [2][4] - **Challenges Facing the Industry**: The hotel industry faces challenges such as oversupply, deteriorating operations, and intense competition. Single hotels are heavily reliant on Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) for customer acquisition, facing high commission rates, while large chain hotels are reducing dependence on OTAs through proprietary channels [5][6][8] - **Investor Sentiment**: Despite low returns, investors are attracted to the hotel industry due to stable cash flows, reasonable payback periods (5-6 years, with some regions achieving 4 years), and opportunities for property transformation [5][9] Performance of Major Brands - **Huazhu Group**: The group operates approximately 11,000 to 12,000 stores, with improvements in RevPAR for its economy brands (Hanting, Haiyou) and mid-to-high-end brand (Quanjing) in Q4 2026. However, most other brands have not shown recovery, indicating that the recovery is not widespread across the industry [12][14] - **Investment Returns**: There are significant differences in returns when investing in different hotel brands. For instance, Quanjing has shown higher premiums compared to Jinjiang's Vienna brand, which has performed poorly [13] Future Trends and Recommendations - **Chain Rate Trends**: The chain rate is expected to continue growing, particularly in the luxury and mid-to-high-end segments, while the economy segment may see a decline due to the influx of single hotels [4][9] - **Impact of Policy Changes**: Upcoming policy changes, such as the potential expansion of holiday systems, are expected to positively impact travel and hotel demand, creating more opportunities for the industry [17] - **Recommendations for Investors**: Focus on large chain brands like Huazhu, which have shown strong growth potential. However, due to Huazhu not being available on the Hong Kong Stock Connect, investors are recommended to consider Shoulv, which is showing positive trends [18][19] Conclusion - The hotel industry is in a stabilization phase, with signs of recovery in select brands. However, the overall recovery is not expected to be uniform across the industry, and competition is likely to intensify as single hotels engage in price wars. Investors should prioritize large chain brands with strong growth momentum for future investments [20]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a positive investment rating for the industry, highlighting a favorable outlook for the tourism and leisure sectors due to government policies aimed at boosting domestic consumption and service spending [1][35]. Core Insights - The report emphasizes the recovery of domestic tourism, with expected growth rates of 12% in revenue and 18% in visitor numbers for Q1-Q3 2025, driven by sustained leisure travel demand and the rise of experiential consumption [1][35]. - The overall tourism market is projected to grow by over 10% for the year, supported by government initiatives such as promoting spring and autumn travel and issuing cultural tourism consumption vouchers [1][35]. - Key companies recommended for investment include China Duty Free Group, Jin Jiang Hotels, Shouqi Group, Tongcheng Travel, and Ctrip Group, alongside high-growth tea beverage stocks like Gu Ming and low-valuation restaurant growth stocks like Green Tea Group [1][35]. Summary by Sections 1. Restaurant Sector - Offline consumption is gradually recovering, with Q4 restaurant revenue showing steady growth, achieving 519.9 billion and 605.7 billion yuan in October and November 2025, respectively, with year-on-year growth of 4.99% and 4.40% [7][10]. - Leading restaurant companies are recovering faster than the industry average, with significant revenue increases noted for major players [10][14]. 2. Tea Beverage Sector - The tea beverage sector has seen a surge in same-store sales growth due to delivery subsidies, with leading brands like Gu Ming and Hu Shang A Yi maintaining high growth rates of 15-20% [7][10][14]. - The number of new store openings has doubled compared to 2024, indicating aggressive expansion strategies among top brands [16]. 3. OTA (Online Travel Agency) - The recovery of outbound travel demand is evident, with strong performance in Southeast Asia routes and a notable increase in visitor numbers to Japan and South Korea [20][24]. - The report highlights the long-term profit potential of leading OTA companies like Ctrip and Tongcheng Travel, driven by the ongoing recovery in leisure travel demand and improved commission rates [24][25]. 4. Hotel Sector - The hotel industry is expected to see a stable RevPAR (Revenue per Available Room) in Q4, with a year-on-year growth of 6-8% in room supply [29][30]. - Major hotel chains like Shouqi and Jin Jiang are projected to maintain or improve their performance, benefiting from cost reductions and increased guest traffic during holiday periods [29][30][31]. 5. Investment Recommendations - The report suggests focusing on the travel sector, particularly companies involved in OTA, hotels, and scenic spots, as they are likely to benefit from favorable government policies [1][35]. - Additionally, it recommends investing in high-growth tea beverage stocks and undervalued restaurant growth stocks, indicating a diversified approach to capitalizing on the recovery in consumer spending [1][35].

Summary of Hotel Industry Conference Call Industry Overview - The hotel industry is experiencing a shift towards improved ecosystem regulation, particularly with the removal of "choose one" clauses, which may restore pricing autonomy to hotels and enhance profitability through better inventory management and rental rates [1][2] Key Points Pricing and Distribution - The return of pricing power to hotels is expected to benefit chain hotels significantly, allowing them to strengthen direct sales channels and reduce reliance on Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) [1][2] - Chain hotels like Huazhu and Jinjiang have a high proportion of direct sales, with Huazhu's direct sales at approximately 65% and Jinjiang at about 30% [1][4] - Independent hotels, which heavily depend on OTAs, will benefit from unified pricing across platforms, potentially lowering commission costs and improving profitability [1][4] Market Dynamics - JD.com's entry into the hotel and travel market has been unsuccessful due to inadequate preparation, lack of domestic inventory support, and insufficient supply chain capabilities [5][6] - The hotel investment sentiment is becoming more cautious, with a decrease in new property acquisitions and a focus on evaluating investment returns amid rising labor costs [3][16] Regulatory Impact - The investigation by the State Administration for Market Regulation into unfair competition practices among online platforms is expected to optimize the online platform structure, potentially allowing hotels to regain pricing power and reduce commission rates from 15% to 10% or 12% [2][9] Supply and Demand Trends - The supply growth rate in the chain hotel market is expected to slow down in 2026, with fewer new properties being signed and a focus on rebranding existing hotels [12] - Business travel demand is anticipated to remain stable, with slight increases in costs for corporate housing agreements [13] - The influx of inbound tourists is projected to rise due to visa-free policies, positively impacting domestic hotel demand [14] Performance Metrics - The average occupancy rates vary significantly among brands, with Huazhu at around 82% and Atour at approximately 70%, while many independent hotels struggle with rates as low as 45% [17] Future Outlook - The hotel industry is cautiously optimistic for the first half of 2026, with expectations of slight growth for major brands like Huazhu and Jinjiang, driven by seasonal demand and increased holiday durations [10][11] Additional Insights - The fair distribution of platform traffic is likely to favor chain hotels by eliminating paid promotion rankings, thus enhancing their visibility and conversion rates [7][8] - The overall sentiment in the industry is positive regarding the recent regulatory changes, which are seen as beneficial for both operators and consumers [9]

Core Viewpoint - The photography competition organized by Huazhu's high-end hotel brand awarded first place to an AI-generated image, raising concerns about originality and adherence to competition rules [1][9]. Group 1: Competition Details - The winning entry, titled "Riding Old Light," was identified as an AI-generated image after scrutiny revealed inconsistencies in the text on signs within the image [2][4]. - The competition, named "Art MaxX·City Memory Photography Competition," was promoted by Huazhu's Shanghai Oriental Meilun Meihuan Hotel and the official WeChat account of Huazhu's family [4][6]. - The judging panel consisted of five professional judges, including members from the China Photographers Association and the Shanghai Artists Association [6]. Group 2: Contest Results and Reactions - The results were publicly announced between January 6 and January 10, with the final results being published on January 10, after which the original announcement was deleted [6]. - Following internal reviews, Huazhu's customer service confirmed that the first-place award was revoked due to the entry not meeting originality criteria, as AI-generated works were explicitly prohibited [9]. - Legal experts noted that the submission of AI-generated works constituted a breach of competition rules, allowing the organizers to revoke the award and potentially seek damages [9].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the industry, indicating a positive outlook for the sector's performance in the coming months [5]. Core Insights - The report highlights the encouragement of travel and cultural consumption through policies aimed at enhancing employee leisure activities, which is expected to boost the travel and cultural sectors significantly [2][4]. - The introduction of additional public holidays and policies supporting paid leave is anticipated to stimulate cultural and tourism consumption, particularly during traditionally low seasons [4]. - Data from travel platforms indicates a substantial increase in ticket bookings during recent holiday periods, showcasing a growing consumer interest in travel and leisure activities [3]. Summary by Sections Policy Initiatives - The report discusses the issuance of guidelines by various government bodies to promote employee cultural and sports activities, allowing for up to four organized trips per year and the distribution of cultural consumption vouchers [1][2]. Market Trends - Significant growth in ticket bookings was observed during the autumn and snow holidays, with some regions reporting increases of over 300% in ticket reservations compared to previous years [3]. - The report notes that the policy-driven encouragement of travel is likely to transform traditionally slow tourism periods into more active seasons, benefiting sectors such as duty-free, hotels, and sports events [4]. Investment Recommendations - The report suggests focusing on sectors with potential for growth, particularly in Hainan and during the upcoming Spring Festival, as well as sectors benefiting from new consumer trends and favorable policies [5][8]. - Specific companies are recommended for investment, including those in the duty-free, hotel, and new retail sectors, which are expected to perform well in the current market environment [8].