瑞幸咖啡美国漂流记：拒收现金引争议、五年三换审计师

Core Viewpoint - Luckin Coffee's expansion into the U.S. market has been marred by compliance issues, highlighting the challenges faced by Chinese companies in adhering to U.S. regulations and the importance of maintaining a trustworthy operational model [2][25]. Expansion Strategy - Luckin Coffee opened two stores in Manhattan, New York, on June 30, strategically located near New York University and the Empire State Building, competing closely with Starbucks [3]. - The company employed aggressive pricing strategies, such as $0.99 new customer coupons and $1.99 promotional drinks, which generated significant consumer interest and social media buzz [5]. Compliance Issues - The refusal to accept cash payments at the New York locations violated New York City's "Cashless Ban Law," which mandates that retailers must accept cash to protect consumers without bank accounts [6][8]. - Local consumers expressed outrage over this policy, leading to complaints and highlighting the disconnect between Luckin's operational model and local regulations [6][8]. Historical Context - Luckin Coffee's rapid rise to fame was overshadowed by a major financial fraud scandal in 2020, where the company admitted to fabricating approximately 2.2 billion yuan in sales, resulting in a significant drop in stock price and a shift to the OTC market [12][22]. - The company has faced ongoing scrutiny and challenges in maintaining compliance with U.S. regulations, particularly after the enactment of the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, which imposes stricter auditing requirements on foreign companies listed in the U.S. [13][18]. Audit Challenges - Luckin has changed its auditing firms multiple times since the fraud scandal, indicating instability and ongoing compliance challenges [15][22]. - Recent audits by firms like Centurion ZD CPA and Lixin CPA have also faced scrutiny, with Centurion being permanently banned from auditing in the U.S. due to compliance failures [17][20]. Financial Performance - Despite the compliance issues, Luckin Coffee has shown impressive revenue growth, with net income increasing by 97.5%, 66.9%, 87.3%, and 38.4% from 2021 to 2024 [23]. - However, the U.S. capital market prioritizes compliance and trustworthiness over mere financial performance, which poses a significant barrier for Luckin's future growth and market re-entry [24].