Investment Rating - The report initiates coverage with an OUTPERFORM rating, setting a target price of USD 31.60 for Chagee Holdings, currently priced at USD 25.02 [1][2]. Core Insights - Chagee Holdings, founded in 2017 in Yunnan, aims to connect the world through Eastern tea culture, focusing on three product categories: "First Cup Tea" (light milk tea), "Second Cup Tea" (tea lattes and pure tea), and "Third Cup Tea" (ready-to-drink tea beverages) [1][5]. - As of March 2025, Chagee has established 6,681 stores globally, making it the largest high-end fresh tea brand in China [1][5]. - The company has experienced rapid growth in the fresh tea beverage market, with a projected revenue increase from RMB 12.41 billion in 2024 to RMB 24.42 billion by 2027, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26% [1][3]. Financial Forecast and Valuation - Revenue projections for Chagee are RMB 15.11 billion for 2025, RMB 19.39 billion for 2026, and RMB 24.42 billion for 2027, with net profits expected to reach RMB 2.81 billion, RMB 3.57 billion, and RMB 4.34 billion respectively [1][3]. - The report estimates a diluted EPS of RMB 19.23 for 2025, with a gross profit margin (GPM) increasing from 49.6% in 2024 to 56.6% by 2027 [1][3]. Market Position and Competitive Advantage - Chagee has a significant advantage in the "First Cup Tea" segment, with single-store GMV reaching a peak of RMB 574,000 in Q4 2023, four times higher than Q1 2022 [2][28]. - The company maintains a strong brand presence and scale advantage in the light milk tea category, despite increasing competition in the beverage industry [2][31]. - Chagee's overseas expansion has accelerated, with 169 international stores opened by Q1 2025, including locations in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, the USA, and Vietnam [2][35]. Product Development and Innovation - The "Second Cup Tea" concept was launched in March 2025, focusing on office areas with a new store format called "CHAGEE NOW," offering freshly brewed tea and baked goods [3][37]. - The "Third Cup Tea" is anticipated to leverage the existing brand and distribution network for ready-to-drink tea products, with significant market potential in the RTD tea segment [3][49]. Operational Efficiency and Supply Chain - Chagee employs a digitalized operational model, enhancing efficiency across product development, supply chain management, and customer engagement [1][16]. - The company has streamlined its supply chain, focusing on a limited number of ingredients, which has resulted in lower logistics costs and improved inventory turnover [1][17]. Franchise Model and Expansion Strategy - Chagee's franchise model, termed "1+1+9+N," ensures a high success rate for new store openings by establishing local subsidiaries before launching franchise operations [1][23]. - The company has achieved a low franchise closure rate of approximately 1.5% in 2024, primarily due to underperforming franchise partners [1][24].