Core Viewpoint - The domestic ready-to-drink tea industry is undergoing a significant reshuffle, with major brands reporting strong revenue growth while Nayuki Tea faces severe losses, highlighting a stark industry divide [1][2]. Company Performance - In 2024, five major tea brands achieved a total revenue exceeding 55.8 billion yuan, but Nayuki Tea reported a revenue decline of 4.7% year-on-year and a net loss of 918 million yuan, making it the only brand among the top five to transition from profit to loss [2][3]. - Nayuki Tea's management disclosed that the losses were primarily due to 160 million yuan from store closures and 320 million yuan from historical investment project losses [2][4]. Strategic Adjustments - Nayuki Tea is shifting towards a "light asset operation" model to ensure stable cash flow and improve store quality, halting new franchise additions starting May 2024 [5][6]. - The company is innovating with new store formats, such as "Nayuki Green," which focuses on low-calorie and healthy offerings, aiming to cater to urban white-collar consumers [5][6]. Industry Dynamics - The ready-to-drink tea industry is experiencing intense competition, with brands like Mixue Ice City leading with over 46,000 stores, while Nayuki Tea lags with only 1,798 stores [6][7]. - The industry is facing challenges from high store density and declining profitability per store, with brands like Bawang Tea and Gu Ming also reporting reduced same-store sales [6][7]. Market Trends - Consumer rationality is increasing, leading to price wars that pressure mid-to-high-end brands, making it difficult for Nayuki Tea to maintain high profit margins [6][7]. - The shift towards a more refined market approach is evident, with brands needing to adapt to changing consumer preferences and competitive pressures [7].