Investment Rating - The report assigns a "Buy" rating to Atour Group with a target price of $51.2 [4][5]. Core Insights - Atour Group is positioned as a mid-to-high-end hotel chain, integrating lifestyle retail into the guest experience, with significant revenue growth and strong profit margins [2][12]. - The company has seen robust growth in both hotel and retail segments, with a projected net profit of RMB 16.2 billion, RMB 20.6 billion, and RMB 25.0 billion for 2025, 2026, and 2027 respectively [4][10]. - The membership system has expanded significantly, with membership numbers growing from 25 million in 2020 to over 100 million by September 2025, enhancing customer retention and reducing acquisition costs [2][55]. Summary by Sections Company Overview - Atour Group operates a diverse portfolio of hotel brands and retail offerings, focusing on high-quality service and unique experiences, with a market share of approximately 6% in the mid-to-high-end hotel sector [12]. - As of September 2025, Atour has 1,948 hotels, predominantly through a franchise model, which enhances profitability and operational efficiency [2][59]. Investment Highlights - **Differentiated Hotel Positioning**: Atour targets a price range of RMB 400-800 per night, avoiding competition in the budget segment while not being fully penetrated by luxury brands [33]. - **Active Membership Ecosystem**: The A-Card membership system has proven effective in driving customer loyalty, with a high repurchase rate of 58.3% in 2022 [51][55]. - **Franchise Model**: The company primarily operates through a franchise model, which allows for rapid expansion with lower capital investment [59]. Industry Analysis - The hotel industry in China is experiencing a strong rebound, with a 38% increase in revenue in 2023, although growth is expected to slow to 5% in 2024 [3]. - The mid-to-high-end market share is increasing, with a trend towards consolidation and multi-brand strategies among leading companies [3]. Financial Performance - Atour's revenue for 2024 is projected at RMB 9.73 billion, with a growth rate of 34.3% [10]. - The company has maintained a strong gross margin, with net profit margins expected to stabilize around 16.6% in 2025 [10][20]. Retail Business Growth - The retail segment has seen explosive growth, with revenue increasing from RMB 254 million in 2022 to RMB 2.198 billion in 2024, driven by popular products like the Deep Sleep Pillow [30].