Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the complex relationship between Atour Group and its franchisees, highlighted by recent hygiene incidents that have raised consumer concerns and brought to light the challenges of managing a franchise model in the hotel industry [2][4][18]. Hygiene Issues - Atour faced two significant hygiene incidents in 2023, including a case where a pillowcase had the name of a hospital printed on it, leading to public outcry [2][5]. - The company has acknowledged the issues and taken steps to address them, including terminating contracts with the laundry supplier responsible for the mistakes [4][6]. - Despite Atour's reputation for detailed service, these hygiene problems have caused consumer dissatisfaction, especially given its positioning in the mid-to-high-end market [6][7]. Franchise Model and Expansion - Atour operates primarily through a franchise model, with only 1% of its 1,700 hotels being self-operated, which raises questions about quality control and accountability [2][9]. - The company aims to expand to 2,000 stores by 2025, relying heavily on franchisees for this growth, as evidenced by the opening of 121 new franchise locations in the first quarter of 2025 [9][11]. - Franchisees have reported better profit margins compared to competitors, with Atour's franchise model allowing for a quicker return on investment [10]. Financial Performance - Despite a decline in average daily room rates and occupancy rates in early 2025, Atour's revenue from franchise hotels increased by 23.5%, indicating that the franchise model mitigates some risks associated with individual hotel performance [11][12]. - The company's retail business, particularly the "Deep Sleep Pillow," has seen significant growth, with sales reaching 25.92 billion RMB in GMV by the end of 2024, contributing to a larger share of total revenue [13][14]. Franchisee Relations - Franchisees have expressed dissatisfaction with the pressure to sell Atour's retail products, which they feel detracts from their core hotel operations and does not provide sufficient financial incentive [16][17]. - The relationship between Atour and its franchisees is becoming increasingly strained, as franchisees bear the brunt of declining hotel performance while also being expected to support the retail business [17][18].

Financial Performance - Atour Group reported total revenue of 1.906 billion yuan in Q1, a year-on-year increase of 29.8%, with adjusted net profit of 345 million yuan, up 32.3%, marking it as the fastest-growing company in the sector [2] - Huazhu Group achieved a net profit of 894 million yuan, making it the most profitable company [2] - Jinjiang Hotels experienced a dramatic net profit decline of 81% due to reduced government subsidies and losses from fair value changes of financial assets, making it the most pressured company in terms of performance [2] - Shoulv Hotels saw a revenue decrease of 4.34% to 1.765 billion yuan, yet net profit increased by 18.37% to 143 million yuan, driven by growth in net profits from its core hotel and scenic business [2] Operational Efficiency - Huazhu Group operated 11,685 hotels in Q1, with 45% in the mid-to-high-end segment and a franchise rate of 92%; however, its RevPAR was 208 yuan, down 3.9%, and occupancy rate was 76.2%, down 1 percentage point [3] - Atour Group had 1,727 hotels, with a RevPAR of 304 yuan, recovering to 92.8% of 2013 levels, and an occupancy rate of 70% [3] - Shoulv Hotels had 7,084 hotels, with a RevPAR of 141 yuan, down 4.6%, and an occupancy rate of 61.7%, indicating challenges in pricing power despite rapid network growth [4] - Jinjiang Hotels operated 13,513 hotels, with a RevPAR of 152.65 yuan, down 7.88%, and an occupancy rate of 63.1%, facing significant pressure in its transition to mid-to-high-end markets [4] Industry Trends - The industry is increasingly adopting a high franchise rate and light-asset model as mainstream strategies, while overall operational efficiency is under pressure ahead of the peak travel season [5] - The decline in consumer spending willingness and the loss of competitive vitality among companies are seen as more critical challenges than the current market conditions [5]

Core Viewpoint - Atour Group (NASDAQ: ATAT) is expected to achieve a revenue growth of 25%-30% year-on-year in 2025, driven by strong performance in both its hotel and retail businesses [2][13]. Financial Performance - In Q1 2025, Atour Group reported a revenue of 1.906 billion RMB, representing a year-on-year increase of 29.8% [5]. - The adjusted net profit for the same period was 345 million RMB, up 32.3% year-on-year [5]. - Adjusted EBITDA reached 474 million RMB, reflecting a growth of 33.8% compared to the previous year [5]. Operational Highlights - During Q1, Atour opened 121 new hotels, marking a 24.7% increase year-on-year, bringing the total number of hotels to 1,727 with 194,559 rooms [7]. - The company has a pipeline of 755 projects, progressing towards its strategic goal of "Chinese Experience, 2,000 Great Hotels" [7]. - Key operational metrics included an average revenue per available room (RevPAR) of 304 RMB, a daily average room rate (ADR) of 418 RMB, and an occupancy rate (OCC) of 70.2% [7]. Product Development - Atour accelerated its product matrix optimization by launching the "Atour 3.6" and "Light Stay 3.3" products, enhancing the accommodation experience [8]. - The "Atour 3.6" product aims to set a new benchmark for mid-to-high-end business travel with a design philosophy of "coexistence with nature" [8]. - The "Light Stay 3.3" product is positioned as a key driver for achieving the brand's goal of 1,000 stores [8]. Retail Business Growth - Atour's retail business generated a GMV of 845 million RMB in Q1, a significant year-on-year increase of 70.9%, with over 90% of sales coming from online channels [10]. - The launch of the Atour Planet Deep Sleep Temperature Control Mattress Pro 2.0 achieved sales leadership on platforms like Tmall and Douyin within its first month [11]. - As of March 31, 2025, Atour's registered membership exceeded 96 million, a growth of 35.4% year-on-year [11]. Future Outlook - The company has raised its full-year revenue guidance based on strong retail performance and stable growth expectations [13]. - Atour plans to distribute approximately $58 million in dividends in 2025 and has announced a share repurchase plan totaling up to $400 million over three years [13].

Core Insights - Atar Group reported Q1 2025 revenue of 1.906 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 29.8% [2] - Adjusted net profit for the same period was 345 million yuan, up 32.3% year-on-year [2] - The company raised its full-year revenue guidance, expecting a growth of 25% to 30% for 2025 [2] Financial Performance - Q1 adjusted EBITDA reached 474 million yuan, reflecting a 33.8% year-on-year growth [2] - The total number of hotels operated by Atar Group reached 1,727, with 194,559 rooms [2] - The company opened 121 new hotels in Q1, a 24.7% increase compared to the previous year [2] Shareholder Returns - Atar Group announced a total dividend payout of approximately 58 million USD for 2025 [2] - A three-year share repurchase plan was also announced, with a total buyback amount not exceeding 400 million USD [2] Retail Business Growth - The retail business GMV for Q1 was 845 million yuan, a significant year-on-year increase of 70.9% [3] - Online channels accounted for over 90% of the retail sales [3] - The registered member count surpassed 96 million, marking a 35.4% year-on-year growth [3] Product Development - The company launched new products "Atar 3.6" and "Light Stay 3.3" to enhance the accommodation experience [3] - A one-stop renewal solution "Atar 3.5SE" was introduced to further tap into growth potential in the accommodation sector [2][3] Strategic Vision - The CEO emphasized the commitment to the "Chinese Experience" strategy, aiming to enhance brand and product strength [3] - The focus is on deepening the integration of accommodation and retail businesses to provide superior customer experiences [3]