Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Increase" rating for the industry, indicating a positive outlook for the sector in the next six months [5]. Core Viewpoints - Baima Tea, a leader in the high-end tea market, is expected to soon list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, marking a significant milestone for the company [8][9]. - The company has shown steady growth in revenue and profit margins, with 2023/2024 Q1-3 revenues of 2.122 billion and 1.647 billion yuan, representing year-on-year increases of 17% and 1% respectively [13][16]. - The tea market in China is projected to grow, with the high-end tea segment expected to outpace overall market growth, indicating a trend towards premiumization in consumer preferences [32][33]. Summary by Sections Industry Overview - The tea market in China was valued at 334.7 billion yuan in 2023, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% from 2019 to 2023, and is expected to maintain a CAGR of 5.0% from 2023 to 2028 [32]. - The high-end tea market is projected to grow from 82.7 billion yuan in 2019 to 105.2 billion yuan in 2023, with a CAGR of 6.2% [32]. Company Performance - Baima Tea's revenue and profit margins have been consistently increasing, with gross margins reaching 55% in 2024 Q1-3 [16][19]. - The company has successfully expanded its online sales, which accounted for 34% of total revenue in 2024 Q1-3, up from 16% in 2019 [19][21]. - The number of offline stores has also increased, with total stores rising from 2,931 at the end of 2022 to 3,498 by 2024 Q3, while the proportion of franchise stores has grown significantly [25][30]. Market Trends - The report highlights a shift in consumer preferences towards high-end tea products, with Baima Tea's product sales structure showing that tea products accounted for 88% of total sales in 2024 Q1-3 [30]. - The company is focusing on enhancing its brand presence and product offerings to cater to younger consumers and women, reflecting a strategic shift in target demographics [8][9].

Group 1: Core Insights - Eight Horses Tea has submitted its prospectus for an IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, with a maximum issuance of 29,133,400 shares and a total of 43,987,000 shares from existing shareholders to be converted for trading [1][3] - The company ranks first in the Chinese tea market by the number of specialty tea stores and in the high-end tea market by sales revenue, showcasing its strong market position [1][2] Group 2: Financial Performance - During the reporting period from 2022 to the first three quarters of 2024, Eight Horses Tea achieved revenues of 1.818 billion, 2.122 billion, and 1.647 billion yuan, with net profits of 166 million, 206 million, and 208 million yuan, respectively [2] - The company maintains a stable gross margin of 52%-55% and a net asset return rate around 24%, significantly above industry averages [2] Group 3: IPO Details - The IPO will involve a total of 73,120,400 shares available for trading, representing 25.1% of the total share capital post-IPO [3] - The company must complete the issuance and listing by July 17, 2026, or it will need to reapply [3] Group 4: Historical Context - Eight Horses Tea has attempted to go public multiple times, including plans for the SME board in 2013, New Third Board in 2015, and A-share applications in 2021 and 2023, before shifting focus to the Hong Kong market [4][5]