Core Points - Eight Horses Tea has successfully completed its IPO after 13 years of efforts, with shares starting trading on October 28, 2023, and experiencing a significant price increase of 86.70% by the end of the trading day [2][4] - The company raised approximately HKD 390 million through the global offering, with a total of 9 million shares issued, of which 90,000 shares were available for public offering in Hong Kong, resulting in a subscription rate of 2,680.04 times [2][5] Company Overview - Founded in 1997 by the Wang brothers, Eight Horses Tea has developed a comprehensive product matrix covering various types of tea and related products, with tea sales accounting for 86.5% to 90.2% of total revenue from 2022 to the first half of 2025 [5][6] - According to a report by Frost & Sullivan, Eight Horses Tea ranks first in the Chinese tea market by the number of tea chain stores and also leads in the high-end tea market by sales revenue [5] Market Position and Challenges - The IPO's positive reception is attributed to the overall increased interest in domestic tea brands following the listing of other companies like Mixue Ice Cream [4] - Despite being a leading player, Eight Horses Tea faces challenges in expanding its market share, as it holds only 1.7% of the high-end tea market, with the top five players collectively holding just 5.6% [8][11] Financial Performance - The company has invested heavily in marketing, spending approximately HKD 875 million on advertising over three and a half years, yet its revenue growth has been modest, with 2023 revenue growth slowing to single digits [9][12] - In the first half of 2025, the company reported a revenue decline of about 4.2% year-on-year, with net profit decreasing by approximately 17.8% [12][13] Franchise and Distribution Challenges - Eight Horses Tea's sales heavily rely on franchise stores, which accounted for about 50% of total revenue from 2022 to the first half of 2025 [13][14] - The growth of franchise numbers has slowed significantly, with a net increase of only 50 franchisees in 2024 and a decrease of 24 in the first half of 2025 [14][16] - Legal challenges from former franchisees may further complicate the company's operational landscape [16]

Core Viewpoint - Baima Tea's successful listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange marks a significant milestone in its 12-year journey towards capital market entry, reflecting the modernization and capitalization of China's tea industry [1][2]. Development History - Baima Tea, founded in 1997, has transformed from a local tea factory into a national brand, intertwining its growth with the evolution of the Chinese tea industry [1][2]. - The company faced multiple challenges in its attempts to go public, including failed IPO attempts in 2013, 2015, and 2021, before successfully listing in Hong Kong in October 2023 [2][3]. Success Factors - **Family Network**: The founder's strategic alliances through family connections with major companies like Anta Sports and Seven Wolves have provided Baima Tea with substantial resources and support [6]. - **Channel Expansion**: The "direct sales + franchise" model has enabled rapid nationwide expansion, with over 3,700 stores, maintaining brand control while achieving deep market penetration [7]. - **Full-Category Strategy**: Baima Tea's transition from a single product line to a comprehensive range of tea products has opened new growth avenues, supported by a robust supply chain [8]. Challenges Ahead - **Revenue Growth Slowdown**: The company's revenue declined by 4.2% to 1.063 billion yuan in the first half of 2025, with profits dropping 17.8% to 120 million yuan, indicating a trend of stagnation [10][11]. - **Franchise System Crisis**: The reliance on franchise stores, which account for 93% of its outlets, is becoming a liability as the growth rate of franchisees has significantly slowed, with a drop from 16.36% in 2023 to 4.16% in 2024 [13]. - **High-End Tea Market Struggles**: The demand for high-end tea products is declining, as evidenced by a drop in average annual spending per member from 2,860.4 yuan to 2,469.6 yuan, highlighting a mismatch between premium positioning and market demand [14].