Investment Rating - The report gives a "Buy" rating for the company, marking its first coverage [10]. Core Insights - Baba Food is a leading enterprise in the Chinese steamed bun industry, focusing on both organic growth and external acquisitions, with a continuous increase in store numbers and significant improvements in store quality and efficiency [3][10]. - The company has expanded its catering business by leveraging new products and a robust supply chain, leading to a rising revenue share from this segment [3][10]. - Baba Food is actively exploring cross-industry opportunities, utilizing its supply chain and management capabilities to identify new growth avenues [10]. Company Overview - Baba Food specializes in the research, production, and sales of Chinese pastries, with a diverse product range including self-produced pastries, fillings, and externally sourced foods [7][19]. - The company operates a multi-channel sales model combining direct sales, franchising, and group catering, with the total number of stores increasing from 2,311 in 2017 to 5,685 by mid-2025 [7][19]. - The company has established a strong sales network across various regions, with a focus on the East China market, which remains its primary revenue source [23][25]. Market Dynamics - The national steamed bun market is projected to grow from 704 billion yuan in 2024 to 742 billion yuan in 2025, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 5.4% [8][56]. - The market is shifting from a fragmented model dominated by small family-run shops to a more branded and scaled approach, with leading companies expected to capture a larger market share due to their strong supply chains and digital operations [56][71]. Financial Performance - The company forecasts net profits of 289 million yuan, 315 million yuan, and 350 million yuan for 2025, 2026, and 2027 respectively, with corresponding EPS of 1.21, 1.32, and 1.46 yuan [10]. - The company has seen a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.1% in revenue from 2016 to 2024, with a notable increase in the share of catering business revenue from 6.0% in 2017 to 22.8% in 2024 [21][22]. Strategic Initiatives - The company is enhancing its store operations by optimizing equipment and layout to promote a fresh and made-to-order dining experience [37]. - Baba Food has implemented measures to support its franchisees, resulting in a recovery in revenue contributions from franchise stores starting from Q2 2024 [37][42].