2025-08-20 13:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The group's revenue grew by 4.5% year over year to RMB 6.4 billion, near the high end of previous guidance [15] - Adjusted EBITDA rose by 11.3% year over year to RMB 2.3 billion, while adjusted net income increased by 7.6% year over year to RMB 1.3 billion [16] - The managed and franchised business revenue reported a robust 22.8% year over year growth to RMB 2.9 billion, with gross operating profit rising by 23.2% year over year to RMB 1.9 billion [17][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The hotel group's GMV grew by 15% year over year, with a member base increase of 17.5% year over year to nearly 290 million [7] - The number of rooms in operation increased by 18.3% year over year, contributing to high-quality network expansion [6] - The lease and own business revenue and gross operating profit decreased by 7.6% and 13.4% year over year, respectively [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The domestic number of travelers continues to grow steadily, but the hotel industry faces challenges due to increased hotel supply and macroeconomic factors affecting business travel [6] - The company observed a slight year-over-year decline in RevPAR for the third quarter, influenced by macro uncertainties and increased supply [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on high-quality growth, emphasizing prime locations in major cities and further penetration into lower-tier cities [6] - The launch of Hanqing 4.0 represents a significant supply chain reform aimed at achieving lower costs and higher quality [10] - The company aims to reach a strategic target of 20,000 hotels in 2,000 cities in the mid-term, with a focus on the economy and middle-scale segments [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the overall performance during the summer holiday was slightly below expectations, leading to a revised outlook for RevPAR for the full year [24] - The company is actively seeking rental reductions and optimizing revenue management to maintain healthy margins in the lease and own business [35] - Management expressed confidence in the long-term growth potential of the Orange and Intercity brands, with plans for continued expansion and product upgrades [50] Other Important Information - The company declared a USD 250 million interim cash dividend, representing 74% of the first half net profit, along with a share buyback of approximately USD 62 million [20] - The company is committed to enhancing membership benefits and improving direct sales capabilities through the Edge Rewards program [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for RevPAR in Q3 and 2025 - Management expects a slight year-over-year decline in RevPAR for Q3, with full-year performance anticipated to be slightly below previous guidance due to macro uncertainties and increased supply [24][26] Question: Impact of New Hotel Openings on Existing Hotels - Management acknowledged potential cannibalization from new hotel openings but emphasized ongoing product upgrades and rational positioning for new openings to mitigate negative impacts [28] Question: Strategic Focus on Asset-Light vs. Asset-Heavy Segments - Management highlighted the ongoing asset-light transformation, with a stable gross margin in the asset-light business and a gradual reduction in exposure to the asset-heavy segment [34][36] Question: Store Expansion and Franchise Sentiment - Management indicated a strict approach to new signings, focusing on high-quality locations and ensuring franchisee profitability, while maintaining a healthy pace of new openings [40] Question: Supply Chain Strengthening and Cost Reduction - Management detailed efforts to enhance supply chain capabilities, achieving a 10-20% cost decline in materials and a 30-day reduction in construction periods for new products [55]