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Atour Lifestyle Holdings Limited Riding Waves of Shift to Experience-Focused Tourism

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Atour Lifestyle Holdings (ATAT) reports robust growth in 2023 with net revenues increasing by 106.2% year-over-year to RMB4,666 million. Adjusted net income surged by 248.3% to RMB903 million. The company aims to operate 2,000 premier hotels by 2025 and establish the 'Chinese Experience' as an industry benchmark.
Positive
  • Net revenues for full year 2023 surged by 106.2% to RMB4,666 million compared to RMB2,263 million in 2022.
  • Adjusted net income (non-GAAP) for full year 2023 soared by 248.3% to RMB903 million from RMB259 million in 2022.
  • Atour focuses on delivering tailored, high-quality experiences for diverse consumers and partners, aiming to operate 2,000 premier hotels by 2025.
  • In 2023, Atour saw an increase in key business metrics like average RevPAR, ADR, and occupancy rate compared to 2019 levels.
  • Atour logged 576 new hotel signings in 2023 and had 1,210 hotels in operation by December 31, 2023, with a year-on-year growth of 29.8%.
  • The domestic tourism market in China showed strong growth in 2023, with a surge in traveler trips and spending.
  • Atour introduced Atour Light 3.0 and Atour 4.0 'With Nature' to cater to different consumer segments and enhance its multi-brand approach.
  • The A-CARD membership system was expanded to attract younger demographics, with registered members surpassing 63 million by the end of 2023.
  • Atour's retail business, focusing on deep-sleep-inspired amenities, generated RMB1.14 billion in GMV for full year 2023.
  • Atour's digital capabilities support an integrated online-to-offline shopping experience, driving long-term business growth.
Negative
  • None.

Insights

The reported growth figures for Atour Lifestyle Holdings Limited are impressive, particularly in the context of the post-pandemic recovery of China's domestic tourism sector. The double-digit increases in key performance indicators such as RevPAR and ADR, coupled with a robust occupancy rate that surpasses 2019 levels, indicate a strong consumer demand and operational efficiency. The expansion strategy, marked by the addition of 576 new hotel signings, aligns with the surge in domestic travel and spending, suggesting that Atour is effectively capturing market share. Moreover, the company's emphasis on experience-led offerings and product innovation, such as the Atour Light 3.0 and Atour 4.0 "With Nature" brands, reflects a strategic response to the growing consumer appetite for personalized and high-quality travel experiences.

From a market perspective, Atour's differentiation strategy and multi-brand approach could help diversify its revenue streams and reduce risks associated with market fluctuations. The increase in registered A-CARD members also points to a successful loyalty program that could drive repeat business. However, the company's foray into the retail sector, particularly with the scenario-based retail business, is an area that requires careful scrutiny. While the initial success is notable, it remains to be seen how this diversification will contribute to long-term profitability and whether it will continue to resonate with consumers as the market evolves.

Atour's financial performance, featuring a 106.2% year-over-year revenue increase and a 248.3% rise in adjusted net income, speaks to a strong recovery trajectory and operational leverage. The financials reflect not only a recovery from pandemic lows but also the successful execution of a growth strategy that has likely been well-received by investors. The company's focus on digitalization and the integration of its hotel and retail businesses could offer synergies that enhance the customer experience and create additional revenue channels.

Investors will be interested in the sustainability of these growth rates and the company's ability to maintain profitability as it scales. The aggressive expansion towards the goal of 2,000 premier hotels by 2025 will require significant capital investment and effective management of the growing network. Additionally, the reported Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) from the retail segment indicates a successful cross-selling strategy, which can provide a buffer against the cyclical nature of the hospitality industry. However, investors should monitor the capital expenditures associated with expansion and the cost structure to ensure that the growth in top-line revenue translates to bottom-line profitability.

Atour's strategic positioning within the 'lifestyle hotel' category is a reflection of the broader industry trend towards offering unique and tailored experiences. The company's success in this area, particularly with the introduction of new brands like Atour Light 3.0 and Atour 4.0 "With Nature", demonstrates an understanding of consumer trends and a commitment to innovation. The focus on experience-centric offerings is likely to resonate well with the younger demographic, which is increasingly seeking more than just a place to stay.

The expansion into second-tier cities and the development of a nationwide network of hotels is a smart move, tapping into less saturated markets with potential for growth. Furthermore, the enhancement of the A-CARD membership system with high-value benefits is a strategic effort to build customer loyalty and encourage repeat stays. The company's adoption of a scenario-based approach to retail, leveraging guest feedback to develop products like the Deep Sleep Pillow PRO, shows a keen sense of market demand and the ability to extend the brand beyond traditional hotel services.

SHANGHAI, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Atour Lifestyle Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: ATAT), a leading hospitality and lifestyle company in China, reported robust growth in 2023 fueled by a rebound in domestic travel and its focus on experience-led offerings.

The company announced on its unaudited financial results on March 28,2024 for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023.

Net revenues for full year 2023 increased by 106.2% year-over-year to RMB4,666 million (US$657 million), compared with RMB2,263 million for full year 2022. For full year 2023, adjusted net income (non-GAAP) was RMB903 million (US$127 million), representing an increase of 248.3% year-over-year compared with RMB259 million for full year 2022.

Atour, a trailblazer in the "lifestyle hotel" category, prioritizes delivering tailored, high-quality experiences for diverse consumers and scenarios. This commitment has earned it the trust and preference of both consumers and partners alike.

"We are pleased to deliver strong full-year results for 2023, as well as significant progress towards our goal to operate a nationwide network of 2,000 premier hotels by 2025 and establish the 'Chinese Experience' as the industry benchmark," said Mr. Haijun Wang, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Atour.

Beyond an uptake in financial figures, Atour also saw major business metrics rise rapidly in 2023.

In 2023, the average revenue per available room (RevPAR) and average daily rate (ADR) of Atour hotels have both exceeded the levels for the same period in 2019, reaching RMB377 and RMB464, up 44% and 19% year-over-year respectively. The occupancy rate (OCC) for full year 2023, which stood at 77.8%, has recovered to 106.0% of 2019's level.

Atour logged 576 new hotel signings in 2023, further bolstering its iconic "Chinese Experience, 2,000 Premier Hotels" strategy, whereby the hotel chain looks to operate 2,000 hotels by 2025.

As of December 31, 2023, Atour had 1,210 hotels in operation across its network, representing a year-on-year growth of 29.8%. Concurrently, there were 617 manachised hotels under development in its pipeline.

In 2023, the domestic tourism market in China continued to regain its vigor. Data from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism shows that domestic travelers made 4.89 billion trips throughout the year, up 93.3% year on year, while tourist spending totaled RMB4.91 trillion, a staggering 140.3% increase over the previous year.

Amid the post-pandemic recovery, the tourism market is reverting to pre-pandemic levels, fueling a surge in demand for personalized experiences as well as an upgrade within the hospitality sector.

Atour has led this transformation, capitalizing on its advantages in product innovation, operations, and digitalization.

In line with its differentiation strategy , Atour introduced Atour Light 3.0 in February 2023, a midscale offering that not only meets consumers' desire for quality accommodations and unique experiences, but also demonstrates its exceptional value proposition compared to similar brands in the industry.

Since its launch, Atour Light 3.0 has garnered 27 new hotel signings in the fourth quarter of 2023, with 25 already in operation. Strategically located in central business districts of second-tier cities and above, these hotels enhance Atour's accessibility to China's young business travelers and vacationers.

Additionally, the introduction of Atour 4.0 "With Nature", a flagship upper midscale hotel brand, underscores the company's multi-brand, experience-centric approach. Atour 4.0 caters to both travelers and leisure vacationers, offering combined leisure and business facilities. Since its debut in November 2023, the first batch of hotel signings have been completed in major domestic cities and business districts, with the first establishment scheduled to open in the first half of 2024.

To attract and retain members, Atour has enhanced its A-CARD membership system with additional high-value benefits, appealing particularly to younger demographics. These benefits span retail, dining, culture, arts, and sports, complementing the existing loyalty program. As of December 31, 2023, the number of registered members has surpassed 63 million, up 78% year-over-year.

In broadening its product and market scope, Atour intents on exploring new opportunities in the retail sector. Drawing insights from guest feedback, it has introduced a line of deep-sleep-inspired amenities.

This scenario-based retail business generated RMB1.14 billion in GMV for full year 2023, marking a 298.3% year-over-year increase. Among the merchandise, cumulative sales of Atour's best-selling Deep Sleep Pillow PRO hit 1.2 million units, while consumers snapped up more than 100,000 Deep Sleep Temperature Control Quilts.

The spike in sales underscores Atour's ability to meet real user needs, enabling it to expand its competitive edge in the mid- to high-end price segments.

From sleep-related products to other categories, its innovative approach has supplied the hospitality industry with a recipe for success.

Atour's digital capabilities underpin a seamless online-to-offline shopping experience, enhancing user satisfaction and unlocking greater potential for business growth. This integrated model promises to drive the company's long-term development, as the hotel and retail businesses tend to strengthen each other.

Looking ahead to the 11th year since its founding, Atour remains committed to enhancing its "Chinese Experience, 2,000 Premier Hotels" strategy and delivering more lifestyle innovations to customers. It also looks to collaborate with partners to push the boundaries in China's hospitality industry and celebrate success together.

About Atour Lifestyle Holdings Limited

Atour Lifestyle Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: ATAT) is a leading hospitality and lifestyle company in China, with a distinct portfolio of lifestyle hotel brands. Atour is the leading upper midscale hotel chain in China and is the first Chinese hotel chain to develop a scenario-based retail business. Atour is committed to bringing innovations to China's hospitality industry and building new lifestyle brands around hotel offerings.

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SOURCE Atour Lifestyle Holdings Limited

FAQ

What was the percentage increase in net revenues for Atour in full year 2023 compared to 2022?

Net revenues for full year 2023 increased by 106.2% year-over-year to RMB4,666 million from RMB2,263 million in 2022.

How much did the adjusted net income (non-GAAP) surge by in 2023 for Atour?

Adjusted net income for full year 2023 soared by 248.3% to RMB903 million from RMB259 million in 2022.

What is Atour's goal regarding the number of premier hotels it aims to operate by 2025?

Atour aims to operate a nationwide network of 2,000 premier hotels by 2025.

How many new hotel signings did Atour log in 2023?

Atour logged 576 new hotel signings in 2023.

What was the occupancy rate for Atour in full year 2023 compared to 2019?

The occupancy rate (OCC) for full year 2023 stood at 77.8%, recovering to 106.0% of 2019's level.

How many registered members did Atour have in its A-CARD membership system by the end of 2023?

As of December 31, 2023, the number of registered members in Atour's A-CARD membership system surpassed 63 million, up 78% year-over-year.

What was the revenue generated by Atour's scenario-based retail business in full year 2023?

Atour's scenario-based retail business generated RMB1.14 billion in GMV for full year 2023.

What new hotel offerings did Atour introduce in 2023?

Atour introduced Atour Light 3.0 and Atour 4.0 'With Nature' in 2023 to cater to different consumer segments.

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