Investment Rating - The report assigns an "Accumulate" rating for the company with a target price of HKD 19.60, based on the current price of HKD 17.62 [2]. Core Viewpoints - The company is a global leader in footwear development and manufacturing, with over 30 years of experience in the industry, focusing on high-quality customer relationships and product diversification [5][11]. - The company has a strong commitment to shareholder returns, maintaining a high dividend payout ratio of over 70% annually, except in 2020, and plans to distribute additional cash through share buybacks and special dividends [5][21]. - The company has successfully optimized its customer and product mix, leading to improved operational efficiency and production capacity expansion [6][7][8]. Summary by Sections 1. Company Overview - The company has established itself as a trusted partner for leading global brands, including Nike and Balenciaga, and has launched its own brand, Stella Luna [11]. - The management team possesses extensive industry experience, which supports the company's focus on sustainable growth [12]. 2. Customer and Product Optimization - The company has invested over USD 40 million annually in R&D since 2020, with a high R&D expenditure-to-revenue ratio of 2.68% in 2023, surpassing competitors [25]. - The product mix has been optimized, with fashion and sports categories increasing their revenue share, while the leisure category has decreased [29]. - The company has diversified its manufacturing bases across Vietnam, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Bangladesh, allowing for flexible capacity adjustments [34][35]. 3. Financial Performance - The company achieved a revenue of USD 15.45 billion in 2024, with a CAGR of -1.50% from 2015 to 2024, but has shown a strong recovery with a net profit of USD 0.92 billion in 2024H1, up 63.99% year-on-year [17][20]. - The gross margin improved to 25.8% in 2024H1, driven by better product mix and production efficiency [20][43]. 4. Demand and Competitive Landscape - Demand for footwear is stabilizing, with reduced inventory pressure observed in the U.S. apparel market since mid-2023 [44]. - The concentration of suppliers in the footwear industry is increasing, with the number of Nike's footwear suppliers decreasing, which may benefit the company due to its strong production capabilities [50]. 5. Earnings Forecast and Valuation - The company is expected to generate revenues of USD 16.2 billion, USD 17.6 billion, and USD 19.2 billion from 2024 to 2026, with corresponding net profits of USD 1.7 billion, USD 1.9 billion, and USD 2.1 billion [52][53]. - The target market capitalization is set at USD 21 billion, with a target price of USD 2.52, reflecting a PE ratio of 11x for 2025 [55].
九兴控股：客户和订单结构持续优化