Investment Rating - The report gives Conant Optical a "Buy" rating for its initial coverage [5]. Core Viewpoints - Conant Optical is a leading manufacturer of resin lenses in China, with a strong global presence and a focus on AI glasses business development [1][4]. - The company is expected to benefit from the growing demand for both traditional and smart eyewear, driven by increasing near-sightedness and aging populations [2][4]. - Conant's competitive advantages include high refractive index technology and a C2M (Customer-to-Manufacturer) customization model, which enhance its market position [3][4]. Company Overview - Conant Optical was established in 1996 and is headquartered in Shanghai, with production bases in Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Japan [1]. - The company ranks first among Chinese resin lens manufacturers by production volume and fifth globally by sales revenue [1][37]. - In 2024, the company is projected to achieve revenue of 2.06 billion RMB, a year-on-year increase of 17.1% [1][6]. Market Trends - The eyewear market is experiencing a volume and price increase due to rising near-sightedness and presbyopia rates, as well as growing functional demands [2][38]. - In China, the per capita purchase of lenses is expected to rise from 8.6 pairs per 100 people in 2019 to 10.0 pairs in 2024, with spending increasing from 21.2 RMB to 27.1 RMB per person [2][49]. - The global lens manufacturing market is projected to grow to 8.2 billion USD by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 5.8% from 2024 to 2029 [2][50]. Business Segments - Conant's revenue is derived from three main segments: standard lenses (44%), functional lenses (37%), and customized lenses (19%) for 2024 [1][20]. - The functional lens segment is expected to see significant growth, with a 32.4% increase in revenue compared to the previous year [20]. Technological Advantages - The company has developed a high refractive index lens technology, being the first in China to mass-produce 1.74 refractive index resin lenses [3][61]. - Conant's C2M model allows for 24-hour customization and delivery, enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction [3][64]. AI Glasses Market - The global smart glasses market is witnessing rapid growth, with a 116.1% year-on-year increase in shipments in China [4][72]. - Conant is positioned to capitalize on this trend due to its advanced optical technologies and partnerships with leading consumer electronics companies [4][70]. Financial Projections - The company is expected to achieve net profits of 566 million RMB, 712 million RMB, and 876 million RMB for the years 2025, 2026, and 2027, respectively [5][6]. - The projected P/E ratios for 2025, 2026, and 2027 are 34x, 27x, and 22x, indicating a favorable valuation compared to peers [5][6].
康耐特光学(02276):首次覆盖报告:国内领先的树脂镜片制造商,长期关注公司AI眼镜业务进展