POP MART(HK:09992) 36氪·2025-06-27 10:15Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the IPO prospects of Lezi Tiancheng, the parent company of 52TOYS, and compares its market position and performance with competitors like Pop Mart and Blokus, highlighting its challenges in achieving significant revenue growth and brand recognition [3][4][12]. Group 1: Company Overview - Lezi Tiancheng submitted its IPO application to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on May 22, becoming the fourth toy company to pursue an IPO after Pop Mart, Blokus, and Kayo [3]. - In 2024, Lezi Tiancheng's GMV is projected to be 930 million RMB, with operating revenue of 630 million RMB and adjusted net profit of 32 million RMB [3]. Group 2: Brand Positioning and Product Strategy - Lezi Tiancheng's brand philosophy emphasizes interaction with users, contrasting with Pop Mart's focus on emotional connections and cultural entertainment [4]. - The company has a diverse product line, including static dolls, movable figures, and licensed IPs, with a total of over 115 IPs, surpassing Pop Mart's 80 IPs [4][5]. Group 3: Financial Performance - From 2022 to 2024, Lezi Tiancheng's total revenue grew from 463 million RMB to 630 million RMB, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 16% [5]. - The revenue from licensed IPs increased significantly, from 233 million RMB to 406 million RMB, with a CAGR of about 32%, indicating a stronger growth in licensed products compared to self-owned IPs [5]. Group 4: Sales Channels and Market Expansion - In 2024, direct sales accounted for 30.9% of revenue, while distribution channels made up 66.8% [6]. - Lezi Tiancheng's overseas revenue grew from 35 million RMB in 2022 to 147 million RMB in 2024, with the overseas revenue share increasing from 7.6% to 23.4% [9][10]. Group 5: Competitive Landscape - Lezi Tiancheng's revenue growth has lagged behind competitors like Pop Mart and Blokus, with the latter surpassing Lezi Tiancheng in revenue since 2023 [12][13]. - The company has struggled to establish a flagship product that can drive significant revenue, leading to a lack of clear brand recognition [15]. Group 6: Profitability and Cost Management - Lezi Tiancheng's adjusted net profit improved from a loss of 57 million RMB in 2022 to a profit of 32 million RMB in 2024, with a net profit margin increasing from -12.3% to 5.1% [18]. - The company has successfully reduced its expense ratio, particularly in sales expenses, by cutting down on the number of physical stores [18]. Group 7: Valuation and Market Outlook - Lezi Tiancheng's valuation remained relatively stable, with a slight increase from 4.25 billion RMB in 2021 to 4.273 billion RMB in 2025, reflecting the overall market sentiment towards the toy industry [19]. - The company's price-to-sales (P/S) ratio is approximately 6.5 times, significantly lower than Pop Mart's 24 times and Blokus's 14 times, indicating a valuation discount due to its weaker performance [19][20].