Summary of the Conference Call for Lusi Co., Ltd. Company Overview - Lusi Co., Ltd. specializes in pet snacks, pet staple food, and single feed, with a focus on dog and cat food products. The main products include pet snacks such as jerky, canned food, biscuits, and dental bones [doc id='4'][doc id='8']. Financial Performance - In 2024, Lusi achieved revenue of 778 million yuan, a year-on-year increase of 11.7%. Pet snacks contributed 550 million yuan (71.3% of total revenue), jerky products accounted for 480 million yuan (61%), and staple food revenue was 102 million yuan, up 53.4% [doc id='2'][doc id='8']. - The net profit for 2024 was 78 million yuan, a 14.6% increase, driven by higher sales of jerky, staple food, and canned products, along with improved gross margins [doc id='10']. - In Q1 2025, revenue reached 184 million yuan, up 17.6%, with net profit of 16.51 million yuan, a 17.3% increase. Export business grew by 33%, while domestic pet food business increased by 14.7% after excluding the impact of meat powder [doc id='11']. Sales and Market Dynamics - Export sales in 2024 were approximately 480 million yuan, a 16.6% increase, accounting for 60% of total revenue. Domestic sales were 295 million yuan, up 4.4%, making up 40% of total revenue [doc id='9']. - The domestic business is shifting focus towards pet food, expanding from the original brand "Lusi" to include "Miaoguan," with a strong emphasis on staple food due to its large market size and acceptance [doc id='12']. Brand Strategy and Product Development - The new brand Miaoguan targets lower-tier markets, while Lusi plans to enhance its brand through the development of high-value-added products to improve gross margins [doc id='15']. - The sales ratio of staple food and snacks under the Lusi brand is shifting, with future marketing efforts focusing more on staple food [doc id='16']. Online and Offline Sales Channels - Online direct sales account for about 40% of domestic revenue, with online distribution at around 20%, and offline channels contributing over 30% [doc id='19']. - The Tmall platform has a gross margin of about 20%, with a net profit margin of 4%. However, platforms like Douyin and Kuaishou are currently not profitable [doc id='17'][doc id='18']. Production and Capacity - Lusi has production bases in Shandong, Gansu, and Sihanoukville, Cambodia, with a total of 8 production workshops and 2 R&D centers. Current snack production capacity is approximately 15,000 to 16,000 tons, staple food capacity is 30,000 tons, and meat powder capacity is 20,000 tons [doc id='6']. - The first phase of the Cambodian project has a capacity of 3,000 tons for jerky snacks, with a second phase expected to add 7,000 tons, contingent on U.S. tariff negotiations [doc id='22']. Industry Trends and Consumer Behavior - The pet food industry is witnessing a trend towards domestic brand acceptance, especially as U.S. brands face high tariffs due to trade tensions. Domestic brands are increasingly favored, with a growing market share [doc id='26']. - There is a notable increase in pet ownership, particularly among families with multiple pets, leading to an overall rise in single purchase amounts despite some decline in spending per pet [doc id='28'][doc id='29']. Future Outlook - Lusi aims for a growth target of 17% to 18% in Q1, with plans to enhance marketing efforts and product differentiation to boost domestic sales, which have not met expectations [doc id='31']. - The company is also focusing on expanding its presence in the U.S. and Southeast Asian markets through its Cambodian operations, while maintaining stability in the European market [doc id='32'].

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "OUTPERFORM" rating for Anta Sports, with a target price of HK$102.80, representing a potential upside of 9.4% from the current price of HK$94.05 [2][8]. Core Insights - Anta Sports continues to gain market share through product upgrades and channel innovations, with brand sell-through exceeding RMB 40 billion in FY24, achieving high single-digit growth [3][13]. - The acquisition of Jack Wolfskin is expected to enhance Anta's outdoor brand matrix, further solidifying its position in the high-end outdoor market [5][15]. - The FILA brand is experiencing growth due to a new CEO and an expanded product range, with sales expected to maintain mid-single-digit growth in 2025 and accelerate in subsequent years [4][16]. Summary by Sections Anta Brand Performance - Anta's brand revenue exceeded RMB 40 billion in 2024, driven by successful product upgrades and channel innovations, with a focus on high-end and mass-market positioning [3][13]. - The introduction of new product lines, such as the Anta Junior Series and various running shoe models, has contributed to significant sales growth [3][13]. FILA Brand Developments - FILA's revenue surpassed RMB 30 billion in 2024, with a strong online presence accounting for approximately 40% of sales [4][14]. - The brand's management transition is expected to support sustainable growth, with a focus on product positioning and brand development [4][14]. Other Brands and Acquisitions - Other brands under Anta, including DESCENTE and Kolon, reported significant revenue growth, with DESCENTE establishing a strong position in the high-end golf market [5][15]. - The planned acquisition of Jack Wolfskin for USD 290 million is anticipated to enhance Anta's outdoor product offerings and market presence [7][15]. Financial Projections - Revenue forecasts for Anta Sports are projected at RMB 78.97 billion for 2025, with a low double-digit growth rate expected through 2027 [8][16]. - Net profit estimates for the same period are RMB 13.39 billion in 2025, with a year-on-year growth of -14.1% due to one-off impacts in 2024 [8][16].

Core Insights - Anta Sports has successfully crossed the 100 billion RMB revenue mark, significantly aided by acquisitions, including the recent purchase of the German outdoor brand Jack Wolfskin for approximately 2.9 billion USD (around 21.29 billion RMB) [2][3][11] - The acquisition aligns with Anta's strategy to diversify its brand portfolio and cater to the growing demand for differentiated outdoor products in the global sports consumption market [3][4][5] Acquisition Details - Anta announced the full acquisition of Jack Wolfskin on April 10, with the deal expected to close by the second or third quarter of 2025, pending customary conditions [3][4] - The acquisition is part of Anta's broader strategy to enhance its presence in the outdoor market, which has seen a 15.8% growth in China, reaching a market size of 248 billion RMB in 2022, and is projected to exceed 400 billion RMB by 2025 [4][5] Brand Positioning - Jack Wolfskin is positioned as a mass-market outdoor brand, which complements Anta's existing high-end outdoor brands, allowing for a broader consumer reach [5][6] - The brand's established technology and environmental initiatives, such as the TEXAPORE membrane technology and the Ecosphere series, will enhance Anta's competitive edge in the outdoor segment [6][8] Market Penetration - Jack Wolfskin has a significant presence in Europe, with 495 stores globally, including 226 in Europe and 269 in Asia, which will provide Anta with valuable distribution channels [8][9] - The acquisition marks a milestone in Anta's globalization efforts, transitioning from merely acquiring foreign brands to establishing a foothold in international markets [8][10] Operational Strategy - Anta plans to leverage its strong operational capabilities to reposition and revitalize Jack Wolfskin, drawing from its successful track record with other brands like FILA [10][11] - The company has developed a robust multi-brand management system that will facilitate the integration and growth of Jack Wolfskin within its portfolio [10][11] Historical Context - Jack Wolfskin has experienced multiple ownership changes and operational challenges in China, which have diluted its brand value [13][14] - The brand's previous struggles highlight the importance of Anta's strategic management and localization efforts to restore its market position [14][15]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for Anta Sports is "Buy" (maintained) [7] Core Views - Anta reported Q1 performance exceeding expectations, with the acquisition of German outdoor brand Wolfskin further enhancing its outdoor portfolio [2] - The main brand of Anta shows vitality with a high single-digit growth in Q1, driven by strong performance in children's products and online sales [2] - FILA brand also demonstrated robust growth, with high single-digit increases in revenue, particularly in children's and trendy products [3] - Other brands like Descente and KOLON experienced significant growth, with Descente's revenue growth nearing 60% [4] - The acquisition of Wolfskin, a professional outdoor brand, is expected to complement Anta's mid-range outdoor market presence and enhance its international footprint [5] - Revenue forecasts for Anta are projected to grow by 10% in 2025, 8% in 2026, and 7% in 2027, with net profit expected to reach 134 billion, 147 billion, and 161 billion RMB respectively [6] Summary by Sections Main Brand Performance - Anta's main brand revenue grew in high single digits in Q1, with children's products and online sales also showing strong growth [2] FILA Brand Performance - FILA's revenue growth was high single digits, with children's and trendy products leading the way, and online sales outpacing offline [3] Other Brands - Descente's revenue growth approached 60%, while KOLON's revenue nearly doubled, indicating strong performance across outdoor and women's sports segments [4] Acquisition of Wolfskin - The acquisition of Wolfskin for approximately 2.9 billion USD (about 21.2 billion RMB) is expected to enhance Anta's outdoor brand portfolio and market presence in Europe and China [5] Financial Forecasts - Revenue projections for Anta are 782 billion RMB in 2025, 846 billion RMB in 2026, and 909 billion RMB in 2027, with corresponding net profits of 134 billion, 147 billion, and 161 billion RMB [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2023, total revenue grew by 10.9% to JPY 14.346 billion, marking a historical high [11] - Core Xtep brand revenue increased by 7.4% to JPY 11.947 billion, while new brands, including Saucony and Merrell, saw revenue growth of nearly 100% at almost JPY 800 million [12] - The group's profit reached a historical high of JPY 1.03 billion, up 11.8% year on year, with a net profit margin of 7.2% [13][17] - Inventory decreased significantly by 21.6% to JPY 1.794 billion, indicating improved inventory management [14][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The core Xtep brand achieved a retail sell-through growth of 20% year on year, with inventory turnover days at a healthy level of 4 to 4.5 months [6][10] - The Professional Sports segment, including Saucony and Merrell, reported nearly 100% revenue growth, with Saucony becoming the first profitable brand among the four brands [12][26] - The Athletia segment experienced a revenue growth of 14.3% [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the China region, Saucony's revenue growth exceeded 200%, reaching JPY 465 million [12] - The athleisure segment, including K Swiss and Palladium, saw a revenue growth of 14.3%, primarily driven by the Chinese market [27] - The gross margin for the athleisure segment improved from 37.6% to 44.8% due to increased direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain its position as the number one running brand in China, focusing on product innovation and expanding its market segment [35][50] - The strategy includes leveraging synergies between core and new brands, with a focus on high-end markets for new brands [8][51] - The company plans to continue enhancing its offline store experience while expanding its online presence [50] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that 2023 was a challenging year but expressed confidence in achieving considerable growth despite a difficult economic environment in 2024 [17][24] - The target for 2024 is a revenue growth of no less than 10%, with a focus on maintaining healthy inventory levels [18][24] - Management noted that the consumption situation remains uncertain, but they are prepared to react quickly to market changes [24] Other Important Information - The company has maintained a consistent dividend payout ratio of 50% since its listing in 2008 [15] - Operating cash net inflow grew by 1.2 times to JPY 1.255 billion, exceeding net profit [15] - The company has successfully remitted JPY 1 billion to Hong Kong for dividend payouts and debt repayment [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the growth prospects for Saucony and Merrell? - Management indicated that Saucony and Merrell are expected to achieve significant growth in 2024, with sales targets set at 30% to 40% growth [26] Question: How does the company plan to manage inventory levels? - The company emphasized the importance of maintaining healthy inventory levels and has successfully reduced inventory by 21.6% [14][21] Question: What are the expectations for the athleisure segment in 2024? - Management stated that while the athleisure segment will continue to incur losses, they will control the amount of loss to ensure it does not exceed previous years [30]