Core Viewpoint - LeShuShi, known as the "King of Diapers in Africa," has updated its prospectus to pursue an IPO in Hong Kong after its initial application lapsed due to not passing the hearing within six months. The company has rapidly risen in the African market, holding a 20.3% market share in baby diapers by volume in 2024, but faces challenges such as raw material price volatility, slowing growth rates, and pre-IPO dividend distributions [2][12]. Company Overview - LeShuShi was founded by Shen Yanchang, who has extensive trade experience in Africa since the 1990s. The company was spun off from SenDa Group in 2022 and focuses on selling baby diapers, pull-ups, sanitary napkins, and wet wipes in Africa, targeting mid-to-high-end and mass markets [7][9]. - The company has established eight production facilities and 51 production lines in Africa, with an annual capacity exceeding 6.3 billion baby diapers and nearly 2.9 billion sanitary napkins as of April 2025 [9]. Market Position and Strategy - LeShuShi leverages its supply chain and local manufacturing advantages to compete with international giants, offering products at significantly lower prices—about one-third of the cost of similar products from Europe and the U.S. [9]. - The company has built a vast distribution network in Africa, collaborating with over 2,800 wholesalers, distributors, supermarkets, and other retailers to enhance market penetration [10]. Financial Performance - LeShuShi's revenue and net profit figures for 2022 to 2024 are as follows: $320 million, $411 million, and $454 million in revenue; $18 million, $65 million, and $95 million in net profit, respectively. However, growth rates are expected to slow in 2024 compared to 2023 [12][23]. - The company's gross margin and net profit margin improved significantly in 2023, reaching 34.9% and 15.7%, respectively, primarily due to a decrease in raw material prices [15][16]. Raw Material Costs and Risks - The company’s gross and net profit performance is significantly affected by fluctuations in raw material prices, which account for over 85% of total sales costs [14][16]. Future projections indicate that while non-woven fabric prices may decrease, prices for fluff pulp and SAP are expected to rise [17]. Dividend Distribution and Corporate Governance - Prior to the IPO, LeShuShi's pre-IPO dividend distributions raised concerns, with a total of $35,300 and $35 million declared in 2024, representing 37% of the projected net profit for that year [20][22]. The founders control 64.42% of the company through Century BVI [18]. R&D and Competitive Landscape - LeShuShi's R&D spending remains low, with only $531,000 in 2024, accounting for just 0.12% of revenue, which may hinder its ability to build technological barriers in an increasingly competitive market [22][24]. Industry analysts suggest that the company primarily competes on price, raising questions about its long-term competitive edge based on quality [24].

Core Viewpoint - LeShuShi, known as the "King of Diapers in Africa," has updated its prospectus and is making another attempt to go public in Hong Kong [2][3]. Group 1: Company Overview - LeShuShi was founded by Shen Yanchang, who has extensive trade experience in Africa since the 1990s. The company was spun off from SenDa Group in 2022 and focuses on the African market for baby diapers, pull-ups, sanitary napkins, and wet wipes [6][7]. - As of April 30, 2025, LeShuShi has established eight production plants and 51 production lines in Africa, with an annual capacity of over 6.3 billion baby diapers and nearly 2.9 billion sanitary napkins [10]. Group 2: Market Position and Strategy - LeShuShi holds a 20.3% market share in the African baby diaper market by volume as of 2024, positioning itself as the industry leader [3]. - The company employs a localized manufacturing strategy, which allows it to maintain lower costs and respond quickly to market demands, giving it a competitive edge against international giants [10]. Group 3: Financial Performance - Revenue projections for LeShuShi are $320 million in 2022, $411 million in 2023, and $454 million in 2024, with net profits of $18 million, $65 million, and $95 million respectively [12][26]. - The company's gross margin and net profit margin improved significantly in 2023, reaching 34.9% and 15.7%, respectively, primarily due to a decrease in raw material prices [16][17]. Group 4: Risks and Concerns - The company faces risks related to raw material price fluctuations, with expectations of rising prices for key materials like fluff pulp and SAP in the coming years [18]. - LeShuShi's performance growth is projected to slow down, with revenue growth expected to drop from 28.6% in 2023 to 10.5% in 2024 [12]. Group 5: Dividend and Funding - Prior to the IPO, LeShuShi engaged in significant dividend payouts, including a $35,300 dividend from its subsidiary in Kenya and a $35 million interim dividend, which raised concerns about the distribution of profits primarily benefiting the founders [22][24]. - The company plans to use the net proceeds from the IPO to expand production capacity, enhance marketing efforts, and pursue strategic acquisitions in the hygiene products sector [24].