Core Viewpoint - Zhongtai Securities initiates coverage on Leshushi (02698) with a "Buy" rating, projecting the company to evolve from a leading player in Africa's sanitary products to an international fast-moving consumer goods group rooted in emerging markets, benefiting from the emerging market dividend [1] Group 1: Company Growth Potential - The company is expected to grow into an international fast-moving consumer goods group in emerging markets, leveraging high competitive barriers established in Africa, including supply chain and cost advantages, deep localization, and a cross-regional operational system [1] - The company is projected to achieve revenues of $545 million, $642 million, and $745 million from 2025 to 2027, with year-on-year growth rates of 20%, 18%, and 16% respectively [1] - Net profit attributable to the parent company is expected to reach $114 million, $134 million, and $155 million during the same period, with growth rates of 20%, 17%, and 16% respectively [1] Group 2: Market Characteristics - Africa is characterized as a "grid-like" market with distinct population distributions, cultures, currencies, and business environments, leading to rapid growth but limited market capacity [2] - The African baby diaper and sanitary napkin markets are projected to reach $2.59 billion and $870 million in 2024, with penetration rates of only 20% and 30%, compared to over 80% in mature markets [2] - The market is expected to benefit from increasing birth rates, urbanization, and rising penetration rates, making it the most promising sanitary product market globally [2] Group 3: Competitive Positioning - The company is the leading sanitary product player in Africa, with projected revenues of $450 million in 2024, reflecting a 10.5% increase, and a net profit of $95 million, representing a 47% increase [3] - The company maintains high gross and net profit margins of 35.2% and 20.9%, respectively, while achieving high return on assets (ROA) that significantly outperforms global and domestic industry leaders [3] - The company's competitive edge stems from its deep localization and cross-regional channel management developed over more than a decade [3] Group 4: Strategic Advantages - The company has established a strong brand presence through over 15 years of deep localization in Africa, operating 51 production lines across 8 countries [4] - A robust sales network has been developed through a wholesale model, reaching over 80% of the local population in key operational countries, creating a cross-regional operational moat in the grid-like market [4] - The company plans to expand its production capacity, with an estimated total output value of $890 million, including $510 million in Central Asia and Latin America markets [4]

Core Viewpoint - Zhongtai Securities initiates coverage on Leshu Shi (02698) with a "Buy" rating, projecting the company to evolve from a leading player in the African sanitary products market to an international fast-moving consumer goods group rooted in emerging markets, benefiting from ongoing market growth [1] Group 1: Company Growth Potential - The company is expected to achieve revenues of $545 million, $642 million, and $745 million from 2025 to 2027, with year-on-year growth rates of 20%, 18%, and 16% respectively [1] - Projected net profit attributable to shareholders is $114 million, $134 million, and $155 million for the same period, with growth rates of 20%, 17%, and 16% [1] - The company has established high competitive barriers in Africa through supply chain and cost advantages, deep localization, and a cross-regional operational system, allowing it to continue benefiting from emerging market dividends [1][2] Group 2: Market Characteristics - Africa is characterized as a "grid-like" market with distinct population distributions, cultures, currencies, and business environments, leading to rapid growth but limited market capacity [2] - The African baby diaper and sanitary napkin markets are projected to reach $2.59 billion and $870 million respectively by 2024, with penetration rates of only 20% and 30%, compared to over 80% in mature markets [2] - The market is expected to benefit from increasing birth rates, urbanization, and rising penetration rates, making it the most promising sanitary products market globally [2] Group 3: Financial Performance - The company is projected to generate $450 million in revenue in 2024, reflecting a 10.5% increase, with profits expected to reach $95 million, a 47% increase [3] - The gross margin and net margin are forecasted at 35.2% and 20.9% respectively, positioning the company as the leading sanitary products player in Africa [3] - The company maintains high profitability and return on assets (ROA), significantly outperforming global and domestic industry leaders [3] Group 4: Competitive Advantages - The company has a first-mover advantage with over 15 years of deep localization in Africa, operating 51 production lines across 8 countries [4] - A robust sales network has been established through a wholesale model, reaching over 80% of the local population in key operational countries [4] - The company is expanding its market presence from West Africa to East Africa and is set to replicate its success in the South American market, with plans for new production capacity valued at $890 million [4]