Core Viewpoint - The company, once a phenomenon in the e-commerce industry, is facing significant challenges due to quality control issues and a declining brand reputation, prompting a strategic shift towards self-operated and premium products [1][3][14]. Group 1: Company Background and Growth - Founded in 1998 by Zhang Yuxiang, the company initially thrived in the heated domestic thermal underwear market, achieving over 1 billion yuan in sales within four months [5]. - By 2020, the company reached a peak market value of approximately 584.5 billion yuan, with revenues soaring to 41.72 billion yuan and net profits of 11.88 billion yuan [7][9]. - The transition to a light-asset model in 2008, focusing on brand licensing, allowed rapid expansion, increasing the number of suppliers from 422 in 2015 to 1839 by 2021 [7][9]. Group 2: Challenges and Decline - The company began to experience a downturn post-2020, with revenues and net profits declining significantly; for instance, net profit fell to 4.77 billion yuan in 2021, a 59.84% decrease year-on-year [9][12]. - By 2023, the company reported a net loss of 2.37 billion yuan, with a projected profit of only 12 to 18 million yuan for the first half of the year, marking a drop of 76.89% to 84.60% compared to the previous year [1][18]. - Quality control issues have plagued the brand, with multiple products appearing on quality inspection blacklists since 2018, leading to a tarnished reputation among consumers [12][13]. Group 3: Strategic Shift and Future Plans - In response to ongoing challenges, the company is pivoting towards a "self-operated + light luxury" strategy, investing heavily in self-operated product lines and premium offerings [1][14]. - The company aims to rebrand itself by launching new product lines and engaging in high-profile marketing campaigns, including a partnership with media companies and celebrity endorsements [1][15]. - Zhang Yuxiang has expressed a desire for the brand to emulate successful models like Uniqlo, although industry experts highlight significant gaps in product development and supply chain capabilities that need to be addressed for successful transformation [3][21][22].

Investment Rating - The report initiates coverage on Nanji E-commerce with a "Buy" rating and a target price of 6.00 RMB, corresponding to a 26x PE for 2026 [1][9]. Core Views - The company is undergoing a significant brand transformation, shifting from an open authorization model to a self-sourcing and invitation-based franchise model, aiming to enhance product quality and restore brand image [1][2]. - The company is expected to achieve positive revenue growth in 2024, with a focus on expanding product SKUs and enhancing both online and offline sales channels [1][20]. - The report highlights the company's strategic pivot towards a "quality-price ratio" consumer demand, positioning itself as a provider of high-quality products at competitive prices [2][19]. Summary by Sections Company Overview - Nanji E-commerce, established in 1998, operates under national brand Nanji Ren and international brands such as Cardin Crocodile and Baijiahao, focusing on e-commerce and brand authorization services [1][25]. Brand Transformation - The company is implementing a dual-track operation model combining self-sourcing and franchise, enhancing product capabilities through collaboration with high-quality suppliers and luxury design teams [3][19]. - The introduction of a light luxury product line in September 2024 has significantly improved brand perception, with daily sales increasing from approximately 200,000 RMB to 20 million RMB by the end of December [2][20]. Supply Chain Reform - The company is reforming its supply chain by adopting a SPA model, which includes self-sourcing and a whitelist invitation system for franchises, thereby creating industry barriers [3][19]. - The focus on high-quality materials and advanced production techniques is expected to enhance product competitiveness and meet consumer demands [3][19]. Sales Channels - The company is leveraging both online platforms like Douyin and traditional e-commerce channels to drive sales, with Douyin's GMV showing a year-on-year increase of 103% in December 2024 [4][20]. - Offline, the company is testing self-operated retail through pop-up stores, with plans to open fixed stores in 2025, which could become a future growth driver [4][20]. Financial Projections - The report forecasts the company's net profit for 2025-2027 to be 331 million RMB, 575 million RMB, and 796 million RMB respectively, with a significant turnaround expected in 2025 [6][21]. - Revenue is projected to grow from 3.995 billion RMB in 2025 to 5.605 billion RMB in 2027, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of approximately 18.9% [6][21]. Market Positioning - The report contrasts its views with the market, asserting that despite previous challenges, the brand's strong recognition and strategic repositioning towards quality-price ratio will enable it to regain growth momentum [5][24]. - The company aims to continuously enrich its product offerings and expand its market presence, particularly in the homewear and bedding categories through its Baijiahao brand [20][23].