Investment Rating - The report gives a "Buy" rating for the company, marking its first coverage in the market [4][6]. Core Insights - The company is a leader in the African hygiene products industry, with a projected revenue of $450 million in 2024 and a three-year CAGR of 19%. Net profit is expected to reach $95 million, with a CAGR of 130% [1][4]. - The African hygiene products market is still in its early industrialization stage, presenting significant growth potential. The market for baby diapers, pull-ups, and sanitary pads is estimated to be $3.8 billion in 2024, with a projected growth rate of approximately 8% over the next five years [2][40]. - The company has established competitive barriers through a multi-brand strategy, a robust local supply chain, and a mature sales network, covering over 30 African countries and reaching more than 80% of the local population [3][62]. Summary by Sections Company Overview - The company, established in 2009, has become a leading brand in Africa's hygiene products sector, launching several brands including Softcare, Maya, Veesper, Cuettie, and Clincleer [1][16]. Market Potential - Africa's GDP is expected to grow at around 4%, with a high birth rate of approximately 4% and a low penetration rate of hygiene products (20% for diapers compared to 80% in developed markets) [2][40]. - The market for disposable hygiene products in Africa is projected to grow significantly, with the baby diaper market expected to reach $2.59 billion by 2024, growing at a CAGR of 6.2% [49]. Competitive Advantages - The company has a diverse brand portfolio that covers various market segments, with Softcare being the leading brand in terms of sales volume [3][62]. - The company has developed a comprehensive sales network and local manufacturing capabilities, with eight factories across Africa, making it the largest local manufacturer in the hygiene products sector [3][62]. Financial Analysis - The company’s revenue is projected to grow from $411 million in 2023 to $454 million in 2024, with a net profit increase from $64.68 million to $95.11 million during the same period [5][24]. - The expected earnings per share for 2024 is $0.19, with a price-to-earnings ratio of 2.39 [5][4]. Investment Forecast - Revenue projections for 2025-2027 are estimated at $529 million, $610 million, and $703 million respectively, with corresponding net profits of $115 million, $133 million, and $156 million [4][5].

Investment Rating - The report gives a "Buy" rating for the company, Softcare, for the first time [6]. Core Insights - Softcare is a multinational hygiene products company focused on emerging markets, particularly in Africa, Latin America, and Central Asia. It has established itself as a leader in the African baby diaper and sanitary napkin markets, holding market shares of 20.3% and 15.6% respectively as of 2024 [6][13]. - The company has experienced rapid revenue and profit growth due to the establishment of local production facilities in Africa, with projected revenues of $454 million in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 10.5% [5][17]. - The African market is expected to see significant growth in the hygiene products sector, driven by a young population, increasing urbanization, and rising disposable incomes [19][28]. Summary by Sections Company Overview - Softcare launched its first product, Softcare baby diapers, in Ghana in 2009 and has since expanded its brand portfolio to include Maya, Veesper, Cuettie, and Clincleer, catering to various consumer segments [10][13]. - The company has established eight production facilities across different African countries, enhancing its manufacturing capabilities and supply chain efficiency [10][41]. Market Potential - The African economy is projected to grow at a rate of 4.1% in 2025, which is higher than the global average, providing a favorable environment for the growth of hygiene products [19]. - The young population in Africa, with over 60% under the age of 30, and a birth rate of approximately 3.2% from 2020 to 2024, is expected to drive demand for baby products [23][24]. Competitive Advantages - Softcare has a well-defined brand matrix and has received multiple awards, enhancing its brand recognition and consumer trust [36][37]. - The company operates a robust distribution network with over 2,800 wholesalers, distributors, and retailers across Africa, Latin America, and Central Asia, ensuring extensive market reach [45][46]. - The local production strategy allows Softcare to reduce costs and improve product quality, with a significant increase in gross margins for its products from 2022 to 2024 [43][41]. Financial Projections - The company forecasts revenues of $534 million in 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17% from 2025 to 2027 [5][6]. - The projected net profit for 2024 is $95 million, with a significant increase in profitability expected in the coming years [5][17].

Core Viewpoint - The company is a leading player in the African hygiene products market, primarily focused on the sales of diapers, with a well-established brand portfolio targeting emerging markets in Africa, Latin America, and Central Asia [1] Industry Overview - The African hygiene products market is valued at $3.8 billion, characterized by low penetration rates and growth potential. Population growth in emerging markets, along with economic development and improved product awareness, indicates significant room for increased product penetration [2] - According to Frost & Sullivan, the market sizes for diapers, sanitary napkins, and baby pull-ups in Africa are projected to reach $2.59 billion, $0.85 billion, and $0.39 billion respectively by 2024, with expected CAGRs of 7.0%, 10.7%, and 7.6% from 2025 to 2029 [2] - The market is concentrated, with a few international brands and local leaders dominating. The CR5 for baby diapers and women's sanitary napkins is projected to be 61.0% and 41.3% respectively by 2024 [2] Company Competitive Advantages - **Localized Supply Chain**: The company has established local production facilities in multiple African countries, optimizing production processes and reducing logistics costs through local sourcing of raw materials [2] - **Diverse Product Line and Brand Matrix**: The company offers over 340 SKUs and continuously innovates. Its core brand "Softcare" targets the mid-range market, while it also expands horizontally with technology-driven brands and vertically with more affordable options like "Maya" and "Cuettie" [3] - **Extensive Sales Network**: The company has built a comprehensive sales network across Africa, Latin America, and Central Asia, establishing long-term partnerships with wholesalers, distributors, supermarkets, and retailers [3] Financial Forecast and Valuation - The company is projected to achieve net profits of $113 million, $133 million, and $152 million for the years 2025 to 2027, representing year-on-year growth rates of 18.5%, 17.8%, and 14.7% respectively. Corresponding EPS figures are expected to be $0.19, $0.22, and $0.25 [3] - The company is assigned a target P/E ratio of 24x based on comparable companies' average valuations for 2026, leading to a target price of HKD 40.94, with an initial "buy" rating [3]

Core Insights - The article highlights the success story of Leshu Shi, a Chinese company that has become a leading player in the African hygiene products market, achieving significant growth and market penetration in a relatively short period [6][9][10]. Company Overview - Leshu Shi was established in 2009 as a small division of a trading company and has since evolved into a multinational giant, selling nearly 6 billion hygiene products annually across over 30 countries [9][20]. - The company went public on November 10, raising HKD 23.8 billion with a market capitalization of HKD 211.94 billion, and its stock price surged by 33.51% on the first day of trading [7][8]. Market Position - By 2024, Leshu Shi became the top seller of baby diapers and sanitary pads in Africa, surpassing international giants like Procter & Gamble and Kimberly-Clark [10][32]. - The company holds a 20.3% market share in the baby diaper segment and a 15.6% share in the sanitary pad segment, making it the "dual champion" in Africa [29][30]. Product Strategy - Leshu Shi's product strategy focuses on essential needs, targeting both baby and female hygiene products, with baby diapers accounting for over 70% of total revenue in 2024 [22][23]. - The company offers a range of products under various brands to cater to different market segments, including Softcare for the mid-to-high-end market and Cuettie for low-income consumers [25][26]. Financial Performance - In 2024, Leshu Shi reported revenues of USD 454.39 million (approximately RMB 3.2 billion) and a net profit of USD 95.11 million (approximately RMB 670 million) [28][29]. - The company has experienced a revenue growth rate of 28.4% from 2022 to 2023, but the growth rate slowed to 10.5% from 2023 to 2024 [80]. Market Opportunity - The African market presents significant growth potential, with a low penetration rate of baby diapers and sanitary pads at 20% and 30%, respectively, compared to over 70% in developed markets [38][39]. - The African population is young, with 36.5% of global births occurring in the region, indicating a continuous demand for baby products [35][36]. Competitive Advantage - Leshu Shi's competitive edge lies in its localized production strategy, which reduces costs and improves efficiency by manufacturing products within Africa [44][45]. - The company has established a deep distribution network, with over 2,000 wholesalers and 400 distributors across 12 countries, ensuring product availability in rural markets [50][53]. Challenges Ahead - Despite its success, Leshu Shi faces challenges such as slowing revenue growth, reliance on low pricing strategies, and potential fluctuations in raw material costs [82][89]. - The company must enhance its research and development capabilities to avoid falling into a low-price competition trap and to innovate its product offerings [93][96].

Core Viewpoint - Luxurious Comfort, a multinational hygiene products company, is set to launch an IPO from October 31 to November 5, aiming to raise up to HKD 2.38 billion, marking a significant milestone as the first company headquartered in the Middle East to list in Hong Kong [1][2]. Company Overview - Founded by a couple from the "post-70s" generation, Shen Yanchang and Yang Yanjuan, Luxurious Comfort is known as the "King of Diapers in Africa" and has established a strong presence in the African market [1][4]. - The company is headquartered in the Dubai Airport Free Zone and has become the leading manufacturer of hygiene products in Africa, with a total of 8 production facilities and 51 production lines [2][3]. Financial Performance - Luxurious Comfort has seen a steady increase in revenue, achieving USD 320 million in 2022, USD 411 million in 2023, and projected revenue of USD 454 million in 2024 [3]. - The company sold approximately 10.8 billion diapers over three years, with sales of 2.995 billion diapers in 2022, 3.714 billion in 2023, and an expected 4.123 billion in 2024 [2][3]. Market Position - In the African market, Luxurious Comfort holds the largest market share for baby diapers at 20.3% and for sanitary napkins at 15.6% based on 2024 sales volume [3]. - The company ranks second in revenue market share for baby diapers at 17.2% and sanitary napkins at 11.9% in Africa [3]. Growth Strategy - The company plans to allocate over 70% of the IPO proceeds for capacity expansion and production line upgrades, with approximately 34.5% earmarked for new production lines in Ghana and Senegal [5][6]. - Luxurious Comfort aims to replicate its successful localized product and self-built channel model in Latin America and Central Asia, with about 11.6% of the funds designated for marketing and promotional activities in these regions [6].

Core Insights - LeShuShi Limited is preparing for an IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, with CICC, CITIC Securities, and GF Securities (Hong Kong) as joint sponsors [1][3] - The company is the largest manufacturer of hygiene products in Africa, leading in both the baby diaper and sanitary napkin markets by production volume in 2024 [1][3] Company Overview - LeShuShi focuses on emerging markets in Africa, Latin America, and Central Asia, specializing in the development, manufacturing, and sales of baby diapers, pull-ups, sanitary napkins, and wet wipes [3] - The company holds the largest market share in Africa for baby diapers at 20.3% and sanitary napkins at 15.6% based on 2024 sales volume [3] - LeShuShi has established a broad sales network across over 30 countries, which is considered a competitive advantage [3] Financial Performance - The company's revenue grew from $320 million in 2022 to $454 million in 2024, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.2% [6] - For the four months ending April 30, 2025, revenue increased by 15.5% to $161.31 million compared to the same period in the previous year [6] - The sales volume for baby diapers and sanitary napkins reached 4.122 billion and 1.634 billion units respectively in 2024, with respective CAGR of 17.3% and 30.6% since 2022 [3] Brand Strategy - LeShuShi offers various brands, including its core brand Softcare, which targets mid-to-high-end consumers seeking quality products [4] - Softcare has become a well-known brand in many African countries, establishing a leading market position [4] Sales and Distribution - As of April 30, 2025, LeShuShi has set up 18 sales branches in 12 countries, supported by over 2,800 wholesalers, distributors, supermarkets, and other retailers [3]

Core Viewpoint - Leshushit Limited is preparing for an IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, with CICC, CITIC Securities, and GF Securities (Hong Kong) as joint sponsors. The company is the largest local manufacturer of sanitary products in Africa, ranking first in both the baby diaper and sanitary napkin markets in Africa based on 2024 production volume [1][3]. Company Overview - Leshushit is a multinational sanitary products company focused on emerging markets in Africa, Latin America, and Central Asia, primarily engaged in the development, manufacturing, and sales of baby diapers, pull-ups, sanitary napkins, and wet wipes [3]. - The company has established a broad sales network across over 30 countries in Africa, Latin America, and Central Asia, which is considered a competitive advantage [3]. Market Position - According to Frost & Sullivan, Leshushit ranks first in the African baby diaper and sanitary napkin markets with market shares of 20.3% and 15.6%, respectively, based on 2024 sales volume. In terms of revenue, the company ranks second in both markets with shares of 17.2% and 11.9% [3]. - The company has achieved rapid growth, with baby diaper and sanitary napkin sales reaching 4.122 billion and 1.634 billion units in 2024, respectively, reflecting compound annual growth rates of 17.3% and 30.6% since 2022 [3]. Brand Strategy - Leshushit offers various baby and women's hygiene products under different brands, including its core brand Softcare, which targets mid-to-high-end consumers seeking quality products. Softcare has become a well-known brand in many African countries [4]. Financial Performance - The company has demonstrated stable growth and improving profitability, with revenue increasing from $320 million in 2022 to $454 million in 2024, representing a compound annual growth rate of 19.2%. For the four months ending April 30, 2025, revenue rose by 15.5% to $161.31 million compared to the same period in the previous year [6][7]. - The financial data shows a consistent increase in gross profit, with gross profit rising from $73.53 million in 2022 to $160.15 million in 2024 [7].

Core Viewpoint - Leshu Shi Limited has re-applied for a listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange after its previous application expired in January 2025, with a focus on expanding its business in emerging markets, particularly in Africa, Latin America, and Central Asia [1][9]. Company Overview - Founded by Shen Yanchang, Leshu Shi began as a division of Senda Group, which was established in 2004 and has evolved into a multinational group involved in manufacturing and international trade [2]. - Leshu Shi specializes in the development, manufacturing, and sales of baby and female hygiene products, including diapers, sanitary napkins, and wet wipes, primarily targeting emerging markets [2][3]. Market Position - Leshu Shi's core brand, Softcare, is positioned as a mid-to-high-end brand and has become a well-known name in many African countries, holding the top market share in both baby diapers (20.3%) and sanitary napkins (15.6%) by volume in 2024 [3]. - The company operates in over 30 countries across Africa, Latin America, and Central Asia, with a wide sales network covering more than 2,800 wholesalers, distributors, supermarkets, and other retailers [4]. Financial Performance - The company reported significant revenue growth, with annual revenues exceeding 3.2 billion yuan (approximately $460 million) in 2022, reaching 4.54 billion yuan (approximately $650 million) in 2024 [5][6]. - The net profit for 2022 was approximately 171.3 million yuan (about $24 million), increasing to around 689 million yuan (about $98 million) in 2024 [5][6]. Growth Drivers - The growth in sales is attributed to the expansion of the sales network in existing markets and the penetration into new emerging markets, with a focus on increasing market reach from urban to rural areas [7]. - The emerging markets, particularly Africa, show strong potential for growth due to a high birth rate and increasing demand for quality hygiene products, with a market penetration rate of only about 20% for baby diapers compared to 70%-86% in developed markets [9]. Challenges - The company faces increasing competition in the baby and female hygiene products sector, as the low technical and financial barriers attract more market participants [9][10]. - The rise of e-commerce platforms in emerging markets has intensified competition, leading to issues such as customer diversion and price wars [10]. - Leshu Shi's historically low investment in research and development may hinder its ability to build technological barriers and differentiate its products in a crowded market [10].

Core Viewpoint - Softcare, a Chinese brand, has become the leading sanitary product brand in Africa, capitalizing on the growing demand for affordable hygiene products in emerging markets [6][7][28]. Group 1: Company Overview - Softcare is the top-selling sanitary pad brand in Kenya, with a market share of 15.6% in Africa's sanitary products sector [7]. - The company is a subsidiary of SenDa Group, which has been operating in Africa since 2004 and has established a strong distribution network over the years [12][13]. - Softcare's revenue is projected to grow from approximately $320 million in 2022 to over $450 million by 2024, with net profit increasing from $18.4 million to $95.1 million during the same period [10]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - Africa has the fastest population growth globally, with a significant demand for hygiene products, yet the penetration rates for baby diapers and sanitary pads remain low at 20% and 30%, respectively [23][24]. - The average price of sanitary pads in Nigeria has tripled from 450 Naira in 2021 to 1500 Naira in 2024, indicating a growing market but also highlighting affordability issues for many women [26]. - The African e-commerce market is expanding rapidly, with platforms like Jumia leading the way, and the overall e-commerce revenue expected to reach $15.2 billion in 2024 [38]. Group 3: Competitive Strategy - Softcare leverages China's manufacturing advantages to offer products at about one-third the price of Western brands, making them accessible to a broader consumer base [28][31]. - The company has established local production facilities in eight African countries, which helps reduce costs associated with labor, tariffs, and logistics [31][33]. - Softcare employs a dual-brand strategy, offering both budget-friendly options and premium products to cater to different consumer segments [34]. Group 4: Challenges and Future Outlook - Despite its rapid growth, Softcare faces challenges such as increased competition from both local and international brands, as well as a potential slowdown in growth rates [36][37]. - The company has submitted a second IPO application after its initial attempt failed, indicating its intent to secure funding for further expansion [42].

Group 1: Company Overview - Leshu Shih Limited has submitted a new IPO application to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, with CICC, CITIC Securities, and GF Securities (Hong Kong) as joint sponsors, following a previous application that lapsed in January 2025 [1] - The company specializes in manufacturing hygiene products, including baby diapers, sanitary napkins, and wet wipes, primarily targeting emerging markets in Africa, Latin America, and Central Asia [1] - Over 90% of the company's revenue comes from the African market, where it holds leading market shares in several segments, earning the title "Invisible Personal Care Champion of Africa" [1] Group 2: Financial Performance - Leshu Shih has demonstrated strong financial growth, with revenues of approximately $320 million, $411 million, and $454 million for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024, respectively, and net profits of $18.39 million, $64.68 million, and $95.11 million for the same years [2][3] - In the first four months of 2025, the company continued its growth trajectory, achieving revenues of $161.31 million, a 15% year-on-year increase, and net profits of $31.10 million, a 12.45% increase [2] Group 3: Product and Market Structure - The company operates primarily in four product categories: baby diapers, sanitary napkins, baby pull-ups, and wet wipes, with baby diapers contributing over 70% of total revenue [4] - Leshu Shih has established a multi-brand strategy, with its core brand Softcare positioned as a mid-to-high-end brand, contributing 78.8%, 77.6%, and 78.6% of total revenue from 2022 to 2024 [4] - The company has built a significant sales network across Africa, with 18 branches in 12 countries, covering over 2,800 wholesalers, distributors, supermarkets, and other retailers [4] Group 4: Competitive Advantage - Leshu Shih's products have a notable price advantage compared to competitors, with Softcare baby diapers priced at $0.0927 per piece, significantly lower than Procter & Gamble and Kimberly-Clark [5] - The company has achieved high compound annual growth rates of 17.3% and 30.6% for its core products, baby diapers and sanitary napkins, respectively, since 2022 [5] Group 5: Market Potential - The African hygiene products market is poised for explosive growth, driven by a unique demographic dividend and rapid urbanization, with a projected GDP growth rate of 3.2% in 2024 and 4.1% in 2025 [6] - The market penetration rates for baby diapers and sanitary napkins in Africa are currently around 20% and 30%, respectively, indicating significant growth potential compared to developed markets [7][8] Group 6: Future Outlook - Leshu Shih is expected to continue expanding its production capacity, with plans to use IPO funds to build new factories in several African and Latin American countries [9] - The company aims to solidify its leading position in the African market while actively exploring opportunities in Latin America and Central Asia, with a focus on meeting local consumer needs [10][12]