| Valuation method | Value, € | Upside, % |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial intelligence (AI) | 17.64 | 15 |
| Intrinsic value (DCF) | 6.62 | -57 |
| Graham-Dodd Method | n/a | |
| Graham Formula | 7.24 | -53 |
Leifheit AG (LEI.DE) is a leading German manufacturer and distributor of high-quality household and wellbeing products, with a heritage dating back to 1868. Headquartered in Nassau, Germany, the company operates through three key segments: Household (laundry care, cleaning, and kitchen goods under the Leifheit brand), Wellbeing (health care and air treatment products under the Soehnle brand), and Private Label (laundry and kitchen products under Birambeau and Herby brands). Leifheit serves markets across Germany, Central and Eastern Europe, and internationally, leveraging both traditional retail and e-commerce channels. As a consumer defensive stock in the Household & Personal Products sector, Leifheit benefits from stable demand for essential goods, supported by its strong brand recognition and diversified product portfolio. The company’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and digital expansion positions it well in a competitive market.
Leifheit AG presents a mixed investment case. On the positive side, the company operates in the resilient consumer defensive sector, with a well-established brand portfolio and a solid balance sheet (€41.4M cash vs. €1.7M debt). Its dividend yield (~3.5% based on a €1.15/share payout) may appeal to income-focused investors. However, the company’s modest market cap (~€193M) and beta of 1.16 suggest higher volatility relative to peers. Revenue of €259.2M (FY 2023) and net income of €8.0M reflect steady but unspectacular growth. Risks include exposure to cost inflation in raw materials and intense competition in the private-label segment. Investors should weigh its defensive positioning against limited near-term catalysts for outperformance.
Leifheit AG competes in the fragmented household and personal care market, where it differentiates through brand heritage (Leifheit, Soehnle) and a dual focus on branded and private-label products. Its competitive advantage lies in its strong distribution network in DACH and CEE regions, as well as its ability to cater to both premium (Soehnle wellbeing) and value-oriented (Birambeau) segments. However, the company faces pressure from global giants with broader scale (e.g., Henkel, Reckitt) and discount retailers’ private-label offerings. Leifheit’s niche in durable household goods (e.g., laundry racks, cleaning tools) provides some insulation, but innovation cycles are critical to maintaining relevance. The Wellbeing segment’s growth potential is offset by competition from wellness-focused brands. Operational efficiency and e-commerce expansion (via its online shop) are key to defending margins. While Leifheit’s €28.5M operating cash flow (FY 2023) indicates healthy liquidity, its small size limits R&D and marketing firepower versus multinational rivals.