Group 1 - Hong Kong sportswear stocks experienced an afternoon rally on August 19, with Xtep International (01368.HK) rising over 3% after its earnings report [1] - Li Ning (02331.HK) saw an increase of over 2% [1] - Other stocks such as Anta Sports (02020.HK) and Tmall (06110.HK) also followed the upward trend [1]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the company [1] Core Views - The company achieved a revenue of 6.84 billion RMB in the first half of 2025, representing a year-on-year growth of 7.1%, while the net profit attributable to shareholders increased by 21.5% to 910 million RMB [5] - The main brand and the subsidiary brand, Saucony, are experiencing synergistic growth, with a continued focus on the running segment [11] - The company has successfully divested its KP business, which had previously incurred losses, leading to a more favorable profit outlook [5] Financial Performance - The company's earnings per share (EPS) for the first half of 2025 was 0.35 RMB, with a proposed cash dividend of 0.18 HKD per share, resulting in a payout ratio of 50% [5] - Gross margin slightly decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 45.0%, while operating profit margin improved by 0.4 percentage points to 19.1% [6] - The retail revenue for the main brand and Saucony grew in the mid-single digits and over 30% respectively [6] Revenue Breakdown - In the first half of 2025, the revenue composition was 60.8% from footwear, 37.3% from apparel, and 1.9% from accessories, with respective year-on-year growth rates of 6.3%, 9.5%, and a decline of 7.8% [7] - The main brand's revenue accounted for 88.5% of total revenue, with a year-on-year growth of 4.5%, while professional sports revenue (Saucony and Maile) accounted for 11.5% with a growth of 32.5% [7] Retail and Market Strategy - The company continues to strengthen its position in the running market, with the main brand maintaining the highest wearing rate in key marathon events [11] - The company has launched new products and expanded its retail presence, with a focus on enhancing consumer experience and increasing the number of retail outlets [11] Future Earnings Forecast - The report maintains earnings forecasts for 2025 to 2027, projecting EPS of 0.49 RMB, 0.55 RMB, and 0.60 RMB respectively, with corresponding price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios of 11, 10, and 9 times [12][13]

Group 1: Market Overview - The Hong Kong stock market showed mixed performance, with the Hang Seng Index opening high but eventually closing down by 93 points or 0.37% at 25,176 points, influenced by A-share movements [2][3] - The market experienced a trading volume exceeding 300 billion, indicating active trading despite the fluctuations [3] Group 2: Macro & Industry Dynamics - The Hong Kong government is enhancing its position as an international risk management center, with the recent authorization of two new captive insurance companies reflecting strong demand [6] - The government has introduced various incentives, including a 50% profit tax concession for captive insurance businesses, making Hong Kong more competitive compared to other Asian markets [6] - The banking sector is experiencing a downward trend in interest rates, with expectations of a decrease in capped mortgage rates by the end of the year due to anticipated U.S. interest rate cuts [7] - The mortgage rate index reported a monthly increase of 39 basis points, reflecting the rising HIBOR rates, which have implications for mortgage applicants [8] Group 3: Company News - Xtep International reported a 21.47% year-on-year increase in net profit for the first half of the year, amounting to 914 million RMB, driven by strong performance in its main brand and professional sports division [10] - The company plans to upgrade its retail strategy by launching a direct-to-consumer model and expanding its product offerings, indicating a proactive approach to market changes [11] - 361 Degrees has entered a strategic partnership with Stand Robot to leverage each other's strengths in the field of wearable robotics and high-performance materials, aiming to enhance innovation and technological capabilities [12]

Group 1: Financing and Market Overview - The report discusses the historical performance of rapid inflows into financing accounts, analyzing the market trends and leading sectors during such periods [3] - A review of the A-share market indicates a bullish investor sentiment, with the Shanghai Composite Index briefly surpassing 3700 points [3] - Global equity markets experienced a comprehensive rise, with Asian markets leading the gains [3] Group 2: Convertible Bonds - The convertible bond market is currently in a high valuation zone, with a pricing deviation indicator of 5.42%, placing it in the 99.9th percentile since 2018 [3] - Historical data shows that when convertible bonds are in the high valuation zone, the average return over the next six months is -2.9%, with a win rate of 0% [3] Group 3: Fixed Income and Economic Indicators - The basic frequency index for the economy stands at 127.2 points, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 5.4 points [5] - The industrial production frequency index is at 126.4, with a year-on-year increase of 5.1 points [5] - The commodity housing sales frequency index is at 43.3, showing a year-on-year decline of 6.4 points [5] Group 4: Company-Specific Insights Xtep International (01368.HK) - Xtep International reported a 7.1% increase in revenue for H1 2025, reaching 6.84 billion yuan, and a 21.5% increase in net profit to 910 million yuan [7][8] - The company maintains a stable dividend payout ratio of 50% [8] - Forecasts suggest a revenue growth of approximately 7% and a net profit growth of over 10% for 2025 [8] Lenovo Group (00992.HK) - Lenovo's Q1 25-26 fiscal year results exceeded expectations, with significant growth in PC and mobile segments [9] - Projected revenues for the next three fiscal years are $759 billion, $819 billion, and $893 billion, with corresponding net profits of $16.5 billion, $19.6 billion, and $24.0 billion [9] Nanwei Medical (688029.SH) - Nanwei Medical achieved a revenue of 1.565 billion yuan in H1 2025, marking a 17.36% year-on-year growth, with a net profit of 363 million yuan, up 17.04% [11][12] - The company is expected to see continued revenue growth of 21.3%, 19.5%, and 19.1% over the next three years [12]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Buy" (maintained) [1] Core Views - The company's revenue for H1 2025 was 6.838 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 7.1%, while the net profit attributable to shareholders was 914 million, up 21.5% year-on-year [7] - The main brand, Xtep, experienced steady growth driven by e-commerce, with revenue from this channel achieving double-digit year-on-year growth [7] - The professional sports segment (including Saucony) saw significant revenue growth of 32.5% year-on-year, primarily due to strong performance in offline retail [7] - The company maintains a positive outlook on its multi-brand strategy and professional advantages in the running sector, with projected net profits of 1.37 billion, 1.57 billion, and 1.77 billion for 2025-2027, corresponding to P/E ratios of 11, 10, and 9 respectively [7] Financial Summary - Total revenue forecast for 2023 is 14.346 billion, with a projected decline of 5.36% in 2024, followed by growth of 5.42% in 2025 [1][8] - The net profit attributable to shareholders is expected to reach 1.03 billion in 2023, increasing to 1.238 billion in 2024 and 1.369 billion in 2025 [1][8] - The latest diluted EPS is projected to be 0.37 in 2023, increasing to 0.45 in 2024 and 0.49 in 2025 [1][8] - The company’s cash flow from operating activities for H1 2025 was 774 million, a decrease of 6.3% year-on-year, while cash on hand increased by 8% to 3.22 billion [7]

Core Viewpoint - The company Xtep has achieved an MSCI ESG AA rating, becoming the first Chinese sportswear company to reach this level, reflecting its significant progress in ESG management and alignment with consumer values [1][2]. Group 1: ESG Rating and Progress - Xtep's ESG rating has improved from 2022 to 2025, moving up four levels in four years, showcasing the company's continuous advancement in the ESG field [2]. - In 2024, Xtep published its 2030 ESG strategic framework and carbon neutrality goals, aiming to become a leader in sustainable development with three core pillars and eight specific objectives [2]. Group 2: Carbon Footprint Management - Xtep disclosed its Scope 3 carbon emissions data for the first time in its 2024 ESG report, marking its ninth year of ESG reporting, which highlights its commitment to supply chain carbon emissions management [3]. - The company aims to reduce self-operated emissions by 42% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, with new factories utilizing solar power, increasing solar usage by 95% in 2024 compared to 2023 [3]. - Xtep collaborated with the Xiamen Marathon to produce approximately 30,000 race outfits made from 100% recycled fibers, each outfit using 6-7 recycled plastic bottles, reducing carbon emissions by 178 grams per outfit [3]. Group 3: Supply Chain and Chemical Safety - Xtep updated its Supplier Corporate Social Responsibility Management Manual for 2024, adding climate-related criteria and conducting ESG training for suppliers to promote environmental compliance [4]. - The company became a signatory of the ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) organization, implementing a restricted substances list and providing training to suppliers on chemical management [4]. Group 4: Corporate Governance - Xtep released its Environmental Policy and Women's Employee Protection Policy, fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace [4]. - In 2024, the company provided over 711,240 hours of training across 2,167 courses, with more than 16,000 employees participating [4]. - Xtep conducted a dual materiality analysis to enhance the integration of ESG strategy with business operations and quantified climate risks and opportunities to improve risk management [4]. Group 5: Industry Trends - The domestic sportswear industry is accelerating sustainable technological innovation under China's "3060" dual carbon goals, with brand values increasingly defined by sustainability rather than just price [5]. - Xtep aims to lead in sustainable development by promoting a green lifestyle and transforming the perception of high-performance sports consumption [6].

Core Insights - Xtep International Holdings Limited reported a 7.1% increase in revenue to 6.838 billion yuan for the six months ending June 30, 2025, with a gross margin of 45.0% [1] - Operating profit grew by 9.1% to 1.305 billion yuan, while profit attributable to ordinary shareholders surged by 21.5% to 914 million yuan [1] Group Performance - The professional sports segment showed strong performance with revenue reaching 785 million yuan, marking a robust 32.5% year-on-year growth, accounting for 11.5% of total revenue [1] - The operating profit for this segment increased significantly by 236.8% to 78.6 million yuan, driven primarily by strong growth from Saucony and stable contributions from Merrell [1] Brand Development - Saucony's revenue exceeded 1 billion yuan in 2024 and continued its high growth momentum in the first half of 2025, becoming a popular international brand in major marathon events [2] - The brand is undergoing a comprehensive transformation in brand positioning, store design, and product lines to enhance its high-end sports brand image, with 155 stores in mainland China as of June 30, 2025 [2] - Saucony's running shoes have the highest wearing rate among international brands in key marathon events in China, reinforcing its influence in the professional running sector [2] Strategic Focus - Merrell is focusing on e-commerce and three core product lines: trail running, hiking, and creek walking, enhancing product performance, comfort, and durability through innovative technology [3] - The company is successfully implementing a "dual-engine" model with steady growth from the main brand and the professional sports segment, laying a foundation for continued net profit growth [3] - Looking ahead, the company plans to leverage Saucony's high-end positioning and Merrell's outdoor advantages to expand its influence in professional and niche markets [3]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Buy" [1] Core Views - The company achieved revenue, net profit attributable to shareholders, and operating cash flow of 6.838 billion, 914 million, and 774 million CNY respectively in H1 2025, with year-on-year growth of 7.1%, 21.5%, and a decline of 6.4% [2] - The net profit growth outpaced revenue growth primarily due to a loss of 106 million CNY from the sale of the KP brand in H1 2024; excluding this impact, the net profit attributable to shareholders increased by 6.4% year-on-year [2] - The company declared an interim dividend of 0.18 HKD per share, with a payout ratio of 50.0% and a dividend yield of 6.3% [2] Summary by Sections Business Overview - The mass sports segment (Tebu) and professional sports segment (Saucony, Myle) generated revenues of 6.052 billion and 785 million CNY respectively in 2024, reflecting year-on-year growth of 4.5% and 32.5% [3] - The growth in the mass sports segment was driven by strong online sales performance, while the professional sports segment benefited from robust offline retail performance, achieving double-digit same-store sales growth [3] - The number of stores for Tebu Children, Tebu, and Saucony in H1 2025 was 1,564, 6,360, and 155 respectively, with year-on-year changes of -3.3%, -8.3%, and 21.1% [3] - Saucony's brand recognition among Chinese consumers has significantly increased, leading to its top position among international brands in key marathon events [3] Financial Performance - The company's gross margin for H1 2025 was 45.0%, a year-on-year decline of 0.1 percentage points, with mass sports and professional sports gross margins at 43.6% and 55.2% respectively [4] - Operating profit margin (OPM) increased to 19.1%, a year-on-year increase of 0.4 percentage points, with operating profits for mass sports and professional sports at 1.208 billion and 79 million CNY respectively [4] - The net profit margin for H1 2025 was 13.4%, a year-on-year increase of 1.6 percentage points [4] Inventory and Cash Flow - The company's inventory increased slightly to 2.255 billion CNY in H1 2025, a year-on-year growth of 2.5% [5] - Accounts receivable rose to 4.844 billion CNY, a year-on-year increase of 9.6%, with an increase in turnover days by 22 days [5] - Accounts payable decreased to 2.621 billion CNY, a year-on-year decline of 6.1% [5] Investment Recommendations - Short-term investments in the main brand DTC strategy may negatively impact sales performance but are expected to enhance consumer interaction and brand loyalty in the long term [6] - Saucony plans to expand its product matrix and open new flagship and concept stores in key urban areas, which is anticipated to improve gross margins [6] - The company maintains its revenue forecasts for 2025, 2026, and 2027 at 14.286 billion, 15.558 billion, and 17.251 billion CNY respectively, with net profit forecasts of 1.374 billion, 1.511 billion, and 1.664 billion CNY [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The group's total revenue increased by 7.1% to JPY 6,838 million [6][9] - Operating profit rose by 9.1% to JPY 1,305 million, with an operating profit margin improvement of 0.4 percentage points to 19.19% [7][11] - Net profit for the first half of the year was JPY 914 million, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 21.5% [8][11] - Annualized return on equity increased by 3.3 percentage points to 19.7% [8] - Operating cash flows were CHF 774 million, with net cash increasing by 94.3% to CHF 1.913 billion [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from the XTEP core brand increased by 4.5% to JPY 6,053 million, while the professional sports division, including Saucony and Merrell, saw revenue growth of over 32% to JPY 785 million [7][16] - The mass market segment's gross profit increased by 4% to JPY 2,641 million, with a slight decrease in gross margin [15] - The professional sports division's operating profit surged nearly 2.4 times to JPY 79 million, with an operating profit margin improvement to 10% [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Over 300 marathons were held in China in the first half of the year, with more than 3 million participants, indicating a growing interest in running [22] - The group's brands maintained high wear rates in major marathon events, with Saucony achieving second place in overall wear rates at the Wuxi Marathon [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strengthening its core strategy of running, enhancing synergies among its brands, and expanding its product portfolio [21][33] - Plans include optimizing retail channel management, improving customer experience, and expanding into shopping malls and outlets [25][30] - The company aims to reinforce its position as China's leading running brand through flagship products and a professional to mass influence strategy [33][34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term development of the sports industry, supported by government investments in public health and sports activities [2][4] - The company plans to implement refined operational management to improve efficiency and create greater returns for investors [5][20] - The outlook remains positive, with expectations for continued growth in the running sector and a focus on sustainable development [32][34] Other Important Information - The company declared an interim dividend of HKD 0.18 per share, a year-on-year increase of 15.4%, maintaining a dividend payout ratio of 50% [8] - The company achieved an AA rating in the 2025 MSCI ESG rating, marking its fourth consecutive year of rating improvement [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for the second half of the year? - Management indicated plans to capitalize on the peak season for marathons and running events, leveraging synergies between the XTAP core brand and Saucony to expand market share [4][33] Question: How is the company addressing the increase in inventory levels? - The increase in inventory is attributed to preparations for the peak season and the launch of new products, with expectations for inventory levels to return to a healthy state by year-end [14] Question: What are the company's plans for e-commerce growth? - E-commerce operations are expected to continue driving growth, with a focus on refining the product portfolio and enhancing supply chain capabilities [28]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The group's total revenue increased by 7.1% to JPY 6,838 million [7] - Operating profit rose by 9.1% to JPY 1,305 million, with an operating profit margin improvement of 0.4 percentage points to 19.19% [8] - Net profit for the first half of the year was JPY 914 million, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 21.5% [9] - Annualized return on equity increased by 3.3 percentage points to 19.7% [9] - Operating cash flows were CHF 774 million, with net cash increasing by 94.3% to CHF 1.913 billion [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from the XTEP core brand increased by 4.5% to JPY 6,053 million, while the professional sports division, including Saucony and Merrell, saw revenue growth of over 32% to JPY 785 million [8][16] - The mass market segment's gross profit increased by 4% to JPY 2,641 million, with a slight decrease in gross margin by 0.3 percentage points [15] - The professional sports division's operating profit surged nearly 2.4 times to JPY 79 million, with an operating profit margin improvement to 10% [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Over 300 marathons were held in China in the first half of the year, with more than 3 million participants, indicating a growing interest in running events [24] - The group's brands maintained high wear rates in major marathons, with Saucony achieving second place in overall wear rates at the Wuxi Marathon [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strengthening its core strategy of running, enhancing synergies among its brands, and expanding its product portfolio [23][35] - Plans include optimizing retail channel management, improving customer experience, and expanding into shopping malls and outlets [27] - The company aims to reinforce its position as China's leading running brand through flagship products and a professional to mass influence strategy [35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term development of the sports industry, supported by government investments in public health and sports activities [3][5] - The company plans to implement refined operational management to improve efficiency and create greater returns for investors [6] - The outlook remains positive, with expectations of continued growth driven by the popularity of running and marathon events in China [24][36] Other Important Information - The company declared an interim dividend of HKD 0.18 per share, a year-on-year increase of 15.4%, maintaining a dividend payout ratio of 50% [9] - The company achieved an AA rating in the 2025 MSCI ESG rating, marking its fourth consecutive year of rating improvement [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the outlook for the running market in China? - Management highlighted the increasing popularity of marathons, with over 300 events and 3 million participants in the first half of the year, indicating strong growth potential in the running market [24] Question: How does the company plan to enhance its brand image? - The company will continue to reinforce its high-end sports brand image through flagship products and marketing campaigns, particularly for Saucony [31][36] Question: What are the expectations for the professional sports division? - The professional sports division is expected to maintain a mid to high single-digit operating profit margin for the full year, with continued product launches and marketing efforts [17][36]