Core Perspective - The collaboration between Li Ning and the Chinese Olympic Committee signifies a new chapter for the brand, aiming to connect Olympic glory with the broader public market through innovative sportswear that embodies both technology and cultural significance [2][5][11]. Group 1: Product Innovation - The newly launched Olympic attire for the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics features a blend of "Chinese Red" and "Snow Mountain White," integrating cultural elements with winter sports aesthetics [2][5]. - The attire showcases advanced sports technology, achieving breakthroughs in "temperature retention, moisture permeability, and protection," highlighting Li Ning's commitment to innovation [5][6]. - The collaboration with the China National Space Administration has led to the introduction of cutting-edge technologies like "space temperature-locking cotton" and "basalt far-infrared," elevating the performance of the Olympic gear [6][10]. Group 2: Cultural Significance - The Olympic attire serves as a "mobile exhibit" that combines professional technology with Eastern aesthetics, representing a new image of Chinese brands on the global stage [5][8]. - The design incorporates the "Double Victory Pattern," symbolizing victory and harmony, reflecting the athletes' unity with their country and the Olympic spirit [6][10]. - The attire not only represents individual athlete achievements but also embodies the collective spirit of the nation, making the Olympic glory tangible for the public [8][11]. Group 3: Brand Positioning - Li Ning's long-standing relationship with the Chinese Olympic Committee underscores its role as a trusted partner in promoting national sports, transcending traditional commercial interests [10][11]. - The brand's history, rooted in the legacy of Olympic champion Li Ning, reinforces its unique position in the sports industry, emphasizing a commitment to both professional excellence and social contribution [10][11]. - The partnership with the Olympic Committee is viewed as a strategic move to enhance Li Ning's professional image and long-term value, integrating technology, brand ethos, and sports culture [11][13]. Group 4: Market Strategy - The collaboration aims to translate elite sports technology into consumer products, allowing the public to experience the innovations of the Chinese sports delegation [13][14]. - Li Ning's focus on connecting national pride with everyday sports activities reflects a broader trend in the industry, where brands seek to resonate with new generations of consumers [14]. - The brand's commitment to professional integrity and cultural depth positions it for sustainable growth in the competitive sports market [14].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Li Ning (2331.HK) with a target price of HKD 21.6, representing a potential upside of 18.7% from the current price of HKD 18.2 [4][21]. Core Insights - Li Ning's management has decided to keep the full-year performance guidance unchanged despite challenges in terminal demand, aiming for revenue to remain flat year-on-year and a high single-digit net profit margin [10][11]. - The company is focusing on enhancing brand strength, with recent sponsorship of the Chinese Olympic Committee and participation in high-profile events to boost brand visibility [10][11]. - The report indicates a downward trend in overall sales, particularly in direct stores and distributor channels, while e-commerce sales have shown growth [10][11]. Financial Performance Summary - For 2025, the estimated revenue is projected at RMB 28,685 million, reflecting no growth compared to 2024, with a core net profit forecast of RMB 2,524 million, a decrease of 24.6% year-on-year [12][17]. - The gross margin is expected to be around 48.5% for 2025, slightly down from 49.4% in 2024 [12][14]. - The report highlights a significant increase in inventory turnover days, indicating potential inventory management challenges [10][12]. Market Expectations - The report notes that the market's expectations for Li Ning's performance are mixed, with a range of estimates for revenue and profit growth varying significantly among analysts [7][22]. - The company is navigating a competitive landscape with increased promotional activities, particularly during the "Double Eleven" shopping festival [10][11]. Strategic Focus - Li Ning is committed to a three-year strategy centered on brand revitalization and product innovation, which is expected to lay a foundation for future performance improvements [10][11]. - The company plans to balance sales revenue, channel inventory, and discount levels to maintain healthy inventory and manageable discount rates [10][11].

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Buy" (maintained) [5] Core Views - The external environment remains challenging, but the company is expected to benefit from sports resources that will support its long-term development [5] - The company has shown resilience in its e-commerce channel, maintaining high single-digit growth despite external pressures [7] - The company is actively expanding its offline store presence, with a net increase of 33 stores in Q3 2025, totaling 6,132 stores [7] - The signing of player Yang Hanshen, who was selected in the first round of the NBA draft, is anticipated to enhance the company's brand and product sales in the basketball category [7] - The company is projected to achieve net profits of RMB 2.645 billion, RMB 2.843 billion, and RMB 3.101 billion for the years 2025 to 2027, respectively [7] Financial Summary - Revenue projections for the company are as follows: RMB 28,676 million in 2024, RMB 29,027 million in 2025, RMB 30,766 million in 2026, and RMB 32,845 million in 2027, with growth rates of 3.9%, 1.2%, 6.0%, and 6.8% respectively [8] - The company's net profit for 2025 is estimated at RMB 2,645 million, reflecting a year-on-year decline of 12.21% [6][8] - The company's return on equity (ROE) is projected to decline from 11.54% in 2024 to 9.00% in 2027 [8]

Summary of Li Ning's Q3 2025 Earnings Call Company Overview - **Company**: Li Ning - **Date**: Q3 2025 Earnings Call Key Points Industry Performance - Li Ning's overall channel revenue in Q3 decreased by mid-single digits year-on-year, with a weakening trend observed month by month [2][4][6] - The retail environment remains challenging, with expectations for Q4 to be below prior forecasts [2][8] Financial Metrics - As of the end of Q3, the number of main brand stores increased by 15 to 6,132, while direct-operated stores decreased by 46 [2][4] - The company maintained its annual store opening target but adjusted the net opening/closing numbers for various store types [2][5] Sales and Discounts - Discounts across all channels deepened year-on-year, particularly in direct and e-commerce channels, with offline discounts reaching mid-60% levels [2][6] - The company anticipates that the overall terminal performance will remain below expectations, posing challenges to achieving annual financial guidance [2][8] Product Categories - Pressure in Q3 primarily stemmed from basketball and sports lifestyle categories, with running and fitness growth slowing down [2][15] - Children's products and women's products showed better growth compared to men's products, but overall consumer spending remains weak [2][15] Marketing and Promotions - Li Ning plans to leverage upcoming events, including the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics, to enhance brand visibility and support sales growth [4][10][11] - The company is focusing on a comprehensive marketing matrix to support business development and manage costs effectively [3][16] Inventory Management - The company has increased inventory levels in anticipation of the double holiday and "Double Eleven" shopping festival, maintaining a healthy inventory turnover ratio of 4-5 months [6][9] - Despite the increase in inventory, Li Ning aims to control discounts to maintain profitability [9][23] Competitive Landscape - The competitive environment remains intense, with brands focusing on balancing revenue and inventory, leading to increased discounting pressure [8][20] - Li Ning is committed to enhancing its core competitiveness in running and basketball while addressing the challenges posed by competitors like Nike [8][20][21] Future Outlook - The company is currently formulating its 2026 budget, expecting moderate growth in domestic consumption but acknowledging ongoing business pressures [14] - Li Ning's long-term strategy includes focusing on high-value and functional products, as well as tapping into emerging sports trends [14][27] New Product Launches - Upcoming product launches include new running shoes featuring advanced water-repellent technology and collaborations with popular franchises [18][19] - The company is also enhancing its outdoor product line and integrating elements of traditional Chinese aesthetics into its offerings [21][22] Conclusion - Li Ning is navigating a challenging retail environment with strategic marketing initiatives and product innovations aimed at sustaining growth and enhancing brand equity [27]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Outperform the Market" (maintained) [1] Core Views - In Q3 2025, the company's sales revenue experienced a mid-single-digit decline year-on-year, with a slowdown compared to the first half of the year. However, e-commerce sales recorded a high single-digit growth. The discount rate has deepened compared to the previous period, and the inventory-to-sales ratio has increased to 5-6 months due to holiday and promotional stocking. The fourth quarter is expected to see a concentrated release of new products [3][4][12] - The company has a healthy operational foundation and potential for brand growth acceleration through future marketing efforts. The profit forecast for 2025-2027 is estimated at 2.512 billion, 2.825 billion, and 3.043 billion yuan, respectively, with year-on-year changes of -16.6%, +12.5%, and +7.7% [3][13] Summary by Sections Retail Performance - As of September 30, 2025, the company's retail revenue (excluding Li Ning YOUNG) recorded a mid-single-digit decline year-on-year. Offline channels (including retail and wholesale) saw a high single-digit decline, while e-commerce virtual store business achieved high single-digit growth [2][3] Store Count - As of September 30, 2025, the total number of sales points in China (excluding Li Ning YOUNG) was 6,132, a net increase of 33 from the previous quarter. The retail business saw a net decrease of 46 stores, while the wholesale business had a net increase of 61 stores. Li Ning YOUNG had 1,480 sales points, with a net increase of 45 from the previous quarter [2] Product Launches - The fourth quarter is expected to see a concentrated release of new products, including new technology fabric "super water-repellent" running shoes and various iterations of basketball and outdoor products [5][6][12] Financial Forecast - The company’s revenue for 2025 is projected to be 29.34 billion yuan, with a year-on-year growth of 2.3%. The net profit for 2025 is expected to be 2.512 billion yuan, reflecting a decline of 16.6% compared to the previous year [14][18]

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Outperform" rating for Li Ning [3][9] Core Insights - Li Ning's Q3 2025 revenue showed a marginal decline, with e-commerce and children's apparel performing relatively better. The overall revenue decreased in the mid-single digits year-on-year, while online sales grew in the high single digits, and offline sales declined in the high single digits [9] - The company anticipates maintaining its performance guidance for 2025, aiming for flat revenue and a high single-digit net profit margin despite facing some pressures. Upcoming marketing initiatives related to the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics and technology releases are expected to enhance brand competitiveness [9] Financial Summary - Revenue projections (in billion RMB): - 2023: 27.6 - 2024: 28.7 - 2025E: 28.8 - 2026E: 30.1 - 2027E: 31.2 - Year-on-year growth rates: - 2023: 7% - 2024: 4% - 2025: 0% - 2026: 4% - 2027: 4% [8] - Net profit projections (in billion RMB): - 2023: 3.19 - 2024: 3.01 - 2025E: 2.48 - 2026E: 2.64 - 2027E: 2.78 - Year-on-year growth rates for net profit: - 2023: -22% - 2024: -5% - 2025: -18% - 2026: 6% - 2027: 5% [8] Operational Insights - The discount rate has deepened slightly due to increased inventory turnover, with expectations to return to a 4-5 month inventory turnover by year-end. The overall inventory turnover ratio is currently at 5-6 months [9] - The number of sales points (excluding Li Ning YOUNG) increased to 6,132, with a net addition of 33 points in the current year. The company plans to close 10-20 direct stores while increasing wholesale points by 50 [9]

Core Viewpoint - Li Ning's Q3 2025 operational performance shows a mixed picture with offline sales declining while e-commerce continues to grow robustly, indicating a shift in consumer purchasing behavior [1][2]. Group 1: Sales Performance - In Q3 2025, Li Ning's overall revenue decreased by a high single-digit percentage year-on-year, with offline channel sales experiencing a high single-digit decline and e-commerce sales growing by a high single-digit percentage [1]. - The wholesale channel saw a significant decline in revenue, with a high single-digit percentage drop year-on-year, while the number of wholesale stores stood at 4,881 by the end of Q3 2025, reflecting a net increase of 61 stores since the beginning of the year [1]. - Direct sales revenue also fell by a mid-single-digit percentage year-on-year, with the total number of direct stores at 1,251, which is a net decrease of 46 stores since the start of the year [1]. Group 2: E-commerce and Young Segment - E-commerce revenue in Q3 2025 increased by a high single-digit percentage, showing an improvement in growth rate compared to the mid-single-digit percentage increase in Q2 [2]. - The children's clothing segment, Li Ning YOUNG, continued its rapid growth, with 1,480 stores by the end of Q3 2025, reflecting a net increase of 12 stores since the beginning of the year, and is expected to achieve double-digit growth in revenue [2]. Group 3: Inventory and Future Outlook - The inventory-to-sales ratio is projected to be between 5-6 at the end of Q3 2025, which is an increase from previous periods, driven by preparations for upcoming holidays and promotional events [2]. - For 2025, the company expects revenue to remain flat year-on-year, while net profit attributable to shareholders is anticipated to decline by 22% [3]. - The company plans to leverage the upcoming Olympic events for marketing activities, which may lead to a new growth phase for the brand in the medium to long term [3]. Group 4: Profit Forecast and Investment Recommendation - The projected net profits for Li Ning from 2025 to 2027 are estimated at 2.366 billion, 2.540 billion, and 2.759 billion yuan respectively, with a price-to-earnings ratio of 18 times for 2025, maintaining a "buy" rating [3].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Li Ning [5][3] Core Views - Li Ning's offline sales experienced significant fluctuations in Q3 2025, with a high single-digit percentage decline in offline channels, while e-commerce sales showed robust growth with a high single-digit percentage increase [1] - The children's clothing segment, Li Ning YOUNG, continued its rapid growth, with an estimated double-digit growth in revenue for Q3 2025, supported by the opening of 12 new stores [2] - The company expects its 2025 revenue to remain flat year-on-year, with a projected decline of 22% in net profit attributable to the parent company [2] - Li Ning is focusing on Olympic-themed marketing activities as the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics approaches, which may lead to a new development phase for the brand [2] Financial Summary - Revenue for 2025 is projected at 28,919 million yuan, with a year-on-year growth rate of 0.8% [4] - The net profit attributable to the parent company is expected to be 2,366 million yuan in 2025, reflecting a year-on-year decline of 21.5% [4] - The report forecasts earnings per share (EPS) to be 0.92 yuan for 2025, with a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 18 times [4][3] - The company’s return on equity (ROE) is projected to decline to 8.7% in 2025 [12] Sales Performance - The report indicates that the wholesale channel saw a high single-digit percentage decline in sales, while the direct sales channel also experienced a medium single-digit percentage decline [9] - E-commerce sales grew at a high single-digit percentage, showing improvement compared to the previous quarter [9] - The inventory turnover ratio is expected to be between 5-6 at the end of Q3 2025, with a potential recovery to 4-5 by the end of the year [2]

Core Viewpoint - Adidas has become the "old fourth" in the Chinese market, ranking behind Nike, Anta, and Li Ning in market share after years of struggle [1][5]. Group 1: Market Position and Challenges - Adidas's market share in China has significantly declined from 15% in 2021 to 8.7% in 2024, while Nike's market share decreased from 18.1% to 16.2% [5]. - The Yeezy controversy, stemming from Kanye West's remarks, led to Adidas terminating its partnership, which accounted for 8% of its total revenue and 40% of its profits as of October 2022 [3][5]. - Domestic brands have gained traction, with Anta's market share increasing from 9.8% in 2021 to 10.5%, and Li Ning's from 9.3% to 9.4% [7]. Group 2: Strategic Changes and Initiatives - Adidas is in an expansion phase in China, with 95% of its products sold in the market being "made in China" and a focus on local design [8]. - The company's CEO, Bjørn Gulden, has increased the influence of the Chinese team and has made multiple visits to China to strengthen relationships [9][11]. - In Q2 2023, Adidas's revenue in the Greater China region grew by 11% to €798 million (approximately ¥6.65 billion), contrasting with Nike's 10% revenue decline in the same region [14][15]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Nike is also empowering its Chinese team, with its Greater China CEO holding additional global responsibilities [18]. - Domestic competitors like Anta are thriving, while some brands like Peak are facing challenges, including significant salary cuts due to losses [19]. - The competitive environment remains tough, with Adidas's path to recovery being fraught with difficulties [20].

Core Viewpoint - Adidas has become the "old fourth" in the Chinese market, ranking behind Nike, Anta, and Li Ning in market share after years of struggle [1][5]. Group 1: Market Position and Challenges - Adidas's market share in China has significantly declined from 15% in 2021 to 8.7% in 2024, while Nike's share decreased from 18.1% to 16.2% [5]. - The Yeezy controversy, resulting from the termination of the partnership with Kanye West, has been a major factor affecting Adidas's revenue, with estimates indicating that 8% of total revenue and 40% of profits were derived from Yeezy products before the partnership ended [3][5]. - Domestic brands have gained traction, with Anta's market share increasing from 9.8% in 2021 to 10.5% and Li Ning's from 9.3% to 9.4% [7]. Group 2: Strategic Changes and Recovery Efforts - Adidas is in a clear expansion phase in China, with 95% of products sold in the market being "made in China" and a focus on original designs [8]. - The company's CEO, Bjørn Gulden, has been actively engaging with Chinese stakeholders, visiting China multiple times to strengthen relationships [9][11]. - In Q2 2023, Adidas's revenue in the Greater China region grew by 11% year-on-year to €798 million (approximately ¥6.65 billion), contrasting with Nike's revenue decline of 10% to $1.512 billion (approximately ¥10.78 billion) [14][15]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Nike is also empowering its Chinese team, with its Greater China CEO holding additional global responsibilities, indicating a competitive response to Adidas's strategies [18]. - Domestic competitors like Anta are thriving, while some brands like Peak are facing challenges, including significant salary cuts due to losses [19].