Core Viewpoint - Recent market rumors suggest that Anta Sports is considering a bid for Puma, potentially in collaboration with a private equity firm, with other potential bidders including Li Ning and Japan's Asics [1] Group 1: Anta Sports - Anta Sports is reportedly contemplating a bid for Puma, which could involve a partnership with a private equity firm [1] - The company has not made any official comments regarding the market rumors [2] Group 2: Li Ning Company - Li Ning Company has stated its commitment to a "single brand, multiple categories, and multiple channels" core development strategy, focusing on the growth and development of the Li Ning brand [2] - The company has not engaged in any substantial negotiations or evaluations regarding the rumored transaction [2]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for Li Ning is "Buy" with a target price of HK$18.10, representing an expected share price return of 3.1% and an expected total return of 6.0% [3][5]. Core Insights - Li Ning's retail sales growth during the 11.11 Festival was in line with management's expectations, and the company has maintained its 2025 full-year guidance of year-on-year flattish sales with high single-digit net profit margin [1][2]. - The company aims to balance channel inventory control and retail discounting, with a target to reduce the channel-inventory-to-retail-sales ratio to 4-5x by the end of Q4 2025, likely closer to 4x [1][2]. - Management remains pragmatic about the business outlook for 2026, focusing on growing running and fitness categories, enhancing sports-casual products, and increasing footwear sales mix to over 60% from the current 50% [2]. - Li Ning has launched COC-themed products in Q4 2025, divided into three categories: Award Ceremony Outfit, Gold Label, and mass-market products, with expectations for stronger growth in COC products in 2026-2027 [2]. Summary by Sections Retail Sales and Guidance - Retail sales growth during the 11.11 Festival was in line with expectations, maintaining 2025E guidance of flattish sales and high single-digit net profit margin [1][2]. Inventory Management - The company is focused on controlling channel inventories and retail discounts, aiming for a channel-inventory-to-retail-sales ratio of 4-5x by the end of Q4 2025 [1][2]. Product Strategy - Li Ning is enhancing its focus on running and fitness categories, sports-casual products, and footwear, with a target to increase footwear sales mix to over 60% [2]. COC Product Launches - The company has launched COC-themed products in Q4 2025, with expectations for growth in 2026-2027, supported by branding campaigns around the Milan Winter Olympics 2026 [2].

Core Viewpoint - Li Ning's stock rose over 4%, reaching HKD 17.92 with a trading volume of HKD 322 million, reflecting positive market sentiment driven by brand strength initiatives and product launches [1] Group 1: Company Developments - Li Ning officially announced the release of the Wade's Way 12LUX x AAPE collaboration series, set to launch on November 22 [1] - The company is focusing on enhancing brand strength, which has injected optimism into the market according to Ping An International [1] - Dongwu Securities highlighted the release of the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics Chinese sports delegation award equipment at the end of October, emphasizing ongoing marketing activities related to the Olympics and technology [1] Group 2: Market Outlook - Analysts believe that Li Ning is on the right strategic path, with investments in brand strength and professional product development laying a foundation for future performance improvement [1] - The long-term market performance for brands is expected to recover, supported by Li Ning's efforts to solidify its professional image and leadership position [1]

Core Viewpoint - Li Ning's stock has risen over 4%, currently trading at 17.92 HKD with a transaction volume of 322 million HKD, reflecting positive market sentiment driven by brand strength initiatives and product development [1] Group 1: Company Developments - Li Ning officially announced the launch of the "Way of Wade 12 LUX x AAPE" collaboration series, set to be released on November 22 [1] - The company is focusing on enhancing brand strength, which is expected to inject optimism into the market [1] Group 2: Market Analysis - According to浦银国际, Li Ning is on the right strategic path, with investments in brand strength and professional product development laying a foundation for future performance improvement [1] - 东吴证券 highlighted that the company is actively conducting marketing activities related to the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics, reinforcing its professional brand image and leading position in the market [1]

Core Insights - Li Ning publicly unveiled its Super Capsule Technology at the 14th National Sports Science Conference, marking a significant breakthrough for its 2024 technology platform [1] - The technology utilizes advanced materials and a unique supramolecular polymer outer layer to create a capsule system that achieves energy storage and rapid rebound through a dual airbag effect [1] - Third-party tests indicate that the midsole material has a density of 0.1g/cm³, an energy return rate of 95%, and a rebound response time of 3 milliseconds, with only a 0.6% deformation rate after 100,000 fatigue tests, equivalent to five marathons [1] Technology Development - Li Ning has established a "Technology R&D + Sports Science Research" dual-engine technology platform, with its Sports Science Research Center founded in 2008 [1] - The center has developed a youth sports database and an Asian foot shape database with thousands of samples, collaborating with over 30 universities and research institutions, resulting in over 130 papers and 549 patents [1] - The Super Capsule Technology continues the path of technology platformization initiated in 2019, with the current platform comprising four major branches, covering over 60% of the company's footwear products [1] Strategic Focus - The General Manager of Li Ning's Footwear R&D Innovation System, Xu Jian Guang, emphasized that research and innovation are key driving forces for brand development and upgrades [1]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Buy" and is maintained [5]. Core Views - The company is experiencing increased short-term operational pressure, with a decline in average transaction value across all channels in Q3 2025. However, the e-commerce channel has shown growth [3][7]. - The company is expected to face significant pressure on revenue and gross margin levels, with a need to balance expenses and growth to meet annual targets. The introduction of new products and marketing efforts are aimed at revitalizing brand momentum [7]. Summary by Sections Company Overview - The current stock price is HKD 17.10 as of November 7, 2025 [5]. Operational Performance - In Q3 2025, the overall transaction value declined, with a notable drop in both direct and wholesale channels, while the e-commerce channel saw an increase [3][7]. - Monthly retail performance continues to be under pressure across all product categories [7]. Inventory and Discounts - Inventory levels are expected to rise due to preemptive stocking for events like Double Eleven, but the inventory-to-sales ratio remains manageable. Discounting is anticipated to deepen, particularly in Q4 [7]. Financial Projections - The company is projected to achieve net profits of 2.589 billion, 2.773 billion, and 2.993 billion for the years 2025, 2026, and 2027 respectively, reflecting a year-on-year change of -14%, +7%, and +8% [9]. - The price-to-earnings ratio is expected to be 15.55, 14.52, and 13.45 for the years 2025, 2026, and 2027 respectively [9].

Core Viewpoint - Li Ning has launched the "Polar Space Capsule" pop-up space in Beijing, showcasing a blend of winter sports elements and aerospace technology aesthetics, emphasizing its innovative "Aerospace Dynamic Thermal Technology Platform" [1][7]. Group 1: Event Overview - The pop-up space is open from November 7 to November 9, featuring immersive experiences centered around warmth [1]. - Three main technology experience areas are set up, focusing on "thermal insulation" as the core theme [3]. Group 2: Technology and Product Features - The "Aerospace Dynamic Thermal Technology Platform" includes three core functions: moisture permeability, thermal insulation, and protection [7]. - Consumers can experience the technology through interactive devices, showcasing the thermal capabilities of Olympic award-winning outfits [3][8]. Group 3: Consumer Engagement - Attendees can try on new cotton and down products and experience the dynamic thermal technology in a specially designed cold experience chamber [3][8]. - The event includes interactive activities like a curling challenge, allowing participants to win limited edition gifts [3]. Group 4: Strategic Partnerships - Li Ning has established a partnership with an aerospace technology innovation application platform to create the "Aerospace Technology Innovation Application Laboratory" [7]. - This collaboration aims to extend research outcomes from competitive sports to everyday life, enhancing the brand's technological capabilities and cultural confidence [7].

Summary of Li Ning Company Conference Call Industry and Company Overview - The conference call discusses the performance and strategies of Li Ning Company, a prominent player in the sportswear industry in China, particularly focusing on its sales performance and market strategies for the latter part of 2025 and into 2026 [2][3][4]. Key Points and Arguments Sales Performance - October 2025 sales performance did not meet expectations, with offline sales experiencing negative growth, which offset the growth from e-commerce during the Double Eleven pre-sale [2][3]. - Overall, the company faced continuous negative growth across all channels in early November, indicating persistent pressure on terminal sales [2][3]. - Discounts have deepened both online and offline, with direct store discounts being particularly significant [2][3]. E-commerce Strategy - Li Ning's Double Eleven strategy for 2025 remains largely unchanged from 2024, focusing on traditional platforms like Tmall and JD.com, while experiencing volatility in live-streaming platform sales [2][6]. - The company aims to ensure Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) while controlling discounts to avoid excessive markdowns in a weak demand environment [6]. Product Performance and Future Plans - In Q3 2025, various product categories showed a decline in sales, with basketball and sports lifestyle categories experiencing significant drops of approximately 20% and 12%, respectively [7]. - The company plans to leverage technology and new running shoe iterations to prepare for the upcoming marathon season in Q1 2026, alongside launching a new winter clothing line featuring "Aerospace Dynamic Warmth Technology" [7][8]. - The badminton category, although small, showed impressive growth, with a slowdown from nearly 40% in H1 to over 30% in Q3 [8]. Market Demand and Competitive Landscape - The basketball market is currently weak, attributed to reduced interest and star player influence; however, the company sees potential in youth engagement through sponsorships [9]. - The sports lifestyle segment faces intense competition and homogenization, prompting organizational adjustments and the introduction of new design elements [9]. Dividend Policy and Inventory Management - Li Ning maintains a 50% interim dividend payout ratio, with potential for future optimization pending board approval [10]. - Dealers express cautious optimism about new products, with inventory levels being managed to maintain a healthy stock-to-sales ratio of 5-6 months, aiming to reduce it to 4-5 months by year-end [11]. Organizational Changes and Brand Strategy - The company has implemented a category management system to enhance operational efficiency, with new leadership in the China Li Ning and 1990 brands [13][14]. - Despite facing short-term challenges, the company aims to strengthen brand positioning and improve market performance through strategic marketing and product optimization [14]. Financial Outlook and Challenges - Profit margins are expected to face pressure in 2026 due to increased Olympic-related expenses and resource allocation for upcoming events [17]. - The company anticipates a stable markup rate despite challenges in maintaining average pricing due to material cost fluctuations [18]. Outdoor Product Development - Outdoor products currently account for a low single-digit percentage of total revenue, with expectations for gradual growth as the company increases its presence in this segment [19]. Shareholder Confidence - The major shareholder, Feifan, continues to increase its stake in Li Ning, signaling confidence in the company's strategy and market outlook [20]. This summary encapsulates the critical insights from the conference call, highlighting the challenges and strategic directions of Li Ning Company in the competitive sportswear market.

Core Viewpoint - In Q3 2025, the overall sales volume of Li Ning brand (excluding Li Ning YOUNG) experienced a decline in unit numbers, with offline sales significantly impacted by foot traffic and consumer spending, while e-commerce showed a high single-digit growth year-on-year [1][2][3] Sales Performance - Q3 2025 saw a high single-digit decline in offline sales, primarily due to reduced foot traffic and consumer spending, with direct retail channels performing better than wholesale channels, benefiting from strong performance in outlet channels [1][2] - E-commerce business recorded a high single-digit growth year-on-year, with an increase in growth rate compared to Q2 [2][3] - The children's clothing segment continued to outperform adult clothing, with expectations of double-digit growth in children's apparel [2] Inventory and Discounts - The company increased its inventory turnover ratio at the end of Q3 2025, with a ratio corresponding to 5-6, as preparations were made for upcoming holidays and promotional events [1][2] - Both online and offline discount rates deepened in low single digits during Q3 2025, as the company intensified promotional efforts [2][3] Channel Expansion and Marketing Strategy - As of Q3 2025, the total number of Li Ning's sales points reached 6,132, with a net increase of 15 points since the beginning of the year, while children's clothing sales points totaled 1,480, with a net increase of 12 points [3] - The company plans to enhance marketing investments focusing on the "Olympics + Technology" theme in Q4 2025, aiming to improve product development and brand influence [3] - New product launches are expected in Q4, including technologically advanced products and collaborations, which are anticipated to drive sales improvement [3] Financial Forecast - The projected revenue for the company from 2025 to 2027 is estimated at 28.93 billion, 30.51 billion, and 32.08 billion yuan, with year-on-year growth rates of +0.9%, +5.4%, and +5.2% respectively [4] - The expected net profit attributable to shareholders for the same period is forecasted at 2.43 billion, 2.62 billion, and 2.78 billion yuan, with year-on-year changes of -19.5%, +7.8%, and +6.2% respectively [4]

Group 1 - The China Pickleball Tour Finals (CPC-2000) and the China Pickleball City Challenge Finals (CPC-T2000) are the highest-level pickleball events in China, marking the conclusion of the most extensive series of pickleball competitions this year [1][4] - The event is hosted in Guilin, a city known for its stunning natural scenery and cultural heritage, emphasizing the integration of sports with tourism [3][5] - The event aims to promote pickleball as a new choice for public fitness and a new engine for urban development, highlighting the positive impact of sports and cultural tourism activities [4][7] Group 2 - The event has attracted significant attention, with over 1,000 participants expected, showcasing the growing popularity of pickleball and its alignment with the demand for diverse and high-quality sports activities [7][8] - The design of the medals incorporates local cultural elements, symbolizing honor and the spirit of athletes, which adds to the event's cultural significance [7] - The partnership with Bank of Communications as the chief partner for the event represents a new model of "Finance + Events + Cultural Tourism," supporting the promotion of pickleball and the successful hosting of the event [8]