跑鞋赛道拥挤，索康尼独力支撑特步有点难

Core Viewpoint - Xtep International has reported a mid-single-digit year-on-year growth in retail sales for its main brand in the first quarter of 2025, with a notable performance from its Saucony brand, which saw retail sales in China increase by over 40% year-on-year [1][4] Brand Performance - The company has established a brand matrix with its main brand targeting the mass sports market, while Saucony and Merrell focus on professional sports, and K-Swiss and Palladium cater to the fashion sports market [2][4] - Saucony became the first new brand within the group to achieve profitability in 2023, while K-Swiss and Palladium are still in the process of narrowing losses [2][4] - In December 2023, Xtep acquired 40% of Saucony's intellectual property rights in China, enhancing its control over the brand [2] Market Dynamics - The running market in China is experiencing robust growth, with a potential consumer base of 400 million, but competition is intensifying among brands [7][11] - Xtep's running shoes are priced between 400 to 700 RMB, with some competition in the over 1000 RMB segment from emerging brands like HOKA and Salomon [7][11] Financial Insights - Xtep plans to raise approximately 9.85 billion HKD through share placements and bond issuance to further develop its main brand and Saucony's direct-to-consumer business model [8][11] - Despite a significant revenue increase for Saucony, its contribution to the overall revenue remains below 10%, with the main brand still accounting for 123.27 billion RMB in revenue [8][11] Strategic Focus - The company is concentrating resources on its main brand and the running segment, indicating a strategic shift towards enhancing its presence in the running market [4][5] - Xtep is also exploring multi-category development, including investments in basketball and tennis, but these initiatives will take time to scale [12]