Guan Cha Zhe Wang·2025-08-02 02:39Core Insights - The local sports giants are at a critical juncture, with Li Ning showing signs of decline while Anta and Xtep demonstrate resilience and growth through strategic brand management and focus on specific market segments [1][4][6]. Group 1: Company Performance - Li Ning's retail revenue growth is projected to be low single digits by Q2 2025, with offline channels experiencing negative growth [1]. - Li Ning's net profit has declined for two consecutive years, with its market capitalization dropping from over HKD 260 billion in 2021 to around HKD 40 billion currently [1]. - In contrast, Anta's multi-brand strategy has led to significant growth, particularly in high-end brands like Descente and Kolon, which have seen growth rates of 50-55% [1][4]. Group 2: Strategic Moves - Li Ning's strategy of "single brand, multiple categories" is becoming ineffective, as it struggles to replicate the success of Anta's Amer Sports and Xtep's Saucony [4][6]. - The Swedish outdoor brand Haglöfs is entering the Chinese market, which may impact Li Ning's positioning in the outdoor segment [6][7]. - Li Ning is attempting to pivot towards the outdoor market by launching professional and lightweight outdoor product lines, although these currently contribute minimally to total revenue [37][40]. Group 3: Investment and Ownership Structure - LionRock Capital, which recently acquired Haglöfs, has a close relationship with Li Ning, as Li Ning's founder is a non-executive chairman of LionRock [15][11]. - Viva China, now known as Viva Goods, has shifted its focus towards multi-brand operations and has been involved in several acquisitions, including Clarks and Haglöfs [18][19]. - The operational model of Viva Goods under Li Ning's family structure aims to create a synergistic "capital + industry" ecosystem, although its effectiveness remains to be seen [18][19]. Group 4: Market Trends and Challenges - The rise of "Guochao" (national trend) significantly boosted Li Ning's market value until 2021, but the brand's appeal has since diminished as consumer preferences evolve [30][32]. - Li Ning's attempts to diversify with sub-brands like LI-NING 1990 have led to confusion among consumers, resulting in a lack of clear brand identity [32][35]. - The outdoor segment is seen as a growth area, but Li Ning's late entry and previous failures in managing international brands like Aigle and Danskin raise concerns about its future success in this market [37][48].