3 6 Ke·2025-08-21 23:36Core Viewpoint - Li Ning needs to regain lost time as its recent financial performance shows only a slight revenue increase while profits are declining, especially compared to competitors like Anta and Adidas [1][3] Financial Performance - Li Ning's revenue for the first half of the year reached 14.817 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 3.3%, but gross margin decreased by 0.4 percentage points to 50% and operating profit margin fell by 0.2% [1] - In comparison, Anta's revenue was 33.735 billion yuan and Adidas China reported approximately 15.263 billion yuan, indicating Li Ning's significant lag behind its competitors [1] Market Strategy - Li Ning is diversifying its strategy by entering the outdoor market through its family investment in the Swedish outdoor brand Haglöfs, which is expanding its presence in China [3][6] - The outdoor category is showing strong growth in China, with Anta's other brands experiencing retail sales growth of 60%-65% [3][4] Competitive Landscape - Li Ning's core categories of running and basketball are facing challenges, with a 21% decline in basketball revenue for 2024 [3][4] - The outdoor market is becoming increasingly competitive, with various brands like The North Face and Columbia also gaining traction in China [12][14] Brand Positioning - Haglöfs is being positioned as a high-end outdoor brand, similar to how Anta has positioned its brand Arc'teryx, aiming to attract a new generation of consumers seeking high-quality outdoor products [10][12] - Li Ning is not directly managing Haglöfs, which limits the potential for resource sharing and synergy that competitors like Anta enjoy [16] Future Opportunities - Li Ning has the opportunity to enhance its brand image and international presence by becoming a partner for the Chinese Olympic Committee, covering major international events from 2026 to 2028 [16][17] - The company is also focusing on improving operational efficiency and expanding into lower-tier cities to enhance profitability [16]