Core Insights - The four major domestic sports brands, Anta Sports, Li Ning, Xtep International, and 361 Degrees, reported a combined revenue of 65.9 billion yuan and a profit of 11.6 billion yuan for the first half of 2025, indicating stable revenue growth but significant divergence in profitability among them [2][3] Revenue and Profit Analysis - Anta Sports achieved a revenue of 38.544 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 14.3%, and a net profit of 7.031 billion yuan, which is double the combined profit of the other three companies [3] - Li Ning's revenue was 14.817 billion yuan, with a modest growth of 3.3%, and its net profit decreased by 11% to 1.737 billion yuan, marking the lowest profit growth among the four [3][4] - Xtep International reported a revenue of 6.838 billion yuan, up 7.1%, and a net profit of 914 million yuan, with a significant growth of 21.5% [3][4] - 361 Degrees had a revenue of 5.705 billion yuan, an 11% increase, but its net profit growth was only 8.6%, the lowest in five years [3][4] Market Dynamics and Competitive Landscape - The sportswear industry is facing intense competition, which has impacted Li Ning's performance, leading to a decline in net profit for three consecutive years [3][4] - Despite profitability pressures, Li Ning maintains healthy cash flow and asset quality [4] - Xtep International and 361 Degrees both achieved revenue and profit growth, with Xtep's net profit growth being the highest among the four [4][5] Inventory and Operational Efficiency - Anta Sports' average inventory turnover days increased from 114 to 136 days, indicating rising inventory pressure [5] - Li Ning, Xtep International, and 361 Degrees reported average inventory turnover days of 61, 94, and 109 days, respectively [5] Product Category Performance - Anta Sports' apparel category led with a revenue share of 54.2% and a gross margin of approximately 67.3%, while accessories saw the highest revenue growth of about 24.6% [6] - Li Ning's footwear category accounted for 55.6% of its revenue, with a growth rate of 4.9%, and its running category saw a retail sales increase of 15% [6] - Xtep International's footwear revenue share was 60.8%, but its growth rate was lower than that of its apparel category [6] Research and Development Investments - All brands, except Anta Sports, increased or maintained their R&D spending ratios, with Li Ning investing 3.45 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 8.7% [7][8] - 361 Degrees announced a strategic partnership with Stand Robotics for the development of wearable robotics and smart materials [8] Store Expansion and Channel Strategy - The four brands are slowing down their store expansion and focusing on improving store efficiency and quality [9][10] - Anta Sports has over 13,000 stores, with a focus on enhancing store performance rather than increasing the number of stores [10] - Li Ning closed 51 stores to optimize its store structure, concentrating resources on flagship and outlet stores [11][12] - The brands are increasingly investing in outlet stores, which have seen a rise in consumer interest, with a reported 12.8% increase in sales in the second quarter of 2025 [12]