LI NING(02331) 国泰君安·2024-10-24 13:44Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Li Ning (2331) [2] Core Views - Q3 sales met expectations, with healthy discount inventory and strong National Day sales performance [2] - Q4 sales are expected to improve significantly due to a low base effect [2] - Long-term growth is supported by brand strength, product innovation, and refined operations [2] - Overseas business is promising with the establishment of a joint venture with Sequoia [2] Financial Performance - Q3 total channel sales declined by mid-single digits year-over-year, with offline sales down by high single digits and online sales up by mid-single digits [2] - Terminal discounts deepened, with offline discounts increasing by low single digits year-over-year [2] - Inventory-to-sales ratio was approximately 5 months as of September, with a healthy inventory age structure [2] - National Day sales showed improvement both online and offline, with positive sales growth since October [2] - Full-year 2024 revenue growth is expected to be low single digits, with a low double-digit profit margin [2] Joint Venture and Overseas Expansion - Li Ning established a joint venture with Sequoia to develop and operate the Li Ning brand outside mainland China [2] - The listed company and Mr Li Ning hold a combined 55% stake in the joint venture, with an investment of approximately HKD 58 million [2] - The joint venture is expected to accelerate the brand's internationalization with Sequoia's resources and expertise [2] - The listed company has the right to reclaim partial equity after 4 years and full equity after 8 years, ensuring control over overseas operations [2] Financial Forecasts - Net profit forecasts for 2024-2026 are maintained at RMB 3 20 billion, RMB 3 62 billion, and RMB 3 88 billion, respectively [2] - Corresponding P/E ratios are 12x, 11x, and 10x for 2024-2026 [2] Market Data - Current stock price: HKD 15 28 [2] - 52-week price range: HKD 12 92 - HKD 30 20 [3] - Current market capitalization: HKD 39 491 million [3] Peer Comparison - Li Ning's 2024E P/E ratio is 13x, compared to the peer average of 12x [6] - 2024E EPS is HKD 1 14, with 2025E and 2026E EPS at HKD 1 29 and HKD 1 39, respectively [6]