Core Insights - The company reported a 7% revenue growth in the first half of the year, with a net profit increase of 22% driven by improved profitability in ongoing operations and reduced losses from the divestment of KP [1] - For the first half of 2025, revenue grew by 7.1% year-on-year to 6.84 billion yuan, while net profit attributable to shareholders increased by 21.5% to 910 million yuan [1] - The main brand showed steady revenue growth, while the professional sports brands experienced rapid growth [2] Brand Performance - The main brand, Xtep, saw a 4.5% year-on-year revenue increase to 6.05 billion yuan, with e-commerce channel revenue growing in double digits and accounting for over 30% of total revenue [2] - The children's business outperformed the adult segment, although the overall gross margin slightly decreased by 0.3% due to lower margins in children's products and online discounting [2] - The professional sports segment, including Saucony and Myle, achieved a 32.5% revenue growth to 790 million yuan, primarily driven by Saucony [2] Profitability and Margins - The gross margin for the professional sports segment decreased by 1.6 percentage points to 55.2%, attributed to a higher proportion of lower-margin lifestyle and OG categories [2] - Operating profit for the professional sports segment nearly tripled to 79 million yuan, with an operating profit margin increase of 6.1 percentage points to 10% [2] Strategic Initiatives - The company is deepening channel management and advancing a Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) strategy, planning to open 100-200 DTC stores by 2025 and a total of 300-400 by 2026, with a capital expenditure of approximately 400 million yuan [2] - Short-term impacts on revenue and profit margins are expected from the DTC transformation, but it is seen as beneficial for long-term growth and performance enhancement [2] Dividend Policy - The company plans to distribute an interim dividend of 0.18 Hong Kong cents per share, maintaining a payout ratio of 50%, and has consistently maintained a payout ratio of over 50% for 17 consecutive years [1]

Core Viewpoint - The company reported a revenue of 6.838 billion, net profit of 914 million, and operating cash flow of 774 million for H1 2025, showing a year-on-year growth of 7.1%, 21.5%, and a decline of 6.4% respectively, with net profit growth primarily driven by the sale of KP brand leading to a loss of 106 million in H1 2024 [1] Financial Performance - The company's gross margin for H1 2025 was 45.0%, a slight decrease of 0.1 percentage points year-on-year, with the mass sports and professional sports segments showing gross margins of 43.6% and 55.2% respectively [2] - Operating profit margin (OPM) increased to 19.1%, up 0.4 percentage points year-on-year, with operating profits for mass sports and professional sports segments at 1.208 billion and 79 million respectively, reflecting increases of 1.5% and 236.8% [2] - The company’s net profit margin improved to 13.4%, up 1.6 percentage points year-on-year, attributed to a decrease in administrative expense ratio by 0.8 percentage points [2] Business Segments - The mass sports segment (Xtep) and professional sports segment (Saucony, Myle) generated revenues of 6.052 billion and 785 million respectively in 2024, with year-on-year growth of 4.5% and 32.5% [1] - The number of stores for H1 2025 included 1,564 for Xtep Kids, 6,360 for Xtep, and 155 for Saucony, with net decreases of 218 and 142 for Xtep and Xtep Kids, while Saucony saw a net increase of 27 stores [1] - E-commerce business showed strong growth, achieving double-digit growth in H1 2025, accounting for over 30% of Xtep's main brand revenue [1] Strategic Initiatives - The company is focusing on a direct-to-consumer (DTC) strategy to enhance consumer interaction and brand loyalty, despite short-term negative impacts on sales [2] - Saucony plans to expand its product matrix and open new flagship and concept stores in key urban areas, aiming to improve gross margins post-acquisition of Saucony and Myle [2] - The company aims to streamline operations by selling the KP brand, reducing financial drag, and concentrating on its three main brands [2]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Outperform the Market" [5][32][34] Core Views - The company reported a 7.1% year-on-year revenue growth to 6.84 billion RMB and a 21.5% increase in net profit to 910 million RMB for the first half of 2025, driven by improved profitability in ongoing operations and reduced losses from the divestment of KP [1][9] - The main brand showed steady growth with a 4.5% increase in revenue to 6.05 billion RMB, while the professional sports brands (Saucony and Merrell) experienced a significant 32.5% revenue growth to 790 million RMB [2][22] - The company is focusing on Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) strategies, planning to open 100-200 DTC stores in 2025 and a total of 300-400 by 2026, with a capital expenditure of approximately 400 million RMB [3][31] Summary by Sections Financial Performance - Revenue for the first half of 2025 reached 6.84 billion RMB, with a net profit of 910 million RMB, reflecting a 22% increase in net profit [1][9] - The gross margin remained stable, with a slight decrease of 0.1 percentage points year-on-year [1][14] - The company plans to distribute an interim dividend of 0.18 HKD per share, maintaining a payout ratio of 50% [1][16] Brand Performance - The main brand's revenue grew by 4.5% to 6.05 billion RMB, with e-commerce channel revenue increasing by double digits [2][21] - The professional sports segment saw a revenue increase of 32.5% to 790 million RMB, with a significant improvement in operating profit margin [2][22] Market Strategy - The company is enhancing channel management and implementing a DTC strategy to adapt to market changes, which may have a short-term impact on revenue and profit margins but is expected to benefit long-term growth [3][31] - The focus on the running category is anticipated to drive steady growth for the main brand, while professional sports brands are expected to maintain rapid growth and improve profitability [32][34] Financial Projections - The company forecasts net profits of 1.4 billion RMB, 1.49 billion RMB, and 1.6 billion RMB for 2025, 2026, and 2027, respectively, with year-on-year growth rates of 13.2%, 5.9%, and 7.7% [32][33] - The reasonable valuation range is set at 6.1 to 6.6 HKD, corresponding to a PE ratio of 11-12x for 2025 [32][34]

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Outperform" rating for Xtep International [2][5] Core Views - Xtep International's revenue performance in 2Q25 met expectations, with all brands maintaining their annual performance guidance [3][10] - The main brand achieved low-single-digit growth in retail revenue year-over-year, with online sales outpacing offline sales [3][10] - The company is focusing on direct-to-consumer (DTC) strategies, aiming to recover around 500 stores by 2026 [3][10] Financial Performance Summary - Revenue projections for Xtep International are RMB 14.41 billion, RMB 15.43 billion, and RMB 16.52 billion for 2025, 2026, and 2027, respectively, reflecting year-over-year growth of 6.2%, 7.1%, and 7.0% [5][12] - Net profit attributable to the parent company is expected to be RMB 1.38 billion, RMB 1.51 billion, and RMB 1.66 billion for the same years, with growth rates of 11.3%, 9.7%, and 9.7% [5][12] - The projected P/E ratios for 2025, 2026, and 2027 are 10.0X, 9.1X, and 8.3X, respectively [5][12] Brand Performance Insights - Saucony and Merrell brands are experiencing strong growth, with Saucony achieving over 30% year-over-year revenue growth in 1H25 [4][11] - Saucony aims for a 30%-40% annual revenue growth and plans to double its revenue in the next three years [4][11] - Merrell's revenue in 2Q25 grew over 50% year-over-year, driven primarily by e-commerce [4][11]

Core Viewpoint - The company shows steady growth in its main brand and significant growth in the Saucony brand, with a positive long-term outlook driven by strategic initiatives and product expansion [1][2] Group 1: Main Brand Performance - In Q2 2025, the main brand's total revenue showed low single-digit year-on-year growth, maintaining a stable performance overall [1] - The e-commerce segment is expected to lead in growth, while the children's segment is anticipated to outperform the adult segment [1] - The running category continues to be a strong growth driver, with expectations of double-digit year-on-year growth in the first half of the year [1] Group 2: Saucony Brand Performance - Saucony's revenue grew over 20% year-on-year in Q2 2025, although the growth rate slowed compared to Q1 2025 [2] - The company is optimizing its channels and upgrading products, focusing on elite runners and professional product areas, which is expected to drive 30%-40% revenue growth for the year [2] - The expansion of new stores in lower-tier cities is expected to enhance store efficiency and contribute to revenue growth [2] Group 3: Financial Forecast and Valuation - The company maintains its net profit forecasts for 2025-2027 at 1.37 billion, 1.53 billion, and 1.71 billion yuan respectively [2] - The target price is set at 6.58 HKD, with a revised PE ratio of 12.2x for 2025, reflecting ongoing uncertainties in consumer recovery [2]

Group 1 - The company announced Q2 2025 operational data, indicating a low single-digit year-on-year growth in main brand retail revenue, with discounts ranging from 70% to 75% [1] - In H1 2025, the main brand retail revenue achieved mid-single-digit year-on-year growth, while Saucony's retail sales exceeded 30% growth [1] - The Q2 2025 retail revenue growth for Saucony was over 20%, but the growth rate slowed by approximately 40% compared to Q1 2025, attributed to adjustments in the e-commerce strategy [1] Group 2 - The company is focusing on a direct-to-consumer (DTC) strategy, which may have short-term negative impacts on sales but is expected to enhance consumer interaction and brand loyalty in the long run [2] - Saucony plans to expand its product matrix and open around 30 new stores in high-end markets after acquiring full rights to Saucony and Merrell, which is expected to improve gross margins [2] - The sale of the KP brand is aimed at reducing financial drag and focusing on three main brands, with revenue forecasts for 2025, 2026, and 2027 set at 14.286 billion, 15.558 billion, and 17.251 billion yuan respectively [2]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Buy" [1] Core Insights - The company's main brand retail revenue showed low single-digit growth year-on-year in Q2 2025, while the Saucony brand achieved over 20% year-on-year growth [2][3] - The retail discount for Q2 2025 remained healthy at 70-75%, consistent with Q1 2025 [3] - The company is focusing on a direct-to-consumer (DTC) strategy, which may have short-term negative impacts on sales but is expected to enhance brand loyalty and retention in the long term [4] Summary by Sections Event Overview - In Q2 2025, the main brand's retail revenue experienced low single-digit growth year-on-year, with discounts ranging from 70% to 75%. The Saucony brand saw retail sales growth exceeding 20% year-on-year [2] Analysis and Judgments - The main brand's retail revenue growth slowed from mid-single digits in Q1 2025 to low single digits in Q2 2025. The retail discount remained stable compared to previous quarters, indicating a healthy pricing strategy [3] - Saucony and another brand, Myle, benefited from their superior performance in professional running and outdoor segments, with Saucony's retail growth slowing to about 20% in Q2 2025, down from approximately 40% in Q1 2025 due to adjustments in e-commerce strategy [3] Investment Recommendations - The company is expected to continue expanding its product matrix and open around 30 new Saucony stores throughout the year. The sale of the KP brand is anticipated to reduce financial drag and allow a focus on three main brands [4] - Revenue forecasts for 2025, 2026, and 2027 are projected at 142.86 billion, 155.58 billion, and 172.51 billion respectively, with corresponding net profits of 13.74 billion, 15.11 billion, and 16.64 billion. The estimated EPS for these years is 0.50, 0.54, and 0.60 respectively, with PE ratios of 10, 9, and 8 [4][6]

Investment Rating - The report gives an "Overweight" rating for the company, predicting a net profit of $447 million and $566 million for 2025 and 2026 respectively, with a target price of $42.00 based on a PE valuation of 52X for 2025 [2][4]. Core Insights - The company has a strong high-end positioning and is rapidly expanding its business in Greater China, driven by local shareholders. The DTC strategy of Arc'teryx has significantly boosted profitability, and the core brands still have substantial potential for store expansion and improvement in store efficiency, leading to a continuous increase in profitability [1][2]. Financial Summary - Revenue is projected to grow from $3.549 billion in 2022 to $8.228 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 17.4% [2]. - Gross profit is expected to rise from $1.764 billion in 2022 to $4.740 billion in 2027 [2]. - The company is forecasted to turn a net profit of $73 million in 2024, with significant growth to $447 million in 2025 and $566 million in 2026, indicating a strong recovery trajectory [2]. Business Strategy and Market Position - The company has streamlined its brand matrix post-acquisition, focusing on core brands like Arc'teryx, Salomon, and Wilson, which are positioned for high growth in the premium sports segment [6][7]. - The DTC revenue share is expected to increase significantly, enhancing gross margins, with Arc'teryx leading this growth [2][69]. - The outdoor sports segment is experiencing robust growth, particularly in China, which is projected to become the largest market for outdoor footwear and apparel by 2030 [2][3]. Brand Performance - Arc'teryx is expected to see its revenue double, with a strong focus on expanding its DTC channels and improving store efficiency [44]. - Salomon is in a growth phase, with plans to expand its store presence significantly in key markets, including China [45][68]. - Wilson is diversifying its product lines and is expected to recover from previous growth challenges, with a focus on increasing its footwear offerings [68]. Market Trends - The global outdoor footwear and apparel market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 7.1%, with Asia-Pacific leading the growth [3][4]. - The report highlights the increasing interest in women's sports events, indicating a strong growth potential for women's athletic footwear and apparel [3].

Investment Rating - The report assigns an "Accumulate" rating for Amer Sports [1] Core Views - The company is positioned in the high-end multi-brand outdoor sports segment, with strong growth potential driven by its core brands and strategic expansion in the Greater China region [3][6] - The company has streamlined its brand matrix post-acquisition, focusing on high-potential brands like Arc'teryx, Salomon, and Wilson, which are expected to drive significant revenue growth [10][12] Financial Summary - Revenue is projected to grow from $3.55 billion in 2022 to $8.23 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 17.4% [5] - Net profit is expected to turn positive in 2024, reaching $730 million by 2027, with a significant increase of 515.9% in 2025 [5] - The company’s PE ratio is projected to decrease from 293.59 in 2024 to 29.96 by 2027, indicating improving profitability [5] Market Expansion and Brand Performance - The company has seen a revenue increase of 542% in the Greater China region from 2020 to 2024, with a revenue share increase of 17 percentage points to 25% [6][31] - Arc'teryx is expected to double its revenue, driven by strong DTC (Direct-to-Consumer) strategies and store expansion [42] - Salomon and Wilson are also expected to see significant growth, with Salomon's revenue projected to reach $1.44 billion in 2024 [45][64] Strategic Initiatives - The company is focusing on enhancing its DTC sales, which have grown significantly, with a 43.8% annual increase from 2019 to 2024 [31] - The management team has been restructured to include experienced leaders from various high-profile brands, enhancing operational efficiency and brand strategy [26][27] Competitive Landscape - The outdoor sports market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.1% in the Asia-Pacific region, with China projected to become the largest market for outdoor footwear and apparel by 2030 [6][18] - The company is well-positioned to capitalize on this growth due to its strong local shareholder backing and brand recognition [6][10]

Investment Rating - The report assigns an "Accumulate" rating for Amer Sports [1] Core Views - The company is positioned in the high-end multi-brand outdoor sports segment, with strong growth potential driven by its core brands and strategic expansion in the Greater China region [3][6] - The financial outlook is positive, with projected net profits for 2025 and 2026 expected to reach $447 million and $566 million, respectively, reflecting significant growth [6] Financial Summary - Revenue is projected to grow from $3,549 million in 2022 to $8,228 million by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.4% [5] - Gross profit is expected to increase from $1,764 million in 2022 to $4,740 million in 2027, indicating a strong upward trend in profitability [5] - The company is forecasted to achieve a net profit of $73 million in 2024, transitioning from losses in previous years [5] Market and Brand Positioning - Amer Sports has streamlined its brand matrix post-acquisition, focusing on high-potential brands like Arc'teryx, Salomon, and Wilson, which are expected to drive revenue growth [10][12] - The company has seen a significant increase in market share in China, with revenue from the Greater China region increasing sixfold from 2020 to 2024 [6][16] - Direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales have risen significantly, with DTC revenue expected to grow at an annual rate of 43.8% from 2019 to 2024 [31] Growth Drivers - The outdoor sports market is experiencing robust growth, with the Asia-Pacific region projected to lead the market, driven by increasing consumer interest in outdoor activities [6][18] - The company is expanding its store footprint, particularly in China, where it plans to increase the number of Salomon stores significantly [43][64] - Arc'teryx is expected to double its revenue, supported by a strong product lineup and effective marketing strategies [42][50] Brand Performance - Arc'teryx is leading in the functional apparel category, with a projected revenue of $2,019 million in 2024, reflecting a CAGR of 38% since 2019 [45] - Salomon's footwear segment is expected to see double-digit growth, with a focus on expanding its market presence in key cities [60] - Wilson is recovering from previous inventory challenges and is expected to return to double-digit growth in the near future [64]