Core Insights - Midea Group is undergoing significant organizational changes, focusing on integrating its operations in the refrigerator, washing machine, and kitchen sectors, reflecting a shift from wholesale to retail thinking [1][2][3] - The company has experienced multiple rounds of layoffs, with a notable reduction in staff across various departments, indicating a broader trend of optimization within the organization [1][2][6] - The transition to a Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) model is central to Midea's strategy, aiming to enhance retail capabilities and streamline operations [2][3][7] Organizational Changes - Midea's operational centers in cities like Foshan, Ningbo, and Tianjin have seen significant staff reductions and even closures, with some centers merging into others [2][4] - The restructuring involves a shift in focus towards high-margin products, with retail sales accounting for 50% of the performance metrics for regional managers [2][6] - The adjustments are part of a broader strategy to simplify operations and enhance growth, as emphasized by Midea's leadership [6][7] Impact on Distributors and Employees - Regional distributors have expressed concerns over reduced support and increased operational costs, making it harder for them to compete [4][5] - The changes may lead to a consolidation of core retail points, potentially sidelining traditional distributors who cannot adapt to the new retail-focused model [5][7] - Employees face challenges in integrating diverse teams and maintaining professional standards amid the restructuring [5][6] Financial Performance - Midea reported a revenue of 407.15 billion yuan for 2024, with a year-on-year growth of 9.44%, and a net profit of 38.54 billion yuan, up 14.29% [6] - However, when excluding non-recurring gains, Midea's profit growth of 8.39% lags behind competitors like Haier and Gree, indicating concerns about core business profitability [6][7]

Core Viewpoint - Midea Group is undergoing significant organizational changes, focusing on integrating its operations in the refrigerator, washing machine, and kitchen appliance sectors, reflecting a shift from wholesale to retail thinking [2][3][4] Group 1: Organizational Changes - Midea has announced an organizational restructuring aimed at consolidating its operational centers and optimizing its accountability mechanisms [2][3] - This restructuring is part of a broader strategy to transition towards a Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) model, which has been the main theme in Midea's approach to the Chinese market over the past two years [2][3] - The adjustments have led to significant layoffs across various departments, with older employees being the primary targets of these reductions [2][3] Group 2: Impact on Distributors and Employees - Regional distributors have expressed concerns that the DTC transformation is reducing the support they receive, making it increasingly difficult for them to operate profitably [5][6] - The restructuring may lead to a reduction in the number of operational distributors, pushing them to adapt to a retail model or face potential exit from the market [5][6] - Employees are facing challenges in integrating different teams and maintaining professional standards amid the organizational changes [5][6] Group 3: Financial Performance and Concerns - Midea's revenue for 2024 is projected at 407.15 billion yuan, with a year-on-year growth of 9.44%, and a net profit of 38.54 billion yuan, reflecting a 14.29% increase [8] - However, when excluding non-recurring gains, Midea's net profit growth of 8.39% lags behind competitors like Haier and Gree, indicating concerns about the core business's profitability [8][9] - The management is focused on simplifying operations to drive growth, as highlighted by the chairman's emphasis on self-revolution and operational efficiency [6][8]

Core Viewpoint - Midea Group is undergoing significant organizational changes, focusing on integrating its operations in the refrigerator, washing machine, and kitchen sectors, reflecting a shift from wholesale to retail thinking [2][3][4] Group 1: Organizational Changes - Midea has announced an organizational restructuring aimed at consolidating its operational centers and optimizing its accountability mechanisms [2] - The restructuring includes merging operational centers in various locations, such as the transfer of the Linyi operational center to Qingdao, resulting in significant staff reductions [3] - This is the second major adjustment within a few months, indicating a trend towards streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency [3] Group 2: Retail Transformation - The shift towards retail is described as the main theme for Midea in the Chinese market over the past two years, with a focus on Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) strategies [4][10] - Midea's management has emphasized the need for simplification and self-revolution to meet market challenges, as articulated by Chairman Fang Hongbo [6][10] - The company is prioritizing DTC and overseas Original Brand Manufacturing (OBM) strategies, which may impact traditional distributors and retailers [4][10] Group 3: Impact on Distributors and Employees - The restructuring has led to complaints from regional distributors about reduced support and increased operational difficulties, as resources are being redirected towards e-commerce and direct consumer engagement [4][5] - Distributors are facing heightened competition and operational challenges due to decreased traffic support for physical stores, leading to increased customer acquisition costs [5] - Employees within the operational centers are also facing uncertainty regarding job security and the integration of different teams post-restructuring [5][10] Group 4: Financial Performance Concerns - Midea's revenue for 2024 is reported at 407.15 billion yuan, with a year-on-year growth of 9.44%, while net profit attributable to shareholders is 38.54 billion yuan, up 14.29% [10] - However, when excluding non-recurring gains, Midea's net profit growth of 8.39% lags behind competitors like Haier and Gree, raising concerns about its core business profitability [10] - The company is under pressure to enhance its main business revenue and profit growth amid a slowing home appliance market [10]

文 | 《BUG》栏目 周文猛 美的集团的运营中心，正经历着又一场新变革。 近日，有接近美的管理层的知情人士透露："集团近期'组织架构调整决定'，通知将重点整合运营中心 （简称：运中）冰箱洗衣机厨房全通路业务，并要求厂商业务链同步调整，同时还优化了责任制考核机 制。"该人士透露，此举折射出美的从批发思维向零售思维彻底转变，"或有员工分流调整"。 对于上述变化，美的方面未作回应。不过《BUG》栏目注意到，今年四月，美的曾出现过一次减员。 彼时有内部人员透露，"美的运营中心出现合并调整"。此次冰洗业务再度调整，是上次运营中心调整后 的又一次变革。 在美的内部人士看来，向零售转型是"美的这两年中国市场的主旋律"。此次调整，许也是"基于经营需 要的政策调整"。但也有美的区域经销商抱怨道："近两年美的启动DTC（品牌直达消费者）转型，要求 经销商零售化转型，美的流量扶持政策的变化，正让一线经销门店的生意"越来越不好干"。" 年内第二次，"运中"再调整 近三个月，大量美的员工在社交平台反映自己遭遇公司裁员。据员工透露，五六月那波有两大特点：第 一，几乎每个部门都领了减员指标，包括美的家用电器、美的地产、美的工业技术等，多 ...

Core Insights - Xtep International reported operational data for Q2 and the first half of 2025, meeting expectations with low single-digit year-on-year growth in Q2 and mid single-digit growth in the first half [1] - The children's segment outpaced the adult segment, with footwear performing better than apparel, driven by functional running and outdoor products [1] - Saucony achieved over 20% growth in Q2 and over 30% growth in the first half, with a clear brand positioning focused on elite runners and high-performance products [1][2] Brand Performance - The new brands Saucony and Maile maintained rapid growth, with Saucony projecting 30-40% growth for the full year [2] - Saucony is strategically reducing low-priced products online and tightening discounts while expanding its presence in core cities with new store formats [2] - Maile's sales trends are strong, with over 50% growth in both Q2 and the first half, primarily driven by e-commerce [2] Inventory and Financial Health - The inventory level remains healthy, with a sell-through ratio of approximately 4 to 4.5 months at the end of Q2, and discount rates stable at 30-35% [2] - The company expects gross margins to meet expectations, with marketing and R&D expenses within budget, indicating stable operating profit margins [2] Channel Performance - Online sales growth outpaced offline, with direct-to-consumer (DTC) initiatives progressing well, involving around 500 stores transitioning from franchise to self-operated [3] - The DTC transformation is expected to enhance market responsiveness and long-term competitiveness, with plans to open larger stores and introduce new store formats [3] Product Category Insights - Core running products performed well, achieving double-digit growth, while leisure products showed some volatility [3][4] - The company has optimized its multi-brand matrix by divesting from fashion sports brands and focusing on core running business, which is expected to strengthen its market position [4] Future Outlook - The company maintains a "buy" rating and profit forecasts, expecting net profits of 1.37 billion, 1.50 billion, and 1.63 billion for 2025-2027, corresponding to PE ratios of 10, 9, and 8 [4] - The focus on the running segment post-divestment is anticipated to enhance brand synergy and future growth prospects [4]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the company [2][25] Core Insights - The main brand of the company shows steady growth, while the outdoor brand is experiencing strong momentum. The children's segment is growing faster than the adult segment, with footwear outperforming apparel. The newly introduced brand, Saucony, has seen over 20% growth in Q2 2025 and over 30% growth in the first half of the year [6][5] - The company is focusing on optimizing its multi-brand matrix and has initiated a Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) transformation, which is expected to enhance market responsiveness and efficiency [6][5] - The financial forecast indicates a projected net profit of 1.37 billion RMB for FY2025, with a corresponding PE ratio of 10 [6][16] Financial Data and Profit Forecast - Revenue projections for FY2023 to FY2027 are as follows: - FY2023: 14.346 billion RMB - FY2024: 13.577 billion RMB - FY2025E: 14.636 billion RMB - FY2026E: 15.759 billion RMB - FY2027E: 16.911 billion RMB - Net profit projections for the same period are: - FY2023: 1.034 billion RMB - FY2024: 1.303 billion RMB - FY2025E: 1.368 billion RMB - FY2026E: 1.496 billion RMB - FY2027E: 1.633 billion RMB - The gross margin is expected to improve from 42% in FY2023 to 45% in FY2027 [6][16] Retail Performance - The retail performance for 2023 shows a year-on-year growth of approximately 20% in Q1, high double digits in Q2, and over 30% in Q4, with a consistent discount level of 7-7.5 [15][6] - The inventory turnover ratio is healthy, with a stock-to-sales ratio of about 4 to 4.5 months at the end of Q2 2025 [6][15] Brand Strategy - The company is focusing on its core running products, which have shown double-digit growth, while casual products have experienced some fluctuations. The newly launched products have received positive market feedback [6][5] - The DTC transformation is expected to enhance the company's ability to adapt to market changes and consumer demands, with plans to open larger stores and new store formats [6][5]

Core Viewpoint - Xtep's FY25E guidance remains intact despite a slight miss in 2Q25, with expectations for sales growth to sustain into 2H25E due to low inventory levels and undemanding valuation, maintaining a BUY rating with a target price of HK$ 7.20 based on 14x FY25E P/E [1][4] Sales Performance - Retail sales growth for Xtep slowed in 2Q25 but remained on track for 1H25, with management maintaining FY25E guidance of positive group-level sales growth and 10%+ net profit growth [2][4] - Xtep's core brand is expected to achieve FY25E guidance, driven by robust growth in the running segment, which saw a 30%+ YoY increase in 1H25E [3][4] Inventory and Discounts - Xtep's inventory to sales ratio was about 4 to 4.5 months in 2Q25, indicating a healthy inventory level, while retail discounts remained stable at 25% to 30% off [5][4] - Management expects inventory and discount conditions to remain stable for FY25E, with the inventory to sales ratio projected to stay around 4 to 4.5 months [5][4] E-commerce and Offline Growth - E-commerce sales growth was around 10% in 2Q25, with offline sales growth lagging, but retail sales growth improved in July 2025, driven by increased summer demand and promotional activities [6][4] - Saucony brand is experiencing a re-acceleration in growth supported by offline SSSG and new store openings, despite a temporary slowdown in e-commerce [6][4] Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Strategy - The DTC transformation is ongoing, with plans to repurchase 100 to 200 stores in 4Q25E and 300 to 400 stores in FY26E, funded by internal cash flow [7][8] - The company is also set to upgrade its management system for products and members to enhance efficiency under the DTC model [8]

Core Viewpoint - CICC maintains the EPS forecast for Xtep International at 0.50/0.55 HKD for 2025/26, with a target price of 6.90 HKD, indicating a 29% upside potential from the current stock price [1] Group 1: Xtep Brand Performance - In Q2 2025, Xtep's main brand retail revenue grew by a low single-digit percentage year-on-year, driven by professional categories [2] - The running and outdoor categories led overall growth, with running sales in the first half of 2025 increasing by double digits [2] - Retail discounts for the main brand remained stable at 70-75%, with channel inventory turnover at 4-4.5 months by the end of June [2] Group 2: Saucony and Merrell Growth - Saucony brand saw retail revenue growth of over 20% year-on-year in Q2 2025, focusing on high-end urban consumers and running categories [3] - The brand plans to accelerate offline channel expansion in the second half of 2025, targeting a 30-40% year-on-year revenue growth for the full year [3] - Merrell brand experienced over 50% retail revenue growth in Q2 2025, with a focus on online channel development [3] Group 3: Channel Transformation - The company plans to gradually reclaim 100-200 Xtep main brand stores for DTC transformation in Q4 2025, with a capital expenditure of approximately 400 million HKD [4] - The number of stores involved in the DTC transformation is relatively low, and the management expects limited impact on overall revenue for 2025-2026 [4] - Future plans include accelerating the layout of Xtep main brand in shopping centers and outlet channels, which currently account for about 30% [4]

Core Insights - Nike has reported its first financial results under the new CEO, showing revenue of $11.269 billion and net profit of $794 million, both exceeding analyst expectations [1] - The company is undergoing a transformation, with signs of improvement in inventory management and revenue recovery in key markets, particularly North America and China [2][6] Financial Performance - In the Greater China region, Nike recorded revenue of $1.733 billion and EBIT of $421 million during the quarter [2] - Nike's inventory decreased by 2% year-over-year to $7.5 billion, indicating progress in inventory management [5] - North American revenue for the third quarter was $4.864 billion, a decline of 4%, but showing improvement from previous quarters [6] Strategic Initiatives - Nike is focusing on product innovation and returning to its core athletic identity, with significant investments in marketing and product development [4][7] - The "Win Now" strategy emphasizes key markets, including China, and aims to enhance brand competitiveness and operational efficiency [6][7] Brand and Marketing - Nike's marketing expenditure increased by 8% to $1.1 billion, reflecting a renewed focus on brand storytelling and athlete narratives [7][16] - The company has re-engaged with major sports events and partnerships, including a long-term agreement with the NFL, to reinforce its presence in professional sports [17] Product Development - Recent product launches, such as the Vomero 18 and Nike Pegasus Premium, have received positive market feedback, contributing to growth in the running segment [14] - Nike's commitment to professional sports and innovation is seen as a strategic move to regain market share and enhance brand value [17][18] Leadership and Culture - The appointment of Elliott Hill as CEO marks a return to Nike's foundational values, emphasizing a balance between data-driven strategies and the company's athletic heritage [13][14] - The leadership transition aims to restore confidence in Nike's brand identity and operational direction, focusing on a consumer-centric market approach [11][13]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Outperform the Market" [5][40]. Core Views - The company's revenue is expected to grow by 3% in 2024, reaching 3.65 billion yuan, while net profit is projected to decline by 13.1% to 460 million yuan. The gross margin is expected to decrease by 0.5 percentage points to 47.7% due to one-time compensation payments to distributors and reduced inventory provisions [1][3]. - The DTC (Direct-to-Consumer) transformation is temporarily suppressing performance, but the new retail channels are showing strong growth, particularly in the light business series, which is expected to grow by 27.2% due to expansion in outlet channels and effective live-streaming sales [2][32]. - The management has set a target for total sales growth of no less than 10% for 2025, with new retail business expected to achieve over 15% growth [3][32]. Summary by Sections Financial Performance - In 2024, the company anticipates a revenue of 3.65 billion yuan, with a net profit of 460 million yuan, reflecting a 3% increase in revenue and a 13.1% decrease in net profit compared to 2023 [4][35]. - The gross margin is projected to decline to 47.7%, while the net profit margin is expected to decrease to 12.6% [1][4]. Sales and Distribution - The main series revenue is expected to decline by 3% due to the DTC model's implementation, while the light business series is projected to grow significantly [2][32]. - Online new retail channels are expected to grow by 24%, indicating a strong focus on platforms like Douyin and the addition of new platforms such as Pinduoduo and Dewu [2][32]. Future Outlook - The company aims to increase its store count by 100 and expand into Southeast Asia, with plans to open its first store in Malaysia in the first half of 2025 [3][32]. - The net profit forecasts for 2025 to 2027 are adjusted to 500 million, 540 million, and 575 million yuan, respectively, reflecting a growth rate of 9.0%, 7.4%, and 6.5% [3][32].