Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Outperform the Market" [6][4][40]. Core Views - The company achieved a revenue growth of 7.1% year-on-year in 2024, reaching 14.626 billion yuan, with a net profit of 1.137 billion yuan, reflecting a 1.4% increase [1][4]. - The fourth quarter of 2024 saw a revenue increase of 9.8% year-on-year, with a net profit growth of 32.1% [2][4]. - The children's clothing segment performed particularly well, with revenue of 10.268 billion yuan, a 9.6% increase, and a gross margin improvement [3][4]. Summary by Sections Financial Performance - In 2024, the company reported a total revenue of 14.626 billion yuan, with a net profit of 1.137 billion yuan and a gross margin of 43.8% [1][5]. - The fourth quarter revenue was 5.227 billion yuan, with a net profit of 382 million yuan, marking significant growth compared to the previous year [2][5]. - The company maintained a healthy inventory turnover, reducing turnover days by 19 days to 140 days [1][4]. Revenue Breakdown - By category, children's clothing accounted for 70.2% of total revenue, while casual wear contributed 41.90 billion yuan [3][4]. - Online sales reached 6.672 billion yuan, reflecting a 7.1% increase, while direct sales and franchise channels also showed positive growth [3][4]. Future Outlook - The company plans to continue expanding its store network, with expectations for revenue growth to remain strong in 2025 [4][36]. - The estimated net profits for 2025-2027 are projected to be 1.213 billion yuan, 1.295 billion yuan, and 1.385 billion yuan, respectively, indicating steady growth [4][5]. - The reasonable valuation range for the company has been adjusted to 7.2-7.7 yuan, reflecting an increase in valuation levels due to favorable consumption policies [4][5].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the company, indicating a projected investment return exceeding the market benchmark by more than 15% over the next 6-12 months [6][12]. Core Insights - The company reported a total revenue of 886.75 billion CNY for 2024, a decrease of 10.09% year-on-year, with a net profit of 1.05 billion CNY, down 97.83% year-on-year [1]. - The liquid milk business is showing signs of improvement, with revenue from various product categories such as liquid milk, ice cream, milk powder, cheese, and other dairy products experiencing different levels of growth and decline [2]. - The gross margin for 2024 was reported at 39.57%, an increase of 2.42 percentage points year-on-year, primarily due to falling raw milk prices and improved profitability across multiple product categories [3]. - The adjusted net profit for 2024, excluding certain impairments, was 44.35 billion CNY, with an adjusted net profit margin increase of 0.12 percentage points year-on-year [3]. Summary by Sections Revenue and Profitability - The company achieved a revenue of 886.75 billion CNY in 2024, down from 986.24 billion CNY in 2023, reflecting a growth rate of -10.09% [5]. - The net profit for 2024 was 1.05 billion CNY, a significant drop from 4.81 billion CNY in 2023, resulting in a net profit growth rate of -97.83% [5]. Product Performance - Liquid milk revenue was 730.66 billion CNY, down 11.0% year-on-year, while ice cream and milk powder revenues decreased by 14.1% and 12.7%, respectively [2]. - Cheese revenue showed an increase of 18.0%, indicating a positive trend in this category [2]. Cost and Margin Analysis - The gross margin improved to 39.57% in 2024, up 2.42 percentage points from the previous year, driven by lower raw milk prices [3]. - The operating profit margin for 2024 was reported at 8.2%, an increase of 1.9 percentage points year-on-year [3]. Future Outlook - The company forecasts net profits of 50.91 billion CNY for 2025, 52.92 billion CNY for 2026, and 55.75 billion CNY for 2027, with corresponding EPS of 1.30, 1.35, and 1.42 CNY [4][5]. - The current stock price corresponds to a P/E ratio of 14 for 2025, indicating a stable valuation for a leading dairy company [4].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total consolidated net sales in Q4 2024 were $352.8 million, an increase of 6.1% compared to $332.5 million in the same quarter last year [41] - Gross margin increased by 120 basis points to 28.9% in Q4 2024, compared to 27.7% in the same quarter last year [42] - Net loss in Q4 2024 was $0.1 million, compared to net income of $4.1 million in the same quarter last year [44] - Adjusted EBITDA increased to $40.4 million for Q4 2024, compared to $38.8 million in the same quarter last year [45] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Powered Vehicle Group (PVG), net sales were $116 million, slightly down from $118 million in the prior year but up 5% sequentially [16] - In the Aftermarket Applications Group (AAG), net sales were $112 million, down from $121 million in the prior year quarter but up 11% sequentially [22] - In the Sports Segment Group (SSG), net sales were $125 million compared to $93 million last year, reflecting a 41.5% increase from a full quarter of Marucci [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The automotive sector continues to face headwinds from ongoing OEM production issues, with expectations for flat-to-down, low single-digit retail sales in 2025 [19] - The bike business is experiencing varied recovery rates across different geographies, with a cautious outlook for 2025 [30] - The European market showed strength in early 2024, but purchasing habits weakened in Q4 due to inventory concerns [32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on operational excellence and strategic positioning across segments, with a comprehensive cost reduction program aimed at improving margins [56][58] - The company is diversifying across segments, products, markets, and geographies, with a focus on product development initiatives to create new customer engagements [15] - The company is strategically repositioning its business to operate more efficiently, with a goal to restore best-in-class EBITDA margins as market conditions normalize [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects continued market pressures in 2025 but remains committed to operational efficiency and cost management to protect margins [21] - The company anticipates net sales for fiscal year 2025 in the range of $1.385 billion to $1.485 billion, with adjusted earnings per diluted share between $1.60 and $2.60 [52] - Management acknowledges the complexity of the regulatory environment, including tariffs, and is actively analyzing potential impacts [37][38] Other Important Information - The company has identified $25 million in savings across COGS and SG&A as part of its cost optimization plan [13] - The company is expanding its product portfolio, including the launch of the AGwagon, designed for agricultural use [26] - The company is focused on debt paydown as a priority for capital allocation, having paid down $63 million in debt during Q4 [51] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on Taiwan facilities consolidation and capacity - Capacity in Taiwan is in line with pre-COVID levels, with increased efficiency within the same footprint [62] Question: Update on the upfitting business and dealership dialogue - The company is cultivating strong relationships with dealers and repositioning inventory effectively [66] Question: Insights on the bike business and revenue expectations - The company is being conservative in its revenue expectations for the bike business, despite positive signals [72] Question: Impact of the new MLB partnership on Marucci - Growth from the MLB partnership is expected to materialize in Q2 and Q3, with ongoing preparations [76] Question: Conversations with OEM partners regarding tariffs - The company feels relatively insulated from tariff impacts due to its focus on premium products and U.S.-produced chassis [83]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2024, sales increased by 1.7% year-over-year to $128.1 million, or 8.8% when excluding non-recurring sales from Q4 2023 [30] - Gross profit for Q4 was $53.2 million, representing 41.5% of net sales, up from 40.3% in the same period last year [31] - Net income for Q4 was $4.8 million, or $0.64 per diluted share, compared to $6.7 million, or $0.91 per diluted share in Q4 2023 [36] - For the full year, net sales were down 1.7% on a reported basis but up 5.3% on a recurring basis to $453.8 million [37] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wholesale sales were $81.3 million, a decrease of 5.2%, but up 4.5% on a recurring basis [30] - Retail sales increased by 15.3% to $43.6 million, marking the segment's highest ever quarterly sales figure [30] - Contract manufacturing sales increased by 39.1% to $3.2 million [30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The direct-to-consumer channel saw strong demand, particularly for the Durango and XTRATUF brands, leading to the highest sales volume quarter for the retail segment [6][7] - The Georgia Boot brand experienced a slight increase in Q4, driven by better boot weather and strong demand [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to increase investments in marketing to drive brand awareness and traffic to retail and wholesale partners [7] - There is a focus on launching new products and expanding into new categories, particularly for the Durango brand [10] - The company aims to reduce third-party exposure in manufacturing from China to below 35% by the end of 2025 while maintaining a competitive cost structure [43] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism for 2025, anticipating low single-digit revenue growth, driven by strong retail segment gains and steady wholesale growth [44] - There is recognition of consumer uncertainty affecting retail partners' inventory commitments, but sell-through rates have been strong [27][41] - The company expects to face pressure from increased tariffs on products sourced from China, impacting gross margins modestly [46] Other Important Information - The company recorded a $4 million non-cash trademark impairment charge related to the Muck brand during Q4 [33] - A new share repurchase program of up to $7.5 million has been approved by the Board [40] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you clarify recent mixed indicators and sell-through performance? - Management noted good sell-through from retailers but acknowledged their cautious approach moving forward [50][51] Question: What factors give confidence in low single-digit revenue growth for the year? - The order book is up year-over-year, but retailers are cautious with inventory orders [52][53] Question: Can you clarify the tariff impact on gross margins? - The 110 basis points impact is based on existing tariffs, and the company is evaluating pricing strategies to mitigate this [56][59] Question: What are the key growth drivers for 2025? - Key drivers include strong performance from XTRATUF, Muck, and women's and kids' offerings from Durango [64][66] Question: What is the sourcing exposure to Mexico and potential tariff impacts? - The company sources a very small proportion from Mexico, and while it would negatively impact them, it may disrupt competitors more significantly [81][82] Question: How is the momentum carried into the beginning of 2025? - The Muck and XTRATUF brands have continued strong performance, but guidance remains cautious due to non-recurring sales and inventory shifts [84][86]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a gross margin expansion of close to 200 basis points, reaching approximately 67% by the end of Q2 [36] - The EBITDA margin is expected to grow by 70 to 90 basis points in fiscal '25, aiming for a close to 19% EBITDA margin by the end of the fiscal year [41][122] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Prestige business is impacted by challenges in China, Travel Retail Asia, and Australia, contributing to a decline of roughly 3 points in sales [12][31] - The Consumer Beauty segment is facing challenges in the U.S., also contributing to a 3-point impact on sales [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retailers are exhibiting cautious inventory management, leading to a gap between sell-out and sell-in, particularly in the Prestige and Fragrance categories [14][68] - The U.S. market is showing strong sell-out growth, with some weeks reaching 50% to 60% growth prior to the holiday season [60] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to launch two major blockbuster products in fiscal '26 to drive organic sales growth [28] - There is a focus on expanding distribution for key brands in the Prestige division, particularly in the U.S. and emerging markets [30][97] - The company is shifting resources from Asia to the U.S. and European markets to capitalize on growth opportunities [60] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges that the current sales trend is unsatisfactory but remains optimistic about the long-term growth potential of the beauty category, particularly in Fragrances [121] - The company is committed to outperforming the beauty market despite macroeconomic uncertainties and regional challenges [92] Other Important Information - The company is evaluating its portfolio for long-term opportunities and return on investment, considering potential divestitures or M&A to enhance exposure to faster-moving categories [111] - The gross margin reached a record level of approximately 70%, indicating strong operational performance [122] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on retailer replenishment and issues in China - Management noted that 20% of the business is facing challenges, particularly in China and Travel Retail, with cautious inventory management from retailers impacting sales [11][14] Question: Structural and competitive challenges in U.S. color cosmetics - Management highlighted that the U.S. color cosmetics market is facing structural challenges, with a need for both heritage and new brands to drive growth [20][21] Question: Sales growth expectations for fiscal '26 - Management expects improvement in sales growth in fiscal '26, driven by retailer inventory normalization and significant product launches [26][31] Question: Margin outlook and cost structure - Management confirmed a healthy P&L with gross margin expansion and a focus on maintaining discipline in cost management while supporting brand initiatives [36][40] Question: Performance of Prestige Fragrances - Management indicated that Prestige Fragrances are holding up better due to their unique offerings and higher entry barriers compared to other categories [44][45] Question: Travel Retail performance outside Asia - Management acknowledged that Travel Retail in Asia is lagging, but the Americas and Europe are performing well, with a strategic shift in resources to capitalize on these markets [60][62] Question: Retail channel shifts and online competition - Management confirmed that e-commerce, particularly through platforms like Amazon, is growing rapidly for both Consumer Beauty and Prestige brands [70][71] Question: Pricing strategy amid FX impacts - Management plans to implement moderate price increases in the low single digits while monitoring market elasticity [74][75] Question: Inventory levels and sell-in versus sell-out - Management noted ongoing adjustments in inventory levels at wholesalers and retailers, with positive sell-in for Fragrances expected to continue [81][82]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's pretax sales revenue, including wholesale and retail, declined by a mid-single digit percentage year-over-year [3] - The gross margin for directly operated stores decreased by 4.4% year-over-year and 2.1% compared to August [6] - The company expects full-year profit to decline by 35% to 45% based on market expectations [25][46] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail performance was slightly better than wholesale, with online channels driving overall retail sales [3][4] - Direct-to-consumer online sales accounted for approximately 40% of total direct retail sales, showing a year-over-year increase [4] - Same-store traffic showed slight improvement compared to the first half of the year, but overall performance remained negative [5][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that foot traffic in offline channels weakened during the quarter, although there was some improvement compared to H1 [5][17] - The average store size continued to show year-over-year growth, despite a high single-digit decline in total same-store sales [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is strategically prioritizing inventory management and plans to utilize various promotional activities to improve inventory positions [2][3] - There is a focus on omni-channel operation efficiency, including precision store openings, renovations, and closures [7] - The company aims to collaborate with brand partners to achieve planned inventory improvements by the end of the year [5][66] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the offline retail network, believing that opportunities still exist despite current pressures [17][19] - The company remains committed to inventory optimization and expects to see improvements by the end of the fiscal year [45][66] - Management highlighted strong commitments from brand partners to the China market and the intention to strengthen collaborations [67] Other Important Information - The company capitalized on major online shopping festivals, resulting in double-digit worldwide growth in overall online sales [4] - The company is taking a proactive approach to store closures, particularly for underperforming locations [6][19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about NACI's performance and market outlook - Management discussed recent communications with NACI's new global CEO, emphasizing the importance of the China market and potential synergies in product offerings [12][13] Question: Future offline retail network considerations - Management acknowledged pressures in the offline retail network but maintained a positive outlook, emphasizing the need for omni-channel operations [17][19] Question: Clarification on sales performance and profit guidance - Management confirmed that while Q3 performance was better than expected, they still anticipate a decline in profits for the full year [25][26] Question: Discount rates and inventory management - Management explained that discount rates have deepened due to inventory clearance efforts and increased online sales, but they are optimistic about inventory management [29][30] Question: E-commerce performance and strategies - Management highlighted the growth of online sales, particularly through live streaming and private channels, and emphasized the importance of resource allocation to online sales [33][35] Question: Store rental fees and brand support - Management indicated that store rental fees will depend on negotiations with property management companies and noted strong brand support for the China market [40][42] Question: Inventory synchronization with NACI - Management outlined strategies for inventory control and collaboration with NACI to optimize inventory levels [61][63]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall revenue fell by 7.9% to RMB 13.05 billion, primarily due to subdued macroeconomic demand and diminished foot traffic from offline customers [12][7] - Retail business revenue decreased by 8.9% to RMB 10.92 billion, while wholesale business revenue fell by 2.2% to RMB 2.04 billion [12] - The company registered a 35% decline in pretax profit, but operating cash flow rose by 2.5% [10][11] - The dividend payout ratio was 99.9%, maintaining a leading position in the industry [5][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The main brand sales revenue fell by 8.1% to RMB 11.35 billion, contributing 87.6% to total sales revenue, while other brands accounted for 12.4% of revenue, marking a slight rise of 0.2% [12] - The gross profit margin experienced a year-on-year decline of 3.6%, attributed to increased discount rates and a shift in sales distribution towards lower-margin wholesale channels [12][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall consumer market remains unclear, but supportive macroeconomic policies are anticipated to stimulate consumption [5][36] - The company noted a shift in consumer behavior from in-person to online shopping, which has increased the pressure on physical retail [36][37] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to a flexible omni-channel strategy, enhancing integrated retail frameworks that merge online and offline channels [4][36] - There is a focus on broadening category layouts and solidifying market advantages across various sports sub-sectors [4][36] - The company aims to adapt to changing consumer preferences and enhance user experience through targeted optimizations [4][38] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by a sluggish macroeconomic environment but expressed confidence in the long-term strategy and cash flow management [5][36] - The company anticipates beneficial shifts in the consumer market as macroeconomic policies take effect, despite the current unclear market conditions [5][36] - Management remains cautious about the second half of the year, projecting a potential decline in profits [86][87] Other Important Information - The company has maintained a strong cash generation capability, with net cash flow from operating activities reaching a billion, marking a 2.5% rise from the same period last year [28][29] - The number of directly operated stores decreased by 396, with a focus on optimizing store layouts and improving efficiency [41][40] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inventory management and new CEO impact - The company plans to work with brands facing inventory issues and is optimistic about the new CEO's potential to improve product innovation and market share in China [61][66][70] Question: Strategies for the November 11 shopping event - The company is mobilizing online and offline resources for the shopping event, acknowledging high industry inventory levels and the importance of this sales opportunity [73][74] Question: Market sentiment and consumer behavior changes - Management noted that government initiatives, such as consumption coupons, are positively impacting consumer sentiment, although quantifiable effects remain uncertain [75][90]