Core Viewpoint - Li Ning's mid-year performance report for 2025 shows a slight revenue growth of 3.3% year-on-year, but a significant decline in net profit by 10.99%, indicating challenges in the consumer market despite strategic investments in professional sports [1][3][19]. Financial Performance - Revenue reached 14.817 billion RMB, up from 14.345 billion RMB in the previous year [2] - Gross profit was 7.415 billion RMB, a 2.5% increase from 7.236 billion RMB [2] - Net profit attributable to shareholders was 1.737 billion RMB, down 11% from 1.952 billion RMB [2][19] - EBITDA increased by 2.0% to 3.512 billion RMB [2] Market Position and Strategy - Li Ning's revenue growth is slower compared to competitors, with Xtep reporting a 7.1% increase and Anta expected to reach 13% [2][3] - The company aims to enhance its investment in sports, particularly in the mass sports sector, and has renewed its partnership with the Chinese Olympic Committee [3][5] - Li Ning has signed contracts with multiple national teams and aims to leverage high-profile events to strengthen its brand positioning [6][9] Product Development and Sales - The company has expanded its product lines to include professional outdoor and lightweight outdoor categories, although these currently contribute a small portion of total revenue [6][8] - Running and basketball are the top two revenue-generating categories, with running sales increasing by 15% and basketball sales declining by 20% [9][10] - Li Ning has launched the Li Ning Running Club to promote a running ecosystem, integrating training resources and professional equipment [8] Challenges and Market Conditions - Despite growth in professional sports, Li Ning faces challenges in the mass consumer market, with declining foot traffic and increased discounts affecting sales [13][17] - The company reported a slight decrease in overall gross margin to 50.0% due to changes in product mix and discounting strategies [17] - Management remains cautious about future performance, anticipating stable revenue but potential pressure on profit margins due to rising costs [19]

Core Viewpoint - Li Ning's stock has seen a significant increase, with a nearly 6% rise, attributed to better-than-expected mid-term performance results [1] Financial Performance - Li Ning reported a revenue increase of 3.3% year-on-year to 14.817 billion yuan [1] - Gross profit was approximately 7.415 billion yuan, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 2.48% [1] - EBITDA was around 3.513 billion yuan, showing a 2% increase compared to the previous year [1] - Net profit reached approximately 1.737 billion yuan, with basic earnings per share at 67.43 cents [1] - The interim dividend declared was 33.59 cents per share [1] Market Expectations - Nomura noted that Li Ning's key performance indicators exceeded market expectations for the first half of the year [1] - Daiwa indicated that Li Ning's net profit margin was slightly better than their expectations, alleviating concerns regarding management's lowered guidance [1] Strategic Outlook - Dongwu Securities projected that Li Ning will continue to deepen its "single brand, multiple categories, and multi-channels" strategy in the second half of the year [1] - The company plans to enhance its professional sports resources through collaboration with the Chinese Olympic Committee [1] - Li Ning has restructured its internal organization to focus on a category-based business model, improving category management efficiency [1] - The company aims to expand into multiple categories such as table tennis, badminton, pickleball, tennis, and golf [1] - With a solid operational foundation and healthier channel inventory, Li Ning is expected to benefit from Olympic-themed marketing, potentially enhancing performance elasticity [1]

Core Viewpoint - Li Ning's stock has seen a significant increase, with a rise of nearly 6% and a current price of HKD 20.56, reflecting strong market performance following the release of its interim results [1] Financial Performance - Li Ning reported a revenue increase of 3.3% year-on-year to CNY 14.817 billion [1] - Gross profit reached approximately CNY 7.415 billion, marking a 2.48% year-on-year growth [1] - EBITDA was around CNY 3.513 billion, showing a 2% increase compared to the previous year [1] - Net profit stood at approximately CNY 1.737 billion, with basic earnings per share of CNY 0.6743 [1] - The interim dividend declared was CNY 0.3359 per share [1] Market Expectations - Nomura noted that Li Ning's key performance indicators exceeded market expectations for the first half of the year [1] - Daiwa indicated that Li Ning's net profit margin was slightly better than their forecast, alleviating concerns regarding management's lowered guidance [1] Strategic Outlook - Dongwu Securities projected that Li Ning will continue to deepen its "single brand, multiple categories, and multi-channel" strategy in the second half of the year [1] - The company plans to enhance its professional sports resources through collaboration with the Chinese Olympic Committee [1] - Li Ning has restructured its internal organization to focus on a category-based business model, aiming to improve category management efficiency [1] - The company is expanding into multiple categories such as table tennis, badminton, pickleball, tennis, and golf [1] - With a solid operational foundation and healthier channel inventory, Li Ning is expected to benefit from Olympic-themed marketing, potentially enhancing performance elasticity [1]

Core Viewpoint - Li Ning's mid-term performance exceeded market expectations, leading to a significant increase in stock price and positive analyst outlooks [1] Financial Performance - Revenue increased by 3.3% year-on-year to 14.817 billion yuan [1] - Gross profit was approximately 7.415 billion yuan, a year-on-year growth of 2.48% [1] - EBITDA was around 3.513 billion yuan, reflecting a 2% year-on-year increase [1] - Net profit reached approximately 1.737 billion yuan, with basic earnings per share of 67.43 cents [1] - Interim dividend declared at 33.59 cents per share [1] Analyst Insights - Nomura noted that Li Ning's key performance indicators for the first half of the year surpassed market expectations [1] - Daiwa indicated that Li Ning's net profit margin was slightly better than their forecast, alleviating concerns regarding management's lowered guidance [1] Strategic Outlook - Dongwu Securities projected that Li Ning will continue to deepen its "single brand, multi-category, multi-channel" strategy in the second half of the year [1] - The company plans to enhance its professional sports resources through collaboration with the Chinese Olympic Committee [1] - Li Ning has restructured its internal organization to focus on a category-based business model, improving category management efficiency [1] - The company aims to expand into multiple categories such as table tennis, badminton, pickleball, tennis, and golf [1] - With a solid operational foundation and healthier channel inventory, Li Ning is expected to benefit from Olympic-themed marketing, potentially enhancing performance elasticity [1]

Core Viewpoint - Li Ning Company has demonstrated solid mid-year performance amidst a recovering retail market and intensified competition in the sports goods industry, achieving revenue of 14.82 billion yuan, a 3.3% year-on-year increase, and a net profit of 1.74 billion yuan with a net profit margin of 11.7% [1][3] Group 1: Business Strategy and Performance - The company adheres to a "pragmatic and steady" operational philosophy, focusing on deepening its presence in professional sports, enhancing technological research and development, and collaborating with top-tier sports resources [1][3] - Li Ning's strategy of "single brand, multiple categories, and multiple channels" has proven effective, with core categories like running, basketball, and training accounting for 67% of retail sales, and running category sales growing by 15% [3][6] - New categories such as tennis and pickleball have been strategically developed, with Li Ning being one of the first comprehensive sports brands to enter the pickleball market in China [5][6] Group 2: Technological Innovation and R&D - The company has significantly increased its R&D investment, with an 8.7% year-on-year growth, totaling over 3.8 billion yuan in the past decade, establishing a strong technological foundation [11][17] - Li Ning has successfully integrated advanced technologies into its products, such as the "超䨻科技" (Ultra Light Technology), which has been applied to multiple new products and received positive market feedback [11][16] - Collaborations with organizations like the National Space Administration have led to the application of aerospace technology in sports equipment, enhancing product innovation [13][14] Group 3: Strategic Partnerships and Market Positioning - Li Ning has become the official partner of the Chinese Olympic Committee for the 2025-2028 period, aiming to leverage this partnership to enhance brand recognition and consumer engagement [7][9] - The company has a long history of collaboration with national sports teams, which has deepened its understanding of various sports needs and contributed to its brand positioning [10] - The strategic focus on professional sports resources is seen as a long-term investment rather than a short-term gain, with plans to align product offerings with major upcoming sporting events [9][10]

Core Viewpoint - The company reported a slight increase in revenue but a significant decline in net profit for the first half of 2025, indicating challenges in profitability despite stable sales growth [3]. Financial Performance - In the first half of 2025, the company achieved revenue of 14.82 billion RMB, a year-on-year increase of 3.3%, while net profit attributable to shareholders was 1.74 billion RMB, down 11.0% year-on-year [3]. - Earnings per share (EPS) stood at 0.67 RMB, with a proposed interim cash dividend of 0.34 RMB per share, resulting in a payout ratio of 50% [3]. - Gross margin decreased by 0.4 percentage points to 50.0%, and operating profit margin fell by 0.2 percentage points to 16.5% [3][7]. Revenue Breakdown - Revenue from e-commerce, distribution, and direct sales grew by 4.4%, declined by 3.4%, and increased by 7.4% respectively, with total store count decreasing by 0.7% [4]. - By product category, footwear, apparel, and equipment accounted for 55.6%, 35.0%, and 9.4% of revenue, with respective year-on-year growth rates of 4.9%, -3.4%, and 23.7% [4]. - Revenue by channel showed distribution, direct stores, and e-commerce contributing 46.5%, 22.8%, and 29.0% respectively, with year-on-year changes of +0.5%, -1.6%, and +1.1% [4]. Retail Performance - Overall retail sales for the brand grew in low single digits, with offline sales slightly increasing and online sales growing in high single digits [5]. - In terms of product categories, running and training sales increased by 15% year-on-year, while basketball and sports leisure saw declines of 20% and 7% respectively [5]. Inventory and Cash Flow - As of June 2025, inventory value was 2.43 billion RMB, down 6.5% from the beginning of the year, with inventory turnover days at 61 days, a decrease of 1 day year-on-year [7][8]. - Operating net cash flow for the first half of 2025 was 2.41 billion RMB, a decrease of 11.7% year-on-year [8]. Strategic Initiatives - The company continues to implement a "single brand, multiple categories, multiple channels" strategy, with significant sales in professional running shoes and partnerships with athletes to enhance brand visibility [9]. - The company signed a partnership with the Chinese Olympic Committee to strengthen its brand positioning in professional sports [9].

Core Insights - Li Ning Company reported a revenue of 14.82 billion yuan for the first half of 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 3.3% [1] - The gross profit for the same period was 7.41 billion yuan, up 2.5%, with an overall gross margin of 50.0% [1] - Net profit reached 1.74 billion yuan, resulting in a net profit margin of 11.7% [1] Financial Performance - R&D investment increased by 8.7% year-on-year, with cumulative R&D spending exceeding 3.8 billion yuan over the past decade [1] - Professional product revenue accounted for over 60% of total revenue, with footwear products making up 56% of this segment [2] - Retail sales in the running category grew by 15%, with over 14 million pairs of professional running shoes sold across all channels [2] Market Strategy - The company is focusing on six core categories: running, basketball, cross-training, badminton, table tennis, and sports leisure, while also exploring new categories like outdoor sports, tennis, and pickleball [2] - Li Ning aims to enhance its product competitiveness and deepen collaboration with the Chinese Olympic Committee, focusing on quality improvement and solidifying its business foundation [3] - The company plans to maintain a "single brand, multiple categories, and multiple channels" strategy to drive sustainable growth [3] Operational Insights - As of June 30, 2025, the total number of Li Ning stores (including Li Ning brand and Li Ning YOUNG) reached 7,534 [3] - The company emphasizes a steady and pragmatic approach to business development, aiming for long-term health and sustainability [3]

Core Viewpoint - Li Ning Company Limited reported steady revenue growth for the first half of 2025, with a focus on solidifying its operational foundation and business development strategies [2][4]. Financial Performance - The company's revenue reached 14.817 billion RMB, a 3.3% increase compared to 14.345 billion RMB in the same period of 2024 [2]. - Gross profit was 7.415 billion RMB, up 2.5% from 7.236 billion RMB year-on-year, with an overall gross margin of 50.0%, down 0.4 percentage points from 50.4% [2]. - Profit attributable to equity holders was 1.737 billion RMB, down from 1.952 billion RMB in the previous year, with a profit margin of 11.7% [2]. - Basic earnings per share were 0.6743 RMB, compared to 0.7580 RMB in the same period last year [2]. Cash Flow Management - The net cash generated from operating activities was 2.411 billion RMB, a decrease from 2.730 billion RMB in the previous year [3]. - As of June 30, 2025, cash and cash equivalents totaled 11.798 billion RMB, an increase of 4.299 billion RMB from December 31, 2024 [3]. - The total cash balance, including fixed deposits, was 19.190 billion RMB, reflecting a net increase of 1.050 billion RMB [3]. Operational Overview - The company continued to implement its "single brand, multi-category, multi-channel" strategy, focusing on product upgrades, brand marketing, and channel optimization [4]. - Li Ning signed a partnership with the Chinese Olympic Committee for the 2025-2028 period, enhancing its brand image as a supporter of professional sports [4]. - The company is focusing on six core categories: running, basketball, cross-training, badminton, table tennis, and sports leisure, while also exploring new segments like outdoor sports and tennis [4]. Channel Development - Li Ning is enhancing its multi-dimensional channel network, with a total of 7,534 sales points as of June 30, 2025, a net decrease of 51 from December 31, 2024 [5]. - The company is optimizing its retail operations and enhancing collaboration between headquarters and retail outlets to improve efficiency [5]. E-commerce and Supply Chain - The company is focusing on e-commerce growth through online-offline integration and targeted marketing strategies [6]. - Li Ning is optimizing its supply chain with a focus on quality control, delivery assurance, cost optimization, and sustainability [6]. Children's Wear Business - Li Ning YOUNG is making steady progress in product optimization, channel development, and brand marketing, with a total of 1,435 sales points as of June 30, 2025, a net decrease of 33 from December 31, 2024 [7]. Future Outlook - The company plans to continue executing its core strategy while enhancing product competitiveness and deepening its partnership with the Chinese Olympic Committee [8]. - Li Ning aims to improve business quality and efficiency through channel, product, and supply chain collaboration [9]. - The company will focus on talent development, financial governance, and digital empowerment to support its growth [9].

Core Viewpoint - Li Ning Company Limited reported steady revenue growth for the first half of 2025, with a focus on solidifying its operational foundation and business development [2][4]. Financial Performance - The company's revenue reached 14.817 billion RMB, a 3.3% increase compared to 14.345 billion RMB in the same period of 2024 [2]. - Gross profit was 7.415 billion RMB, up 2.5% from 7.236 billion RMB year-on-year, with an overall gross margin of 50.0%, down 0.4 percentage points from 50.4% [2]. - Profit attributable to equity holders was 1.737 billion RMB, down from 1.952 billion RMB in the previous year, with a profit margin of 11.7% [2]. - Basic earnings per share were 0.6743 RMB, compared to 0.7580 RMB in the same period last year [2]. - The interim dividend declared was 0.3359 RMB per share, down from 0.3775 RMB in the previous year, with a payout ratio of 50% [2]. Cash Flow Management - Net cash generated from operating activities was 2.411 billion RMB, a decrease from 2.730 billion RMB in the previous year [3]. - As of June 30, 2025, cash and cash equivalents totaled 11.798 billion RMB, an increase of 4.299 billion RMB from December 31, 2024 [3]. - The total cash balance, including fixed deposits, was 19.190 billion RMB, a net increase of 1.050 billion RMB from the end of 2024 [3]. Operational Overview - The company continued to implement its "single brand, multi-category, multi-channel" strategy, focusing on product upgrades, brand marketing, and channel optimization [4]. - Li Ning signed a partnership with the Chinese Olympic Committee for the 2025-2028 period, enhancing its brand image as a supporter of Chinese sports [4]. - The company is focusing on six core categories: running, basketball, cross-training, badminton, table tennis, and sports leisure, while also exploring new segments like outdoor sports and tennis [4]. Channel Development - The company is enhancing its multi-dimensional channel network, with a total of 7,534 sales points as of June 30, 2025, a net decrease of 51 from December 31, 2024 [5]. - Retail operations are being optimized through improved market models and consumer engagement activities [5]. - The company is also focusing on digital upgrades in its new retail business to enhance operational efficiency [5]. E-commerce and Supply Chain - The company is maintaining a steady operational strategy in e-commerce, leveraging online and offline synergies to drive growth [6]. - Supply chain optimization is a priority, focusing on quality control, delivery assurance, cost optimization, and sustainability [6]. - The logistics system is being enhanced to improve efficiency and reduce costs, with the launch of a national logistics network [6]. Children's Wear Business - Li Ning YOUNG is making steady progress in product optimization, channel development, and brand marketing, with a total of 1,435 sales points as of June 30, 2025, a net decrease of 33 from December 31, 2024 [7]. Future Outlook - The company plans to continue executing its core strategy while enhancing product competitiveness and deepening cooperation with the Chinese Olympic Committee [8]. - Focus areas include improving business quality and efficiency across channels, products, and supply chains [9]. - The company aims to strengthen its foundation for growth through talent development, financial governance, and digital empowerment [9].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Li Ning with a target price of HKD 19.2 for 2025, based on a 20x PE ratio [1][4][7]. Core Insights - Li Ning's overall platform revenue (excluding Li Ning YOUNG) recorded low single-digit growth in Q2 2025, with offline channels experiencing low single-digit decline while e-commerce channels saw mid-single-digit growth [2][4]. - The growth in revenue is primarily driven by the running and fitness categories, both achieving high single-digit growth, while the basketball category faced a decline of over 20% due to market conditions [2][3]. - The company continues to optimize its channel structure, with a net decrease of 18 stores year-to-date, and plans to expand new store layouts as per strategy [3][4]. Financial Summary - Revenue projections for Li Ning are as follows: 2025E at RMB 28,698 million, 2026E at RMB 30,498 million, and 2027E at RMB 31,943 million, reflecting growth rates of 0.1%, 6.3%, and 4.7% respectively [5][12]. - The forecasted EPS for 2025 is RMB 0.88, with a decline in net profit expected to RMB 2,269 million, a decrease of 24.7% compared to the previous year [5][12]. - The gross margin is projected to remain stable around 49.2% for 2025, with a slight increase to 49.5% by 2027 [5][13].