Core Viewpoint - In Q3 2025, the overall sales volume of Li Ning brand (excluding Li Ning YOUNG) experienced a decline in unit numbers, with offline sales significantly impacted by foot traffic and consumer spending, while e-commerce showed a high single-digit growth year-on-year [1][2][3] Sales Performance - Q3 2025 saw a high single-digit decline in offline sales, primarily due to reduced foot traffic and consumer spending, with direct retail channels performing better than wholesale channels, benefiting from strong performance in outlet channels [1][2] - E-commerce business recorded a high single-digit growth year-on-year, with an increase in growth rate compared to Q2 [2][3] - The children's clothing segment continued to outperform adult clothing, with expectations of double-digit growth in children's apparel [2] Inventory and Discounts - The company increased its inventory turnover ratio at the end of Q3 2025, with a ratio corresponding to 5-6, as preparations were made for upcoming holidays and promotional events [1][2] - Both online and offline discount rates deepened in low single digits during Q3 2025, as the company intensified promotional efforts [2][3] Channel Expansion and Marketing Strategy - As of Q3 2025, the total number of Li Ning's sales points reached 6,132, with a net increase of 15 points since the beginning of the year, while children's clothing sales points totaled 1,480, with a net increase of 12 points [3] - The company plans to enhance marketing investments focusing on the "Olympics + Technology" theme in Q4 2025, aiming to improve product development and brand influence [3] - New product launches are expected in Q4, including technologically advanced products and collaborations, which are anticipated to drive sales improvement [3] Financial Forecast - The projected revenue for the company from 2025 to 2027 is estimated at 28.93 billion, 30.51 billion, and 32.08 billion yuan, with year-on-year growth rates of +0.9%, +5.4%, and +5.2% respectively [4] - The expected net profit attributable to shareholders for the same period is forecasted at 2.43 billion, 2.62 billion, and 2.78 billion yuan, with year-on-year changes of -19.5%, +7.8%, and +6.2% respectively [4]

Core Viewpoint - The overall terminal demand remains challenging, with a decline in revenue for Li Ning in Q3 2025, but it aligns with expectations [1][2] Group 1: Financial Performance - Q3 2025 total revenue (excluding children's wear) decreased by mid-single digits year-on-year, with a month-on-month weakening trend [1] - Direct store revenue fell by mid-single digits, while distributor store revenue dropped by high single digits; however, e-commerce revenue increased by high single digits [1] - The discount rate in Q3 2025 deepened by low single digits year-on-year, with a widening trend compared to the previous quarter [1] - The inventory-to-sales ratio at the end of Q3 2025 rose to 5-6 months, influenced by preparations for the dual festivals [1] - Management expressed confidence in controlling the inventory-to-sales ratio to 4-5 months by year-end [1] Group 2: Management Guidance - Management maintained the full-year performance guidance for 2025, targeting flat revenue year-on-year and a high single-digit net profit margin [2] - Despite the challenging retail environment and increasing discounts, the company aims to balance sales revenue, channel inventory, and discounts to ensure healthy inventory levels [2] - If Q4 2025 revenue trends align with Q3 2025 (mid-single digit decline), and children's wear and professional channels maintain strong growth, Li Ning can still achieve its revenue target for 2025 [2] Group 3: Brand Strategy - Li Ning has focused on enhancing brand strength, recently sponsoring the Chinese Olympic Committee for three years [3] - The company launched the Milan Winter Olympics award outfits, receiving positive feedback and increasing brand exposure [3] - Upcoming marketing activities include participation in "Tmall Super Product Day" and events related to the Milan Fashion Week, emphasizing "Olympics + Technology" [3] - The company is committed to brand revitalization and product development, which is expected to support future performance improvements [4] Group 4: Adjustments and Ratings - The company has slightly adjusted its revenue and gross margin forecasts for the second half of 2025 but maintained expense predictions [4] - The updated 2025 performance forecast aligns with the company's full-year guidance [4] - Despite short-term uncertainties, the company is on the right strategic path, leading to a maintained "Buy" rating and a slight target price adjustment to HKD 21.6, equivalent to 18x 2026 P/E [4]

Core Viewpoint - Li Ning is experiencing low single-digit growth in terminal sales for Q2 2025, with management maintaining a revenue guidance of flat growth for 2025, but expecting a decline in profitability [1][3] Sales Performance - Q2 2025 overall sales growth for Li Ning is low single-digit, with offline sales declining in low single digits, while wholesale shows low single-digit growth and online sales exhibit mid-single-digit growth [1] - By product category, running and fitness show high single-digit growth, sports lifestyle remains flat, basketball sees a 20% decline, and outdoor categories perform well [1] - By sales channel, lower-tier markets outperform higher-tier markets, and outlet stores perform better than full-price stores [1] Discounts and Inventory - Due to slowing terminal sales growth and the need for inventory clearance, discount pressure is significant in Q2 2025, with continued pressure expected in the second half of the year; however, inventory levels are currently healthy [1] - Li Ning's overall inventory turnover rate has decreased to approximately 4 months [1] Product and Marketing Strategy - The company is focusing on functional upgrades in products while expanding Olympic themes across multiple categories, including protective and stability features in running, women's products in sports lifestyle, and more outdoor gear [2] - As of June 30, 2025, Li Ning has 6,099 sales points (excluding Li Ning YOUNG), a net increase of 11 from the previous quarter, but a net decrease of 18 from the beginning of the year; Li Ning YOUNG has 1,435 sales points, with a net decrease of 18 from the previous quarter and 33 from the start of the year [2] - Marketing efforts will focus on the Olympics and technology, with sponsorships and athlete collaborations to enhance brand influence, alongside continued support for marathon events [2] Financial Forecast and Investment Recommendation - As a leading domestic sports footwear and apparel brand, Li Ning is expected to face revenue and profit pressures due to weak consumer demand and intensified market competition; revenue projections for 2025-2027 are 28.74 billion, 29.96 billion, and 31.11 billion yuan, with growth rates of 0%, 4%, and 4% respectively [3] - Net profit projections for the same period are 2.38 billion, 2.53 billion, and 2.72 billion yuan, with year-on-year growth rates of -21%, 7%, and 7% respectively; the current stock price corresponds to a 25 PE of 15.5X, maintaining a strong buy recommendation [3]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a strong buy rating for Li Ning, with a current stock price of 16.24 HKD and a corresponding PE of 15.5X for 2025 [2][3]. Core Insights - Li Ning's overall revenue growth in Q2 2025 is low single-digit, with pressure on discounts due to weak consumer demand and intensified market competition. The management has kept the revenue guidance for 2025 flat, but profitability is expected to decline. The projected net profit for 2025-2027 is 2.38 billion, 2.53 billion, and 2.72 billion RMB, with year-on-year growth rates of -21%, 7%, and 7% respectively [1][2]. Revenue and Profit Forecast - The expected revenue for Li Ning for 2025-2027 is 28.74 billion, 29.96 billion, and 31.11 billion RMB, with year-on-year growth rates of 0%, 4%, and 4% [2][8]. - The projected net profit for the same period is 2.38 billion, 2.53 billion, and 2.72 billion RMB, with year-on-year growth rates of -21%, 7%, and 7% [2][8]. Sales Performance - In Q2 2025, the revenue growth by category shows high single-digit growth in running and fitness, flat performance in sports lifestyle, and a 20% decline in basketball. Outdoor and smaller categories are performing well [1][7]. - The sales performance by channel indicates that lower-tier markets are outperforming higher-tier markets, with outlet stores performing better than full-price stores [1][7]. Financial Metrics - The total market capitalization of Li Ning is 42 billion HKD, with a total share capital of 2,585 million shares and a net asset value per share of 10.1 HKD [3]. - The return on equity (ROE) is reported at 11.5%, with a debt-to-asset ratio of 26.9% [3][11]. Inventory and Discount Pressure - Due to the slowdown in terminal revenue growth and the need for inventory clearance, there is significant discount pressure in Q2 2025, although inventory levels are currently considered healthy [7][10].