Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a one-time expense of $3.7 million from the early redemption of bonds, impacting earnings per share (EPS) by approximately $0.57 after tax [3] - A discrete tax-related expense of $1.3 million from discontinued Mexico operations impacted EPS by approximately $0.26 after tax [3] - The total impact of these unusual events on EPS for the quarter was around $1.61 after tax [3] - Long-term incentive compensation expenses increased by approximately $23.9 million year-over-year, with $5.8 million expensed this quarter compared to an $18.1 million reversal last year [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - New customer origination volume increased by around 40% year-over-year at the end of the second quarter, returning to pre-COVID levels [5] - The first payment default rate for new originations is in line with fiscal years 2019 and 2020, indicating stable credit quality [6] - Overall loan volume for the first half of the fiscal year was 14% higher than last year, marking the highest volume on record for that period [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended the second quarter with a portfolio up 1.5% year-over-year, recovering from a 4% decline at the beginning of the fiscal year [7] - The company repurchased and canceled $170 million of bonds, enhancing its capital position [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for modest growth in the mid to low single digits on the portfolio side and mid to high single digits on the customer base side [20] - Marketing strategies have shifted to a test-and-learn environment, successfully reducing the cost of acquisition for new customers [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while there are signs of weakness in the broader consumer market, particularly in auto loans, they have not observed major weaknesses in their portfolio [18] - The company has proactively tightened its credit criteria for new customers without significantly affecting overall approval rates [18] Other Important Information - The company has already repurchased 9.1% of its shares year-to-date, with additional capacity to repurchase another $77 million this year [8] - The company is focused on enhancing shareholder value through strong EPS growth and a declining share count [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on the three discrete items impacting EPS - Management confirmed the $0.26 from Mexico, $0.57 from bond redemption, and approximately $0.78 from increased provision due to new customer growth [12] Question: Inquiry about operating expenses and personnel expense projections - Management confirmed the increase in personnel expenses and provided a breakdown of expected future expenses [13] Question: Health of the underlying consumer and its impact - Management acknowledged general consumer weakness but stated that their portfolio remains stable with proactive credit tightening [17][18] Question: Update on marketing efforts and competitive environment - Management discussed successful marketing strategies that have reduced acquisition costs and indicated a focus on modest growth [19][20]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the report highlights that new customers are driving growth, with improvements in gross margin from new factories in Q2 compared to Q1, while emphasizing the need to monitor subsequent terminal sales and the ramp-up progress of new factories [1][3] Group 2 - Investment recommendations maintain EPS forecasts for 2025-2027 at 3.02, 3.57, and 4.27 yuan, respectively, with a target price set at 66.5 yuan based on a PE of 22, which is above the industry average, and a rating of "Buy" is upheld [2] - In Q2 2025, the company reported revenue of 7.308 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 9.0%, while net profit attributable to shareholders was 902 million yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 17.3%, with a gross margin of 21.08%, down 7.05 percentage points year-on-year [2] - New customers are identified as the main growth driver, with revenue from North America, Europe, and other regions showing year-on-year changes of -0.43%, +88.94%, and +45.87%, respectively, while product categories such as sports leisure shoes and outdoor boots showed varied performance [2] Group 3 - The new factories in Vietnam, Indonesia, and China shipped 3.73 million, 1.99 million, and 670,000 pairs, respectively, in H1, with overall ramp-up progress aligning with company expectations, although gross margins have declined due to many new factories still in ramp-up stages [3] - The overall gross margin for new factories improved in Q2 compared to Q1, indicating a positive trend as operational maturity increases, but caution is advised due to customer hesitance in placing orders amid economic uncertainties in the U.S. [3]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Buy" (maintained) [1] Core Views - The company experienced significant new customer growth in Q1 2025, with revenue reaching 5.35 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 12.3%. However, the net profit attributable to the parent company was 760 million yuan, reflecting a decrease of 3.2% due to the impact of new factory ramp-up on profitability [7][8] - The report anticipates improved gross margins in Q2 2025 as scale effects and new factory ramp-up take effect, with long-term optimism regarding new customer volume and increased market share from existing customers [7][8] Financial Summary - Q1 2025 revenue was 5.35 billion yuan, with a volume increase of 8.24% and a price increase of 3.8%. The gross margin was 22.9%, down 5.5 percentage points due to initial training periods for new employees at new factories [7][8] - The company plans to accelerate the construction of new factories to meet the growing demand from new customers, with two new factories in Indonesia and Sichuan launched in Q1 2025, and further expansions planned in Vietnam and Indonesia [7] - The net profit forecast for 2025-2027 has been adjusted to 4.1 billion, 4.76 billion, and 5.51 billion yuan respectively, with corresponding P/E ratios of 16.1, 13.8, and 12.0 times [7][9] Operational Capability - As of Q1 2025, the company had a net operating cash flow of 1.21 billion yuan, with inventory at 3.67 billion yuan and accounts receivable at 3.31 billion yuan, indicating a stable operational capability [8]