Investment Rating - The report maintains a positive outlook on the higher education sector, indicating a "Buy" recommendation for specific companies such as New Higher Education, Neusoft Ruixin, Xijiao International Holdings, and Zhonghui Group [30]. Core Insights - The report anticipates a turning point in educational investment, with improved operational efficiency expected in the higher education sector. It notes that while revenue growth for higher education companies is generally slowing due to a deceleration in student enrollment, tuition fee increases are becoming the primary driver of revenue growth [3][12]. - The report predicts that the average revenue growth rate for six higher education companies in FY25 will be 8.8%, a decline of 2.8 percentage points from the previous year and a drop of 11.8 percentage points from the five-year average [4][13]. - The report highlights that the average tuition fee growth for FY25 is expected to remain stable at 9.3%, which is an increase of 1.2 percentage points compared to the five-year average [4][12]. Summary by Sections Market Review - The education index increased by 2.9% during the week, outperforming the Hang Seng Index by 0.4 percentage points. Year-to-date, the education index has risen by 14.21%, lagging behind the Hang Seng Index by 7.23 percentage points [11]. Financial Projections - The report forecasts that the average gross profit growth for the six higher education companies in FY25 will be 3.7%, a decrease of 1.1 percentage points from the previous year and a drop of 14.4 percentage points from the five-year average. The average gross profit margin is expected to be 43.6%, down 2.9 percentage points from the previous year [5][18]. - The average number of teachers is projected to grow by 2.9% in FY25, continuing to outpace student enrollment growth. Teacher salaries are expected to increase by an average of 14.7%, indicating a trend towards hiring higher-caliber talent [5][18]. Cost Management - The average sales expense ratio for FY25 is projected to be 2.5%, remaining stable compared to the previous year. The average management expense ratio is expected to rise to 11.8%, while the average financial expense ratio is anticipated to decrease to 3.7% [6][22]. Operational Efficiency - The report suggests that the operational efficiency of higher education companies is expected to bottom out, with quality improvements in education becoming the main theme of the industry. It predicts that the cost growth for higher education companies will align with student enrollment growth in the coming year [8][27]. - The report also indicates that as educational investment peaks, the resumption of dividends from higher education companies is anticipated [29].

Core Viewpoint - The company reported a decline in revenue and net profit for the fiscal year 2025, with a significant drop in profit margins, while maintaining a high dividend payout ratio of 135.0% [3][6]. Financial Performance - For the fiscal year 2025, the company achieved a revenue of 27.01 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 6.6%, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of 1.29 billion yuan, down 41.9% [3]. - Earnings per share (EPS) was reported at 0.21 yuan, with a proposed final dividend of 0.02 yuan per share and a special dividend of 0.12 yuan per share, alongside an interim dividend of 0.14 yuan per share [3]. - The company experienced a decline in gross margin by 3.4 percentage points to 38.4%, and operating profit margin decreased by 3.7 percentage points to 5.9% [3][5]. Revenue Breakdown - Revenue from the main brands (Nike and Adidas) decreased by 6.1%, while other brand revenues fell by 9.9% [3]. - Retail and wholesale revenues accounted for 85.3% and 14.0% of total revenue, respectively, with retail revenue declining by 6.8% and wholesale by 5.8% [4]. Store Performance - The total number of stores decreased by 18.3%, with the company operating 5,020 stores as of February 2025 [4]. - The total sales area decreased by 12.4%, while the average sales area per store increased by 7.2% [4]. Cost and Cash Flow Management - The company reported a slight increase in expense ratio by 0.4 percentage points to 33.2%, with employee costs and rental expenses remaining stable [5]. - Inventory decreased by 4.5% to 6 billion yuan, and operating net cash flow increased by 20.0% to 3.76 billion yuan [5]. Strategic Focus - The company aims to enhance operational efficiency by closing underperforming stores and focusing on online channels, including platform e-commerce and private domain operations [6]. - The company continues to expand its brand portfolio, becoming the exclusive operator for high-end running brand SOAR Running and top outdoor brand Norrøna in the Chinese market [6]. Dividend Policy - The company has maintained a high dividend payout ratio exceeding 100% for the fiscal years 2023 to 2025, with an average dividend yield of 12.6% over the past three years [7].

Core Insights - The company reported a decline in revenue and net profit for the fiscal year 2025, with revenue at 27.01 billion RMB, down 6.6% year-on-year, and net profit at 1.29 billion RMB, down 41.9% [1][2] - The company maintained a high dividend payout ratio of 135.0%, exceeding the previous year's 100.9% [1][2] - The decline in profit was attributed to a significant drop in gross margin and a slight increase in expense ratio [1][2] Revenue Breakdown - Main brand revenue (Nike + Adidas) decreased by 6.1%, while other brand revenue fell by 9.9% [1][2] - Revenue from retail, wholesale, and esports accounted for 85.3%, 14.0%, and 0.2% of total revenue, respectively, with retail and wholesale revenues down 6.8% and 5.8% year-on-year [2][3] - The total number of stores decreased by 18.3%, with a total of 5,020 stores as of February 2025 [2][3] Financial Metrics - Gross margin decreased by 3.4 percentage points to 38.4%, primarily due to increased discounting [2][3] - The expense ratio increased by 0.4 percentage points to 33.2%, with sales, management, and financial expense ratios at 29.4%, 3.7%, and 0.1%, respectively [2][3] - Inventory decreased by 4.5% to 6 billion RMB, and accounts receivable decreased by 43.4% to 750 million RMB [3] Future Outlook - The company aims to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs amid weak consumer demand and declining foot traffic [3][4] - The company plans to expand its brand matrix and has become the exclusive operating partner for high-end running brand SOARRunning and top outdoor brand Norrona in China [3][4] - Profit forecasts for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 have been revised down by 21% and 26%, respectively, with expected EPS of 0.21, 0.23, and 0.26 for fiscal years 2026 to 2028 [4]