Core Viewpoint - The company reported a revenue of 6.84 billion RMB and a net profit of 910 million RMB for the first half of 2025, showing a year-on-year growth of 7.1% and 21.5% respectively, with a focus on the performance of its main brand and professional sports segment [1][2] Financial Performance - The company's gross margin slightly decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 45.0%, while the operating profit margin increased by 0.4 percentage points to 19.1% [1][3] - The net profit margin rose by 1.6 percentage points to 13.4%, although it would have decreased by 0.1 percentage points if excluding the impact of the KP business [1][3] - Earnings per share (EPS) for the first half of 2025 was 0.35 RMB, with a proposed cash dividend of 0.18 HKD per share, resulting in a payout ratio of 50.0% [1] Revenue Breakdown - Revenue from the main brand and professional sports segment grew by mid-single digits and over 30% respectively, with footwear, apparel, and accessories contributing 60.8%, 37.3%, and 1.9% to total revenue [2] - The main brand's revenue from youth products outperformed adult products, and online sales accounted for over 30% of the main brand's revenue [2] Store and Inventory Management - As of June 2025, the number of adult stores was 6,360, a net decrease of 22 stores since the beginning of the year, while youth stores totaled 1,564, a decrease of 20 stores [2] - Inventory increased by 41.3% to 2.25 billion RMB compared to the beginning of the year, primarily due to preparations for upcoming marathon events [4] Cash Flow and Receivables - Operating net cash flow for the first half of 2025 was 770 million RMB, a decrease of 6.4% year-on-year [4] - Accounts receivable increased by 5.4% to 4.84 billion RMB, with a turnover period of 118 days, an increase of 18 days year-on-year [4] Strategic Focus - The company continues to strengthen its position in the running segment, with the main brand maintaining the highest wearing rate in key marathon events [4] - New product launches include advanced running shoes aimed at enhancing performance, and the company is expanding its retail channel management to improve consumer experience [5]

Core Viewpoint - Xtep International reported a 7.1% year-on-year increase in revenue to 6.84 billion yuan for 1H25, with a 21.5% rise in net profit to 910 million yuan, indicating strong performance driven by its running ecosystem and brand strategies [1][2]. Financial Performance - Revenue increased by 7.1% to 6.84 billion yuan, with net profit rising by 21.5% to 910 million yuan, and net profit margin improved by 1.6 percentage points to 13.4% [1]. - Core net profit, excluding K&P brand losses of 106 million yuan, grew by 6.4% year-on-year [1]. - The company declared an interim dividend of 0.18 HKD per share, with a payout ratio of 50% [1]. Brand and Product Strategy - The main brand focused on the mass market, continuously iterating products and accelerating direct-to-consumer (DTC) layout, while the Saucony brand targeted the high-end market [1][2]. - New products such as the 160X champion running shoes and 360X 2.0 carbon plate running shoes contributed to an increase in average selling price (ASP) in the running category [2]. - The main brand's online channel growth outpaced overall performance, with revenue from the main brand increasing by 4.5% to 6.05 billion yuan [1][2]. Operational Efficiency - The company’s gross margin slightly decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 45.0%, influenced by online promotional activities and a significant increase in low-margin apparel sales [2]. - Inventory turnover days increased by 23 days to 91 days, primarily due to preparations for the marathon season and Saucony's inventory needs [2]. - Net cash rose by 94.3% to 1.913 billion yuan, indicating significant improvement in cash levels [2]. Future Outlook - The main brand will launch a DTC model in 2H25, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and support long-term growth, with plans to open 100-200 DTC stores by 2025 and 300 by 2026 [3]. - Saucony plans to accelerate store openings in high-tier cities, with expectations to open 30-50 new stores in 2H25, expanding its apparel and lifestyle product lines [3]. - The company maintains profit forecasts for 2025-2027, with net profit expectations of 1.37 billion, 1.53 billion, and 1.71 billion yuan respectively, and adjusts the target price to 7.08 HKD [3].

Core Viewpoint - The company reported a revenue of 6.84 billion RMB and a net profit of 910 million RMB for the first half of 2025, showing a year-on-year growth of 7.1% and 21.5% respectively, with a focus on the performance of its main brand and professional sports segment [3][4]. Financial Performance - Revenue for the first half of 2025 reached 6.84 billion RMB, with a net profit of 910 million RMB, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 7.1% and 21.5% respectively [3]. - Earnings per share (EPS) stood at 0.35 RMB, with a proposed cash dividend of 0.18 HKD per share, resulting in a payout ratio of 50% [3]. - Gross margin slightly decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 45.0%, while operating profit margin increased by 0.4 percentage points to 19.1% [6][7]. Revenue Breakdown - The revenue composition for the first half of 2025 was 60.8% from footwear, 37.3% from apparel, and 1.9% from accessories, with respective year-on-year growth rates of 6.3%, 9.5%, and a decline of 7.8% [4]. - The main brand (Xtep) and professional sports brands (Saucony, Myle) accounted for 88.5% and 11.5% of total revenue, with year-on-year growth rates of 4.5% and 32.5% respectively [4]. Retail and Channel Performance - As of June 2025, the number of adult stores for Xtep was 6,360, a net decrease of 22 stores since the beginning of the year, while the number of youth stores was 1,564, a decrease of 20 stores [5]. - The professional sports brand Saucony had 155 stores in China, an increase of 10 stores [5]. Cost and Inventory Management - The inventory as of June 2025 increased by 41.3% from the beginning of the year to 2.25 billion RMB, with a year-on-year increase of 2.5% [7]. - Operating net cash flow for the first half of 2025 was 770 million RMB, a decrease of 6.4% year-on-year [7]. Strategic Focus - The company continues to strengthen its position in the running segment, with the main brand maintaining the highest wearing rate in key marathon events [8]. - Xtep is expanding its product matrix and enhancing retail channel management, with a focus on improving consumer experience and increasing the proportion of new image stores [8].

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Buy" (maintained) [5] Core Views - The main brand shows stable fundamentals, and the product experience of the professional brand, Saucony, continues to improve [5] - The company reported a revenue of 6.838 billion RMB for the first half of 2025, representing a year-on-year growth of 7.1%, which aligns with expectations [7] - The gross profit for the same period was 3.074 billion RMB, with a year-on-year increase of 6.9%, and the net profit attributable to shareholders was 914 million RMB, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 21.5% [7] - The company maintains a high dividend payout ratio, distributing an interim dividend of 0.18 HKD per share, with a payout ratio of 50% [7] Financial Performance Summary - Revenue projections for the company are as follows: - 2023: 14,345.51 million RMB - 2024: 13,577.22 million RMB (decrease of 5.36%) - 2025E: 14,486.83 million RMB (increase of 6.70%) - 2026E: 15,668.76 million RMB (increase of 8.16%) - 2027E: 17,186.96 million RMB (increase of 9.69%) [6] - Net profit attributable to shareholders is projected as follows: - 2023: 1,030.01 million RMB - 2024: 1,238.40 million RMB (increase of 20.23%) - 2025E: 1,384.97 million RMB (increase of 11.84%) - 2026E: 1,568.61 million RMB (increase of 13.26%) - 2027E: 1,787.65 million RMB (increase of 13.96%) [6] - The company’s return on equity (ROE) is projected to be: - 2023: 11.62% - 2024: 14.23% - 2025E: 13.73% - 2026E: 13.46% - 2027E: 13.30% [6] Brand Performance - The main brand, Xtep, achieved a revenue of 6.053 billion RMB in the first half of 2025, with a year-on-year growth of 4.5% [7] - The professional sports segment, including Saucony and Maile, saw a revenue increase of 32.5% to 785 million RMB in the same period [7] - The company is focusing on product iteration and category expansion to drive growth in high-end brands [7]

Core Viewpoint - Taboos is strengthening its position in the running market by acquiring more brand agency rights, recently announcing the introduction of Ciele Athletics to China, which will be fully managed by Taboos for brand promotion and sales [2][3] Company Strategy - Taboos has made running a key focus area, having secured exclusive operational partnerships with several running brands, including Soar and Norda, indicating a strategic pivot towards this growing segment [4] - The company aims to fill the gap in the running category, as its main brands like Nike and Adidas lack specialized offerings in this area [4] Market Dynamics - The running market in China is experiencing significant growth, with the industry size exceeding 428.8 billion yuan, and road running events driving over 16.8 billion yuan in consumption [6] - Despite the potential, the running market is becoming increasingly competitive, with established brands like Nike and Adidas holding substantial market shares alongside domestic brands like Xtep and Anta [7] Financial Performance - Taboos reported a revenue of 27.01 billion yuan for the fiscal year ending February 28, 2025, a decline of 6.64% year-on-year, with net profit dropping by 41.86% [5] - The company has faced challenges due to reliance on major brands and the shift in consumer behavior towards price sensitivity and diversified experiences [5][6] Challenges and Risks - Taboos' dependency on Nike and Adidas for over 80% of its revenue poses a risk, especially as these brands face increasing competition from both local and international players [6] - The company must invest significantly in marketing and consumer education to promote new and niche brands in the competitive running market [8]