Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The group's total revenue increased by 7.1% to JPY 6,838 million [6][9] - Operating profit rose by 9.1% to JPY 1,305 million, with an operating profit margin improvement of 0.4 percentage points to 19.19% [7][11] - Net profit for the first half of the year was JPY 914 million, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 21.5% [8][11] - Annualized return on equity increased by 3.3 percentage points to 19.7% [8] - Operating cash flows were CHF 774 million, with net cash increasing by 94.3% to CHF 1.913 billion [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from the XTEP core brand increased by 4.5% to JPY 6,053 million, while the professional sports division, including Saucony and Merrell, saw revenue growth of over 32% to JPY 785 million [7][16] - The mass market segment's gross profit increased by 4% to JPY 2,641 million, with a slight decrease in gross margin [15] - The professional sports division's operating profit surged nearly 2.4 times to JPY 79 million, with an operating profit margin improvement to 10% [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Over 300 marathons were held in China in the first half of the year, with more than 3 million participants, indicating a growing interest in running [22] - The group's brands maintained high wear rates in major marathon events, with Saucony achieving second place in overall wear rates at the Wuxi Marathon [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strengthening its core strategy of running, enhancing synergies among its brands, and expanding its product portfolio [21][33] - Plans include optimizing retail channel management, improving customer experience, and expanding into shopping malls and outlets [25][30] - The company aims to reinforce its position as China's leading running brand through flagship products and a professional to mass influence strategy [33][34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term development of the sports industry, supported by government investments in public health and sports activities [2][4] - The company plans to implement refined operational management to improve efficiency and create greater returns for investors [5][20] - The outlook remains positive, with expectations for continued growth in the running sector and a focus on sustainable development [32][34] Other Important Information - The company declared an interim dividend of HKD 0.18 per share, a year-on-year increase of 15.4%, maintaining a dividend payout ratio of 50% [8] - The company achieved an AA rating in the 2025 MSCI ESG rating, marking its fourth consecutive year of rating improvement [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for the second half of the year? - Management indicated plans to capitalize on the peak season for marathons and running events, leveraging synergies between the XTAP core brand and Saucony to expand market share [4][33] Question: How is the company addressing the increase in inventory levels? - The increase in inventory is attributed to preparations for the peak season and the launch of new products, with expectations for inventory levels to return to a healthy state by year-end [14] Question: What are the company's plans for e-commerce growth? - E-commerce operations are expected to continue driving growth, with a focus on refining the product portfolio and enhancing supply chain capabilities [28]

Group 1 - The report anticipates a steady recovery in demand for apparel and jewelry in H2 2025, with retail sales of clothing and textiles expected to grow by 3.3% and jewelry by 12.3% year-on-year from January to May 2025 [1][35] - The report highlights new trends in consumer demand, including diversification in product offerings, with strong growth in functional categories like outdoor and running apparel, and a rising interest in unique gold jewelry products due to high gold prices [1][35] - The investment focus is on selecting high-performing companies in the apparel sector, particularly those with strong fundamentals and growth potential [1][2] Group 2 - The report recommends leading companies in the functional apparel sector, such as Anta Sports, which is expected to maintain a healthy sales growth trend, with a projected PE ratio of 18 times for 2025 [2][6] - It also suggests focusing on premium jewelry brands like Chow Tai Fook and Chow Hong Ki, which are expected to benefit from rising gold prices, with Chow Tai Fook's operating profit projected to grow by 10% year-on-year for FY2025 [2][6] - The report notes that the apparel manufacturing landscape is improving, with leading companies like Shenzhou International and Huayi Group expected to benefit from market share gains in the medium to long term, with projected PE ratios of 11 times and 15 times for 2025, respectively [3][6] Group 3 - The report indicates that the overall inventory levels in the apparel sector are healthy, with a manageable increase in stock levels, which is expected to support steady performance in company earnings as consumer demand improves [39][45] - It highlights the strong growth in outdoor and running categories, with significant participation from younger demographics, and notes that brands like Descente and Kolon Sport are experiencing rapid growth due to their effective multi-brand strategies [46][47] - The report emphasizes the importance of channel efficiency and the integration of online and offline retail experiences, which are crucial for driving sales growth in the apparel sector [1][35]

Core Viewpoint - The 2025 Standard Chartered Shanghai 10km Run emphasizes the theme "Together, We Run Further," showcasing the integration of diverse running culture in Shanghai through a well-designed event with 4500 participants [1][7]. Group 1: Event Overview - The event took place on May 17, featuring a scenic route along the Huangpu River and a diverse competition format [1]. - This marks the fifth time Standard Chartered has hosted a 10km run in mainland China, highlighting the bank's commitment to promoting running culture [7]. Group 2: Partnerships and Support - The event received support from various organizations, including the Shanghai Free Trade Zone, the British Consulate in Shanghai, and several financial associations [4][21]. - A new partnership with high-end sports brand Descente was established to provide professional gear for participants [12]. Group 3: Community Engagement - The introduction of a 2km charity run aimed to assist children with intellectual disabilities and visually impaired runners, enhancing the event's inclusivity [14]. - The event also featured a carnival atmosphere with interactive activities and prizes, including a Liverpool FC-themed exhibition [18]. Group 4: Competitive Opportunities - Top three male and female runners in the 10km race will earn direct entry to the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon and Singapore Marathon [16]. - Additional prizes included opportunities to attend a Liverpool vs. AC Milan match, enhancing the competitive appeal of the event [16].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total group revenue increased by 6.5% to JPY 13,577,000,000 [10] - Operating profit rose by 9.3% to JPY 1,966,000,000 [11] - Net profit increased by 20.2% to JPY 1,238,000,000, with a net profit margin up by one percentage point to 9.1% [13] - Gross profit margin improved by 1.4 percentage points year on year to 43.2% [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core brand revenue grew by 3.2% to JPY 12,327,000,000, with kids' segment growth exceeding 20% [17] - Professional Sports segment revenue, including Saucony and Merrell, grew by 57.2% to JPY 1,250,000,000, with Saucony's revenue increasing almost 60% [18] - Saucony's gross profit increased by 61.5%, with an operating profit of JPY 78,000,000 [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - E-commerce revenue for the core brand increased by 20% year on year, accounting for 30% of core brand revenue [28] - Saucony's revenue exceeded JPY 1,000,000,000, marking significant growth in both scale and profits [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company will continue to focus on running and develop professionalism and refinement in its offerings [6] - A clear strategy to enhance operational efficiency and deepen end channel management for high-quality growth was outlined [6] - The company aims to solidify its market status as the number one running brand in China through brand synergy and a professional to mass influence strategy [24][33] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management acknowledged ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties but highlighted opportunities in the sports goods industry [4] - The company expressed confidence in achieving high-quality growth and generating lucrative returns for investors [6] - Future expectations include a revenue growth of around 30% to 40% for Saucony in 2025 [19] Other Important Information - The company announced new appointments to strengthen its management structure, with Mr. Ricky Yang promoted to Executive Director and Ms. Donna Ding appointed as CFO [7] - The company received an upgraded MSCI ESG rating to A, becoming the first Chinese sports goods company to achieve this [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the growth expectations for Saucony in the coming years? - Management expects Saucony to achieve revenue growth of around 30% to 40% in 2025 [19] Question: How does the company plan to manage expenses moving forward? - The company will focus on controlling expenses while enhancing retail and inventory management capabilities [22] Question: What is the company's strategy regarding e-commerce? - E-commerce will continue to be a key growth driver, with significant performance on emerging platforms [28]