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LI NING(2331.HK)4Q25:STILL UNDER PRESSURE DESPITE FULL-YEAR GUIDANCE MET
Ge Long Hui· 2026-01-17 06:27
Core Viewpoint - LN's 4Q25 retail sell-through declined year-over-year, influenced by weak consumer sentiment, with management indicating that full-year 2025 results are in line with guidance, showing marginal revenue growth and net profit margin (NPM) nearing the upper end of high single digits [1][2] Retail Performance - 4Q25 retail sell-through was down low single digits (LSD) year-over-year, with offline retail sell-through declining mid single digits (MSD) due to weak consumer sentiment and insufficient traffic [2] - Direct-operated stores outperformed wholesale channels, aided by inventory optimization and deeper discounts in outlets [2] - E-commerce sell-through remained largely flat year-over-year, while the inventory-to-sales ratio improved to a healthy level of 4-5 months from 5-6 months in 3Q [2] Category Performance - Retail sell-through growth for the running category slowed to mid single digits (MSD) in 4Q25, while the badminton category saw growth moderate due to a high base [3] - Basketball and athleisure categories, which contributed 46% of sales in 1H25, continued to face pressure [3] Financial Guidance - Management expects LN's revenue for 2025 to achieve marginal growth, with NPM approaching the upper end of high single digits, supported by cost-saving measures, government subsidies, and closure of loss-making stores [3] - The anticipated inflection point for LN's performance may take longer due to ongoing adjustments in the athleisure category and increased marketing expenses related to the Olympic campaign [3] Brand Initiatives - LN is piloting a new "Dragon Store" concept in tier-1 and tier-2 cities, with a permanent store planned for Shanghai by mid-2026, aimed at enhancing brand image through Olympic-themed elements [4] - While the immediate revenue contribution from the "Dragon Store" is expected to be negligible, it is anticipated to improve brand positioning over time [4] Valuation and Rating - The current valuation of LN at approximately 17x/16x for FY25/26 is considered fair, with a target price of $18.9 based on 15x adjusted 2025E EPS [5][6] - The HOLD rating reflects limited earnings upside for 2026 due to slow recovery in consumer confidence and potential operating deleverage from increased selling expenses [6]