Core Viewpoint - Chinese sportswear firms Anta Sports Products and Li Ning are considering a potential takeover of the struggling German sportswear brand Puma, indicating a strategic move to expand their market presence and capitalize on Puma's brand value [1] Company Analysis - Anta Sports Products and Li Ning are actively exploring acquisition opportunities, reflecting their ambition to enhance competitiveness in the global sportswear market [1] - The interest in Puma suggests that these Chinese companies are looking to leverage Puma's established brand and distribution networks to strengthen their international footprint [1] Industry Implications - The potential takeover of Puma by Chinese firms could signify a shift in the sportswear industry landscape, with increased competition among global brands [1] - This move may also highlight the growing influence of Chinese companies in the global sportswear market, as they seek to acquire established brands to boost their market share [1]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for Li Ning is "Buy" with a target price of HK$18.10, representing an expected share price return of 3.1% and an expected total return of 6.0% [3][5]. Core Insights - Li Ning's retail sales growth during the 11.11 Festival was in line with management's expectations, and the company has maintained its 2025 full-year guidance of year-on-year flattish sales with high single-digit net profit margin [1][2]. - The company aims to balance channel inventory control and retail discounting, with a target to reduce the channel-inventory-to-retail-sales ratio to 4-5x by the end of Q4 2025, likely closer to 4x [1][2]. - Management remains pragmatic about the business outlook for 2026, focusing on growing running and fitness categories, enhancing sports-casual products, and increasing footwear sales mix to over 60% from the current 50% [2]. - Li Ning has launched COC-themed products in Q4 2025, divided into three categories: Award Ceremony Outfit, Gold Label, and mass-market products, with expectations for stronger growth in COC products in 2026-2027 [2]. Summary by Sections Retail Sales and Guidance - Retail sales growth during the 11.11 Festival was in line with expectations, maintaining 2025E guidance of flattish sales and high single-digit net profit margin [1][2]. Inventory Management - The company is focused on controlling channel inventories and retail discounts, aiming for a channel-inventory-to-retail-sales ratio of 4-5x by the end of Q4 2025 [1][2]. Product Strategy - Li Ning is enhancing its focus on running and fitness categories, sports-casual products, and footwear, with a target to increase footwear sales mix to over 60% [2]. COC Product Launches - The company has launched COC-themed products in Q4 2025, with expectations for growth in 2026-2027, supported by branding campaigns around the Milan Winter Olympics 2026 [2].

Summary of Anta Sports Products Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Anta Sports Products (2020.HK) - **Related Company**: Amer Sports Key Industry Insights - **Amer Sports Performance**: Amer Sports reported a strong 3Q performance with an adjusted EPS of $0.33, exceeding consensus estimates of $0.25. Revenue increased by 29.7% year-over-year, surpassing expectations of 27.2% [1][3] - **Greater China Growth**: The Greater China market showed robust growth at 47% year-over-year, up from 42% in the previous quarter, with notable performance from brands like Salomon and Wilson [2][11] - **Arc'teryx Recovery**: The Arc'teryx brand experienced a recovery in Q4 after a slow start, attributed to cooler weather, which positively impacted sales [2][3] Financial Outlook - **Guidance Update**: Amer Sports raised its FY25 sales and EPS guidance, although the guidance for Q4 is slightly below consensus forecasts [1][3] - **Anta's Financials**: Anta's adjusted EPS is projected to be between $0.88 and $0.92, higher than previous estimates. The anticipated associate income from Amer to Anta is approximately RMB 1,170 million, representing about 9% of Anta's net income [10][11] Market Dynamics - **Outdoor Segment Trends**: The outdoor segment is expected to peak in Q4, with brands that have strong market presence likely to capitalize on peak season sales. However, some outdoor brands are showing signs of growth moderation and increased discounting due to competitive pressures [4][5] - **Consumer Preferences**: There is a sustained consumer preference for outdoor activities, leading to a shift from casual wear to outdoor apparel [3][4] Risks and Challenges - **Anta Brand Performance**: Concerns exist regarding the muted growth outlook for the Anta brand, particularly during the Double-11 shopping festival [5][21] - **Competitive Pressures**: Some outdoor brands are facing deeper discounting and growth slowdowns, which could impact overall market dynamics [4][21] Strategic Initiatives - **Store Expansion Plans**: Arc'teryx plans to close some stores in China while opening larger, more productive direct-to-consumer (DTC) stores, with expectations for net openings in Greater China into 2026 [13] - **Salomon's Growth**: Salomon's footwear segment continues to show strong growth, contributing positively to the outdoor segment's performance [12] Valuation and Investment Recommendation - **Price Target**: Anta is rated as a "Buy" with a 12-month price target of HK$115, indicating a potential upside of 43.6% from the current price of HK$80.10 [20][22] - **Valuation Metrics**: The valuation is based on a 21x P/E for 2027E, discounted back to mid-2026E at 11% [20] Conclusion - The overall outlook for Anta Sports Products remains positive, driven by strong performance from associated brands and a favorable market environment for outdoor activities, despite some near-term challenges and competitive pressures.

Core Insights - On Holding AG is a leading Swiss sportswear company known for its innovative athletic footwear and apparel, particularly recognized for its CloudTec cushioning technology [1] - The company reported record-breaking financial results for Q3 2025, achieving net sales of CHF 794.4 million, a 24.9% year-over-year increase [3][5] Financial Performance - The apparel segment experienced remarkable sales growth of 86.9%, driven by strong demand across both direct-to-consumer and wholesale channels [4] - Gross profit margin improved to 65.7%, up 510 basis points from the previous year, while adjusted EBITDA margin rose to 22.6%, resulting in an absolute adjusted EBITDA of CHF 179.9 million, a 49.8% increase year-over-year [5] - Net income surged to CHF 118.9 million, reflecting a nearly 290% increase, underscoring the company's strong performance [5] Regional Performance - Direct-to-consumer channel growth was exceptional at 27.6%, with regional sales growth broad-based: Americas up 10.3%, EMEA increasing 28.6%, and Asia Pacific soaring 94.2% year-over-year [6] - The Asia-Pacific region contributed significantly with triple-digit sales growth, reinforcing On's expanding global footprint [4] Market Sentiment - Despite a recent 19% increase in stock price following quarterly results, On Holdings has struggled throughout the year, with a 7.4% decline over the past three months and a 30% decline over the past six months [2]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - **Industry Focus**: China Consumer Sector, specifically Consumer Discretionary and Home Appliances [2][3] - **Investor Sentiment**: Onshore investors are cautious about consumer discretionary stocks, with low expectations for policy support in domestic consumption. However, there are opportunities identified in turnaround stories, high dividend yields, and overseas exposure [2][3] Key Insights on Home Appliances - **Market Dynamics**: Investors are cautious regarding white goods due to a high base effect from trade-in subsidies expected to impact domestic shipments and retail sales into Q4 2025 and potentially into H1 2026 [3] - **Growth Expectations**: Despite concerns, there is a belief that Midea and Haier can achieve resilient growth during the ongoing industry downcycle, supported by attractive dividend yields [3] - **Haier's Performance**: Investors are skeptical about Haier's ability to generate double-digit earnings growth in 2026, particularly regarding the performance of its premium Casarte brand and operational margin expansion potential [3] - **Roborock's Performance**: Disappointment was noted regarding Roborock's Q3 2025 results, leading to hesitance among investors to buy at current valuations, although the investment thesis of margin expansion remains intact [3] - **SharkNinja's Results**: Investors showed interest in SharkNinja's robust Q3 results, while concerns were raised about Arashi (Insta360) facing competition from DJI [3] Insights on Other Consumer Segments - **Pop Mart**: Concerns exist regarding Pop Mart's fashion cycle, but some investors believe the current valuation has already priced in the risks associated with its share price correction [4] - **Sportswear Sector**: Valuations in the sportswear sector are at historical lows, but there are concerns about the sustainability of outdoor demand and sluggish growth for major brands [4] - **Miniso's Performance**: Interest in Miniso has decreased due to valuation caps similar to Pop Mart, although its sequentially improving same-store sales growth (SSSG) and quarterly results have garnered some attention [4] Stock Recommendations - **Roborock**: Expected margin recovery in 2026, despite lower revenue contributions from China, with potential share gains in robotic vacuum cleaners [5] - **Arashi**: High growth potential indicated by a significant increase in global and China app downloads, suggesting strong shipment growth [5] - **Midea and Haier**: Recommended as value stocks due to their attractive dividend yields and growth potential [5] - **Miniso**: Positive outlook due to improving SSSG and a margin-focused strategy following management changes [5] - **Anta**: Positioned as a beneficiary of increased outdoor and tennis demand [5] Risks Identified - **Home Appliances**: Risks include a downturn in the property market affecting demand, elevated raw material prices, and global supply chain constraints [7] - **Robotic Vacuum Cleaners**: Risks involve intensifying market competition, raw material price increases, and foreign exchange losses [8] - **Small Appliances**: Risks include economic downturns leading to weak consumption and price competition [8] - **Sportswear**: Risks include demand recovery variability, cost inflation, and changes in the competitive landscape [9] - **Pop Toy Industry**: Risks include economic slowdowns, increased competition from internet firms, regulatory scrutiny, and fashion risks [10]

Nike has a problem on roads, tracks and treadmills where its sneakers used to dominate. The world’s largest sportswear company knows it has fallen behind with runners and is trying to win them back https://t.co/omuJnxPaRv ...

Core Viewpoint - The Golden State Warriors star has the potential to take his Curry Brand independent or partner with another retailer, similar to the successful strategies employed by Federer and Tiger Woods after their separation from Nike [1] Group 1 - The possibility of the Curry Brand becoming independent could lead to new opportunities in the retail market [1] - The success of Federer and Tiger Woods after leaving Nike serves as a precedent for potential brand independence [1]

Core Insights - Under Armour and Stephen Curry have mutually agreed to end their 13-year partnership as the company undergoes a broader restructuring [1][2] - The Curry 13 shoes will still be released in February, marking the final sneaker produced under their collaboration [1] - Under Armour's CEO emphasized the need for discipline and focus on the core brand during a critical turnaround stage [2] Company Performance - Under Armour has been struggling with declining sales for the past eight quarters, alongside executive turnover and a restructuring plan estimated to cost $255 million, which now includes costs related to the separation from the Curry brand [3] - The collaboration with Curry is expected to generate at least $100 million in revenue for the current fiscal year, but the company stated that the separation will not significantly affect profitability [4] - Under Armour's stock fell by 2% on the day of the announcement and has decreased nearly 50% over the past year [5] Historical Context - Curry joined Under Armour in 2013, choosing the smaller brand over Nike, and the Curry Brand debuted in 2020 [6] - In 2023, Curry signed a long-term extension that made him president of the Curry Brand, receiving 8.8 million Under Armour shares valued at approximately $75 million at that time [6]

Under Armour and Stephen Curry have parted ways, ending over a decade-long partnership between the NBA star and the sportswear company. ...

Core Insights - On Holding reported a significant sales growth of 24.9% year-on-year in Q3 2025, reaching SFr794.4m (£998m), with a 34.5% increase in constant currency [1][2] - The company has raised its 2025 outlook to a projected 34% constant-currency net sales growth, estimating reported net sales of SFr2.98bn [4] Financial Performance - Net income for Q3 2025 rose to SFr118.9m, compared to SFr30.5m in Q3 2024 [2] - Adjusted EBITDA increased to SFr179.9m, with a margin of 22.6% [2] - For the first nine months of 2025, net sales increased by 32.6% to SFr2.27bn, and adjusted EBITDA soared by 51.2% to SFr436m [3] Product Category Performance - Footwear sales increased by 21.1% to SFr731.3m, apparel surged by 86.9% to SFr50.1m, and accessories rose by 145.3% to SFr13m [2] - Direct-to-consumer sales grew by 27.6% to SFr314.7m, while wholesale sales rose by 23.3% to SFr479.6m [2] Regional Performance - EMEA region sales increased by 28.6%, the Americas by 10.3%, and Asia-Pacific saw a remarkable growth of 94.2% [3] Operational Efficiency - Gross margin improved to 65.7%, driven by operational efficiencies and reduced freight costs [1] - Cash and cash equivalents stood at SFr961.8m as of 30 September 2025 [3] Strategic Outlook - The company highlighted brand momentum, recent athletic achievements, collaborations, and new store openings in key locations such as Palo Alto, Zurich, and Tokyo [4] - Co-founder Caspar Coppetti emphasized the company's focus on innovation and performance, which continues to build consumer trust and strengthen the business core [5][6]