Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Accumulate" rating for the company [6][12]. Core Views - The main brand experienced low single-digit revenue growth in Q3, while the Saucony brand saw revenue growth exceeding 20%. The overall annual expectations remain unchanged [2][12]. - The report anticipates a healthy inventory level, projecting it to decrease to below 2 billion by the end of 2025. The dividend payout ratio is expected to be no less than 50% for the year [12]. Financial Summary - Total revenue is projected to be 14,470 million RMB in 2025, reflecting a 6.6% increase from 2024. Net profit is expected to reach 1,373 million RMB, a 10.8% increase from the previous year [11][12]. - The company is expected to maintain a PE ratio of 10.9 in 2025, with a target price of 8.74 HKD based on a 15X PE for 2026 [12][15]. - The financial ratios indicate a projected ROE of 14.6% and a sales net profit margin of 9.49% for 2025 [13].

Core Viewpoint - Cathay Securities maintains its profit forecast for Xtep International (01368) for 2025-2027, projecting net profits of RMB 1.37 billion, 1.49 billion, and 1.61 billion respectively, and sets a target price of HKD 8.74 for 2026, maintaining a "Buy" rating [1][2] Group 1: Financial Projections - The company is projected to achieve a positive revenue growth for its main brand in 2025, with a forecasted growth of over 30% for Saucony [2] - The overall profit growth for the group is expected to be around 10% [2] - The inventory level is considered healthy, with expectations to drop below RMB 2 billion by the end of 2025 [2] Group 2: Brand Performance - The main brand experienced low single-digit growth in Q3, with discounts ranging from 70% to 75%, and inventory levels at 4-4.5 months [1] - Functional products showed strong performance, with revenue growth in running and other functional categories expected to outpace lifestyle products [1] - Saucony's Q3 revenue grew over 20% year-on-year, with offline sales growth outpacing online due to proactive adjustments in e-commerce strategies [1]

Core Viewpoint - Xtep International (01368) is optimizing its multi-brand matrix by divesting its fashion sports brand in 2024 to focus on its core running business, which will enhance resource allocation and strengthen its professional sports position. The company is expected to begin its DTC transformation in 2025, exploring more efficient and high-quality channel layouts, maintaining a "Buy" rating and profit forecasts for 2025-2027 [1] Group 1 - In Q3 2025, Xtep's main brand achieved a low single-digit year-on-year growth in total channel revenue, continuing the stable trend from Q2, with online sales outperforming offline sales and children's products outperforming adult products [2] - The running and outdoor product categories saw double-digit growth, while lifestyle products experienced slight fluctuations due to macroeconomic conditions. Over 60% of Xtep's brand products are functional, stabilizing the core business [2] Group 2 - Saucony brand experienced over 20% year-on-year growth in total channel revenue in Q3, with offline revenue increasing by over 30%. The brand opened 16 new stores, primarily in key business districts of first and second-tier cities, maintaining an annual store opening target of 30-50 [3] - Saucony's online business has been actively adjusted since Q2 to reduce low-priced products and tighten discounts, aiming to strengthen its high-end brand positioning for the Q4 sales season [3] Group 3 - Xtep's main brand maintained a healthy inventory level with a stock-to-sales ratio of 4-4.5 months and discount levels between 70-75%, reflecting good supply chain management and terminal sales efficiency [4] - Saucony's inventory and discount levels are also under control, allowing flexibility for Q4 promotional activities [4] Group 4 - Xtep is continuously optimizing its channel structure and upgrading store images, with over 70% of its new store formats being the 9th generation and leading stores. The company is accelerating its layout in shopping centers and outlet stores [5] - The outlet channel, represented by leading and selected outlets, has a significant area and is expected to contribute to offline sales growth, with plans to expand the number of stores to 70-100 by 2026 [5] Group 5 - The DTC transformation is progressing steadily, with plans to reclaim approximately 100 stores in Q4 and a total of 400 stores by the end of 2025, with related capital expenditures of about 400 million yuan, which will enhance long-term channel competitiveness [6]