Core Viewpoint - After divesting KPGlobal, Xtep achieved record profits in the first half of 2025, with a revenue increase of 7.1% to 6.838 billion yuan and a net profit growth of 21.5% to 914 million yuan, but concerns remain regarding the sustainability of this growth [2][4]. Financial Performance - Xtep's revenue from continuing operations grew by 7.1% to 6.838 billion yuan, with operating profit increasing by 9.1% to 1.305 billion yuan, and net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders reached 914 million yuan, marking a 21.5% increase [4]. - The divestment of K-Swiss and Palladium brands contributed to the improved financial performance, as their losses were no longer included in the financial statements [4][5]. - The Saucony brand showed significant operational leverage, with an operating profit margin of 10% in the first half of 2025, compared to only 4% in the same period of 2024 [4]. Brand Performance - The main brand's revenue growth was only 4.5%, reaching 6.053 billion yuan, indicating a slowdown compared to previous years (6.6% in 2024 and over 10% in 2023) [8]. - Saucony, positioned as the "second growth curve," achieved a revenue increase of 32.5% to 785 million yuan, but this only accounted for 12% of total revenue, highlighting a scale shortfall [7]. - The main brand's reliance on footwear remains high, with over 60% of total revenue coming from shoe sales, indicating a need for greater product diversification [11]. Strategic Initiatives - Xtep plans to invest 400 million yuan to open 400 Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) stores, aiming to enhance retail control, although this may lead to short-term profit erosion and increased operational complexity [2][14]. - The DTC strategy is expected to foster deeper consumer engagement and brand loyalty in the long term, despite potential short-term negative impacts on profit margins [14][15]. - The company is transitioning from a reliance on agents to a DTC model, which will increase short-term costs and operational demands [13].

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Buy" (maintained) [1] Core Views - The company's revenue for H1 2025 was 6.838 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 7.1%, while the net profit attributable to shareholders was 914 million, up 21.5% year-on-year [7] - The main brand, Xtep, experienced steady growth driven by e-commerce, with revenue from this channel achieving double-digit year-on-year growth [7] - The professional sports segment (including Saucony) saw significant revenue growth of 32.5% year-on-year, primarily due to strong performance in offline retail [7] - The company maintains a positive outlook on its multi-brand strategy and professional advantages in the running sector, with projected net profits of 1.37 billion, 1.57 billion, and 1.77 billion for 2025-2027, corresponding to P/E ratios of 11, 10, and 9 respectively [7] Financial Summary - Total revenue forecast for 2023 is 14.346 billion, with a projected decline of 5.36% in 2024, followed by growth of 5.42% in 2025 [1][8] - The net profit attributable to shareholders is expected to reach 1.03 billion in 2023, increasing to 1.238 billion in 2024 and 1.369 billion in 2025 [1][8] - The latest diluted EPS is projected to be 0.37 in 2023, increasing to 0.45 in 2024 and 0.49 in 2025 [1][8] - The company’s cash flow from operating activities for H1 2025 was 774 million, a decrease of 6.3% year-on-year, while cash on hand increased by 8% to 3.22 billion [7]

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Outperform" rating for Xtep International [2][5] Core Views - Xtep International's revenue performance in 2Q25 met expectations, with all brands maintaining their annual performance guidance [3][10] - The main brand achieved low-single-digit growth in retail revenue year-over-year, with online sales outpacing offline sales [3][10] - The company is focusing on direct-to-consumer (DTC) strategies, aiming to recover around 500 stores by 2026 [3][10] Financial Performance Summary - Revenue projections for Xtep International are RMB 14.41 billion, RMB 15.43 billion, and RMB 16.52 billion for 2025, 2026, and 2027, respectively, reflecting year-over-year growth of 6.2%, 7.1%, and 7.0% [5][12] - Net profit attributable to the parent company is expected to be RMB 1.38 billion, RMB 1.51 billion, and RMB 1.66 billion for the same years, with growth rates of 11.3%, 9.7%, and 9.7% [5][12] - The projected P/E ratios for 2025, 2026, and 2027 are 10.0X, 9.1X, and 8.3X, respectively [5][12] Brand Performance Insights - Saucony and Merrell brands are experiencing strong growth, with Saucony achieving over 30% year-over-year revenue growth in 1H25 [4][11] - Saucony aims for a 30%-40% annual revenue growth and plans to double its revenue in the next three years [4][11] - Merrell's revenue in 2Q25 grew over 50% year-over-year, driven primarily by e-commerce [4][11]