Core Viewpoint - Li Ning's performance in H1 2025 exceeded market expectations, with revenue growth driven by wholesale channels and professional products, despite challenges in certain categories [1][2] Financial Performance - In H1 2025, Li Ning achieved revenue of 14.82 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 3.3%, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of 1.74 billion yuan, a decrease of 11.0% [1] - The company plans to distribute an interim dividend of 870 million yuan, with a payout ratio of 50% [1] Channel Performance - Revenue from direct sales, wholesale, and e-commerce channels in H1 2025 was 3.38 billion yuan (-3%), 6.88 billion yuan (+4%), and 4.30 billion yuan (+7%) respectively, aligning with overall sales growth [1] - The running and training categories saw significant growth, each increasing by 15% year-on-year, while basketball and lifestyle categories continued to decline, with decreases of 20% and 7% respectively [1] Operational Metrics - Gross margin in H1 2025 was 50.0%, a slight decrease of 0.4 percentage points year-on-year, attributed to deeper discounts and a slight increase in e-commerce sales proportion [1] - Operating profit margin (OPM) was 16.5%, a decrease of 0.2 percentage points year-on-year, but still above market expectations [1] - Advertising and marketing expenses increased by 0.3 percentage points to 9.0% of revenue, with higher spending anticipated in H2 2025 [1] Product and Inventory Management - The inventory turnover ratio remained stable at approximately 4 months, with new products accounting for 82% of sales, a slight decrease of 1 percentage point year-on-year [2] - Professional products contributed over 60% to revenue, with improved discount rates and a sell-through rate maintained between 70%-80% [2] Future Outlook - The company is expected to achieve net profits of 2.59 billion yuan, 2.77 billion yuan, and 2.99 billion yuan for the years 2025-2027, with corresponding price-to-earnings ratios of 17, 16, and 15 times [2] - Increased brand promotion efforts are anticipated to seek growth amidst intensifying competition, with potential recovery in the basketball category due to new product launches [2]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Buy" and is maintained [6]. Core Views - The company reported a revenue of 14.82 billion yuan for H1 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 3.3%, while the net profit attributable to shareholders was 1.74 billion yuan, down 11.0% year-on-year, slightly exceeding expectations. The company plans to distribute an interim dividend of 870 million yuan, with a payout ratio of 50% [2][4]. Summary by Sections Performance Overview - In H1 2025, the company's revenue reached 14.82 billion yuan, with a year-on-year growth of 3.3%. The net profit attributable to shareholders was 1.74 billion yuan, reflecting a year-on-year decline of 11.0%. The performance was slightly better than expected, and the company intends to distribute an interim dividend of 870 million yuan, maintaining a dividend payout ratio of 50% [2][4]. Channel Performance - Revenue from direct sales, wholesale, and e-commerce channels in H1 2025 was 3.38 billion yuan, 6.88 billion yuan, and 4.30 billion yuan, respectively, with year-on-year changes of -3%, +4%, and +7%. The running and training categories were the main drivers of revenue growth, while basketball and lifestyle categories continued to decline [6]. Operational Metrics - The overall operating profit margin (OPM) was 16.5%, slightly down by 0.2 percentage points year-on-year, but better than market expectations. The gross margin decreased by 0.4 percentage points to 50.0%. The company increased its advertising and marketing expenses, which accounted for 9.0% of revenue, up 0.3 percentage points year-on-year [6]. Future Outlook - The company is expected to achieve net profits of 2.59 billion yuan, 2.77 billion yuan, and 2.99 billion yuan for the years 2025, 2026, and 2027, respectively. The current price corresponds to price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios of 17, 16, and 15 times for the respective years [8].

Core Viewpoint - The company's 1H25 performance met expectations, with a revenue increase of 3% to 14.8 billion RMB and a net profit decrease of 11% to 1.74 billion RMB, alongside a mid-term dividend declaration of 0.3359 RMB per share, reflecting a payout ratio of approximately 50% [1][2]. Revenue and Product Performance - Revenue from running and training products continued to grow healthily, with running and training categories maintaining a 15% year-on-year growth, accounting for 34% and 16% of total sales respectively [1]. - Revenue from wholesale (excluding Li Ning YOUNG and international business) increased by 5% to 6.5 billion RMB, while direct sales revenue (excluding Li Ning YOUNG) decreased by 4% to 3.2 billion RMB, with a net closure of 19 stores [1][2]. - Online revenue grew by 7% to 4.3 billion RMB [1]. Profitability and Financial Metrics - The gross profit margin decreased by 0.4 percentage points to 50.0%, primarily due to changes in channel structure and increased promotions in direct sales [2]. - The operating profit margin fell by 0.3 percentage points to 16.5%, influenced by a decline in financial income and an increase in impairment losses [2]. - The net profit margin decreased by 1.9 percentage points to 11.7% [2]. Inventory and Receivables Management - Inventory remained at a relatively healthy state, with a low single-digit year-on-year growth and a healthy inventory turnover ratio maintained for four months [2]. - The proportion of new products within six months in the channel inventory was 82%, and accounts receivable turnover days remained at a favorable level of 14 days [2]. Future Outlook - The company expects revenue fluctuations in July and August but remains committed to long-term investments in marketing resources for the Olympics and enhancing multi-category product R&D [2]. - The company aims to improve multi-channel operational efficiency and maintains a positive long-term development outlook [2]. Earnings Forecast and Valuation - The earnings per share (EPS) forecast for 2025/26 remains unchanged at 0.92/1.07 RMB, with the current stock price corresponding to 18/15 times the 2025/26 price-to-earnings ratio [3]. - The target price has been raised by 9% to 22.68 HKD, reflecting a 25% upside potential from the current stock price [3].

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Outperform the Market" [5][57]. Core Views - The company achieved a revenue growth of 3.9% to 28.68 billion yuan in 2024, with a gross margin improvement of 1 percentage point to 49.4% [1][9]. - The professional running shoe category led growth, with sales exceeding 10 million pairs, while the basketball category experienced a decline due to proactive shipment adjustments [2][24]. - The company plans to maintain stable revenue growth guidance for 2025, with a focus on increasing marketing resources and investments in R&D and talent for long-term growth [2][56]. Summary by Sections Financial Performance - In 2024, the company's revenue increased by 3.9% to 28.68 billion yuan, while net profit decreased by 5.5% to 3.01 billion yuan, aligning with expectations [1][9]. - The gross margin improved by 1 percentage point to 49.4%, driven by better discounting in e-commerce and direct sales channels [9][10]. - Operating cash flow increased by 12.4% to 5.27 billion yuan, with a dividend payout ratio of 50% [10][57]. Product Category Performance - Revenue growth rates by category were as follows: running (+25%), basketball (-21%), cross-training (+6%), and sports fashion (-6%) [2][24]. - The company’s major running shoe products, including "Ultra Light," "Red Rabbit," and "Flying Electric," sold over 10.6 million pairs [2][24]. Channel Performance - Revenue growth by channel was: wholesale (+2.6%), direct sales (-0.3%), and e-commerce (+10.3%) [2][18]. - The company maintained a healthy inventory turnover, with an inventory turnover period of 63 days [30][44]. Future Guidance - The management indicated that revenue growth for 2025 is expected to be flat, with a net profit margin in the high single digits [56][57]. - The company plans to increase investments in marketing and R&D to support long-term growth [56][57]. Valuation - The target price is maintained at 17.9-19.2 HKD, corresponding to a 2025 PE ratio of 17.2-18.5x [3][57].