Core Viewpoint - The company reported a solid performance in the first half of 2025, with revenue and net profit growth exceeding expectations, primarily due to the divestment of loss-making fashion sports brands [1][4]. Financial Performance - Revenue increased by 7.1% year-on-year to 6.84 billion yuan, while net profit rose by 21.5% to 910 million yuan, significantly outpacing revenue growth [1]. - The company plans to distribute an interim dividend of 0.18 HKD per share, maintaining a payout ratio of 50% [1]. Brand Performance - The main brand achieved a revenue of 6.05 billion yuan, a 4.5% increase, maintaining a leading position in marathon apparel with the highest wearing rate in major events [2]. - The professional sports segment saw a robust growth of 32.5% to 790 million yuan, driven by strong offline retail performance and successful marketing of new products [2]. Channel Analysis - Online sales growth outpaced offline, with e-commerce contributing over 30% to the main brand's revenue [3]. - The company is progressing well in its Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) transformation, with plans to convert approximately 500 franchise stores to self-operated ones [3]. Operational Efficiency - Inventory turnover days decreased by 9 days to 91 days, and net cash increased by 94.3% to 1.91 billion yuan, indicating a strong balance sheet [4]. - The company maintains its full-year guidance, confident in achieving over 10% growth in both revenue and net profit [4]. Strategic Focus - The company is optimizing its multi-brand matrix by divesting from fashion sports brands and focusing on core running business, which is expected to enhance competitive positioning [4].

Core Viewpoint - The company reported a revenue of 6.84 billion RMB and a net profit of 910 million RMB for the first half of 2025, showing a year-on-year growth of 7.1% and 21.5% respectively, with a focus on the performance of its main brand and professional sports segment [1][2] Financial Performance - The company's gross margin slightly decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 45.0%, while the operating profit margin increased by 0.4 percentage points to 19.1% [1][3] - The net profit margin rose by 1.6 percentage points to 13.4%, although it would have decreased by 0.1 percentage points if excluding the impact of the KP business [1][3] - Earnings per share (EPS) for the first half of 2025 was 0.35 RMB, with a proposed cash dividend of 0.18 HKD per share, resulting in a payout ratio of 50.0% [1] Revenue Breakdown - Revenue from the main brand and professional sports segment grew by mid-single digits and over 30% respectively, with footwear, apparel, and accessories contributing 60.8%, 37.3%, and 1.9% to total revenue [2] - The main brand's revenue from youth products outperformed adult products, and online sales accounted for over 30% of the main brand's revenue [2] Store and Inventory Management - As of June 2025, the number of adult stores was 6,360, a net decrease of 22 stores since the beginning of the year, while youth stores totaled 1,564, a decrease of 20 stores [2] - Inventory increased by 41.3% to 2.25 billion RMB compared to the beginning of the year, primarily due to preparations for upcoming marathon events [4] Cash Flow and Receivables - Operating net cash flow for the first half of 2025 was 770 million RMB, a decrease of 6.4% year-on-year [4] - Accounts receivable increased by 5.4% to 4.84 billion RMB, with a turnover period of 118 days, an increase of 18 days year-on-year [4] Strategic Focus - The company continues to strengthen its position in the running segment, with the main brand maintaining the highest wearing rate in key marathon events [4] - New product launches include advanced running shoes aimed at enhancing performance, and the company is expanding its retail channel management to improve consumer experience [5]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Buy" (maintained) [5] Core Views - The main brand shows stable fundamentals, and the product experience of the professional brand, Saucony, continues to improve [5] - The company reported a revenue of 6.838 billion RMB for the first half of 2025, representing a year-on-year growth of 7.1%, which aligns with expectations [7] - The gross profit for the same period was 3.074 billion RMB, with a year-on-year increase of 6.9%, and the net profit attributable to shareholders was 914 million RMB, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 21.5% [7] - The company maintains a high dividend payout ratio, distributing an interim dividend of 0.18 HKD per share, with a payout ratio of 50% [7] Financial Performance Summary - Revenue projections for the company are as follows: - 2023: 14,345.51 million RMB - 2024: 13,577.22 million RMB (decrease of 5.36%) - 2025E: 14,486.83 million RMB (increase of 6.70%) - 2026E: 15,668.76 million RMB (increase of 8.16%) - 2027E: 17,186.96 million RMB (increase of 9.69%) [6] - Net profit attributable to shareholders is projected as follows: - 2023: 1,030.01 million RMB - 2024: 1,238.40 million RMB (increase of 20.23%) - 2025E: 1,384.97 million RMB (increase of 11.84%) - 2026E: 1,568.61 million RMB (increase of 13.26%) - 2027E: 1,787.65 million RMB (increase of 13.96%) [6] - The company’s return on equity (ROE) is projected to be: - 2023: 11.62% - 2024: 14.23% - 2025E: 13.73% - 2026E: 13.46% - 2027E: 13.30% [6] Brand Performance - The main brand, Xtep, achieved a revenue of 6.053 billion RMB in the first half of 2025, with a year-on-year growth of 4.5% [7] - The professional sports segment, including Saucony and Maile, saw a revenue increase of 32.5% to 785 million RMB in the same period [7] - The company is focusing on product iteration and category expansion to drive growth in high-end brands [7]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Buy" [4] Core Insights - The main brand of the company shows steady growth, with a low single-digit increase in revenue for Q2 2025, while Saucony's revenue grew by over 20% year-on-year, with a strategic adjustment in e-commerce channels leading to a reduction in low-priced products and tighter discounts [1][2] - The company expects Saucony's revenue to grow by 30-40% for the full year, maintaining its guidance despite a slowdown in Q2 due to strategic adjustments [2] - The Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) strategy will officially start in Q4 2025, aiming to optimize retail structure and improve operational efficiency [2] Financial Summary - The projected revenue for 2025 is approximately 14.39 billion, with a year-on-year growth of 6% [4] - The expected net profit for 2025 is around 1.37 billion, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 10.92% [4] - The earnings per share (EPS) is projected to be 0.50 yuan for 2025, with a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 9.86 [4]

Core Viewpoint - The collaboration between Rod Dixon and Saucony emphasizes a new perspective on victory, focusing on the wisdom of pacing and endurance rather than just speed [3][12]. Group 1: Brand Philosophy and Strategy - Saucony's philosophy is centered around the idea of "Elite poise," which combines professional performance with a calm mindset, redefining victory as a journey rather than a destination [16]. - The brand aims to resonate with elite professionals by promoting a lifestyle that values stability and long-term progress over immediate results [24][27]. - The concept of "Negative Split" is not only applicable in running but also in business strategy, where a slower buildup can lead to greater success [18]. Group 2: Market Position and Growth - The running shoe market in China has seen significant growth, with over 300 million participants in road running and a market size reaching 92 billion yuan, growing at a compound rate of 13% [13][24]. - Saucony has achieved a remarkable compound annual growth rate of 106% since re-establishing its direct sales in China, with projected sales exceeding 1 billion yuan in 2024 [24]. - The brand's direct-to-consumer (DTC) model has allowed for faster product iterations and a closer alignment with consumer needs, enhancing its competitive edge [24]. Group 3: Product Innovation - The latest Saucony flagship shoe features PWRRUN PB foam, making it the lightest in its series, with a 10% increase in midsole width for improved cushioning [19][20]. - Third-party lab tests indicate that the new flagship shoe has a 3-5% lower average energy consumption compared to competitors, emphasizing a focus on stable performance rather than just speed [22]. - The brand's commitment to sustainability is evident through initiatives like the Run for Good fund, which incorporates recyclable materials into its products [27]. Group 4: Cultural Impact and Community Engagement - Saucony's history and evolution from providing work boots to becoming a symbol of elite running culture reflect its deep-rooted connection to the running community [26][27]. - The brand's narrative has shifted from merely being a performance gear provider to becoming a cultural symbol that resonates with the lifestyle of modern professionals [27]. - The emphasis on a balanced approach to running, where the process is valued as much as the outcome, aligns with the growing consumer demand for a more sustainable and thoughtful approach to success [28].