Core Viewpoint - The online platform for the sports and outdoor industry has accelerated growth in Q3, with a divergence in pricing trends, where high-end segments and new IPs coexist with price reductions in classic mass-market products. Brands that can meet new niche demands or lead fashion trends are likely to achieve both sales and profit growth [1] Group 1: Q3 Performance Insights - Q3 showed a recovery in growth with an increase in penetration rates, particularly in footwear, with overall sales value up by 6.8%, sales volume up by 4.4%, and average price up by 2.6%. The outdoor category experienced double-digit growth with sales value up by 13.8%, sales volume up by 9.8%, and average price up by 3.6% [2] - The sports apparel category saw double-digit sales growth, while footwear sales growth turned positive, with running shoes accelerating to high double-digit growth, whereas basketball shoes experienced a larger decline [2] Group 2: Brand Performance - Nike is undergoing significant adjustment pains, with a sales decline of 12.4% year-on-year and a market share drop of 1.9 percentage points to 8.7%. However, its apparel segment saw slight growth, and running shoes grew by 19.3%, while basketball shoes and lifestyle shoes saw declines of 35% and 17%, respectively [3] - Adidas achieved a substantial sales increase of 13% despite a slight decrease in average price, gaining 0.5 percentage points in market share to 8.1%, driven by strong growth in its Trefoil apparel line and double-digit growth in running shoes [3] Group 3: Domestic Brand Dynamics - Anta's running shoe matrix has shown significant effectiveness, with a narrowing decline in lifestyle shoes. Li Ning maintained stable market share, with new products driving average price growth against the trend, and running shoes growing over 30% [4] - Xtep's market share slightly increased, with running shoes growing at 19%, while 361 Degrees also saw a slight market share increase, driven by its professional matrix, although basketball shoes continued to decline [4] Group 4: Market Trends and Recommendations - The overall growth potential in the sports and outdoor sector remains strong, with a clear trend of polarization in market structure. The growth comparison shows that sports apparel outperforms sports shoes, and running shoes outperform other types of sports shoes [5] - Recommended stocks include Li Ning for its strong new product capabilities, Anta for its multi-brand matrix advantage, and Xtep and 361 Degrees for their sustained growth driven by professional running products. Additionally, core retailers benefiting from international brand new product cycles, such as Tmall, and suppliers like Shenzhou International and Huali Group are also suggested for attention [6]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the sports brand industry is "Outperform the Market" [2] Core Insights - The industry experienced a recovery in growth during Q3 2025, with an increase in penetration rates and a rebound in footwear growth. The overall sales for the sports category rose by 6.8%, with sales volume increasing by 4.4% and average prices up by 2.6%. The outdoor category saw a double-digit growth of 13.8% in sales [8][21] - Nike is facing significant adjustment pains, with a 12.4% year-on-year decline in sales and a market share drop of 1.9 percentage points to 8.7%. Adidas, on the other hand, achieved a 13% increase in sales, benefiting from the rapid growth of its clothing line and retro basketball shoes [8][9] - Domestic brands are under pressure from price competition, but new products are receiving positive market feedback. Anta's market share is declining, while Li Ning's new products are driving price growth. Xtep and 361 Degrees are also showing positive growth in their respective segments [8][9] Summary by Sections 1. Industry Overview - Q3 growth has rebounded with increasing penetration rates, and footwear growth has returned. The sports apparel category saw a sales increase of 6.8% and outdoor apparel grew by 13.8% [8][21] - The penetration rate for sports and outdoor categories continues to rise, now accounting for over 25% of the apparel market [21] 2. International Brands - Nike is experiencing a significant decline in sales, down 12.4% year-on-year, while Adidas has seen a 13% increase in sales [8][9] - Nike's footwear sales are particularly weak, with basketball shoes seeing a decline of 35% [8][9] 3. Domestic Brands - Domestic brands face intense price competition, but new products are performing well in the market. Li Ning has stabilized its market share with a growth rate exceeding 30% in running shoes [8][9] - Xtep and 361 Degrees are also showing positive growth, with Xtep's running shoes growing at 19% [8][9] 4. Key Takeaways - The overall growth potential in the sports and outdoor sector remains strong, with a clear trend of brand polarization. Running shoes are outperforming other categories, while the average prices for sports apparel have declined, indicating increased competition [8][9]