Core Viewpoint - Xtep International reported a 7.1% year-on-year increase in revenue to 6.84 billion yuan for 1H25, with a 21.5% rise in net profit to 910 million yuan, indicating strong performance driven by its running ecosystem and brand strategies [1][2]. Financial Performance - Revenue increased by 7.1% to 6.84 billion yuan, with net profit rising by 21.5% to 910 million yuan, and net profit margin improved by 1.6 percentage points to 13.4% [1]. - Core net profit, excluding K&P brand losses of 106 million yuan, grew by 6.4% year-on-year [1]. - The company declared an interim dividend of 0.18 HKD per share, with a payout ratio of 50% [1]. Brand and Product Strategy - The main brand focused on the mass market, continuously iterating products and accelerating direct-to-consumer (DTC) layout, while the Saucony brand targeted the high-end market [1][2]. - New products such as the 160X champion running shoes and 360X 2.0 carbon plate running shoes contributed to an increase in average selling price (ASP) in the running category [2]. - The main brand's online channel growth outpaced overall performance, with revenue from the main brand increasing by 4.5% to 6.05 billion yuan [1][2]. Operational Efficiency - The company’s gross margin slightly decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 45.0%, influenced by online promotional activities and a significant increase in low-margin apparel sales [2]. - Inventory turnover days increased by 23 days to 91 days, primarily due to preparations for the marathon season and Saucony's inventory needs [2]. - Net cash rose by 94.3% to 1.913 billion yuan, indicating significant improvement in cash levels [2]. Future Outlook - The main brand will launch a DTC model in 2H25, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and support long-term growth, with plans to open 100-200 DTC stores by 2025 and 300 by 2026 [3]. - Saucony plans to accelerate store openings in high-tier cities, with expectations to open 30-50 new stores in 2H25, expanding its apparel and lifestyle product lines [3]. - The company maintains profit forecasts for 2025-2027, with net profit expectations of 1.37 billion, 1.53 billion, and 1.71 billion yuan respectively, and adjusts the target price to 7.08 HKD [3].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the company [6][5]. Core Views - The company reported a revenue increase of 7.1% year-on-year to 6.84 billion HKD and a net profit increase of 21.5% year-on-year to 0.91 billion HKD, with a net profit margin improvement of 1.6 percentage points to 13.4% [1][6]. - The company is focusing on the running ecosystem, iterating products for the mass market, and accelerating its direct-to-consumer (DTC) strategy, which is expected to drive performance growth [1][4]. - The professional sports brand, Saucony, has seen over 30% revenue growth, benefiting from double-digit same-store sales growth and increased online and apparel sales [2][4]. Summary by Sections Financial Performance - The company's gross margin decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 45.0%, with the main brand and professional sports brand gross margins at 43.6% and 55.2%, respectively [3]. - The overall net profit margin increased by 1.6 percentage points to 13.4%, partly due to losses from the K&P brand in the previous period and growth in other income sources [3]. Brand and Product Development - The main brand's revenue grew by 4.5% year-on-year to 6.05 billion HKD, with e-commerce achieving double-digit growth [2]. - New product launches, such as the 160X champion running shoes and 360X 2.0 carbon plate running shoes, have contributed to an increase in average selling price (ASP) for the running category [2]. Future Outlook - The company plans to upgrade its retail strategy in the second half of 2025 by launching the DTC model, aiming to enhance operational efficiency [4]. - Saucony is expected to accelerate its store openings in high-tier cities, with plans to open 30-50 new stores in 2025, which will likely boost store efficiency and operating profit margin [4]. Earnings Forecast and Valuation - The company maintains its net profit forecasts for 2025-2027 at 1.37 billion, 1.53 billion, and 1.71 billion HKD, respectively, with corresponding EPS of 0.49, 0.55, and 0.61 HKD [5][11]. - The target price has been adjusted upward by 7.6% to 7.08 HKD, reflecting a revised PE ratio of 13.3x for 2025 [5][11].