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]

Financial Performance - Group revenue reached RMB 6838 million, a 71% year-over-year increase[3] - Operating profit increased by 91% to RMB 1305 million, with an operating profit margin of 191%[3] - Profit attributable to ordinary equity holders of the company increased by 215% to RMB 914 million[3] - Basic earnings per share increased by 165% to RMB 346 cents[6] Segment Performance - Mass market revenue increased by 45% to RMB 6053 million[3, 11] - Professional sports revenue increased significantly by 325% to RMB 785 million[3, 11] Balance Sheet Highlights - Net cash and cash equivalents increased significantly by 943% to RMB 1913 million[7] - Shareholders' equity increased by 135% to RMB 9876 million[7] Brand Performance & Strategy - Xtep is the No 1 running brand in China, with leading overall wear rate in major marathons[18, 19] - Core Xtep brand revenue increased, with footwear accounting for 584% of revenue[75] - Saucony & Merrell brands experienced revenue growth, with overall revenue increasing by 325%[83] Sustainability - The company recycled approximately 3000 kg of clothes and reduced carbon emissions by over 10000 kg[52, 53]

Core Insights - Xtep International reported operational data for Q2 and the first half of 2025, meeting expectations with low single-digit year-on-year growth in Q2 and mid single-digit growth in the first half [1] - The children's segment outpaced the adult segment, with footwear performing better than apparel, driven by functional running and outdoor products [1] - Saucony achieved over 20% growth in Q2 and over 30% growth in the first half, with a clear brand positioning focused on elite runners and high-performance products [1][2] Brand Performance - The new brands Saucony and Maile maintained rapid growth, with Saucony projecting 30-40% growth for the full year [2] - Saucony is strategically reducing low-priced products online and tightening discounts while expanding its presence in core cities with new store formats [2] - Maile's sales trends are strong, with over 50% growth in both Q2 and the first half, primarily driven by e-commerce [2] Inventory and Financial Health - The inventory level remains healthy, with a sell-through ratio of approximately 4 to 4.5 months at the end of Q2, and discount rates stable at 30-35% [2] - The company expects gross margins to meet expectations, with marketing and R&D expenses within budget, indicating stable operating profit margins [2] Channel Performance - Online sales growth outpaced offline, with direct-to-consumer (DTC) initiatives progressing well, involving around 500 stores transitioning from franchise to self-operated [3] - The DTC transformation is expected to enhance market responsiveness and long-term competitiveness, with plans to open larger stores and introduce new store formats [3] Product Category Insights - Core running products performed well, achieving double-digit growth, while leisure products showed some volatility [3][4] - The company has optimized its multi-brand matrix by divesting from fashion sports brands and focusing on core running business, which is expected to strengthen its market position [4] Future Outlook - The company maintains a "buy" rating and profit forecasts, expecting net profits of 1.37 billion, 1.50 billion, and 1.63 billion for 2025-2027, corresponding to PE ratios of 10, 9, and 8 [4] - The focus on the running segment post-divestment is anticipated to enhance brand synergy and future growth prospects [4]