Bloomberg Adidas AG reported stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter profits and announced a fresh share buyback as the German brand looks to maintain its momentum with retro sneakers and new running and football products. The German sportswear company generated operating profit of €164 million ($196 million) in the fourth quarter, it said in a statement of preliminary figures late Thursday. That exceeded analyst estimates and drove full-year operating profit slightly above its forecast from October. Mos ...

Core Insights - Adidas has launched a new collection of "New Chinese Style" jackets for the Spring Festival, featuring various colors and designs, and has engaged 15 celebrities and athletes for marketing [1][3] - The brand has experienced ten consecutive quarters of growth, with double-digit growth in the last four quarters, contrasting with competitors like Anta and Nike [3][12] - The success of the new jacket is attributed to its unique design elements and the effective marketing strategy that resonates with both local and international consumers [3][11] Product Strategy - The "New Chinese Style" jackets incorporate traditional Chinese elements with modern design, appealing to both local and foreign consumers [5][11] - Adidas has established a creative center in Shanghai for over 20 years, focusing on integrating Eastern aesthetics into their design language [11][34] - The brand emphasizes practicality and versatility in its products, ensuring they fit seamlessly into consumers' wardrobes [11][21] Market Positioning - Adidas has adopted a "China for China" strategy, leveraging local creative teams and flexible supply chains to respond quickly to market demands [21][36] - The brand has improved its relationship with distributors, enhancing its presence in lower-tier cities [15][19] - Adidas is focusing on affordable, stylish basics that appeal to younger consumers, with many products priced between 300-500 RMB [15][33] Financial Performance - Despite recent growth, Adidas's revenue in Greater China for the first three quarters of 2025 is estimated at 2.774 billion euros, indicating a decline from 4.428 billion euros in 2020 [36] - The market share in China has decreased from 15% in 2021 to 8.7% in 2024, highlighting ongoing challenges in the competitive landscape [36]

Core Insights - NIKE Inc's first-quarter fiscal 2026 results indicate progress in rebuilding momentum, particularly in the running category, which grew over 20% due to redesigned franchises resonating with consumers [1][8] - However, the overall performance remains uneven, with significant softness in the Sportswear segment and a 30% decline in classic footwear in North America [2][3] Performance Summary - The running category was a standout performer, driven by franchises like Vomero, Structure, and Pegasus, supported by the company's "Sport Offense" strategy [1] - North America saw a 4% growth, bolstered by stronger wholesale trends, helping stabilize the top line despite a cautious consumer backdrop [1] - In contrast, Sportswear continues to struggle, particularly in Greater China, where revenues fell 10% and NIKE Digital dropped 27% due to marketplace headwinds [2][3] Competitive Landscape - Key competitors include adidas AG and lululemon athletica inc., both of which are showing signs of recovery and growth in various segments [4][5][6] - adidas is regaining momentum with strong demand for lifestyle franchises and improved performance in running and football, while lululemon benefits from strong brand equity and international expansion [5][6] Valuation and Estimates - NIKE shares have declined 14.7% over the past three months, slightly worse than the industry's decline of 13.7% [7] - The company trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 29.58X, higher than the industry's average of 26.33X [9] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a year-over-year earnings decline of 23.6% for fiscal 2026, but a growth of 50.9% is expected for fiscal 2027 [10]

Core Viewpoint - Adidas aims to recover from its low point in three years, with recent quarterly performance showing a 10% year-on-year revenue increase to €947 million in Greater China, attributed to the "In China, For China" strategy [1][3]. Group 1: Localization Strategy - The localization strategy has led to nearly 95% of products sold in China being locally produced, with 60% designed in China, surpassing the global CEO's targets [1]. - The shift from "For China" to "Love China" signifies Adidas's deeper commitment to the Chinese market, emphasizing emotional connections with consumers [3]. - True localization involves integrating the brand into the daily narratives of consumers, aiming for 100% emotional resonance rather than just numerical metrics [7][10]. Group 2: Product Development and Consumer Engagement - The Shanghai Creative Center (CCS) has been pivotal in creating culturally relevant products, with over 80% of showcased items set to be commercialized [8][10]. - Adidas focuses on continuous product iteration based on consumer feedback, enhancing its connection with local users [8][10]. - The brand is shifting its marketing approach to emphasize lifestyle and enjoyment in sports, particularly targeting the growing female consumer segment through initiatives like street dance [12][14]. Group 3: Market Expansion and Future Outlook - Adidas is expanding into third- and fourth-tier cities and the children's market, with plans to open 700 new stores in collaboration with local partners [22]. - The establishment of the Adidas University Sports Community reflects a long-term commitment to youth sports in China, providing comprehensive support to university teams [19][21]. - The company maintains a strong focus on sustainability, aiming to lead in environmental indices despite broader industry cost-cutting trends [22].

Core Insights - NIKE Inc. is implementing a "Sport Offense" strategy to unify its brands NIKE, Jordan, and Converse, aiming for sharper focus, faster innovation, and stronger consumer connections [1][8] - The strategy is inspired by the success in running, where double-digit growth was achieved through athlete-centric innovation [1] Brand Performance - Jordan Brand remains a cultural powerhouse, while NIKE is stabilizing core franchises like Air Force 1 and Air Jordan 1 [2] - Converse is undergoing a reset under new leadership to regain profitable growth through sharper positioning and refreshed designs [2] - The combination of these three brands creates a unique ecosystem that blends performance, lifestyle, and streetwear across various price points, which is NIKE's competitive edge [2] Market Challenges - NIKE faces hurdles such as softness in sportswear, lagging sales in China, and weaker digital traffic [3] - The company must prove that its brand trio can sustain momentum across markets, with management indicating that growth may not be linear [3] Competitive Landscape - Key competitors include adidas AG and lululemon athletica inc. [4] - adidas is recovering by focusing on brand strength and profitability, seeing renewed momentum from classic lifestyle products and core performance categories [5] - lululemon is outperforming in the premium activewear space, driven by innovation in performance fabrics and strong brand loyalty [6] Financial Performance - NIKE shares have declined by 19.3% year to date, compared to the industry's decline of 20.7% [7] - The forward price-to-earnings ratio for NIKE is 30.26X, higher than the industry average of 25.91X [9] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a year-over-year earnings decline of 23.6% for fiscal 2026, followed by a projected growth of 50.5% for fiscal 2027 [10]

Core Insights - Adidas reported record-breaking third-quarter results for 2025, with sales revenues increasing 12% to €6.63 billion and operating profit rising 23% to €736 million, marking the highest quarterly sales in the company's history [1] - The company raised its full-year guidance, now expecting currency-neutral revenue growth of around 9% and operating profit of approximately €2 billion, up from previous forecasts of high single-digit growth and profits between €1.7 billion and €1.8 billion [1] - Adidas' strategy focuses on being "a global brand with a local mindset," empowering local managers and establishing nine product creation centers worldwide, which has contributed to outperforming competitors like Nike and Puma [1][2] Financial Performance - In Greater China, sales rose 10% to €947 million, driven by localization efforts, with 60% of products designed in Shanghai and 95% sourced domestically [2] - Sales in Europe, Adidas' largest market, increased 12% to €2.33 billion, while Japan and South Korea saw an 11% rise; Latin America and Emerging Markets grew by 21% and 13%, respectively [3] - North America experienced the lowest growth at 8%, attributed to delivery issues with accessories, which limited category growth to just 1% [3][4] Market Challenges - The company is navigating the impact of tariffs on imported goods, initially estimating a €200 million profit impact, later revised to €120 million [5] - Adidas has reduced its reliance on Chinese sourcing for U.S. products to 3%-4% and is working with suppliers to mitigate tariff burdens [6] - Concerns remain regarding the indirect effects of tariffs on consumer behavior, particularly as inflation rises [7][8] Product Performance - Apparel sales increased by 16% to €2.38 billion, while footwear sales grew 11% to €3.75 billion [9] - The "terrace trend" in footwear has been pivotal for Adidas, with performance products growing at 17%, outpacing lifestyle categories [10][11] - The company is investing in maintaining the terrace trend through regular product launches and collaborations, while also expanding "low profile" offerings [12][13] Strategic Initiatives - Adidas is promoting cross-pollination between lifestyle and performance products, utilizing designs from one sport to influence another [14] - A new capsule collection for women inspired by retro aesthetics is set to launch, receiving positive feedback from the trade [15] - The company aims to capitalize on the streetwear trend by producing lifestyle footwear resembling soccer boots [16] Future Outlook - The goal is to stabilize growth and maintain a 10% operating profit margin, with ambitions for area managers to strive for market leadership [17] - While global dominance is not feasible, particularly in the U.S. market where Nike holds a significant advantage, the company maintains an ambitious outlook for future growth [18]

Core Viewpoint - Adidas is increasingly focusing on the Chinese market, recognizing its potential for sustainable long-term growth due to its large population base, which contrasts with the saturation of the sports market in Europe [5][6]. Group 1: Company Performance - Under CEO Bjorn Gulden's leadership, Adidas has seen continuous revenue growth, with global revenue reaching €12.105 billion in the first half of the year, a year-on-year increase of 7.3% [5]. - The net profit attributable to shareholders for the same period was €798 million, reflecting a significant year-on-year growth of 121.4% [5]. - The Greater China region has been a key strategic market, contributing €1.827 billion in revenue during the first half of the year, which is a 13% increase year-on-year [5]. Group 2: Market Strategy - Gulden emphasizes the importance of "localization" in achieving success in overseas markets, advocating for empowering local teams to make decisions based on consumer preferences [7]. - The company recognizes that consumer demands can vary significantly between different markets, necessitating a tailored approach to product offerings [7]. - Currently, 95% of the products sold in China are "Made in China," with a growing number of products designed locally, which are well-received by both Chinese and international consumers [7].

Core Insights - Adidas is increasingly focusing on the Chinese market, which currently accounts for approximately 15% of its global performance [1][4] - The CEO, Bjoern Gulden, emphasizes the importance of localizing strategies and empowering local teams to make decisions [5][6] - The company has seen continuous revenue growth, with a 7.3% increase in global revenue and a 121.4% increase in net profit year-on-year for the first half of the year [4] Market Performance - In the first half of the year, Adidas achieved global revenue of €12.105 billion, with a net profit of €798 million [4] - The Greater China region contributed €1.827 billion in revenue, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 13% [4] Strategic Focus - Adidas aims to integrate sports into urban development in Shanghai through sponsorships and events [1] - The company is leveraging past successful products to maintain momentum in the market [5] - 95% of products sold in China are manufactured locally, with an increasing number of designs originating from China [6]

Core Insights - Adidas is deepening its investment and presence in Shanghai, participating in various sports events to support the development of sports in China [1] - The CEO, Bjoern Gulden, emphasizes the importance of the Chinese market, which currently accounts for approximately 15% of Adidas's global revenue, and predicts it will remain a significant market in the next decade [1][4] - Adidas is committed to a "For China, In China" strategy, aligning with the Chinese government's goal of expanding the sports industry, which is projected to exceed 7 trillion yuan by 2030 [2] Group 1: Company Strategy and Market Position - Adidas plans to establish its Greater China headquarters in Shanghai, accommodating over 1,500 employees and expanding its local team [1] - The company aims to integrate Shanghai into its global creative network, similar to cities like New York and Paris, and will launch more global products from Shanghai [5] - The CEO believes that local teams should make decisions to better understand consumer needs, which is crucial for the brand's success in China [3] Group 2: Market Trends and Consumer Behavior - There is a growing trend of combining sports and fashion, with products like Samba and Superstar gaining popularity in both sports and streetwear [6] - The increasing awareness of health and fitness among consumers globally, including in China, is driving demand for sports products [8] - The company is actively participating in various events and initiatives to engage with consumers and promote sports participation among youth [7][8] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - The CEO views competition as beneficial, as it drives improvement and innovation within the company [9] - Adidas is responding to the competitive market by focusing on comfort and consumer preferences, which are becoming increasingly important in the industry [9]

Core Viewpoint - The report from Guosheng Securities indicates that the high-performance outdoor apparel market in mainland China is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16% from 2024 to 2029, signaling a shift towards a more specialized and diversified development phase in the domestic sportswear market [1][4]. Industry Analysis - The sports industry in the U.S. and Japan has seen significant growth due to a combination of historical factors, including economic recovery, increased consumer spending, and government policies that promote sports participation. This has led to a resilient demand for sports apparel, with U.S. gym memberships rising by 3.7% to 68.9 million in 2022 and outdoor activity participation increasing by 4.1% in 2023 [2]. - In China, the participation in running and outdoor activities has surged since 2022, driven by heightened health awareness. The high-performance outdoor apparel market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 16% from 2024 to 2029, indicating a trend towards more specialized and diverse consumer needs [4]. Competitive Factors - For international sports brands like Nike and Adidas, product strength and brand value are crucial for development. Nike is currently in a destocking phase, while Adidas is benefiting from a strong product strategy that includes the development of professional sports products and effective marketing campaigns [3]. - Domestic sports brands in China are increasingly focusing on product and brand-driven expansion. Companies like Anta, Li Ning, and Xtep are investing 2-3% of their revenue in R&D, leading to significant advancements in professional products. Brand image is further enhanced through sponsorship of professional events and athletes [4]. Recommended Companies - Anta Sports (02050) is highlighted for its strong performance and group operational capabilities, with a projected PE ratio of 18 times for 2025. - Li Ning (02331) is recommended for its long-term earnings potential, with a projected PE ratio of 17 times for 2025. - Xtep International (01368) is noted for its leading position in the running sector, with a stable performance from its main brand and growth potential from its new brand Saucony, projected at a PE ratio of 11 times for 2025. - Other companies to watch include 361 Degrees (01361) and Tabo (06110) [5].