Core Viewpoint - 中金 maintains a "outperform" rating for 滔搏 (06110) with an adjusted target price of HKD 4.17, reflecting a 23% increase and corresponding to 18/15 times FY26/27 earnings multiples, indicating a 20% upside potential [1] Financial Performance - For 1HFY26 (March-August 2025), the company reported a revenue decline of 6% year-on-year to RMB 12.3 billion and a net profit drop of 10% to RMB 800 million, aligning with expectations [1] - The company declared an interim dividend of RMB 0.13 per share, resulting in a payout ratio of approximately 102% [1] Revenue Breakdown - Revenue from direct sales and wholesale decreased by 3% and 20% respectively in 1HFY26 [2] - The main brands, Nike and Adidas, saw a revenue decline of 5%, accounting for 88% of total revenue, while other brands experienced a 12% drop [1][2] Operational Efficiency - The company operated 4,688 direct stores, a reduction of 332 stores since the beginning of the fiscal year, with same-store sales area increasing by 6.5% year-on-year [2] - The company is focusing on optimizing retail stores and has introduced innovative retail formats, such as the running specialty store, ektos, in Shanghai [2] Profitability and Cost Control - The gross margin slightly decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 41% due to a higher proportion of promotional online sales and increased retail share [3] - The overall expense ratio only increased by 0.1 percentage points to 33.2%, despite the revenue decline [3] - The net profit margin decreased by 0.3 percentage points to 6.4% with a net profit decline of 9.8% [3] Inventory and Cash Flow Management - The company effectively managed inventory, with a 4.7% decrease in inventory levels by the end of August [4] - Operating cash flow for 1HFY25 was RMB 1.35 billion, with a net cash ratio of approximately 1.7, supporting a high dividend payout ratio of 102% [4] Future Outlook - Management indicated that retail performance in September-October aligns with 2QFY26, focusing on profit maintenance and aiming for flat net profit year-on-year for FY26, with an improvement in net profit margin [5]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q1 fiscal 2025 were $1,350 million, down 0.9% year-over-year, resulting in a negative 3.7% comparable sales (comp) [13][26] - Operating income was $69.3 million, with diluted EPS at $0.68 and adjusted EPS at $0.76 [30] - Gross margin improved to 34%, a 60 basis point increase from the previous year, driven by merchandise margin expansion and favorable shrink [28][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Footwear and apparel were the strongest categories, remaining roughly flat year-over-year, while sports and recreation also showed improvement [14][26] - Athletic footwear posted a positive 4.5% comp, led by brands like Nike and Brooks, while the Jordan brand exceeded internal expectations [27][19] - Outdoor category faced challenges, particularly in ammunition sales, but fishing and firearms showed solid increases [14][28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company observed increased foot traffic from customers with household incomes over $100,000, indicating a shift towards value-seeking behavior among higher-income consumers [12][37] - E-commerce sales increased by 10% for the quarter, with penetration growing to over 10% [17][26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on new store expansion, planning to open 20 to 25 new stores in fiscal 2025, with five locations opened in Q1 [15][16] - E-commerce growth is a key pillar, with efforts to enhance the online shopping experience and expand product offerings [17][18] - The company is leveraging technology, including RFID and handheld devices, to improve inventory accuracy and customer experience [21][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about navigating tariff impacts and consumer behavior, emphasizing the importance of value in a challenging economic environment [7][25] - The company is adjusting its guidance to account for various tariff scenarios, with sales expectations ranging from $5.97 billion to $6.26 billion [35][36] - Management noted the fragility of the U.S. consumer environment but remains confident in long-term growth strategies [24][25] Other Important Information - The company returned over $100 million of free cash flow to investors in Q1, including share repurchases and dividends [34] - Strategic actions taken to mitigate tariff impacts included pulling forward $85 million in domestic inventory receipts at pre-tariff prices [31][32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Retention of higher-income consumers - Management noted that retention among higher-income consumers has been strong, with these customers shopping more frequently across various product categories [41][42] Question: Performance in May and impact of Jordan brand - Management indicated that while May showed a slight decline, the Jordan brand continues to perform well, and they remain optimistic about Q2 due to upcoming shopping events [45][46] Question: Health of the consumer and impact of weather - Management attributed softness in certain categories to weather conditions and noted that consumer behavior is cautious, with a focus on value [52][53] Question: Tariff outlook for fiscal 2026 - Management emphasized the importance of diversifying sourcing to mitigate future tariff impacts, but refrained from speculating on specific outcomes [80][81] Question: Gross margin guidance - Management explained that gross margin guidance remains unchanged due to effective inventory management and partnerships with suppliers to mitigate cost increases [56][63]

Core Viewpoint - The ongoing impact of Trump's tariff policy is leading to an inevitable price increase in the U.S. consumer market, affecting various well-known companies across different sectors [1]. Group 1: Retail Sector - Walmart announced a price increase in mid-May due to anticipated tariff impacts, with CEO Doug McMillon stating that the company cannot absorb all the cost pressures given the thin profit margins in retail [2]. - CFO John David Rainey indicated that consumers might see price hikes as early as the end of May, prompting a strong reaction from President Trump, who urged Walmart to stop using tariffs as an excuse for price increases [2]. Group 2: Luxury and Toy Industries - Ralph Lauren plans to raise prices more significantly than originally intended to offset tariff impacts, with increased price hikes for both the fall and spring collections [3]. - Mattel, a toy manufacturer, announced price increases for some products sold in the U.S., citing the macroeconomic environment and evolving tariff situation, while also suspending its full-year financial guidance [3]. Group 3: Automotive and Sportswear Industries - The automotive sector is feeling the pressure, with Volvo's CEO stating that customers would bear a significant portion of the increased costs if tariffs on EU imports are implemented [4]. - Subaru of America and Ford have both announced price increases for various models in response to current market conditions and tariffs [4]. - Adidas and Nike are also raising prices, with Adidas' CEO noting that higher tariffs will ultimately increase costs across their product range in the U.S. [4]. Nike is set to increase prices on adult apparel and footwear, aligning with the broader trend in the industry [4].