李宁有限公司 2026年中期业绩发布会
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会议摘要
Li Ning Company deepens its professional position in running, basketball and other fields by optimizing product matrix, innovative design, strengthening brand building and technological innovation, and explores emerging fields such as outdoor sports to meet the diverse needs of consumers. The company strengthens cooperation with athletes, such as Stephen Curry, to enhance brand influence. In the face of market challenges, Li Ning adjusted its strategy, controlled costs, optimized channels, increased marketing investment, ensured long-term healthy and sustainable development, and aimed to become the favorite brand of Chinese and even global consumers.
会议速览
The meeting introduced the company's financial and operating results for the first half of the year, including revenue growth, profit improvement and cash flow, emphasized healthy inventory levels and shareholder return commitments, mentioned the challenges of the retail environment, and looked forward to future strategic direction and operational progress.
The report pointed out that the company faced challenges such as weather disruptions, weakening demand and deepening discounts, which led to pressure on retail sales. Nevertheless, overall revenue increased slightly, and some businesses such as training, sports and leisure and outdoor products performed well. Sales of footwear and accessories slowed, mainly due to weak consumption and extreme weather. The channel structure remained stable, with both online and offline sales increasing, but offline discounts deepening. In the future, the company will optimize the distribution model, strengthen system management, improve operational efficiency, in order to promote the development of healthy channels.
By optimizing the structure of e-commerce channels and cost control, enterprises have achieved profit growth, while increasing investment in professional sports resources to enhance brand competitiveness. Despite increased costs such as marketing and logistics, overall operational efficiency improved, inventory management was healthy and after-tax profits remained stable. Investment in sports resources will be increased in the future, and marketing expenses are expected to rise further in the second quarter.
The report highlighted the company's solid performance in financial management in the first half of the year, including healthy cash flow, accounts receivable turnover and flexible adjustments to the supply chain. In the face of challenges such as the differentiation of the consumer market structure and the increasing pressure on the traditional consumer industry, the company adjusted its annual revenue and profit targets and became more cautious and pragmatic. At the same time, the company will continue to increase brand marketing investment and optimize supply chain management to adapt to the rapidly changing market environment. Policy support and the expansion of sports consumption scenarios provide a good environment for the long-term healthy development of the industry.
By deepening cooperation with professional sports organizations and strengthening the brand's participation in international events, the company continues to optimize product innovation and channel layout, promote the steady growth of core businesses such as running, basketball, and training, and actively explore emerging fields such as outdoor sports. Consolidate market leadership and enhance brand influence.
In the first half of 2026, in the face of fluctuations in the retail environment, the Company achieved steady growth in revenue and profit by strengthening its professional product line and optimizing its cost structure and channel layout. Professional products accounted for 57%, running shoes technology continued to innovate, the total sales of more than 14.8 million pairs. At the same time, outdoor, lifestyle and basketball product lines have their own focus, e-commerce channels have performed steadily, and children's business efficiency has improved. In the future, the company will allocate resources scientifically to promote healthy and sustainable development.
The strategic adjustment of international top brands in the Chinese market and its impact on local brands are discussed. International brands return to brand and product-driven business models and avoid price wars, which pose a challenge to local brands. Local brands see this as an opportunity for self-improvement and are committed to professional sports, technological innovation and consumer experience, accelerating brand building and returning to a brand-led business model. At the same time, the reasons for the decline in operating cash flow and the impact of the project with Curry were mentioned.
The dialogue discussed adjustments to performance guidance, the reasons for the decline in second quarter performance, the ongoing challenges faced in the third quarter, and the pressure on cash flow. Difficulties in the market environment, increased marketing spending, adverse effects of the retail environment, and responses to reductions in government subsidies were highlighted. At the same time, it is proposed to deal with the current challenges by controlling risks, optimizing resource allocation and enhancing brand influence, and maintain a healthy level of cash flow.
This paper discusses how sports brands can maintain their competitiveness through technological innovation and market expansion under the background of increasing competition in traditional sports categories such as running shoes and basketball shoes. At the same time, brands need to respond quickly to emerging sports trends, strengthen emotional connection with consumers, and enhance brand recognition and market share. Brand strategy needs to balance long-term brand building and short-term return on investment, especially in the discount pressure to maintain the brand image.
Discussed the market performance in the fields of running shoes, basketball shoes and lifestyle products. Although the overall growth is negative, we maintain a high degree of attention and confidence in the basketball shoes business, plan to strengthen investment and international cooperation, enhance professional image, and consolidate high-end market share, Avoid price wars, and commit to long-term development and the establishment of market leadership.
Discussed the brand development strategy for the next two to three years, emphasizing the promotion of brand influence through high-quality products, innovation and sports experience, and the cooperation with basketball stars is not limited to product promotion, but also lies in the win-win development of the brand and athletes. Build the brand into one of the most popular brands in China and even the world.
The dialogue revolves around the market performance and future growth strategy of the core IP of running shoes. It is pointed out that some IPs such as the sixth generation Rapid Pro affect sales due to price confusion and product iteration problems, and the need to optimize product iteration, channel planning and price stability is proposed. Looking to the future, we plan to reduce the market burden by controlling the existing product inventory and launching a new generation of products, with a view to achieving PPT sales growth in the next fiscal year and exploring new market segment opportunities.
The dialogue focused on the potential and challenges of sports brands in the running shoe market, emphasized the satisfaction of the needs of female consumers and core runners, and proposed to enhance competitiveness by optimizing technology platforms, product lines and market strategies. At the same time, the importance of marketing investment is discussed, especially the brand exposure in the Olympic Games and other large-scale events, as well as the strategy of coping with market pressure and maintaining gross profit margin through cost control and efficiency improvement.
The brand's strategy of balancing professional sports and lifestyle products is discussed, emphasizing the importance of market potential and changes in consumer demand. By optimizing product mix, channel adjustment and new series development, such as Jinbiao and Longdian, to adapt to different consumption scenarios and enhance brand competitiveness. At the same time, the integration of technical material innovation and core brand advantages is mentioned, as well as positive signals for future market development.
Discusses the penetration strategy of Glory Gold Label series products in different consumer groups, as well as the opening plan of independent stores and the business philosophy of quality first. At the same time, mentioned the NBA new season marketing plan, designed to show the spirit of basketball and enhance brand influence.
要点回答
Q:What are the financial results for the first half of the year?
A:Revenue increased by 2.8% to RMB 15.235 billion, with a growth profit margin of 50.9%, up 0.9 percentage point year on year. The profit was RMB 1.816 billion with an overall profit margin of 11.9%. The company maintained a healthy inventory level and a good overall financial situation.
Q:What challenges are faced by the retail environment and what is the impact on sales?
A:The retail environment faced numerous challenges, including frequent weather disturbances, weakening demand, and deepening discounts at retail outlets. Sales were impacted since the second quarter, with the second half of the year presenting greater operational risks and challenges.
Q:How is the revenue breakdown across different product categories?
A:Revenue was divided as follows: training and sports casual grew steadily, outdoor products and the gold label series achieved high growth, footwear revenue increased by 1%, and the slowdown in footwear growth was attributed to weak consumption and a high base effect from the previous year.
Q:What are the challenges in the macroeconomic environment?
A:The macroeconomic environment is characterized by strong supply and weak demand, coupled with the effects of frequent extreme weather events. This has resulted in a challenging retail environment with lower sales performance.
Q:How does the company plan to improve operational efficiency and quality?
A:The company plans to improve operational efficiency and quality by building distribution models, strengthening system management, partnering with stakeholders, and driving healthy channel growth. Direct retail revenue is expected to grow by 3.4% year on year.
Q:What factors contributed to the revenue growth despite inventory and revenue challenges?
A:Revenue growth despite inventory and revenue challenges was attributed to increased competition in direct retail leading to deeper discounts, a rise in wholesale business due to product mix and cost optimization, and improved growth profit margins across channels.
Q:How is the company managing expenses and investment?
A:The company is focusing on strengthening brand and competitiveness by investing in new sports resources, while managing expenses by optimizing channel structure and channel expansion strategies. Expenses increased due to investment in Olympic sponsorships and professional sports contracts.
Q:What is the impact of the strategic partnership with Stephen Curry?
A:The strategic partnership with Stephen Curry led to increased expenses, particularly in marketing, due to additional costs from the collaboration which will be reflected in the second half of the year.
Q:What are the challenges in channel inventory and revenue growth?
A:The challenges in channel inventory and revenue growth include the need to consolidate efficiency in direct retail channels and improve the positive contribution from direct retail, alongside managing inventory levels and age structure effectively.
Q:What is the forecast for the second half of the year and the long-term strategy?
A:The company has adjusted its four-year revenue target to low single-digit growth and the profit margin target to a medium to high single-digit level. The overall expectation for the second half is more cautious and pragmatic. The company is focusing on core business growth, expanding consumer scenarios, and developing new categories while maintaining a strong foundation for the future.
Q:What is the company's response to the challenges faced in the second quarter?
A:The company acknowledges the challenges faced in the second quarter, particularly in offline retail sales and the need to improve operating efficiency. Despite a stable overall operation result, there is an increased pressure on offline retail sales, and the on-average unit selling price declined by low single digit. The company plans to continue improving the efficiency of their stores and enhancing the new channel, including optimizing cost structures and commercial cooperation models.
Q:What adjustments have been made by international top brands in China and what is the impact on the market?
A:International top brands have recently made adjustments in China, which have resulted in mixed reviews. The exact impact on the market is unclear, but there are both risks and opportunities associated with these changes. The speaker from the company mentioned that they are concerned about these adjustments but focus more on the medium to long-term purpose and opportunities that this presents for their own brand.
Q:How does the company plan to leverage the current market situation to its advantage?
A:The company views the recent changes by international top brands as an opportunity to motivate themselves to refocus on brand-led business models and technological innovation. They intend to accelerate their pace to return to branded business models and capitalize on the opportunities in the current market environment.
Q:What is the core strategy of the company to ensure healthy and sustainable development?
A:The core strategy of the company to ensure healthy and sustainable development involves revising past mistakes and focusing on professional sports, technological innovation, and consumer sports experiences. This strategy aligns with their goal to become a brand-led business, emphasizing professional sports as the core and technological innovation and consumer sports experience as main areas to lead their brand development.
Q:What are the strategies for managing market challenges and risks in the second half of the year?
A:The strategies for managing market challenges and risks in the second half of the year include effectively controlling and adjusting foreseeable risks to position the company for business development opportunities and to mitigate challenges reflected in volume and data. The company aims to stand out in the market, possibly through consumers' perceptions of their professional technology and sports experience, and to avoid scaling that could bring risks to be rolled over into the next year.
Q:What are the challenges and expectations regarding cash flow in the second half of the year?
A:Challenges regarding cash flow in the second half of the year include an expected decline in business performance and cash outflow due to higher expenses, such as marketing costs, prepayment collaborations, and lower retail environment performance. Brand promotion expenses are anticipated to increase in the second half of the year. Despite this, the company maintains a healthy level of cash with a balance of 9.3 billion, indicating that although there is pressure on cash flow, the company is well-prepared and positioned adequately.
Q:How is the company adapting to changes in consumer preferences and category dynamics?
A:The company is adapting to changes in consumer preferences and category dynamics by focusing on consolidating its position in traditional categories while also making meaningful connections with consumers in emerging sports. This involves being nimble to enter new sports and categories quickly, understanding the source of motivation for consumers in these areas, and building emotional connections with them. The company aims to optimize its core business categories and is investing in various areas such as running shoes, basketball, badminton, and lifestyle segments, with strategies to improve market share and revenue despite challenges.
Q:What are the company's strategies for the basketball category in light of increasing competition?
A:The company's strategies for the basketball category include continuing to invest in the category with more resources, developing international cooperation for top-tier basketball shoes, and benchmarking their performance against international top brands. The company aims to capitalize on the potential of the basketball market and become a strong market dominator. Strategies include improving performance in professional basketball shoes, focusing on the development of training shoes, and expanding the customer base to include more women and young people. The company remains confident in the long-term growth potential of the basketball category.
Q:What is the company's approach to brand building and balancing long-term branding with short-term investment?
A:The company's approach to brand building involves balancing long-term branding with short-term investment by focusing on quality, product innovation, and value-for-money offerings. The goal is to be recognized as a comprehensive sports brand by the global consumers while maintaining a focus on surviving through product quality, online and offline experiences. The company aims to achieve this by offering better designed and innovative products and is cognizant of the need to remain competitive and maintain a strong brand image.
Q:How does the speaker describe the relationship between athletes and brands?
A:The speaker emphasizes that brands should empower athletes and that the relationship should go beyond mere sponsorship to a level of mutual help and endorsement. The goal is for athletes and brands to grow together and for the athletes to benefit the brands in a mutually advantageous way.
Q:What is the speaker's vision for developing athletes through brands?
A:The speaker's vision is to leverage the power of brands to empower athletes, especially those not yet in the public spotlight, and to support their development journey. The goal is for athletes to also benefit the brands, leading to increased consumer purchase not just for quality but also for the brand.
Q:What key categories does the speaker mention for market expansion?
A:The speaker mentions categories like running shoes, basketball, ping-pong, tennis, badminton, training, and outdoor gear as key categories for market expansion and leadership.
Q:What is the speaker's brand's intention regarding sports and consumers?
A:The speaker's brand intends to become a brand of runners, offering expertise in running science and business, and to provide better experiences for those involved in sports. The brand also aims to lead the business in these categories and focus on product quality.
Q:What is the speaker's approach to branding and product development?
A:The speaker's approach involves investing in branding development for the long term, focusing on product, category, and quality. This strategy includes enhancing the consumer experience, sports experience, and products experience, and entails coordinated changes in structure and personnel.
Q:How does the speaker view the strategic partnership with Stephen Curry?
A:The speaker views the strategic partnership with Stephen Curry not merely as a collaboration for basketball shoes but as a broader engagement that benefits both the basketball shoes and the brand as a whole. The goal is to leverage Curry's influence to enrich the brand's reach and growth.
Q:What challenges are associated with the running shoe category, especially concerning consumer expectations and pricing?
A:Challenges in the running shoe category include the rising consumer standard, the impact of past sales figures, and the problem of Price confusion in the market. Consumers now demand strong reasons to purchase, leading to issues with products like the 'six sea' and 'rush rapid pro' where superior features were not translating into sales due to pricing issues.
Q:What steps are planned to address the issues in the running shoe category?
A:To address issues in the running shoe category, the speaker plans to improve product iteration, sales strategies, and channel management. They also intend to tackle chaotic pricing by better supply chain control and work on pricing stability while investing in market expansion.
Q:How does the speaker describe the potential for growth in the running shoe segment?
A:The speaker describes potential growth in the running shoe segment by focusing on market differentiation, targeting author segments, and enriching the product matrix to meet diverse consumer needs. They also identify opportunities to expand into the female consumer market and to leverage a strong technological platform for racing running shoes.
Q:What are the strategies to improve market share and brand positioning for running category?
A:To improve market share and brand positioning for the running category, the company should focus on enriching the racing and protection segments to satisfy diverse consumer needs. Despite increasing competition, the market scale remains attractive. Rationalizing channel operations, addressing issues like stock-outs and chaotic pricing, and targeting more customer groups could help attract new customers and sustain growth amidst intensified competition.
Q:What is the company's vision and strategy for becoming a top professional sports brand globally?
A:The company's vision is to become a top professional sports brand globally. To achieve this, it has formulated core strategies based on the chairman's development philosophy of a sports-friendly brand. Marketing expenses are seen as an input and an important brand asset, and the company aims to continue investing in brand building even as the focus shifts towards cost management and maintaining gross margins.
Q:What is the outlook for gross margin and marketing expenses in the second half of the year?
A:For the second half of the year, the company expects gross margin to increase and reach a mid-double-digit level. Marketing expenses are anticipated to rise significantly due to upcoming events such as the Asian Games, the South African Summer Youth Sports Events, and investments in new national teams and professional athletes. The budget for 2027 is still in the planning phase, but it is expected to continue the trend of increasing marketing expenses based on the current strategy and philosophy.
Q:How does the company plan to offset the impact of raw material cost changes on gross margin?
A:To offset the impact of raw material cost changes on gross margin, the company has implemented cost control measures and reduced costs while improving efficiency. The strategies include locking in prices with upstream providers, coordinating to optimize costs, and diversifying product offerings at different price points. The company aims to maintain product quality and avoid simply increasing prices to preserve consumer trust. Instead, efforts will be made to enhance the overall value proposition and consumer experience.
Q:What is the company's outlook for the lifestyle category and its strategy to maintain market share?
A:The company's outlook for the lifestyle category is to continue improving on the positive results achieved in the first half of the year. It seeks to improve market share, especially in casual wear, by further refining product offerings and targeting different consumer needs. The company aims to diversify product ranges at each price point, maintain a reasonable gross margin, and build brand awareness and customer loyalty. The lifestyle category is viewed as an integral part of an interconnected brand strategy, which also includes a focus on outdoor training and a repositioning of the brand's assets like China Linin' and 1999 to meet stylish and top-note design demands.
Q:Can you provide an update on the progress and the number of Gold Label stores, as well as the brand's strategy for expanding this channel?
A:The company has expanded the Gold Label series into various consumer groups and consumption scenarios through pop-up stores and a wider product range. The first Gold Label standalone store opened in Shanghai, with plans for additional stores in the coming months. The strategy is to achieve a good balance between scale and quality, focusing on independent channels that serve more consumer groups. Initial store openings will be cautious, with the aim to first identify the right profit model before scaling up. Plans for future store openings and business models will be closely monitored to ensure replicability and efficiency in market penetration.

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