Strengthen the “Single Brand, Multi-Categories, Diversified Channels” Strategy | Solidify Brand and Product Competitiveness, Ensure Steady Operations, and Achieve Pragmatic Growth

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 March 2025 - Li Ning Company Limited (the "Company" or "Li Ning Company"; together with the subsidiaries, collectively, the "Group"; stock codes: 2331 (HKD counter) and 82331 (RMB counter)) announces today its 2024 annual results for the year ended 31 December 2024 (the "Year"). Financial Results In 2024, the Group's annual performance was generally in line with expectations, a result of robust operational resilience and effective strategic execution. During the Year, the Group's revenue amounted to RMB28,676 million, representing an increase of 3.9% as compared to that of 2023 (2023: RMB27,598 million). Gross profit amounted to RMB14,156 million, representing an increase of 6.0% compared to that of 2023(2023: RMB13,352 million). The overall gross profit margin increased by one percentage point to 49.4%(2023: 48.4%). During the year, the net profit attributable to equity holders was RMB3,013 million (2023: RMB3,187 million). The margin of net profit attributable to equity holders was 10.5% (2023: 11.5%). Return on equity attributable to equity holders was 11.9% (2023: 13.1%). Basic earnings per share was RMB116.98 cents (2023: RMB123.21 cents). The Board has recommended the payment of final dividend of RMB20.73 cents per ordinary share for the year ended 31 December 2024, together with the interim dividend of RMB37.75 cents per ordinary share paid in September 2024, the total dividend for the year ended 31 December 2024 will amount to RMB58.48 cents per ordinary share or a total dividend payout ratio of 50%(2023: 45%). In terms of cash flow management, the Group's net cash generated from operating activities during the year amounted to RMB5,268 million (2023: RMB4,688 million). As at 31 December 2024, cash and cash equivalents (including cash at banks and in hand, and fixed term deposits with original maturity of no more than three months) amounted to RMB7,499 million, representing an increase of RMB2,055 million, as compared with the position as at 31 December 2023. Adding back the amount recorded as fixed-term deposits held at banks, cash balance amounted to RMB18,141 million, which represented a net increase of RMB166 million as compared to 31 December 2023. During the year, the Group maintained a healthy level of operating capital, and the net cash generated from operating activities increased compared to the previous year. The Company will continue to prudently assess its capital plan in light of market conditions and capital requirements to ensure maximum efficiency in the use of capital and to support its long-term development objectives. Operational Summary During the Year, the Group maintained its focus on the core strategy of "Single Brand, Multi-categories, Diversified Channels" to enhance product strength through continuous research and development and technological innovation. Furthermore, the Group made significant progress across various aspects of its business including product innovation, brand building, and channel optimization. In 2024, the Group made multi-dimensional breakthroughs in the research and development of technologies. During the Year, the Group launched the new midsole technology "Super BOOM"(超䨻), which is not only lighter and more elastic but also boasts an exceptional elasticity-to-weight ratio, representing the pinnacle of performance for supercritical foaming materials. The BOOM technology platform has achieved four application breakthroughs within six years, evolving from a "single technology" to "four major technologies". This progression demonstrates the Group's commitment to exploring materials and manufacturing processes and exceptional ability to deploy and broaden their application, further enhancing its ability to diversify product offerings and iterate product lines. In respect of branding and marketing, the Group continued to focus on the six core categories of running, basketball, training, badminton, table tennis, and sports casual. It also actively explored emerging sports and subcategories, such as outdoor sports, golf, tennis and pickleball. The Group leveraged technological innovation capabilities to drive product upgrades underpinned by three key pillars: solidifying a professional sports mindset, showcasing sports fashion aesthetics, and inheriting Chinese cultural values. Moreover, it proactively sought to strengthen its differentiated brand advantages and enhance brand influence through diversified and comprehensive marketing campaigns. Capitalizing on the market opportunities presented by a year distinguished major sporting events, the Group delved into the essence of its brand spirit and gained insights into the younger generation's attitudes towards sports. Through these efforts, it articulated...