Li Ning Jan-April SSS Inches Up, Sees Margin Shrinking

Sportswear manufacturer and retailer Li Ning (2331.HK) recorded low single-digit y-o-y growth in its same-store sales (SSS) in the first four months of this year, Sina reported May 13 citing company Executive President Zhang Zhiyong. For the full year of 2011, the company expects to maintain SSS growth in single digits, but for its gross profit margin to shrink y-o-y due to inventory backlogs and rising costs, according to Zhang.