Metzler: Adidas' Investor Event Underpins Midterm Growth Targets; Buy Rating Maintained

08:44 AM EDT, 09/25/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Metzler Capital Markets reaffirmed its buy rating on adidas (ADS.F), saying the recent Home of Innovation investor and analyst event hosted by the German sportswear giant "credibly underpinned" its medium-term growth targets. "While we remain mindful of near-term headwinds in lifestyle footwear, we see these as transitory. We believe they are primarily a reflection of elevated competitor inventory levels rather than a slowdown in underlying demand. Recall, apparel experienced a similar set-up in 2022 and 2023, after which product newness helped re-accelerate growth in 2024," analysts wrote in a Friday note. "Looking ahead, we continue to expect regional market share gains fuelled by sports, casualisation and comfort." The research firm also noted the shift in the company's operating model into a decentralized one under Chief Executive Officer Bjørn Gulden as a key positive factor for the company's market share growth. "By pairing a broad pipeline of innovative products with a local-for-local strategy, we believe adidas has built a diversified, attractive and competitive portfolio that serves a multitude of consumer needs," Metzler added, noting that adidas remains its top pick in the sector. The stock's price target of 250 euros remains unchanged.