Summary of Anta Sports Products Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Anta Sports Products (2020.HK) - **Related Company**: Amer Sports Key Industry Insights - **Amer Sports Performance**: Amer Sports reported a strong 3Q performance with an adjusted EPS of $0.33, exceeding consensus estimates of $0.25. Revenue increased by 29.7% year-over-year, surpassing expectations of 27.2% [1][3] - **Greater China Growth**: The Greater China market showed robust growth at 47% year-over-year, up from 42% in the previous quarter, with notable performance from brands like Salomon and Wilson [2][11] - **Arc'teryx Recovery**: The Arc'teryx brand experienced a recovery in Q4 after a slow start, attributed to cooler weather, which positively impacted sales [2][3] Financial Outlook - **Guidance Update**: Amer Sports raised its FY25 sales and EPS guidance, although the guidance for Q4 is slightly below consensus forecasts [1][3] - **Anta's Financials**: Anta's adjusted EPS is projected to be between $0.88 and $0.92, higher than previous estimates. The anticipated associate income from Amer to Anta is approximately RMB 1,170 million, representing about 9% of Anta's net income [10][11] Market Dynamics - **Outdoor Segment Trends**: The outdoor segment is expected to peak in Q4, with brands that have strong market presence likely to capitalize on peak season sales. However, some outdoor brands are showing signs of growth moderation and increased discounting due to competitive pressures [4][5] - **Consumer Preferences**: There is a sustained consumer preference for outdoor activities, leading to a shift from casual wear to outdoor apparel [3][4] Risks and Challenges - **Anta Brand Performance**: Concerns exist regarding the muted growth outlook for the Anta brand, particularly during the Double-11 shopping festival [5][21] - **Competitive Pressures**: Some outdoor brands are facing deeper discounting and growth slowdowns, which could impact overall market dynamics [4][21] Strategic Initiatives - **Store Expansion Plans**: Arc'teryx plans to close some stores in China while opening larger, more productive direct-to-consumer (DTC) stores, with expectations for net openings in Greater China into 2026 [13] - **Salomon's Growth**: Salomon's footwear segment continues to show strong growth, contributing positively to the outdoor segment's performance [12] Valuation and Investment Recommendation - **Price Target**: Anta is rated as a "Buy" with a 12-month price target of HK$115, indicating a potential upside of 43.6% from the current price of HK$80.10 [20][22] - **Valuation Metrics**: The valuation is based on a 21x P/E for 2027E, discounted back to mid-2026E at 11% [20] Conclusion - The overall outlook for Anta Sports Products remains positive, driven by strong performance from associated brands and a favorable market environment for outdoor activities, despite some near-term challenges and competitive pressures.