Core Viewpoint - Citigroup has initiated a 30-day observation period for Anta, highlighting potential catalysts including the better-than-expected performance of its subsidiary Amer Sports last quarter and the upward revision of its 2025 full-year operating guidance [1] Group 1: Performance and Guidance - The direct impact of the Arc'teryx brand's September fireworks event is expected to be less than anticipated, with the indirect impact on the Anta brand likely to be milder than market expectations in the coming quarters [1] - Citigroup anticipates that Anta will achieve its full-year retail sales guidance, which includes low single-digit growth for the Anta brand, mid single-digit growth for the Fila brand, and a 40% growth for other brands [1] Group 2: Rating and Target Price - Citigroup has assigned a "Buy" rating to Anta, with a target price set at HKD 109.7 [1]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for Anta Sports is "Buy" and is maintained [6]. Core Views - Anta Sports reported Q3 2025 retail data, showing low single-digit growth for the Anta and FILA brands, while other brands experienced a growth of 45%-50% [2][4]. - The retail performance of Anta is under pressure, with expectations of a decline in terminal discounts, although the inventory-to-sales ratio remains healthy [6]. - FILA's retail performance is relatively weak, with high inventory levels, and it is anticipated that discounts will increase during the upcoming Double Eleven sales to clear stock [6]. - Short-term pressures are expected to continue affecting gross profit margin (GPM) and operating profit margin (OPM), while mid-term growth will rely on store adjustments and international expansion [6]. - The company forecasts net profits for 2025, 2026, and 2027 to be 131 billion, 146 billion, and 161 billion respectively, with corresponding price-to-earnings (PE) ratios of 17, 15, and 14 [6][8]. Summary by Sections Retail Performance - Anta brand retail shows low single-digit growth, aligning with market trends, while other brands are performing significantly better [2][4]. - FILA brand retail is underperforming with high inventory levels, and adjustments are expected to improve inventory turnover [6]. Financial Forecast - Revenue projections for Anta Sports are 70.83 billion for 2024, 78.63 billion for 2025, 86.40 billion for 2026, and 93.76 billion for 2027, with growth rates of 14%, 11%, 10%, and 9% respectively [8]. - The expected earnings per share (EPS) are 4.25 for 2024, increasing to 5.74 by 2027 [8].

Core Viewpoint - Anta Sports' ESG rating was upgraded from A to AA by MSCI, despite facing ecological damage claims related to its subsidiary, Arc'teryx, for an event in Tibet [2][3][4]. Group 1: ESG Rating and Environmental Issues - Anta Sports' MSCI ESG rating was upgraded to AA on October 17, 2023, following a previous downgrade to B in January 2023 [2][7]. - The upgrade comes amidst controversy over the ecological impact of a fireworks event sponsored by Arc'teryx, which has been labeled as "mountain blasting" by netizens [3][4]. - Anta Sports has not publicly detailed its plans for ecological compensation and restoration following the incident [5]. Group 2: Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, Anta and FILA brand products recorded low single-digit growth in retail sales compared to the same period in 2024 [9]. - Anta Sports' revenue grew from 355.12 billion to 708.26 billion from 2020 to 2024, nearly doubling in four years, while net profit increased by approximately 202% during the same period [8]. - Sales expenses grew significantly, reaching approximately 1,087.4 billion over five and a half years, accounting for 35% of total revenue of 3,102.17 billion [11]. Group 3: Inventory and Operational Challenges - Anta Sports is experiencing inventory buildup and operational challenges, with an average inventory turnover period of 136 days in the first half of 2025, compared to 61 days for Li Ning [11][12]. - The company's direct-to-consumer (DTC) reform initiated in 2020 has led to increased inventory levels as it transitioned inventory management from distributors to the brand [12].

Core Viewpoint - Anta Sports has faced ecological criticism due to its subsidiary Arc'teryx's involvement in an environmentally damaging fireworks event, yet its MSCI ESG rating has been upgraded from A to AA, raising questions about the company's commitment to ecological responsibility [2][3][5]. Group 1: ESG Rating and Environmental Issues - Anta Sports' MSCI ESG rating was upgraded from A to AA on October 17, 2023, despite ongoing ecological concerns related to its subsidiary Arc'teryx [3][5]. - The company has not publicly detailed its plans for ecological compensation and restoration following the environmental damage caused by the fireworks event [7]. - The fireworks event, held at a high-altitude location, has been deemed a human-induced disturbance with potential ecological risks that require monitoring [6]. Group 2: Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, Anta and FILA brands recorded low single-digit growth in retail sales compared to the same period in 2024, indicating a slowdown in growth [11]. - Over the past five years, Anta Sports' sales expenses have significantly increased, totaling approximately 1,087.4 billion, which is 35% of its total revenue of 3,102.17 billion [13]. - The company's revenue growth has slowed, with a reported revenue of 385.44 billion in the first half of 2025, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 14.3% [12].

Core Insights - Anta's brand retail revenue growth in Q3 2025 was low single digits, while FILA's brand retail revenue also saw low single-digit growth, with all other brands experiencing a significant increase of 45%-50% [1][2] Group 1: Anta Brand Performance - Anta's brand retail revenue growth was below internal expectations, with online channel growth expected to outpace offline [1] - As of the end of Q3 2025, Anta's brand channel inventory turnover was slightly above 5 months, indicating a healthy inventory level [1] - Retail discounts for Anta remained stable, with offline discounts at 71% and online discounts around 50%, slightly increasing year-on-year [1] Group 2: FILA Brand Performance - FILA's brand retail revenue showed healthy growth, with e-commerce revenue expected to grow at a high single-digit rate [1] - FILA's channel inventory was approximately 6 months as of the end of Q3 2025, remaining stable year-on-year due to pre-stock for the "Double Eleven" shopping festival [1] - FILA renewed its partnership with the China Open, becoming the exclusive sportswear sponsor, and committed to supporting youth training in tennis [1] Group 3: Other Brands Performance - Other brands, including Descente and Kelong Sports, experienced retail revenue growth of 45%-50%, with Descente's brand revenue expected to grow by 30% [2] - Kelong's brand retail revenue grew by 70%, and it became the official partner of the Chinese national climbing team, enhancing its outdoor brand image [2] Group 4: Investment Outlook - The overall performance of Anta's main brand was affected by a weak external environment and intensified industry competition, while FILA and outdoor brands continued to show strong performance [2] - Earnings per share projections for the company from 2025 to 2027 are 4.85, 5.42, and 6.19 yuan, with corresponding PE ratios of 16.5, 14.8, and 12.9 times [2]

Core Insights - Anta Sports reported a low single-digit year-on-year growth in revenue for both Anta and FILA brands in Q3 2025, while other brands experienced a revenue growth of 45-50%, demonstrating resilience amid industry slowdowns and increased promotions [1][2] - The company is expected to maintain a strategy focused on healthy inventory levels and discount control, optimizing its structure around high-growth segments such as running, outdoor, and tennis [1] - The overall outlook remains positive, with potential benefits from new retail reforms, category upgrades, and overseas expansion, leading to a "Buy" rating [1] Anta Brand Performance - In Q3 2025, Anta brand revenue achieved low single-digit year-on-year growth, with expectations of low single-digit growth in offline and high single-digit growth in online channels [1] - The discount rates for offline and online channels were approximately 71% and 50%, respectively, with inventory turnover slightly above five months, indicating a healthy range [1] - Online performance is expected to gradually improve as organizational adjustments and content operations stabilize, while offline new retail formats continue to show strong performance [1] FILA Brand Performance - FILA brand revenue also saw low single-digit year-on-year growth in Q3 2025, with strong resilience in e-commerce expected to yield high single-digit growth [1] - The brand has solidified its position in tennis by renewing its sponsorship of the China Open and enhancing customer experience through new store formats [1] - Inventory turnover is projected to stabilize around five to six months by year-end, with discount control remaining steady [1] Other Brands Performance - Other brands reported a significant revenue growth of 45-50% in Q3 2025, with specific brands like Descente and KAILAS showing growth rates of approximately 30% and 70%, respectively [2] - The growth of other brands is attributed to high-end functional products and differentiated retail experiences, with a focus on outdoor and performance sports [2] - The company anticipates maintaining strong growth momentum in Q4 during the outdoor peak season [2] Profit Forecast and Valuation - Due to uncertainties in retail recovery and a competitive promotional environment, the company has adjusted its net profit forecasts for 2025-2027 down by 3.8%, 3.6%, and 4.0% to 13.03 billion, 14.63 billion, and 16.30 billion yuan, respectively [2] - The target price has been adjusted to 115.24 HKD, maintaining a "Buy" rating based on the company's multi-brand and retail operational advantages [2]

Company Dynamics - The company reported third-quarter operating results, with Anta brand retail sales increasing by a low single-digit percentage year-on-year, FILA brand retail sales also increasing by a low single-digit percentage, while other brands (excluding new brands added after January 1, 2024) saw retail sales growth of 45-50% [1] - Despite overall retail environment fluctuations and industry destocking pressures in Q3 2025, Anta Sports' brands outperformed the industry, with Anta brand retail sales showing slight improvement compared to Q2 2025 [1] - Online channels faced challenges, but performance improved sequentially from Q2 2025 after team restructuring; offline channels, including new store formats like Arena/Palace/Champion, performed well, and the franchisee lighthouse store project progressed smoothly, indicating Anta's efforts in refined offline operations [1] FILA Brand Performance - FILA brand retail sales in Q3 2025 increased by a low single-digit percentage, with stable growth in FILA's bulk sales, while FILA Kids and FUSION faced some pressure [2] - Looking long-term, FILA aims to maintain healthy growth trends following the launch of a new tennis strategy at the end of September, leveraging top tennis resources and new product development amid the ongoing popularity of tennis [2] Other Brands Performance - Other brands experienced retail sales growth of 45-50% in Q3 2025, continuing a high growth trend, with Kolon and Descente growing approximately 70% and 30% respectively, maintaining high growth while keeping discounts shallow and opening high-quality flagship stores [2] - Operational improvements for other brands like MaiaActive and Jack Wolfskin are ongoing [2] Management Outlook - Considering the macroeconomic environment in Q4 2025, management has lowered the full-year retail sales guidance for Anta to low single-digit growth, while maintaining the growth guidance for FILA in the mid-single digits and over 40% for other brands [2] - Despite short-term pressures, confidence remains in Anta Group's multi-brand strategy and efficient management capabilities [2] Earnings Forecast and Valuation - Due to the challenging retail environment, the EPS forecasts for 2025 and 2026 have been reduced by 3% and 4% to 4.67 and 5.24 yuan respectively, with the current stock price corresponding to 17/15 times the earnings ratio [2] - The target price has been lowered by 4% to 116.11 yuan, corresponding to 23/20 times the earnings ratio for 2025/2026, indicating a 32% upside potential [2]

Core Insights - Anta Sports reported Q3 2025 operational results, with Anta brand revenue growth in low single digits, Fila brand revenue growth also in low single digits, and other brands experiencing revenue growth of 45% to 50%, overall performance in line with expectations [1][2]. Anta Brand - In Q3 2025, Anta brand revenue growth was in low single digits, indicating a healthy operational quality despite a volatile domestic consumption environment and ongoing brand adjustments [1]. - The company is optimizing its offline store structure and enhancing adjustments for franchise stores in lower-tier cities, while also restructuring its e-commerce operations, which may temporarily impact e-commerce sales [1]. - As of the end of Q3 2025, the inventory-to-sales ratio for Anta brand is slightly above 5, with stable discounts in offline stores, reflecting a healthy operational level [1]. Fila Brand - Fila brand revenue growth in Q3 2025 was also in low single digits, affected by high temperatures and fluctuations in the consumption environment impacting autumn and winter apparel sales [2]. - E-commerce sales for Fila are expected to significantly outperform offline sales, with the brand's operational capabilities in e-commerce being strong [2]. - The inventory-to-sales ratio for Fila is projected to be around 6 by the end of Q3 2025, with an increase due to preparations for the National Day holiday and major sales events [2]. - Fila is expected to leverage the Q4 sales peak to drive brand growth, with a projected revenue growth in mid-single digits for 2025 [2]. - A new tennis strategy was announced in September 2025, highlighting collaborations with notable tennis players and institutions, indicating a clear development plan for the sport [2]. Other Brands - Other brands under Anta Sports experienced a revenue growth rate of 45% to 50%, showcasing the company's strong new brand incubation capabilities [2]. - Brands like Descente and Kolon are growing rapidly due to improved product strength and store operational capabilities [2]. - Maia Active is also expected to show excellent growth performance in Q3 2025 following successful adjustments [2]. Financial Outlook - For 2025, the company anticipates a revenue growth of 10%, with a projected revenue of 78.181 billion yuan, and a net profit growth of 9% year-on-year, reaching 13 billion yuan [3]. - The outdoor brands Descente and Kolon are expected to maintain strong growth rates [3]. - The profit forecast has been adjusted, with net profits projected at 13.03 billion, 14.78 billion, and 16.74 billion yuan for 2025-2027, corresponding to a PE ratio of 17 times for 2025, maintaining a "buy" rating [3].

Core Viewpoint - Anta's Q3 2025 operational data shows stable performance for its main brands, with outdoor brands continuing strong growth despite a weakening retail environment [1][2][3] Group 1: Brand Performance - Anta and FILA brands both experienced low single-digit growth in Q3 2025, indicating stable performance [1] - Other brands saw a significant growth of 45-50%, maintaining strong momentum [1] - FILA's Q3 2025 revenue growth was low single digits, impacted by delayed sales of autumn and winter products, but still outperformed the industry average [2] Group 2: Operational Metrics - Anta's inventory-to-sales ratio is slightly above 5 months, indicating a healthy range [1] - FILA's inventory-to-sales ratio is approximately 6 months due to increased seasonal stocking, expected to return to 5-6 months by year-end [2] - Anta's operating profit margin is maintained in the range of 20%-25%, while FILA's is around 25% [3] Group 3: Strategic Initiatives - Anta is advancing new business formats, with the Anta Champion Store achieving over 100% completion rate and plans for accelerated development in 2026 [1] - FILA has launched a tennis strategy, signing a top Chinese tennis player as a spokesperson and becoming the exclusive sponsor of the China Open [2] - The company is expanding its overseas market presence, aiming to open approximately 1,000 stores in Southeast Asia within three years [3] Group 4: Financial Outlook - The company has slightly lowered its profit forecast for 2025-2027, expecting net profits of 13.22 billion, 14.66 billion, and 15.92 billion yuan respectively [4] - The anticipated profit growth for 2025 is 11% when excluding a one-time gain from Amer Sports [4] - The company maintains a "buy" rating due to its unique multi-brand matrix with significant growth potential [4]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Anta Sports [5] Core Insights - Anta Sports' two main brands are performing steadily, while new brands continue to show high growth momentum [10] - The company has adjusted its revenue guidance for the Anta brand down to low single-digit growth due to a weak retail environment [10] - The multi-brand matrix of the company is seen as a rare resource with significant growth potential in the long term [10] Financial Data and Profit Forecast - Revenue projections for FY2023 to FY2027 are as follows: - FY2023: 623.6 billion RMB - FY2024: 708.3 billion RMB - FY2025E: 789.1 billion RMB - FY2026E: 858.1 billion RMB - FY2027E: 923.0 billion RMB - Net profit forecasts show a significant increase in FY2023 with 102.4 billion RMB, peaking at 159.2 billion RMB in FY2027 [9][20] - The gross margin is expected to improve slightly from 62.6% in FY2023 to 63.9% in FY2027 [9] Brand Performance - Anta and FILA brands showed low single-digit growth in Q3 2025, while other brands experienced a growth rate of 45-50% [10] - FILA's growth was impacted by delayed sales of autumn and winter products, but it is expected to maintain mid-single-digit growth for the year [10] - Other brands like Descente and Maia Active are showing strong growth, with Descente growing approximately 30% and Maia Active around 45% [10] Market Expansion - Anta Sports is expanding its overseas market with a target of reaching 1,000 stores in Southeast Asia within three years [10] - The company is focusing on brand building and market cultivation in strategic markets like Europe and the US [10] Profitability and Cost Management - The company emphasizes quality over quantity in its operations, maintaining a profit margin target of 20-25% for the Anta brand and around 25% for FILA [10] - The report indicates a slight decrease in profit forecasts for 2025-2027 due to the current weak retail environment [10]