Core Insights - Anta Sports (02020) is expected to gradually reflect the results of its online and offline reforms, with a strong performance from its multi-brand matrix including FILA and outdoor brands [1] - The company maintains a "Buy" rating from Zheshang Securities, highlighting the vitality of its multi-brand strategy [1] Group 1: Anta Brand Performance - Anta's Q3 revenue growth is in the low single digits, showing slight acceleration compared to Q2, with online growth in the high single digits [1] - Offline discounts are at 71%, year-on-year stable, while online discounts are at 50%, slightly deepening [1] - Inventory turnover ratio has slightly exceeded 5X due to increased stocking for Double Eleven [1] Group 2: FILA Brand Performance - FILA's Q3 revenue growth is in the low single digits, with a slight deceleration compared to previous quarters, attributed to the delayed sales of autumn apparel due to higher temperatures in September [1] - Offline discounts are at 74%, while online discounts are at 58%, remaining stable on a month-on-month basis but slightly deepening year-on-year [1] - The inventory turnover ratio has increased to 6X due to Double Eleven preparations, with expectations to return to 5-6X by year-end [1] Group 3: Outdoor and Other Brands - The outdoor brand matrix continues to perform strongly, with Descente brand revenue growing by 30% in Q3 and KOLON brand revenue increasing by 70%, both maintaining a healthy discount of 90% [2] - Maia Active, a women's sports brand, saw a revenue increase of 45% in Q3, enhancing its brand influence and channel layout [2] - The global business of Wolf Claw has been consolidated since June, with an active brand revitalization strategy being developed [2]

Core Insights - The report from Zheshang Securities expresses optimism about Anta Sports' (02020) ongoing online and offline reforms, as well as the strong performance of its FILA and outdoor brand matrix, maintaining a "buy" rating for the stock [1] Group 1: Anta Sports Performance - Anta's Q3 revenue growth is in the low single digits, showing slight acceleration compared to Q2, with online growth in the high single digits [1] - Offline discounts are at 71%, remaining stable year-on-year, while online discounts have deepened to 50% [1] - The inventory-to-sales ratio has slightly exceeded 5X due to increased stocking for the Double Eleven shopping festival [1] - Adjustments in the e-commerce organizational structure are ongoing, focusing on inventory management and enhancing content on social media platforms like Douyin [1] - New store formats such as Champion, SV, and Palace are performing well, and the Super Anta store format is being actively refined [1] Group 2: FILA and Other Brands - FILA's Q3 revenue growth is in the low single digits, with a slight deceleration compared to previous months, attributed to delayed sales of autumn apparel due to higher temperatures in September [1] - Offline discounts for FILA are at 74%, while online discounts are stable at 58%, with the inventory-to-sales ratio increasing to 6X due to Double Eleven preparations, expected to return to 5-6X by year-end [1] - FILA held a strategic launch event in Q3, announcing Yun Chaoke as the brand ambassador and collaborating with Beijing Sport University and Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology to create a closed-loop ecosystem [1] - FILA is also the exclusive sports footwear and apparel sponsor for the China Open Tennis Tournament [1] Group 3: Outdoor Brands Performance - The outdoor brand matrix continues to thrive, with Descente achieving a 30% revenue growth in Q3, and KOLON seeing a 70% increase, both maintaining a healthy discount rate of 90% [2] - Maia Active, a women's sports brand, reported a 45% revenue growth in Q3, enhancing its brand influence and channel layout [2] - The global business of Wolf Claw has been consolidated since June, with an active brand revitalization strategy being developed [2]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for Anta Sports is "Outperform the Market" [2][5][10] Core Views - In Q3 2025, Anta's main brand and FILA achieved low single-digit growth, while other brands experienced a significant growth of 45-50%. The overall growth of the Anta Group remains stable, but the growth rate has slowed compared to Q2 [3][4][6] - The management has lowered the annual revenue guidance for the Anta brand but maintained the operating profit margin guidance and revenue growth guidance for FILA and other brands [4][5][10] - The consumer market continues to face pressure, and the management has adjusted the annual guidance to low single-digit growth due to uncertainties in the fourth quarter [5][10] Summary by Sections Q3 Performance - Anta's main brand recorded low single-digit revenue growth, while FILA also achieved low single-digit growth. Other brands continued their high growth trajectory [3][4] - The inventory turnover ratio is healthy, influenced by promotional stock preparations, with the end-of-quarter inventory turnover ratio approaching six months [4][6] Brand Performance - Anta brand's Q3 revenue growth was low single-digit, with online discounts slightly increasing and stable offline discounts. The performance of running shoes and technological new products was notable [6][7] - FILA's Q3 revenue growth was also low single-digit, with a healthy inventory turnover ratio and stable discount rates [8] - Other brands, including Descente and KOLON, saw revenue growth of 45-50%, with Descente growing approximately 30% and KOLON growing 70% [9][10] Financial Forecasts - The forecast for net profit for Anta from 2025 to 2027 is adjusted to 13.24 billion, 15.22 billion, and 17.16 billion yuan respectively, with comparable profit growth rates of 11.0%, 15.0%, and 12.7% [5][12] - The reasonable valuation range is adjusted to 116-121 HKD, corresponding to a PE ratio of 23-24X for 2025 [5][10]

Core Viewpoint - The outdoor brand Arc'teryx, in collaboration with artist Cai Guoqiang, faced controversy after a fireworks display in the Himalayas, prompting an official investigation and public apologies from both parties [1][9]. Group 1: Incident Overview - The fireworks event sponsored by Arc'teryx raised concerns about its impact on the fragile high-altitude ecosystem of Tibet, leading to the establishment of an investigation team by the local government [1][9]. - Both Arc'teryx and Cai Guoqiang's studio issued apologies, committing to cooperate with third-party assessments regarding the ecological impact of the fireworks [1][10]. Group 2: Apology Statements - The domestic apology from Arc'teryx emphasized the need for a more professional evaluation of artistic expressions and a commitment to ecological restoration under government supervision [5]. - The overseas apology expressed regret over the fireworks display, stating it contradicted the brand's environmental values and mentioned ongoing communication with relevant teams to prevent similar incidents [7]. Group 3: Expert Opinions - Experts highlighted the ecological vulnerability of the Tibetan region, warning that any disruption could lead to irreversible damage, particularly due to the low biological activity in high-altitude environments [10][12]. - Concerns were raised about the effectiveness of proposed mitigation measures, such as using salt bricks to guide small animals away from the area, as the fireworks could directly destroy habitats and disrupt the food chain [12][11]. Group 4: Corporate Context - Arc'teryx is a brand under Amer Sports, which was acquired by Anta Group in 2019, indicating a significant corporate structure behind the brand [2]. - Recent leadership changes within Amer Sports, including the appointment of a new president for the Greater China region, reflect ongoing strategic adjustments within the company [15][18].

Core Viewpoint - Anta has lowered its full-year revenue guidance for the Anta brand to mid-single digits, reflecting market expectations due to weaker retail performance in July and August, although there are signs of improvement recently [1] Group 1: Revenue Guidance and Performance - Anta's management has indicated that the retail revenue performance for Anta and Fila brands in July and August is under significant pressure, with trends weaker than Q2 2025 [1] - The revenue growth forecast for the Anta brand has been revised down from high single digits to mid-single digits for the full year 2025 [1] - Despite the downward revision, management maintains a mid-single-digit revenue growth guidance for the Fila brand for 2025 and has increased the revenue growth guidance for other brands from over 30% to over 40% [1] Group 2: Channel Optimization and Store Upgrades - The company plans to optimize and upgrade its channels rather than significantly increase the number of stores, focusing on enhancing store efficiency and capturing market share [2] - Anta has successfully established 100 Champion stores, achieving a store efficiency of over 500,000 RMB, compared to around 300,000 RMB for traditional Anta stores [2] - The newly upgraded store formats are expected to double the store efficiency, contributing to long-term profit margin improvements for the Anta brand [2] Group 3: Multi-Brand Strategy and Growth Potential - Other brands, primarily Descente and Kolon, saw a 61% year-on-year revenue increase in the first half of 2025, contributing 19% to total revenue, up from 14% in the first half of 2024 [3] - The company has acquired the brand Wolf Paw and is implementing a 3-5 year brand revitalization plan, which is expected to contribute positively to profitability in the future [3] - A joint venture with the Korean fashion platform Musinsa has been established, with Anta holding a 40% stake, indicating further expansion into the fashion sector [3] Group 4: Financial Performance - In the first half of 2025, Anta's net profit attributable to shareholders increased by 14.5% to 7.03 billion RMB, aligning with market expectations [4] - Revenue for the first half of 2025 grew by 14.3%, consistent with revenue trends, while operating cash flow saw a significant increase of 28.5% [4] - The gross margin for the Anta brand decreased by 1.7 percentage points, primarily due to a higher proportion of e-commerce sales, while operating profit margin increased by 1.5 percentage points, benefiting from government subsidies [4]

Group 1 - The company achieved a revenue growth of 14.3% in the first half of the year despite a relatively weak domestic discretionary consumption environment, with Anta brand, Fila brand, and other brands growing by 5.4%, 8.6%, and 61.1% respectively [1] - The overall operating profit margin increased by 0.6 percentage points year-on-year, attributed to refined operations, optimized resource allocation, and an increase in government subsidies [1] - Anta and Fila are expected to maintain steady growth, with each brand projected to sustain a scale of around 30 billion, supported by strategies focused on brand innovation and overseas market expansion [2] Group 2 - Other brands, primarily Descente and KOLON, are anticipated to maintain rapid growth, with a projected compound annual growth rate of over 30% in revenue over the next three years, becoming a significant growth driver for the company [2] - The company is recognized as one of the few truly multi-brand, international, and long-term oriented global sportswear leaders, with positive expectations for the integration of the newly acquired Wolf Claw brand [2] - The earnings forecast for the company has been slightly adjusted, with expected earnings per share for 2025-2027 being 4.80, 5.54, and 6.21 RMB respectively, and a target price of 135.86 HKD based on a 26x PE valuation for 2025 [3]

Core Viewpoint - The company reported strong financial performance for the first half of 2025, with revenue and profit both showing double-digit growth, exceeding market expectations [1] Financial Performance - Revenue for the first half of 2025 increased by 14.3% year-on-year to 38.54 billion yuan, while operating profit grew by 17% to 10.13 billion yuan [1] - Net profit attributable to shareholders reached 7.031 billion yuan, with a comparable year-on-year growth of 14.5% after excluding one-time gains from the Amer Sports listing [1] - The company plans to distribute an interim dividend of 1.37 HKD per share, with a payout ratio of 50.2% [1] Brand Performance - Anta brand revenue was 16.95 billion yuan, up 5.4% year-on-year, accounting for approximately 44.0% of total revenue [1] - Fila brand revenue reached 14.18 billion yuan, reflecting an 8.6% year-on-year increase, with online sales growing at a double-digit rate [2] - Other brands, including Descente and Kolon, generated revenue of 7.412 billion yuan, a significant increase of 61.1% year-on-year [2] Channel Analysis - E-commerce revenue grew by 18%, accounting for 34.8% of total revenue, up from 33.8% in the first half of 2024 [3] - The number of offline stores showed slight changes, with Anta adult stores totaling 7,187, a net increase of 52 stores since the beginning of the year [3] Operational Efficiency - The company's gross margin decreased by 0.7 percentage points to 63.4%, while the operating profit margin improved by 0.6 percentage points to 26.3% [3] - Cash flow from operating activities increased by 29% to 10.9 billion yuan, with free cash flow remaining stable at 7.548 billion yuan [4] Strategic Initiatives - The company established a joint venture "MUSINSA China" to explore the integration of the fashion and sports industries, aiming to launch products that cater to young consumers' dual demands for functionality and style [4] - The company adjusted its annual guidance due to weaker consumer demand, with Anta's growth forecast revised from high single-digit to mid-single-digit growth [4] Future Outlook - The company maintains a positive outlook on its multi-brand matrix, anticipating continued growth potential despite the current challenges [5] - Net profit forecasts for 2025-2027 are projected at 13.41 billion, 14.70 billion, and 16.01 billion yuan, respectively, with corresponding price-to-earnings ratios of 19, 18, and 16 times [5]

Core Insights - Anta Group's revenue for the first half of 2025 reached RMB 38.54 billion, marking a 14.3% year-on-year increase and setting a new historical high, maintaining its position as the leading sportswear brand in China [2][13] - The combined revenue of Anta Group and Amer Sports exceeded RMB 100 billion, with Anta's revenue surpassing that of its competitors, including Nike China and Adidas China [2][4] Revenue Performance - Anta brand revenue was RMB 16.95 billion, up 5.4% year-on-year; FILA revenue was RMB 14.18 billion, up 8.6%; other brands, including Kolon and Descente, generated RMB 7.41 billion, a significant increase of 61.1% [4] - Amer Sports reported revenue of USD 2.709 billion, a 23.5% increase, with Greater China revenue growing by 42.4% to USD 856 million [4] Store Efficiency and Growth - Anta Group's revenue increased by 163% from RMB 14.669 billion in H1 2020 to RMB 38.544 billion in H1 2025, while the number of stores remained relatively stable, indicating a significant improvement in retail efficiency [6] - New store formats such as "Anta Arena Level" and "FILA Fusion" have enhanced consumer experience and targeted customer engagement [8] Strategic Initiatives - Anta Group emphasizes a strategy of "multi-brand assets + excellent operations + global collaboration" for sustainable growth, including acquisitions of high-potential brands and establishing joint ventures [11] - The acquisition of the German outdoor brand Jack Wolfskin is expected to become a significant revenue growth point in the outdoor sector [11] Research and Development - R&D investment for H1 2025 remained stable at RMB 1 billion, with a cumulative investment of RMB 20 billion over the past decade, and plans for an additional RMB 20 billion over the next five years [12] - Anta Group has established seven design and R&D centers globally, collaborating with over 70 universities and research institutions [12] ESG Performance - Anta Group was included in the Hang Seng ESG 50 Index and ranked in the top 6% of global textile, apparel, and luxury goods companies in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment [12] Competitive Landscape - Among China's major sportswear brands, Anta led with a 14.3% revenue growth, while Li Ning reported a 3.3% increase, indicating a strong competitive position [13] - Recent market rumors suggest potential acquisition interest in Puma by Chinese brands, including Anta, although the company has not commented on these speculations [15]

Core Viewpoint - Anta Group is reportedly close to finalizing an agreement to acquire the Reebok brand from Authentic Brands Group (ABG) after a four-year hiatus in acquisition talks [1] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The news of the potential acquisition gained traction on social media, receiving positive reactions from Anta Group executives [2] - However, Anta Group publicly stated that it does not comment on market rumors [3] - ABG quickly denied the acquisition rumors, with Steve Robaire, Executive Vice President of Reebok and Champion, asserting that ABG has no intention of selling Reebok now or in the future [4] Group 2: Background on Reebok - ABG acquired Reebok from Adidas in 2021 for approximately $2.5 billion, marking the largest acquisition in ABG's history [4] - ABG operates on a light-asset brand management model, rarely independently managing brands [5] Group 3: Reebok's Market Performance - Reebok's expansion in the Chinese market has been sluggish, with store openings slowing down from 15 in 2022 to 36 by the end of 2024, primarily in outlet channels [6] - In 2024, Reebok's revenue in China is expected to decline by 19% year-on-year, with online sales dropping nearly 50% compared to 2021, totaling only 160 million yuan [6] - Reebok's global market share is projected to be less than 1.5% in 2024, raising doubts about ABG's ambitious $10 billion sales target by 2027 [6] Group 4: Strategic Value for Anta - Despite challenges, Reebok holds potential value for Anta, as the brand could fill a gap in Anta's portfolio for a mid-to-high-end sports brand [7] - Reebok, once a competitor to Nike and Adidas, possesses established channels in mature markets and valuable brand equity [7] - Reebok has expanded its global partnerships with retailers like Foot Locker and JD Group, enhancing its market presence [8] Group 5: Financial Considerations - The acquisition could face significant financial challenges, with estimates suggesting that the transaction amount would not be less than $2 billion [10] - As of the end of 2024, Anta's net cash level is approximately 31.4 billion yuan, and the company has made two acquisitions in 2023, totaling around 2.64 billion yuan and 2.08 billion yuan respectively [11] - The difficulty of financing the acquisition is heightened compared to previous attempts, as market confidence and stock performance have fluctuated [11]

Group 1 - Anta Sports has responded to rumors regarding the acquisition of Reebok, suggesting that the market should rely on official company announcements for accurate information [1] - Reebok, founded in 1958, was once a leading brand in the sports shoe industry, surpassing Nike in sales during the 1980s. However, its performance has declined since being acquired by Adidas for $3.8 billion in 2025 and later sold to ABG for $2.5 billion in 2021, which is less than 60% of its original acquisition price [1] - The potential acquisition of Reebok could mark another significant international brand purchase for Anta, following its recent acquisition of the German outdoor brand Jack Wolfskin for $290 million [1] Group 2 - Since acquiring the Chinese operations of FILA in 2009, Anta has rapidly expanded through strategic acquisitions, covering a wide range of categories from professional sports to outdoor activities [2] - Despite its growth, Anta faces challenges related to multi-brand management, including resource allocation issues and potential brand synergy problems, which could lead to slower growth [2]