Core Viewpoint - The controversy surrounding the "Anatomy of the Ancestor Bird" event has negatively impacted Anta Sports' stock performance and raised concerns about its ESG ratings due to governance and ecological risk management failures [2][3][4][5] Company Performance - Anta Sports' stock price fell by 2.22% on September 22 and continued to decline by 0.95% on September 23, bringing its total market capitalization to 263.2 billion HKD [3] - The company reported a revenue of 38.544 billion CNY in the first half of 2023, a year-on-year increase of 14.3%, while the net profit attributable to shareholders was 7.031 billion CNY, a decrease of 8.9% [7] ESG Considerations - The incident has the potential to negatively affect Anta Sports' ESG ratings, particularly in environmental and governance dimensions, as sub-brands' actions are included in the overall assessment [4][5] - The response to the controversy will significantly influence the extent of the impact on Anta's ESG ratings, with effective remedial actions potentially mitigating negative effects [5] Multi-Brand Strategy - Anta Sports has pursued an aggressive multi-brand acquisition strategy, acquiring brands such as Amer Sports, FILA, and Descente, which has contributed to revenue growth [7][8] - However, the complexity of managing multiple brands has led to increased operational challenges, including a rise in average inventory turnover days to 136 days, an increase of 22 days compared to the previous year [8][9] Market Challenges - The competitive landscape in the sportswear industry is intensifying, with Anta facing challenges in maintaining brand identity and operational efficiency across its diverse portfolio [9][10]

Core Viewpoint - Anta Group is intensifying anti-corruption measures and enhancing internal controls while pursuing aggressive acquisition strategies to maintain growth and profitability in a challenging market environment [2][4][11]. Anti-Corruption Measures - By 2025, Anta Group is focusing on high-risk areas for anti-corruption governance, employing internal audits and inspections to combat corruption [2]. - As of August 2025, 74 employees were dismissed for serious misconduct, and 46 individuals were referred to judicial authorities, including one executive and 14 senior managers [4]. - Anta has established a "career tracing mechanism" to hold employees accountable for misconduct regardless of their employment status [4]. - The company has formed an "Integrity and Ethics Committee" and revised six core policies to strengthen compliance and risk management [4]. Financial Performance - In the first half of the year, Anta reported revenue of 38.544 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 14.3%, while net profit attributable to shareholders fell by 8.9% to 7.031 billion yuan [8]. - The overall gross margin decreased by 0.7 percentage points to 63.4%, attributed to lower margins in e-commerce and footwear segments [8]. - The main brand, Anta, saw a gross margin decline from 56.6% to 54.9%, while FILA's gross margin fell to 68% [8]. Acquisition Strategy - Anta continues its acquisition strategy, having completed the acquisition of Jack Wolfskin and is reportedly pursuing the Reebok brand [7][11]. - The company aims to replicate the success of FILA, which has become a significant revenue contributor since its acquisition [7]. Global Expansion - Anta is committed to a "single focus, multi-brand, globalization" strategy, with plans to establish a strong presence in Southeast Asia and other international markets [11]. - The company aims to open 1,000 stores for the Anta brand in Southeast Asia over the next three years [11].

Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong stock market has been recovering since 2025, leading to a resurgence for domestic sports brands, with notable stock price increases for companies like Anta, Xtep, 361 Degrees, and Li Ning, although challenges remain in consumer spending and industry competition [1] Financial Performance - Anta continues to dominate the market, with a revenue of 38.54 billion RMB in the first half of the year, approximately 1.4 times that of Li Ning, Xtep, and 361 Degrees combined; its net profit reached 7 billion RMB, more than double that of the other three brands combined [3][4] - Among the four brands, Anta had the highest revenue growth rate at 14.26%, although its net profit saw a nearly 9% decline; when excluding certain gains, its net profit increased by 14.5% year-on-year [4][5] - Xtep was the only company to report a revenue decline of about 5%, but its net profit growth was the highest at 21.47%, attributed to the exclusion of losses from divested brands and strong performance from its main brand [5][6] - Li Ning lagged behind with a revenue growth of only 3.29% and a significant net profit decline of over 10%, impacted by a drop in retail channel performance [6][7] - 361 Degrees showed balanced performance with a revenue growth of 10% and a net profit increase of over 8% [7] Stock Performance - The stock price increases for the four companies varied significantly, with 361 Degrees leading at nearly 50%, followed by Anta with over 20%, while Xtep and Li Ning had increases of 16% and 14%, respectively [8][9] Strategic Directions - Anta is focused on strategic acquisitions to enhance its multi-brand matrix, believing that a differentiated brand portfolio is key to sustained growth [17] - Li Ning aims to maintain a cautious approach while solidifying its business foundation and capturing structural opportunities in the market [18] - 361 Degrees is encouraging the opening of larger stores and upgrading to the latest store formats, focusing on a multi-category product ecosystem [19] - Xtep is strategically concentrating on the running segment to solidify its position as a leading brand in this category, enhancing its brand influence and market share [20]

Core Insights - Anta Sports achieved a revenue of 38.544 billion yuan in H1 2025, representing a year-on-year growth of 14.3% [1] - The net profit attributable to shareholders, excluding the dilution from Amer Sports' listing, was 7.031 billion yuan, also up 14.5% year-on-year, with a net profit margin of 18.2% [1] - The company plans to distribute an interim dividend of 1.37 HKD per share, with a stable payout ratio of 50.2% [1] Brand Performance - Anta's main brand revenue grew by 5.4% to 16.95 billion yuan in H1 2025, with a gross margin decrease of 1.7 percentage points to 54.9% due to increased investment in professional products and a higher proportion of lower-margin e-commerce sales [2] - FILA's revenue increased by 8.6% to 14.18 billion yuan, with a gross margin decline of 2.2 percentage points to 68.0% [2] - Other brands saw a significant revenue increase of 61.1% to 7.41 billion yuan, with a gross margin and operating profit margin rising to 73.9% and 33.2%, respectively, driven by high-end outdoor brands like DESCENTE and Kolon Sport [2] Channel Performance - Online sales grew by 17.6%, with online revenue accounting for 34.8% of total revenue, an increase of 2.0 percentage points year-on-year [2] - As of mid-2025, Anta's main brand operated 7,187 stores, with various new store formats being introduced [3] - FILA's store count remained stable, while DESCENTE and KOLON SPORT continued to expand rapidly [3] Strategic Initiatives - The multi-brand strategy remains central to the company's operations, with the acquisition of JACK WOLFSKIN and the establishment of a joint venture with MUSINSA to enhance market presence in China [3] - The company is expected to see net profits of 13.814 billion yuan, 15.738 billion yuan, and 17.747 billion yuan from 2025 to 2027, with year-on-year growth rates of -11.43%, 13.93%, and 12.77%, respectively [3] Outlook - The company is expected to maintain stable contributions from its main brand and FILA, while outdoor segments are anticipated to drive growth [4] - The scalability of operations and overseas expansion prospects are viewed positively, leading to a "buy" rating [4]

Core Viewpoint - Zhaoyin International has raised the target price for Anta Sports (02020) to HKD 118.55, indicating that the company's performance in the first half of the year met expectations [1] Group 1: Company Performance - Anta Sports' first-half performance aligns with expectations, with FILA's growth guidance maintained in the single digits [1] - The growth guidance for other brands has been revised upward from over 30% to over 40%, which is largely in line with Zhaoyin International's expectations [1] Group 2: Industry Outlook - The industry is anticipated to experience a recovery, positioning Anta Sports favorably within the market [1] - Zhaoyin International maintains a "Buy" rating for Anta Sports, reflecting confidence in the company's future performance [1] Group 3: Financial Projections - The target price for Anta Sports has been increased from HKD 111.54 to HKD 118.55 [1] - Net profit forecasts for 2025 to 2027 have been raised by 2% each [1]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the report is that Anta Sports' (02020) performance in the first half of the year meets expectations, indicating a positive outlook for the company [1] - The report maintains the growth guidance for FILA in terms of unit numbers, while raising the growth guidance for other brands from over 30% to over 40%, which aligns with the bank's expectations [1] - The industry is anticipated to enter a recovery phase, positioning Anta favorably within the market [1] Group 2 - The bank maintains a "Buy" rating for Anta Sports, increasing the target price from HKD 111.54 to HKD 118.55 [1] - The net profit forecasts for 2025 to 2027 have been raised by 2% each [1]

Core Viewpoint - Anta Group reported strong financial results for the first half of the year, with revenue reaching 38.544 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 14.3%, and net profit of 7.031 billion yuan, up 14.5% [1][4] Financial Performance - Revenue for the first half of the year was 38.544 billion yuan, representing a 14.3% increase year-on-year [1] - Net profit reached 7.031 billion yuan, marking a 14.5% increase compared to the previous year [1] - Operating profit was 10.131 billion yuan, with a year-on-year growth of 17% [1] - Operating profit margin stood at 26.3%, exceeding market expectations [1] Strategic Focus - The company maintains a "single focus, multi-brand, globalization" strategy, aiming to meet diverse consumer needs across different segments and scenarios [1][4] - Anta and FILA, the two main brands, both achieved revenue exceeding 30 billion yuan, demonstrating resilience and growth above industry averages [4] - Other brands, including Descente and Kolon Sport, also reported strong and high-quality growth [4] Investment and Acquisition Strategy - Anta Group plans to invest in MUSINSA China, holding a 40% stake, to align with young consumer trends and explore the integration of the fashion and sports industries [2][7] - The acquisition strategy focuses on two types of opportunities: acquiring brands with strong value and genes, and investing in high-potential emerging brands [8] - The company emphasizes the importance of not only acquiring well but also managing and collaborating effectively to enhance market competitiveness [8] Long-term Vision - Anta aims to become a world-leading multi-brand sports goods group, contributing to the construction of a strong sports nation in China [6][7] - The company has signed contracts to support 36 Chinese national teams, reflecting its commitment to social responsibility and value creation for stakeholders [6] - Anta's stock has appreciated nearly 20 times since its listing in Hong Kong in 2007, indicating a focus on long-term stakeholder benefits rather than short-term gains [7]

Core Viewpoint - The Pinault family, a major shareholder of Puma, is exploring strategic options, including the potential sale of its 29% stake in the company, with initial contacts made with potential buyers including Chinese sports brands Anta and Li Ning, as well as American companies and Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds [1][4][10]. Financial Performance - In 2023, Puma's sales increased by 6.6% year-on-year to €8.6017 billion, but net profit fell by 13.7% to €304.9 million. In 2024, sales are projected to grow by 4.4% to €8.82 billion, while net profit is expected to decline by 7.6% to €282 million [4][6]. - For Q2 of the 2025 fiscal year, Puma's sales decreased by 2.0% year-on-year to €1.9422 billion, with declines in the EMEA region (down 3.1% to €771.7 million) and the Americas (down 0.5% to €779.9 million), while Latin America saw double-digit growth [6]. Market Environment - The domestic market is experiencing volatility, with Nike reporting a 21% decline in sales in Greater China for the latest fiscal quarter [7]. - Li Ning's revenue for the first half of the year grew by 3.3% to ¥14.82 billion, but net profit fell by 11.0% to ¥1.74 billion, indicating challenges in offline customer traffic and increased competition in the sports brand sector [8][9]. Strategic Responses - Li Ning's strategy involves targeted investments and strict cost control, focusing on managing inventory and ensuring alignment between sales and stock levels [9]. - Anta's acquisition strategy appears more favorable for pursuing Puma, given its history of successful acquisitions and a focus on a multi-brand strategy [11][12]. Competitive Landscape - Anta has successfully integrated various brands, including FILA and Amer Sports, contributing to a revenue increase of 13.6% to ¥70.826 billion in 2024 [12]. - FILA's performance has been fluctuating, with a revenue increase of 6.1% to ¥26.6 billion in 2024, but facing challenges from price competition affecting profit margins [16].

Core Viewpoint - Anta Group is reportedly close to acquiring Reebok from Authentic Brands Group (ABG), which could significantly aid its overseas expansion amidst a challenging domestic market [1][20]. Company Performance - Anta's retail revenue growth has slowed, with the Anta brand showing low single-digit growth in Q2, while FILA's growth is also fluctuating [3][5]. - In 2024, Anta brand revenue is projected to be 33.5 billion yuan, a 10.6% increase, but its revenue share is expected to decline to 47.3% from 48.6% in 2023 [5]. - FILA is expected to generate 26.6 billion yuan in 2024, with a 6.1% year-on-year growth, but has faced a decline in sales in Q3 2024 [6][7]. Market Context - The domestic sports market is experiencing increased volatility, with competitors like Li Ning and Nike also reporting lower-than-expected growth [8][10]. - Nike's sales in Greater China fell by 21% in the latest quarter, indicating a challenging retail environment [8]. Strategic Moves - Anta has a history of successful acquisitions and brand management, including FILA and Amer Sports, which have contributed to its revenue growth [11][12]. - The company is pursuing a "globalization" strategy, expanding into Southeast Asia, North America, and Europe, with significant market coverage [19]. Reebok's Background - Reebok, once a leading brand in the U.S. market, has seen its market share decline significantly since the late 1980s [15]. - ABG acquired Reebok in 2022, aiming for substantial revenue growth, but recent reports indicate a 19% decline in Reebok's revenue in 2024 [17][18]. Potential Benefits of Acquisition - Acquiring Reebok could provide Anta with a foothold in the U.S. market, where it has not previously operated, and leverage Reebok's brand recognition to enhance its global presence [20].

Core Viewpoint - Anta Group is reportedly set to acquire the Reebok brand from Authentic Brands Group (ABG), with the transaction already completed [2] Group 1: Reebok's Historical Context - Reebok was founded in 1895 in Bolton, England, originally known for its first spiked running shoes [2] - The brand transitioned to the U.S. market in 1979 and experienced significant growth, even surpassing Nike in market share during its peak [2] - Reebok partnered with the NFL in 2000 and sponsored numerous athletes for the 2004 Athens Olympics [3] Group 2: Recent Ownership Changes - Adidas acquired Reebok in 2005 for $3.8 billion to enhance competition with Nike, but Reebok's market share began to decline [3] - In 2021, Adidas sold Reebok to ABG for €2.1 billion, with ABG delegating regional operations to partners, including a focus on the Chinese market [3][4] Group 3: Current Performance and Future Prospects - Reebok's global market share is projected to remain below 1.5% by 2024, indicating ongoing struggles in the second-tier brand category [4] - Anta Group, founded in 1991, has successfully expanded its brand portfolio through acquisitions, including FILA, which has become a significant revenue contributor [5][6] - Anta's revenue for 2024 is expected to reach ¥70.826 billion, a 13.58% increase year-on-year, with a net profit growth of 52.36% to ¥15.596 billion [6]