Core Insights - Anta Group achieved a revenue of 38.54 billion RMB in the first half of the year, marking a 14.3% year-on-year increase, maintaining its position as the leading brand in the Chinese market for the fourth consecutive year [1] - The company's operating profit exceeded 10 billion RMB, reaching 10.13 billion RMB, with an operating profit margin of 26.3% [1] Revenue Performance - Anta's revenue growth outpaced its competitors Li Ning and Xtep, which reported revenue increases of 3.3% and 7.1% respectively, with Anta's revenue surpassing the combined revenue of Li Ning and Xtep (approximately 21.7 billion RMB) [4] - The total revenue of Anta Group and its subsidiary Amer Sports is projected to exceed 100 billion RMB for the first time in 2024, making it the third sports group to reach this scale after Nike and Adidas [4] Brand Performance - Different brands under Anta showed varying performance, with Anta brand revenue at 16.96 billion RMB (up 5.4%), FILA at 14.18 billion RMB (up 8.6%), and other brands collectively at 7.41 billion RMB (up 61.1%) [7][8] - The gross profit for Anta brand was 9.31 billion RMB (up 2.2%), FILA at 9.64 billion RMB (up 5.1%), and other brands at 5.48 billion RMB (up 63.9%) [8] Profitability Metrics - The overall gross margin for Anta Group was 63.4%, a decrease of 0.7 percentage points year-on-year, with Anta brand's gross margin dropping to 54.9% and FILA's to 68% [9][10] - Despite a decline, Anta's gross margin remains higher than Li Ning (50%) and Xtep (44.95%) [10][11] Strategic Direction - CEO Ding Shizhong emphasized the company's global ambitions and multi-brand operational strategy, aiming to enhance brand value through acquisitions and investments in high-potential emerging brands [12][13] - Recent acquisition rumors include potential purchases of Reebok and discussions with Artemis SAS regarding Puma shares, as well as a partnership with Canadian Goose [13][16] Investment and Growth - Anta has invested in the Korean fashion e-commerce platform MUSINSA, aiming to leverage its capabilities for better market penetration in China [14][15] - The company completed the acquisition of JACK WOLFSKIN and plans to establish a joint venture with MUSINSA, reflecting its strategy of enhancing brand portfolio and operational synergy [16] Market Reaction - Following the mid-year report, Anta's stock price fell by 5.66%, indicating market concerns despite strong financial performance [17]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Anta Sports [1][7] Core Views - The company is expected to achieve revenue and net profit growth in 2024, with revenue at 708.26 billion and net profit at 155.96 billion, representing year-on-year growth of 13.6% and 52.4% respectively [2] - The main brand's stability is attributed to online contributions, while FILA faces pressure; other brands maintain high growth [3] - The company plans to expand its store count significantly by 2025, focusing on Southeast Asia and other international markets [3][7] Financial Performance - In 2024, the company's gross margin is projected to be 62.2%, a slight decrease of 0.4 percentage points year-on-year [4] - The operating profit margin (OPM) is expected to decline to 23.4%, down 1.2 percentage points year-on-year [4] - The net profit margin is forecasted to be 22.0%, an increase of 5.6 percentage points year-on-year [4] Revenue and Profit Forecast - Revenue for 2025 is projected at 770.44 billion, with a year-on-year growth of 8.78% [9] - The net profit for 2025 is estimated at 138.74 billion, reflecting a decrease of 11.04% compared to 2024 [9] - Earnings per share (EPS) for 2025 is expected to be 4.94 yuan, with a PE ratio of 18 times [9][7] Brand Performance - Revenue from Anta, FILA, and other brands for 2024 is expected to be 335.22 billion, 266.26 billion, and 106.78 billion respectively, with year-on-year growth rates of 10.6%, 6.1%, and 53.7% [3] - The online sales channel is projected to grow significantly, with online revenue expected to reach 248.6 billion, a year-on-year increase of 21.5% [3] Dividend Policy - The company plans to distribute a final dividend of 1.18 HKD per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 2.4% [2]