Despite challenges such as weak in-store foot traffic, adverse weather conditions, and intense industry competition, ANTA SPORTS (HKEX: 02020) demonstrated resilience in its second-quarter retail sales, according to a research note. Both the ANTA brand and FILA recorded low single-digit year-on-year growth, while other brands saw growth of 25% to 30%, outperforming industry peers.

This performance is seen as reflecting the company's healthy inventory levels, stable retail discounts, and its continued ability to gain market share in the premium segment.

The report also addressed the resignation of the ANTA brand's CEO, Xu Yang, for personal and family reasons, with Group Co-CEO Lai Shixian taking over the acting role. Management has described this as a normal organizational adjustment. Citing the example of the FILA brand, which saw a re-acceleration of growth after a CEO change in 2025, the analysis anticipates a limited impact on the overall business from the leadership transition.

Consequently, the firm has reiterated its 'Buy' rating on ANTA SPORTS and maintained its target price of HK$89.2.