ANTA Sports declares HK$1.51 interim dividend; posts double-digit profit growth

ANTA Sports announced an interim dividend of HKD 1.51 per share for the six months ended 30 June 2026, with ex-dividend on 8 September and a record date of 9 September, underscoring ongoing shareholder returns. The group posted solid H1 2026 results, with revenue up 12.9% to RMB43.5 billion and profit up 12.9% to RMB7.94 billion, supported by improved operating margins and continued brand, distribution, and international expansion. Cash generation remained robust, highlighted by RMB13.081 billion from operations and RMB11.63 billion in free cash flow, and the board declared an interim dividend of HK151 cents per ordinary share. Short interest in ANTA declined sharply in August, with only 17 shares short as of August 14, down from 1,257 at the end of July, indicating improving sentiment. The company is expected to release its next quarterly results before the market opens on August 26, with consensus estimates around EPS of 0.3959 and revenue of 6.4115 billion for the quarter. Analysts remain broadly positive, with DBS maintaining a Buy rating and price target around HK$106.20, and a market consensus rating of Strong Buy with a target near HK$102.02.