Anta Sports Hits Record 80 Billion Yuan Revenue as Global Expansion Weighs on Profits

nta Sports Group has officially crossed a historic threshold, reporting a record-breaking revenue of over 80 billion yuan (approximately 10 billion euros) for the 2025 fiscal year. The 13.3 percent increase cements the Chinese conglomerate’s status as a top-tier global player, firmly holding its position as the world's third-largest sporting goods manufacturer behind only Nike and Adidas.

However, the milestone comes with a caveat: the company’s bottom line took a hit as it prioritizes long-term global positioning over short-term gains.

Profitability Dips Amid "Base Effects"

Despite the surge in sales, Anta reported a 7.8 percent decline in net profit, which fell to 15.66 billion yuan (1.95 billion euros). Executives pointed to several factors for the contraction:

• Extraordinary Income: A high "base effect" from 2024, which was bolstered by one-off gains from the Amer Sports IPO.

• Rising Costs: Increased operational expenses and personnel costs—which rose nearly 17 percent—following recent international acquisitions.

• Margin Pressure: A slight tightening of margins as the group invests heavily in new markets and technical innovation.

The Multi-Brand Engine: Descente and Kolon Lead the Charge

While the flagship Anta brand saw moderate growth of 3.7 percent, the group’s "multi-brand" strategy is paying dividends through its high-end outdoor labels.

The Multi-Brand Engine: Descente and Kolon Lead the Charge

While the flagship Anta brand saw moderate growth of 3.7 percent, the group’s "multi-brand" strategy is paying dividends through its high-end outdoor labels.

A Digital Pivot: AI and Retail Optimization

Anta is fundamentally reshaping how it reaches consumers. After years of rapid brick-and-mortar expansion, the group shifted to a "quality over quantity" model in 2025. The company shuttered a net total of 32 locations to optimize productivity and brand experience, with more closures expected.

Simultaneously, the group launched its "AI365 Strategy," an ambitious push into artificial intelligence. This includes:

• Live Commerce: 24/7 AI-generated avatars hosting sales sessions.

• Product Development: Utilizing AI to accelerate R&D and design cycles, which saw a 10 percent boost in investment to 2.2 billion yuan.

The Global Chessboard: Puma and Amer Sports

Anta’s international footprint expanded significantly through strategic stake-building. The group recently became the largest shareholder of German giant Puma after acquiring a 29.06 percent stake for 1.5 billion euros.

This adds to a formidable portfolio that includes the Amer Sports Group (parent of Salomon, Arc'teryx, and Atomic). The group also finalized its acquisition of the German outdoor brand Jack Wolfskin for $290 million, positioning Anta to challenge established European and North American brands on their own turf.

"Growth is the best corporate culture, but it is not about simple expansion of scale," said Ding Shizhong, Board Chairman of Anta Sports. "It is about winning through products and winning through operations."