Key Takeaways:
- POP MART shares rose as much as 3.1% to HKD 168.7 on July 20
- Duan Yongping and Wang Ning appeared together publicly for the first time
- BOCOM International cut its target price to HKD 218.9 citing slowing overseas growth
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POP MART spikes 3% as major shareholders appear at World Cup final
POP MART (09992.HK) shares rose as much as 3.1% to HKD 168.7 after two major shareholders posted a photo together at the World Cup final.
"Watching the match!" Duan Yongping, the mainland investor known as China's Buffett, posted on social media alongside a photo with POP MART founder Wang Ning. The post marks the first public joint appearance of the company's two largest shareholders.
The photo showed Duan in a Spain jersey and Wang in an Argentina jersey, both carrying LABUBU football-themed accessories — a subtle product placement from the toy maker known for its blind-box collectibles. Spain won the tournament 1-0 over defending champion Argentina at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with President Donald Trump presenting the trophy. POP MART shares closed midday at HKD 165.9, up 1.41%, with turnover of 5.76 million shares worth HKD 959 million. Short selling accounted for HKD 221.7 million, or 23.1% of total turnover, suggesting some traders bet against the rally.
The public display of alignment between the two major shareholders points to insider confidence at a time when BOCOM International cut its price target to HKD 218.9, citing slowing overseas growth in the first quarter of 2026 while China market growth remained strong. The intraday breakout above HKD 168 resistance could attract momentum buyers, though the reduced target implies about 32% upside from the midday close — a narrower margin than before.
Duan Yongping, who built his fortune through early investments in companies including NetEase and BYD, has been a vocal supporter of POP MART on social media, frequently posting about the company's products. Wang Ning founded the company in 2010 and has expanded it from a Beijing boutique to a global toy retailer with operations across Asia, North America and Europe. The pair's joint appearance at a marquee global event comes as POP MART pushes deeper into international markets, with overseas revenue growth a key focus for investors.
The World Cup final drew global attention, with Trump using the occasion to tout the U.S. as a soccer market and propose another American bid for the tournament. For POP MART, the visibility at such an event aligns with its international expansion strategy. The company has been opening stores in major U.S. cities and partnering with global entertainment franchises to broaden its appeal beyond its core Asian market.
Investors will watch for any follow-up share purchases or formal statements from either shareholder, as well as the company's next earnings report for updated overseas growth figures.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
