Media OutReach
Daphne Announces 2024 Annual Results Revenue and Profit Attributable to Shareholders up 23% and 71% Respectively
Dividend Payout Ratio was Approximately 35%
|
(RMB’ million) |
For the year ended 31 December | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | Change (%) | |
| Revenue | 322.3 | 262.6 | +23% |
| Operating profit | 96.6 | 67.6 | +43% |
| Profit attributable to shareholders | 106.6 | 62.4 | +71% |
| Basic earnings per share (RMB) | 0.054 | 0.034 | +59% |
| Final dividend per share (HKD) | 0.02 | 0.01 | +100% |
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 March 2025 – A renowned ladies’ footwear brand group in China – Daphne International Holdings Limited (“Daphne” or the “Group”, stock code: 210), today announced its annual results for the year ended 31 December 2024 (the “Year”).
In 2024, in the face of tepid consumer spending and insufficient domestic demand, the Group remained committed to refining its tried-and-true strategies to bolster its market position, demonstrating strong resilience through remarkable operational performance and strong annual results. Both revenue and operating profit experienced significant growth, providing a competitive edge over the broader market and highlighting the Group’s capability to navigate challenging times. For the Year, the Group’s total revenue increased 23% year-on-year, amounting to approximately RMB322.3 million. Operating profit surged 43% to approximately RMB96.6 million and profit attributable to shareholders significantly increased by 71% to approximately RMB106.6 million, positioning it for sustainable growth ahead. Basic earnings per share was RMB0.054. The Board of Directors recommended the payment of a final dividend of HK$0.02 per share for the Year. The dividend payout ratio was approximately 35%.
Commenting on the annual results, Mr. Chang Chih-Chiao, Daphne‘s Chief Executive Officer, said, “In 2024, in response to cautious consumer sentiment and the diversification of e-commerce channels, the Group continued to leverage its advantages as an industry leader to bolster its presence across both traditional e-commerce platforms and social media while strategically positioning itself within emerging e-commerce platforms. Drawing on its established competitive advantages and proven strategies, the Group’s business sustained healthy growth. Alongside these efforts, the Group consistently optimised its offline distribution channels, supply chain, and brand strategies, resulting in robust sales growth for the dual-brand portfolio (‘DAPHNE’ and ‘DAPHNE.LAB’) that exceeds the industry average.”
“DAPHNE”
In 2024, the Group strives to better serve the diverse needs of consumers, “DAPHNE” launched a brand rejuvenation initiative that has achieved remarkable success, with annual sales performance exceeding the Group’s expectations. In September 2024, “DAPHNE” officially announced a new brand ambassador and launched a brand new offline physical store design, making a bold return to the ladies’ footwear market with a refreshed image. This endorsement not only deepens the emotional resonance between the “DAPHNE” brand and contemporary women but also inspires every woman to bravely be herself and walk with confidence. This revitalisation was complemented by the launch of the original “CloudSoft” collection, characterised by its comfort, lightweight design, and functionality, reflecting the brand’s poised yet effortless aesthetic. Additionally, the brand’s new product categories, including children’s shoes and handbags, have shown promising initial results. With these new ventures on track, the “DAPHNE” brand sees significant potential for future growth.
Furthermore, the Group continues to actively bolster its footprint in the e-commerce arena. While maintaining a leading advantage on traditional e-commerce platforms such as “Tmall”, “VIP.com”, and “JD.com”, the Group has also kept investing in emerging platforms like “Douyin” and “Pinduoduo”, achieving higher-than-expected growth and significant results, establishing itself as a top player on these platforms. To further bolster growth, the Group explored innovative sales channels that leverage social media attributes such as “Douyin”, “RedNote” and “DEWU.com”. This strategy not only attracted younger demographics but also generated positive brand exposure among key consumer segments. In addition, “DAPHNE” products are competitively priced and offer excellent value for money, greatly increasing their strong appeal across a wide range of consumers. Recognising the growing preference for value-for-money products, the Group has ramped up its marketing efforts to foster deeper interactions with customers, successfully establishing a strong brand presence on high-traffic online platforms to drive long-term growth. Despite overall market challenges, the Group’s commitment to its brand strategy has once again translated to tangible results.
“DAPHNE.LAB”
The avant-garde brand “DAPHNE.LAB” celebrated its first anniversary with widespread market recognition for its originality and bold, innovative spirit. “DAPHNE.LAB” has brought the “Dare To Be” brand ethos to life through striking designs and creative marketing campaigns, successfully capturing the hearts of young consumers. Leveraging on its product quality, competitive pricing and unique designs, “DAPHNE.LAB” has cultivated a devoted customer base and achieved satisfactory sales performance, particularly in the e-commerce sector.
During the Year, the Group continued to partner with renowned artists and designers to develop innovative collections. In May 2024, “DAPHNE.LAB” launched the co-branded “Quirky Romantic Collection” with an artist, which was met with enthusiastic response. “DAPHNE.LAB” joined creative forces with a prominent Chinese designer in September 2024 to launch “Dare To Break Rules” collection and made its debut on the official Paris Fashion Week runway, bringing Chinese design to the world stage and garnering significant attention from both domestic and international media. These successful collaborations underscore the Group’s unwavering commitment to fostering original design and its ambition to carve out a significant presence globally. In addition, the Group actively partnered with social media influencers to enhance customer interaction, resulting in an increase in sales. The Group has also expanded market reach by launching “DAPHNE.LAB” online stores and directly-managed stores. In November 2024, it opened a “DAPHNE.LAB” pop-up store in a youth-oriented, non-traditional shopping mall in Chengdu, which has shown better space efficiency than in typical shopping malls. The pop-up store successfully captured the young consumer demographic that resonates with the Group’s products, fostering stronger connections with its target audience.
In light of the growing sales, the Group kept injecting marketing resources to further optimise its supply chain, ensuring stringent quality control from production to retail, striving to be more refined and precise. During the Year, the Group digitised its workflows, and unified and integrated its large-scale transportation processes, resulting in significant improvements in both efficiency and quality control. These advancements have created a more robust and mature supply chain, enabling the Group to continuously expand its product categories to meet evolving consumer demands while maintaining high standards of quality and service.
Outlook
Despite encountering a range of external pressures, China’s long-term potential growth remains robust, bolstered by government initiatives aimed at stimulating economic growth through increased consumer spending and expanded domestic demand. While consumer sentiment remains cautious and price-sensitive, the Group holds a conservative yet optimistic view of the domestic economic outlook for 2025.
Looking ahead to 2025, Mr. Chang Chih-Chiao, Chief Executive Officer, said, “To address this cautious and conservative consumer sentiment, the Group will closely monitor policy directions and market trends, making timely adjustments to strategies in product design, category expansion, production techniques, supply chain, and sales channels for greater flexibility in order to cater to consumers who prioritise value and quality. To stay attuned to market demand, the Group will allocate more marketing resources to support the ‘DAPHNE’ brand’s development, including the launch of the Spring 2025 ‘Sweet Dreams’ collection products, alongside the introduction of a new brand ambassador to elevate its appeal. Building on initial successful expansions into new categories such as children’s shoes and handbags, ‘DAPHNE’ will diversify its product offerings while remaining receptive to further growth opportunities. Meanwhile, ‘DAPHNE.LAB’ aims for ambitious sales growth by focusing on developing fashionable, high-quality footwear with unique designs. ‘DAPHNE.LAB’ will also actively seek more collaborative opportunities to expand its reach, particularly among high-spending younger generations. Furthermore, the Group will maintain its focus on e-commerce channels to capitalise on the vibrant online retail market. In the face of the challenging consumer environment, the Group is confident that its years of industry experience and strong brand awareness, combined with efforts to enhance its operations and adaptability, will enable it to stand out and maintain a favourable position in the market to provide high-quality products to consumers and create better returns for the shareholders of the Company and investors.”
Hashtag: #Daphne
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Daphne
Daphne is a renowned ladies’ footwear brand group in China which primarily engaged in the brand licensing, distribution and sale of footwear products and accessories in Mainland China. The Group currently boasts two major brands, among which the core brand “Daphne” has become a leading mass-market ladies’ footwear brand in Mainland China. The innovative brand “DAPHNE.LAB”, launched in 2023, garnered favorable market response upon the debut of its unique designed original collections.
Hardware Built for Local Conditions
The company isn’t just showing off standard gear; they’ve brought systems specifically designed to handle the challenges of the local energy landscape.
- PowerX1 Hybrid Inverters: Intelligent energy management, seamlessly switching between solar, battery, and grid for stable, uninterrupted power. Supports multi-source integration and rapid power transition.
- Powerinfi All-in-one ESS: ISO 13849 PL-d and IEC 62443 certified for functional safety and cybersecurity. Features a multi-layer battery safety system within a compact design.
- Advanced Solar & System Protection: Incorporates N-type HOT3.0 solar cell technology for enhanced low-light performance. The system boasts an IP66 rating for superior dust and water resistance.
A New Partnership with MIA Group
The big news from the show floor is the new Annual Channel Distribution Strategic Partnership with MIA Group. MIA Group is already a household name in Pakistan for HVAC and energy, and this deal means they’ll be the main bridge for Midea Hiconics’ tech to reach the local market.
“We’re excited to get to work with MIA Group,” a Midea Hiconics spokesperson said. “They have the reach and the local knowledge we need. By putting our hardware in their hands, we’re making it much easier for people here to switch to reliable, clean energy without the usual headaches.”
Media Contact:
Midea Hiconics Press Office
Website: https://www.hiconics-global.com/
Location: Solar Pakistan 2026, Booth A-3-8
Hashtag: #MideaHiconics
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Midea Hiconics
Midea Hiconics (SHE: 300048) has been around since 2003 and joined the Midea Group in 2020. They focus on green energy, home storage, and industrial tech, building smart tools that help people take control of their own power.
Check out https://www.hiconics-global.com/ for more info.
Media OutReach
Green SM And Umoney Partner To Build An Integrated Mobility And Digital Finance Ecosystem In Laos
Under the agreement, Umoney will be integrated as a direct payment method within the Green SM app. The two parties will also implement an embedded integration model enabling Umoney users to seamlessly access Green SM’s mobility services directly within the Umoney platform.
For the first time in Laos, customers will experience a fully seamless ride-hailing journey with fares processed instantly via the Umoney e-wallet upon trip completion, replacing the previously common manual bank transfer method. Users simply link their Umoney wallet to the Green SM app for fast, convenient, and fully cashless transactions. Additionally, customers using partner banking applications can pay drivers through Umoney’s QR system, delivering a flexible, fast, and secure payment experience that enhances user convenience and broadens customer reach across both platforms.
As part of the collaboration, Green SM Laos will provide comprehensive mobility solutions for Umoney’s enterprise partners and individual customers, including Green SM Car electric ride-hailing, Green SM Limo, Green SM Airport transfer services, as well as corporate travel packages and flexible, customized mobility plans. Umoney, in turn, will collaborate with Green SM to develop digital financial and payment solutions tailored for drivers within the Green SM ecosystem, encompassing e-wallet services, direct income disbursement, operational expense payments, and cash flow management tools. This synergy is designed to optimize operational efficiency while enhancing the experience for businesses, drivers, and end-users alike.
Beyond mobility and payment solutions, both parties plan to expand their shared digital services ecosystem by integrating Umoney and Unitel’s telecommunications and digital utilities into the Green SM platform, including SIM card registration, mobile top-ups, data package purchases, and other digital services, thereby enhancing the value proposition for users across both platforms.
The two companies will also jointly roll out customer benefit programs targeting Umoney users in Laos, with a particular focus on airports, transaction points, and key high-traffic locations. Through integrated service offerings and incentives promoting electric mobility, Green SM and Umoney aim to foster environmentally responsible travel habits while delivering greater value to customers within their shared ecosystem.
Mr. Ha Chien Thang, Director of Star Fintech Sole Co., Ltd, shared:”Our partnership with Green SM marks a significant milestone in Umoney’s strategy to develop a comprehensive digital finance ecosystem in Laos. The integration of payment capabilities and digital services not only enhances user convenience but also contributes to the advancement of cashless payments and the broader digital transformation of the economy.”
Ms. Tran Hanh An, Director of Mobility Services Sales at Green SM Vietnam & Laos, stated: “The partnership between Umoney and Green SM reflects a shared commitment to connecting the essential infrastructures of modern urban life, from digital finance and telecommunications to a green mobility ecosystem. Through this collaboration, we aim to expand benefits for our customers and driver community while driving meaningful green transformation that is firmly grounded in everyday mobility and consumption needs.”
Furthermore, Green SM and Umoney will collaborate on multi-channel communications initiatives to strengthen brand awareness and expand their combined customer base. Planned activities include co-branded campaigns, promotional programs for new users, digital platform communications, and on-ground experiential activations in key markets.
The partnership between Green SM and Umoney marks a significant convergence of two leading ecosystems in green mobility and digital finance in Laos, united in their pursuit of integrated service solutions that meet the increasingly diverse demands of modern urban life. This collaboration also represents a pivotal step toward fostering innovation, elevating the user experience, and contributing to the sustainable growth of the digital economy in Laos.
Hashtag: #GreenSM
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Global Leaders Converge to Shape the Future of Higher Education in Asia
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 April 2026 – The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and Times Higher Education (THE) co-hosted the Asia Universities Summit 2026 from April 22 to 24. Under the theme “Igniting Global Transformation: Asia’s Leadership,” the three-day premier event explores Asia’s pivotal role in reshaping global innovation and addressing pressing societal challenges through higher education.
The Summit holds particular significance as it coincides with HKUST’s 35th anniversary and marks a decade of partnership between the University and THE since the inaugural summit. This year’s event has attracted over 600 university presidents, policymakers, and industry titans from 25 countries and regions, underscoring a collective commitment to advancing the academic landscape across the continent.
The Summit officially commenced on April 22 at HKUST’s Shaw Auditorium, with the opening ceremony officiated by Dr. SZE Chun-Fai, Jeff, Acting Secretary for Education of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government; Prof. Nancy IP, President of HKUST; Phil BATY, Chief Global Affairs Officer, and Mei Mei LIM, President, Asia Pacific, from THE.
In her opening remarks, President Ip underscored the need for cross-border collaboration and the evolving role of universities in a rapidly changing world. She said, “As HKUST celebrates its anniversary and a decade of partnership with Times Higher Education, we gather at a defining moment for our region. Asia is increasingly shaping the direction of global innovation, talent development, and societal transformation. In this era of rapid technological advancement and constant change—from artificial intelligence to climate resilience—the challenge of progress lies in anticipating needs and shaping solutions, which calls for a fundamental rethinking of how universities lead. At HKUST, we firmly believe that no single institution can address these global challenges alone; progress will come through openness, partnership, and shared responsibility.
Hong Kong is unique in being the only city in the world with five universities ranked among the global top 100, underscoring its role as a leading international hub for exchange and innovation. Building on this strength, HKUST has initiated dialogues with the world’s leading universities and invited them to Hong Kong to explore opportunities for a university town. This Summit reflects our long‑standing commitment to bringing institutions together to exchange ideas, build meaningful collaborations, and take collective action. By convening leaders from across Asia and beyond, we aim to turn thoughtful dialogue into real impact for our communities and for society at large.”
Dr. SZE Chun-Fai, Jeff, highlighted Hong Kong’s unique position as an international education hub, stating, “Universities today are not only centers of knowledge creation but also powerful drivers of innovation, resilience, and societal impact. In an era of rapid technological advancement, higher education must translate cutting-edge research into real-world solutions that address global challenges. HKUST exemplifies this excellence and achieves remarkable rankings, with its entrepreneurial story equally unmatched, demonstrating the worldwide impact of its research discoveries. Hong Kong has long served as the world’s super-connector and super-value adder, bridging East and West. Our highly internationalized and diversified post-secondary education system positions us ideally to facilitate this convergence between global academic networks and the opportunities of the Chinese Mainland and the wider region. Education, technology, and talent form a foundational triad for success. By fostering talent attraction, interdisciplinary education, industry-academic partnerships, and research collaborations with our counterparts elsewhere, we are building a vibrant ecosystem that strengthens Hong Kong’s innovation edge, contributing to Asia as well as national development.”
Phil Baty reaffirmed THE’s enduring partnership of trust with HKUST and celebrated Asia’s rising global influence, stating, “A decade ago, right here on this stunning campus, THE launched its first-ever Asia Universities Summit. Today, we are witnessing a tilt in the balance of power in global higher education and research from the West to the East. This extraordinary trajectory is driven by Asia’s booming research productivity and global ambitions. Hong Kong, with five universities now ranked among the world’s top 100, stands at the heart of this transformation—a city which we believe will remain the flagship atop the rising tide across Asia, cementing its position as a world-leading powerhouse. New knowledge creation is not a zero-sum game, as we all gain from the leapfrogging Asian university sector. This Summit is a celebration of your excellence and the glorious diversity of our academic community.”
Following the opening ceremony, President Ip joined Prof. Martin O. BERGÖ, Vice-President of Karolinska Institutet, in a keynote fireside chat on longevity science. The discussion explored how advances in biomedicine, neuroscience, and translational research can extend both lifespan and healthspan, while contributing to resilient and equitable societies. President Ip shared insights from her pioneering neuroscience research, including the University’s efforts to decode the biological basis of healthy aging. She said, “Healthy aging is not just about adding years to life, but adding life to our years. We need a paradigm shift from reactive to proactive care. At HKUST, we are focused on monitoring risks for any diseases early and implementing preventive measures. Longevity science is about extending the ‘healthspan’ and as a university, we have much to offer through our research and collaborations. We are uniquely positioned to contribute to this field.”
A spotlight on the first day was a fireside chat between Prof. Harry SHUM, Chairman of the HKUST Council, and Judson ALTHOFF, CEO of Microsoft’s Commercial Business. The dialogue delved into the transformative power of AI across both industry and academia, discussing how universities can collaborate with global technology leaders to prepare students for an AI‑pervasive world. Emphasis was placed not only on technological capability, but also on trust, critical thinking and mindset change within institutions.
Prof. Shum underscored the importance of embracing AI across disciplines, “For our university, at this time, the number one priority is really a mindset change—to focus on AI for science, engineering, business, humanities, and medicine. AI is already here. We do not have to be afraid of this technology. It is a powerful new tool for us and a wonderful thing that we must learn and master to drive growth and innovation.”
Throughout the Summit, President Ip participated in two leadership meetings with over 15 university presidents and senior leaders from institutions across Asia, engaging in candid, strategy‑focused exchanges on shared regional challenges. One session examined how Asia’s emerging innovation corridors—from the Greater Bay Area to other fast‑growing technology belts—can redefine global technology leadership, with discussions centered on governance models and cross‑border collaboration. Another session focused on shaping next‑generation cities, exploring how universities can align research, talent development and policy engagement to support sustainable urban transformation amid rapid technological and societal change. These high-level dialogues emphasized the need for strategic alignment between academic research and regional development, reinforcing the Summit’s mission to leverage Asian leadership for global transformation through collaborative institutional design and shared expertise.
Across a series of high‑level sessions, HKUST senior leadership played an active role in shaping discussions on inclusive leadership, trusted AI in higher education, research commercialization, climate resilience, and global research collaboration. The sessions examined how universities can strengthen governance frameworks to ensure the responsible and ethical use of AI, while cultivating innovation ecosystems that translate research outcomes into socio-economic impact.
The dialogue also addressed strategies for nurturing entrepreneurship, climate‑proofing rapidly growing cities through interdisciplinary engineering approaches, and sustaining borderless research collaboration amid rising geopolitical and regulatory pressures. Collectively, these contributions highlighted HKUST’s commitment to advancing responsible innovation, international partnership, and university leadership attuned to Asia’s evolving challenges and global responsibilities.
The three-day event concluded with a closing ceremony, cementing new strategic partnerships and a shared vision for the future of higher education in the region.
Download photos here: https://hkust.edu.hk/news/hkust-and-times-higher-education-co-host-asia-universities-summit-2026
Hashtag: #HKUST
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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