Media OutReach
Stella’s 2024 Net Profit Up 21%, Exceeding Targets of Three-Year Plan Once Again
Full-Year Dividend Rises to HK171 Cents, Inclusive of Special Dividend of HK56 Cents Distributed under Excess Cash Return Program
Highlights:
- Shipment volumes increased by 8.2%
- Operating profit increased by 15.7% to US$184.5 million
- Operating profit margin increased to 11.9%, from 10.7% last year
- Net profit increased by 21.2% to US$170.1 million
- Solid net cash position of US$417.6 million, representing an increase of 45.3% compared to US$287.4 million as at 31 December 2023
- Recommended payment of final dividend of HK50 cents per share and an additional special dividend of HK56 cents per share under our Excess Cash Return Program. Total dividend for full-year 2024 is HK171 cents
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 March 2025 – Stella International Holdings Limited (“Stella” or the “Group”; SEHK: 1836), a leading developer and manufacturer of quality footwear and leather goods products, today announced its annual results for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Three-Year Plan (2023-2025) Delivering Strong Returns and Significant Value
In 2024, for the second consecutive year, we surpassed the dual targets of our Three-Year Plan – achieving a 10% operating margin and delivering low-teens annualized growth in profit after tax.
Revenue and shipment volumes increased by 3.5% and 8.2% respectively to US$1,545.1 million and 53 million pairs, driven by our Sports and Fashion categories. The average selling price (“ASP”) of our footwear products decreased year-on-year, due to a higher proportion of Sports products, which have a lower ASP, as well as raw material price deflation.
Margin Expansion Driven by Enhanced Customer Mix and Optimisation of Capacity Allocation
Our operating margin for the full-year expanded to 11.9% (before changes in fair value of financial instruments), compared to 10.7% in 2023. We accomplished this by executing our strategic initiatives focused on attracting and growing with our new customers, which allowed us to expand and diversify our customer portfolio and optimise the reallocation of our production capacity. The margin expansion was also attributable to enhanced operating leverage and efficiency improvement.
Due to the factors outlined above, the Group’s net profit increased by 21.2% to US$170.1 million. Excluding a net fair value change from its investment in Lanvin Group, the Group recorded an adjusted net profit of US$171.2 million (2023: US$147.6 million). Our adjusted net profit margin was 11.1% (2023: 9.9%).
Working Capital Optimisation Delivers Significant ROIC Improvement
In 2024, we delivered a Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) of 21.6%, more than a double of the 10% ROIC achieved in 2019. This success was driven by our strong working capital optimisation and efficiency, as well as our disciplined approach to capital expenditure and investments focused on maximising returns.
Solid Net Cash Position
We maintained our strong focus on managing our working capital usage and cash flow. As of 31 December 2024, our net cash position was US$417.6 million, an increase of 45.3% compared to a net cash position of US$287.4 million as at 31 December 2023. About US$100 million of the cash is reserved for completing our upcoming new sports footwear factory in Indonesia, and US$180 million is reserved for our Excess Cash Return Program for shareholders announced in August 2024. Therefore, the Group’s net gearing ratio was -37.4% as at 31 December 2024, compared to -26.9% as at 31 December 2023.
Final Dividend in Line With Normal Payout Ratio, With Additional Special Dividend of HK56 Cents Under Excess Cash Return Program
After considering the Group’s free cash flow situation, strong cash level, and pre-funded capital expenditure projects, the Board has resolved to recommend payment of a final dividend of HK50 cents per ordinary share. Combined with the interim dividend of HK65 cents per ordinary share, this maintains the Company’s normal payout ratio of approximately 71% set against our adjusted net profit.
We are also delighted to announce a special dividend of HK56 cents per ordinary share. This special dividend fulfils our promise to return US$60 million annually to our shareholders from 2024 to 2026, as we announced in our Excess Cash Return Program in August 2024, in addition to our normal payout ratio of about 70%.
As a result, the full-year dividend for the year ended 31 December 2024 is HK171 cents per ordinary share.
HSCI Inclusion and Stock Connect Unlock New Avenues for Global Investor Access and Liquidity
2024 marked several milestones that enhanced our market position and investor appeal. We became a constituent of the Hang Seng Composite Index (HSCI), a testament to our growing stature in the market. Additionally, we qualified for the Shanghai-Hong Kong and Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect programs, unlocking direct access for our mainland Chinese shareholders and broadening liquidity opportunities.
Outlook: Prioritising Maintaining High Product Quality Levels Through Controlled Expansion
We will likely face some macroeconomic headwinds and geopolitical uncertainties in 2025. Some of these will be partially offset as we ramp up shipments to out-performing customers in the high-end Fashion segment and begin shipments to new customers in the Sports segment, which should support a modest increase in overall shipment volumes in 2025. We will continue to optimise our production allocation between our Luxury and high-end Fashion categories and our non-Sports manufacturing facilities will continue to operate at close to full utilisation.
Our primary focus in 2025 will be maintaining high product quality levels as we gradually ramp up our new facilities in Solo, Indonesia, and Bangladesh. This controlled expansion aligns with our long-term strategy of ensuring quality growth, while increasing our capacity for higher-margin product orders. While we anticipate a moderation in the pace of our profit growth, we are confident about once again meeting our targets of a 10% operating margin and low-teens CAGR in profit after tax as set out under our Three-Year Plan.
Mr. Chi Lo-Jen, Chief Executive Officer of the Group, said, “Despite softening consumer sentiment, we are expanding production capacity to meet solid demand from our diversified customer base. While increased U.S. trade tariffs on China may present challenges to the market, most of our customers are leveraging our diversified production base to produce in multiple countries and adopting ‘China-for-China’ production strategies, which will help mitigate potential material impacts on our business.”
Mr. Lawrence Chen, Chairman of the Group, said, “Having largely achieved the objectives outlined in the Three-Year Plan, including enhancing our category mix, improving working capital, and strengthening cost efficiency, our primary objective in 2025 is to ensure quality growth. We remain fully committed to delivering value for our shareholders and all other stakeholders.”
Hashtag: #StellaInternational
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Stella International Holdings Limited
Stella International (SEHK: 1836) is a leading developer and manufacturer of quality footwear and leather goods. A trusted partner to many of the world’s most sought-after brands, it offers a unique proposition of unparalleled craftsmanship, production flexibility, and strong speed-to-market and commercialization capability, supported by a broad, diverse and proven manufacturing base across China and Southeast Asia.
Stella International was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2007. It is a constituent of the Hang Seng Composite Index and the MSCI Hong Kong Small Cap Index, and eligible to be traded on the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect and Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect.
Every experienced trader knows a handful of tell-tale signs indicating an unreliable broker. This awareness can come from personal experience, common sense, or secondhand accounts. In any case, these red flags define traders’ choices. They are essential knowledge for those starting their journey in the financial markets or seeking an opportunity to engage with a new broker.
As a trusted broker focusing on building long-term, mutually beneficial client relations, Octa regularly researches traders’ behaviours. Here’s what traders think about brokers’ red flags.
Realistic expectations
First and foremost, Octa’s survey revealed a strong interest in brokers’ promises. It turns out traders are highly unappreciative of murky, evasive, and overly optimistic messages. This kind of false assurance and misleading self-positioning on the part of a broker can turn them off even before their trading journey begins.
When asked about major red flags in brokers’ advertising and positioning, South African and Malaysian traders indicated the most concern about companies that promise easy and unrealistic gains: 62% and 60%, respectively. 36% of Indonesian traders also said this type of misrepresentation was enough to scare them off.
Guaranteed profits declared by the broker are also a major red flag for traders in various regions. This is especially true about South Africa, where 40% of survey participants said they wouldn’t engage with a broker promising bulletproof positive outcomes.
Chart manipulations: a universal red flag
Unsurprisingly, more than half of the respondents in all countries indicated that trading chart manipulations like creating artificial gaps or manipulating candlesticks would be a major concern and would most probably lead to saying goodbye to a broker, regardless of other factors.
There is almost no discrepancy between different survey countries regarding this red flag: between 54% and 61% of traders stay away from brokers that allow such malpractices.
As a regulated and trusted broker, Octa works with independent, third-party liquidity providers to offer its clients non-distorted market prices. Octa also provides access to historical chart data so that traders can verify that the broker’s prices align with actual market conditions and that there were no chart manipulations or price slippages at any given time.
Fast withdrawals as a recognised sign of reliability
A surprisingly high percentage of participants said they had encountered serious fund withdrawal issues in their trading careers. As many as 27% of respondents in South Africa indicated they had had this problem at some point in their trading journey.
21% of Indonesian and 19% of Malaysian traders also had insoluble problems with the cash withdrawal process when engaging with various financial brokers. Nigerian traders were less exposed to this negative side of the trading experience, with only 14% reporting unsolved withdrawal issues.
Octa recommends testing a broker first-hand and forming your own opinion instead of mindlessly believing optimistic promises. Among other advantages, the broker offers a fast and efficient withdrawal procedure that can easily be tested by any trader who engages with Octa, regardless of the country.
High fees can be a deal-breaker
When asked what broker’s flaw is most likely to stop them from becoming the broker’s client, most survey participants highlighted the following two main reasons:
- high spreads and hidden trading commissions (from 29% in South Africa to 39% in Indonesia)
- slow, non-transparent, or unfavourable cash withdrawal procedures and rules (from 13% to 29%, depending on the country).
These results show that traders highly value full transparency and fair trading conditions in addition to fast and efficient withdrawals. Indeed, when it comes to intraday trading, high spreads or hidden fees can turn a profitable trading session into a losing one. Such an outcome can come as a shock to a trader if the real-life commissions and fees differ from those indicated by a broker in terms and conditions.
Wrong moves
The Octa’s survey was not limited to brokers’ red flags and made a foray into traders’ self-reflection. When asked what trading mistakes led them to significant losses, survey participants indicated the following reasons as the most prevalent:
- trading when affected by strong emotions
- forgetting about management tools
- placing orders intuitively, without any specific strategy in mind
- executing strategies without trying them on the demo account first.
Other reasons for making bad trading decisions include trading when feeling fatigued. Overall, it is safe to say that emotional behaviours are among the most dangerous negative factors affecting traders’ performance.
The research established that Indonesian, Malaysian, South African, and Nigerian traders prefer to work with brokers that provide a sense of security and transparency. They look for clear, predictable, and honest procedures that avoid hidden fees or complex withdrawal conditions, which can help establish long-term relationships with brokers based on mutual respect and clarity.
___
Disclaimer: Trading involves risks and may not be suitable for all investors. Use your expertise wisely and evaluate all associated risks before making an investment decision.
Hashtag: #Octa
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Octa
Octa is an international CFD broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.
The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.
In Southeast Asia, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.
Media OutReach
Announcement of Corporate Rebranding: IAT (Singapore) Technology Pte. Ltd. Transitions to IAS Global Pte. Ltd.
A Unified Global Brand: IAS ANALYSIS
As part of IAS Global Co., Ltd., the Company now operates under the globally recognized brand name IAS ANALYSIS (IAS), which reflects core expertise in providing personalized and intelligent spectral analysis technology terminal products and services through technological and product innovation. The IAS brand represents precision, agility, and a forward-thinking approach, unifying all subsidiaries under a single identity to strengthen international presence and client-centric business philosophy.
Enhanced Brand Identity and Logo
IAS Global Pte. Ltd. will adopt the global IAS ANALYSIS logo, harmonized across all regions to signify the Company’s alignment with the group’s strategic vision and technological excellence. The refreshed logo embodies innovation, connectivity, and commitment to a borderless future.
Consistency in Excellence
While the Company’s name and visual identity evolve, the foundational values, leadership, and dedication to client success remain unchanged. Clients and partners will continue to receive the same high-quality services, now amplified by IAS ANALYSIS’s global network, advanced spectral analytics capabilities, and collaborative resources.
Following the brand refresh and upgrade, both the old and new logos will coexist in the international market during the transition period. Both old and new packaging are authentic and certified products of the company.
Looking Forward
The Company is excited to embark on this new chapter as IAS Global Pte. Ltd., and extend gratitude to clients, partners, and employees for the steadfast support. Together, the Company will continue to uphold its mission of ‘Illuminating Intelligence’ collaborating with global partners to jointly build a new intelligent analysis ecosystem and promote the sustainable development of society through spectral analysis technology.
For inquiries, contact [service@ias-glb.com] or visit [www.ias-glb.com].
IAS Global Pte. Ltd.
A subsidiary of IAS Global Co., Ltd. | Unified Brand: IAS ANALYSIS (IAS)
Tel: +65-91995851
Website: www.ias-glb.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iasglb
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iasglb
Uniting local expertise with global vision – the future is IAS ANALYSIS.
Hashtag: #IASGlobal #IASANALYSIS
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
In collaboration with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Group has transformed the Lambeth Walk Rest Garden into the Art Garden, an outdoor space adjacent to The Henderson—the Group’s super Grade-A commercial development. This Art Garden seamlessly blends art, innovation and sustainability. The Art Garden officially opened its doors to the public, showcasing a collection of nature-inspired artworks by renowned local and international artists. Amongst which, the artwork created by local artist group resonates with the design philosophy of The Henderson and incorporates conservation elements. This artwork will be on display until 31 May.
An artistic sanctuary showcasing international and local artists
The Art Garden and The Henderson share a strong connection. Also designed by the world-leading Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), the Art Garden’s elegant curves echo and extend the architectural vision and innovative spirit of The Henderson, making it the first sculpture garden by ZHA in Asia.
Inside the garden, a collection of nature-inspired artworks by renowned international artists is on view. They include Breathing Tree, the first zero-carbon kinetic sculpture shown by American environmental artist Ned Kahn in Hong Kong, which is permanently exhibited. This approximately 7-meter-high art installation combines elements of wind, water and mist, visualizing the power of nature, dynamism and energy.
The world’s first permanently installed digital light artwork created by German digital artist Philipp Frank, Hypnotic Dream, translates a tree’s inner frequencies into abstract light projections on the 200-year-old Chorisia tree in the Art Garden, complemented by immersive soundscapes.
Besides, the Group has continuously supported local young artists and specially invited the local art group STICKYLINE x Leanna Lee to create a limited-time artwork for the Art Garden. The sculpture, The Fractal Forest, marks the first use of fractal geometry and the golden ratio in an art form, echoing the design philosophy of The Henderson while incorporating conservation elements to promote biodiversity. As much as these creations help raise public awareness about the importance of sustainability, they foster a stronger community spirit by drawing people together.
Creating an environment where butterflies can thrive
In addition to the arts, the Group attaches great importance to sustainable development. Thorough consideration was given to maintaining the ecological balance of the Art Garden and its surrounding area during the design process. Since Central and Admiralty are important habitats for various species of butterflies in Hong Kong, the Group worked closely with ecologists and other experts to incorporate a variety of nectar-rich plants in the art garden to create a butterfly-friendly ecological environment, proving that it is possible to balance development and conservation.
Art Garden@The Henderson
Address: Lambeth Walk Rest Garden, Central, Hong Kong
Website: https://www.thehenderson.com.hk/art/
Remarks: The Fractal Forest is on display up to 31 May 2025.
Hashtag: #HendersonArtGarden #HendersonLand
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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