STELLA HOLDINGS(01836)

Search documents
九兴控股(01836) - 2021 - 年度财报
2022-04-06 09:20
Financial Performance - In 2021, Stella International Holdings Limited reported revenue of $1,540,608 thousand, a significant increase from $1,135,880 thousand in 2020, reflecting a growth of approximately 35.6%[27]. - The net profit attributable to shareholders for 2021 was $89,694 thousand, a substantial rise from $1,685 thousand in 2020, indicating a remarkable recovery in profitability[28]. - The company's consolidated revenue increased by 35.6% to $1,540,600,000 for the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to $1,135,900,000 in 2020[43]. - The total shipment volume rose by 28.5% to 55,800,000 pairs in 2021, up from 43,400,000 pairs in 2020[43]. - Gross profit rose by 57.1% to $316,800,000, with a gross margin of 20.6% in 2021, up from 17.8% in 2020[47]. - Operating profit increased to $103,000,000 in 2021, compared to $2,100,000 in 2020, driven by improved operational leverage and production efficiency[48]. - Net profit for the year ended December 31, 2021, was $90,800,000, a significant increase from $1,100,000 in 2020[49]. - The company maintained a net cash position of $127,500,000 as of December 31, 2021, compared to $105,800,000 in 2020[49]. - Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2021, were approximately $135.2 million, up from $108.7 million on December 31, 2020[52]. Production and Capacity Expansion - The company plans to continue expanding production capacity, with a new factory in Solo, Indonesia expected to significantly increase output starting in 2023[34]. - A new factory in Solo, Indonesia, is under construction, which will significantly increase production capacity starting in 2023[50]. - The company is focusing on expanding production in Southeast Asia and optimizing operational performance to enhance profit margins and shareholder returns[41]. Product Development and Market Focus - Stella International is focusing on strengthening its sports and luxury footwear business, aiming to enhance relationships with major clients in these categories[34]. - The sports leisure market presents significant growth potential, particularly in the high-end segment, with ongoing collaborations with luxury brands to develop athletic fashion footwear[34]. - The company has been expanding its product offerings to include leather accessories, leveraging its strong customer base and experience in leather products[11]. - The company aims to enhance its product offerings by focusing on high average selling price and differentiated product designs[41]. - The company is focusing on expanding its high-end fashion customer base and developing new athletic footwear lines as key growth drivers[186]. Dividends and Shareholder Returns - The board declared a final dividend of HK$0.56 per share, in addition to an interim dividend of HK$0.21 per share, totaling an annual dividend of HK$0.77[34]. - The company remains optimistic about sustainable returns for shareholders despite ongoing risks related to supply chain fluctuations and the COVID-19 pandemic[34]. - The company plans to continue focusing on long-term profitability and sustainable growth, particularly in the luxury footwear and sneaker categories[50]. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Initiatives - The board has delegated ESG governance responsibilities to the Corporate Governance Committee, which meets at least twice a year to discuss ESG matters and report to the board[64]. - The company identified 21 significant ESG issues relevant to its business, with 15 of these deemed highly important based on stakeholder feedback[66]. - The company actively engages with stakeholders, including board members, employees, investors, and customers, to understand their expectations and concerns regarding ESG issues[66]. - The company has established environmental goals to track and monitor its environmental footprint, utilizing past operational data and industry benchmarks[72]. - The company emphasizes compliance with local environmental laws and regulations, with no reported violations during the reporting period[71]. - The company aims to create long-term sustainable growth for shareholders and value for all stakeholders through a robust corporate governance framework[64]. - The company is committed to ethical and responsible business practices, focusing on improving resource efficiency and reducing environmental impact[71]. - The company aims to achieve zero growth in absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 2025, with a target to reduce greenhouse gas emission intensity by 15% from the 2021 baseline[73]. - The company plans to reduce electricity consumption intensity by 15% by 2025, using 2021 as the baseline year[73]. - The company intends to reduce water consumption intensity by 15% by 2025, based on 2021 figures[73]. - The company aims to decrease total waste generation intensity by 10% by 2025, using 2021 as the baseline year[73]. Employee Welfare and Management - The workforce increased to approximately 42,500 employees as of December 31, 2021, compared to about 37,200 employees a year prior[57]. - The company provides various employee benefits including paid annual leave, marriage leave, and maternity leave[93]. - The company has implemented a special program in 2021 to provide free vision tests and glasses for workers in need[93]. - The company emphasizes equal opportunity and non-discrimination in hiring, compensation, and promotion[91]. - The company has zero fatalities due to work-related incidents in 2020 and 2021[110]. - The company provides various support measures for employees, including free shuttle services for those with long commutes to reduce COVID-19 exposure risks[108]. Corporate Governance - The company emphasizes corporate governance by integrating business governance with compliance and risk management[136]. - The corporate governance committee consists of three members, all independent non-executive directors, ensuring strong independent judgment[138]. - The board composition includes a majority of independent non-executive directors, enhancing the board's independent element for effective decision-making[140]. - The company has established a clear division of responsibilities between the chairman and the CEO, with specific duties outlined in writing[153]. - The board has authorized the management to handle daily operations, while retaining decision-making authority on significant matters such as major investments and mergers[156]. - The company has established a framework for ongoing communication with institutional analysts and investors[175]. Risk Management and Internal Controls - The company aims to maintain effective risk management and internal control systems, reviewing their effectiveness at least annually[164]. - The internal audit team reports directly to the audit committee and the chairman, ensuring effective internal controls and compliance with financial reporting requirements[167]. - The audit committee has reviewed the financial reporting system and discussed interim and annual performance during the year[169]. - The company’s risk management and internal control systems have been comprehensively reviewed and assessed positively by third-party professionals[167]. Community Engagement and Charitable Contributions - The company made over $200,000 in charitable donations during the reporting period, in addition to physical donations[129]. - The company encourages employees to support community projects and environmental protection initiatives[129].
九兴控股(01836) - 2021 - 中期财报
2021-09-02 08:38
Financial Performance - The company's consolidated revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2021, increased by 36.0% to $695.5 million, compared to $511.5 million in the same period last year[5]. - Revenue from the sneaker division, a key growth driver, grew by 28.0% year-on-year, accounting for 42.1% of total manufacturing revenue[5]. - Revenue from the newly defined high-end luxury category nearly doubled, increasing by approximately 100% and representing 9.6% of total manufacturing revenue[5]. - Demand for leisure footwear increased by 51.3% year-on-year, accounting for 33.6% of total manufacturing revenue[6]. - North America and Europe remain the largest markets, contributing 49.5% and 21.3% to total revenue, respectively[8]. - Gross profit grew by 64.1% to $139 million, with a gross margin increase to 20.0% from 16.6%[11]. - Operating profit reported at $36.3 million, a significant recovery from an operating loss of $3.4 million in the same period last year[12]. - Net profit reached $32.2 million, compared to a net loss of $5.2 million in the previous year[12]. - Adjusted operating profit was $41.1 million, up from $10.9 million year-on-year, with an adjusted operating profit margin of 5.9%[12]. - The group reported a profit before tax of $36,688 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to a loss before tax of $3,565 thousand for the same period in 2020[32]. - The basic earnings attributable to equity holders of the parent for the six months ended June 30, 2021, was $31,132,000, a significant recovery from a loss of $5,247,000 in the same period of 2020[41]. Dividends and Shareholder Returns - The board declared an interim dividend of HKD 0.21 per share, with a payout ratio of approximately 70%[3]. - The board declared an interim dividend of HK$0.21 per share for the six months ended June 30, 2021, reflecting the company's commitment to shareholder returns[14]. - The group declared an interim dividend of 21 Hong Kong cents per share, amounting to approximately $21,371,000, compared to no interim dividend declared in the same period of 2020[40]. Production and Capacity Expansion - The company plans to increase production capacity steadily, with a new manufacturing facility in Indonesia expected to start operations in Q3 2021[3]. - A new factory in Indonesia is set to commence production in Q3 2021, expected to contribute to overall sales in 2022[13]. - The company is expanding its production in Southeast Asia to improve operational excellence and implement robust cost control[4]. Cash Flow and Financial Position - As of June 30, 2021, the group's cash and cash equivalents were approximately $76.6 million, down from $108.7 million as of December 31, 2020[15]. - The net cash outflow from operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2021, was $9.3 million, compared to a net inflow of $25.2 million in the same period of 2020[15]. - The net cash outflow from investing activities was $26.7 million, a decrease of 34.4% from $40.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020[15]. - The current ratio as of June 30, 2021, was 3.0, indicating strong liquidity and a solid financial position[15]. - The group maintained a net cash position of $68.8 million as of June 30, 2021, down from $105.8 million as of December 31, 2020[16]. Employee and Operational Metrics - The group employed approximately 39,400 employees as of June 30, 2021, an increase from approximately 37,200 employees as of December 31, 2020[19]. - The total remuneration paid to key management personnel was $666,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to $618,000 in the same period of 2020, representing an increase of 7.77%[79]. Governance and Compliance - The company has complied with all provisions of the corporate governance code, except for the disclosure of senior management remuneration details in the 2020 annual report[95]. - The company emphasizes a governance model that combines corporate governance with business governance to create long-term value[96]. - The audit committee, consisting of four independent non-executive directors, reviewed the interim report for the six months ending June 30, 2021, with no objections raised[98]. Stock Options and Incentive Plans - The company has a total of 10,564,500 unexercised share options under the 2007 plan, which represents approximately 1.33% of the total issued shares[62]. - The company granted a total of 2,700,000 stock options under the April 2020 plan, 17,163,000 under the November 2020 plan, and 19,695,000 under the March 2021 plan[66][69][71]. - The exercise price for the granted share options is HKD 11.48 per share, which matches the closing price on the grant date[105]. - The 2017 Share Option Scheme was approved by shareholders on May 19, 2017, aimed at rewarding selected participants for their contributions to the group[109]. Market Outlook and Strategic Initiatives - The company provided a positive outlook for the next quarter, projecting revenue growth of A% and an expected increase in user engagement[123]. - Strategic acquisitions are being considered to enhance product offerings and market reach, with potential targets identified[123]. - Research and development investments have increased by E%, focusing on cutting-edge technologies to drive future growth[123].
九兴控股(01836) - 2020 - 中期财报
2020-09-01 08:39
Financial Performance - The group's consolidated revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2020, decreased by 31.9% to $511.5 million, down from $750.6 million in the same period last year[9]. - The total shipment volume declined by 30.8% to 20.4 million pairs, compared to 29.5 million pairs in the same period last year[9]. - The average selling price of footwear products decreased by 2.0% to $24.7 per pair, down from $25.2 per pair in the same period last year[9]. - The gross profit for the period decreased by 37.3% to $84.7 million, resulting in a gross margin of 16.6%[11]. - The operating loss for the period was reported at $13.4 million, compared to an operating profit of $45.6 million in the same period last year[12]. - The net loss for the period was $5.2 million, compared to a net profit of $38.9 million in the same period last year[15]. - Key financial performance indicators include revenue growth, gross profit, and operating profit for the six months ending June 30[8]. - Revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2020, was $511.474 million, a decrease of 31.9% compared to $750.577 million for the same period in 2019[30]. - Gross profit for the same period was $84.749 million, down from $135.040 million, reflecting a gross margin decline[30]. - The company reported a basic loss per share of $0.0066, compared to earnings per share of $0.0491 in the previous year[30]. - The total comprehensive loss for the period was $9,299,000, which includes a loss of $5,247,000 from other comprehensive income[33]. Operational Challenges - The company faced significant challenges in 2020 due to COVID-19, with a sharp decline in footwear demand impacting operations[4]. - Manufacturing operations were affected by local lockdown measures, leading to reduced production efficiency and profitability[4]. - The footwear manufacturing sector experienced a significant impact, with many customers delaying or canceling orders due to declining sales[8]. - The company recorded a net loss of $5.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020, and the board did not recommend an interim dividend due to the challenging business environment[25]. Cost Management and Financial Position - The company implemented cost-cutting measures and improved cash management, resulting in a strong balance sheet and a net cash position[4]. - The net debt position improved from $369 million as of June 30, 2019, to a net cash position of $3.1 million as of June 30, 2020[15]. - The company generated operating cash flow of $25.2 million, an increase from $17.4 million in the same period last year[15]. - The company reduced its bank borrowings to $51.6 million as of June 30, 2020, down from $136.9 million on June 30, 2019, indicating a significant improvement in its financial position[20]. - The company reported cash and cash equivalents of approximately $54.7 million as of June 30, 2020, down from $68.1 million on December 31, 2019[19]. Strategic Initiatives - The company accelerated the permanent closure of factories in mainland China and continued to shift manufacturing to Southeast Asia[4]. - Investment in a new factory in Indonesia is planned for the second half of the year, based on manageable risks[4]. - The company aims to enhance its product and customer portfolio, focusing on high-end fashion brands and sportswear[4]. - The company is actively pursuing horizontal expansion strategies, including manufacturing fashion accessories and leather goods[7]. - The company aims to leverage the growing athleisure market by collaborating with high-end fashion brands to develop new sports fashion footwear lines[16]. Employee and Workforce Changes - The company has approximately 33,000 employees as of June 30, 2020, down from about 44,000 on December 31, 2019, indicating a reduction in workforce[24]. - The total remuneration paid to key management personnel was USD 618,000, a decrease from USD 672,000 in the previous period[79]. Corporate Governance - The company has adhered to the corporate governance code principles, except for the disclosure of senior management remuneration details in the 2019 annual report[96]. - The audit committee, consisting of four independent non-executive directors, reviews the financial information and compliance with applicable laws and regulations[101]. - The remuneration committee is responsible for recommending remuneration policies for all directors and senior management[102]. - The corporate governance committee aims to enhance the implementation of governance practices and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements[104]. Stock Options and Incentive Plans - The company has a long-term incentive plan that allows for the granting of stock options to eligible employees and directors[16]. - The stock options granted under the old plan must meet certain performance criteria related to profit margin and revenue growth[16]. - The 2017 share option plan was approved by shareholders on May 19, 2017, to reward selected participants for their contributions to the group[115]. - The maximum limit for stock options granted to each participant under the 2017 plan cannot exceed 1% of the total issued shares during any 12-month period[119].
九兴控股(01836) - 2019 - 年度财报
2020-04-07 10:01
Financial Performance - In 2019, the company achieved significant improvements in operating profit and net profit, marking a milestone in long-term success and profitability [27]. - The company reported a revenue of 1,769,852 in 2019, showing a consistent growth trend from previous years [19]. - The company's total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2019, decreased by 2.8% to $1,544,800,000, compared to $1,588,600,000 in 2018 [35]. - The profit before tax for 2019 was $100.04 million, up from $66.31 million in 2018, indicating a significant increase of approximately 50.93% [195]. - The net profit for the year was $95.92 million, compared to $62.23 million in 2018, marking an increase of around 54.25% [195]. - Basic earnings per share for the parent company shareholders was $0.121 in 2019, compared to $0.083 in 2018, representing a growth of approximately 45.78% [195]. - Total comprehensive income for the year was $97.48 million, up from $62.31 million in 2018, which is an increase of about 56.43% [195]. - Gross profit increased to $293.61 million in 2019 from $277.12 million in 2018, reflecting a growth of about 5.96% [195]. - The company’s total liabilities decreased to $1,251.22 million in 2019 from $1,311.46 million in 2018, representing a reduction of about 4.59% [195]. - The company reported a cash and cash equivalents balance of $68,061,000, up from $61,328,000, indicating an increase of 11.3% [196]. Revenue and Market Distribution - The company's revenue distribution by region in 2019 was as follows: North America 51.2%, Europe 27.6%, Asia (including China) 12.1%, and others 6.3% [16]. - The contribution of fashion footwear to total revenue increased to 38.0% in 2019, up from 36.2% in 2018 [35]. - The largest customer accounted for approximately 24.7% of total revenue, while the top five customers contributed about 63.2% [184]. Manufacturing and Operational Strategy - The company plans to further diversify its manufacturing base from China to Southeast Asia, with significant progress in expanding new manufacturing facilities in Vietnam [28]. - The company will focus on maintaining operational stability in 2020, with expected shipment volume and average selling price influenced by the external environment, including the impact of COVID-19 [40]. - 70% of the company's manufacturing capacity is located outside of mainland China, with a labor return rate of over 95% after the Lunar New Year holiday [40]. - The company plans to expand its manufacturing footprint in Southeast Asia by adding a new location in Indonesia in 2020, as part of its strategy to improve profit margins [41]. Corporate Governance - The company has maintained compliance with the corporate governance code, except for deviation from code provision B.1.5 [84]. - The governance committee focuses on compliance, risk management, investor relations, and corporate social responsibility [83]. - The board consists predominantly of independent non-executive directors, providing strong independent elements for effective judgment [91]. - The company has established a whistleblowing policy to ensure transparency and accountability [83]. - The board has a clear written scope of authority and responsibilities for each committee to ensure effective governance [85]. Environmental and Social Responsibility - The company emphasizes corporate social responsibility and sustainable development in its operations [54]. - The company aims to enhance resource utilization efficiency to minimize environmental impact [54]. - Total hazardous waste generated was 434.2 tons, with a density of 0.0073 kg per pair of shoes [56]. - The company has established a waste management system to ensure proper handling and reduction of waste pollution [57]. - Community investment initiatives include tree planting activities and donations to local schools in Vietnam and Bangladesh [77]. Employee Development and Welfare - The company continues to invest in employee training and development to enhance skills and productivity, which is crucial for its growth [41]. - The company provides regular health checks and emergency training for employees, along with various welfare programs such as free vision tests and scholarships for outstanding employees' children [68]. - The company promotes a safe working environment by prohibiting the storage of chemicals in workshops and conducting regular safety drills [69]. Dividend Policy - The board has proposed a final dividend of HKD 0.45, resulting in a total dividend of HKD 0.85 for the year 2019 [42]. - The company has adopted a dividend policy aiming for a payout ratio of 70% of annual profits, ensuring stable and sustainable dividends while maintaining sufficient financial resources for business growth [158]. Risk Management and Internal Control - The board confirmed the effectiveness of the risk management and internal control systems, which are designed to manage, but not eliminate, risks associated with achieving business objectives [114]. - The internal audit team reports directly to the audit committee and the CEO, ensuring oversight of the internal control functions [117]. - The company aims to continuously improve its risk management and internal control systems based on the findings from the annual reviews [114]. Shareholder Communication - Shareholders can submit inquiries to the board in writing or via email, ensuring effective communication between the company and its shareholders [129]. - The company maintained a corporate disclosure policy that includes a framework for shareholder communication, covering aspects such as identifying authorized spokespersons and handling media communications [134].
九兴控股(01836) - 2019 - 中期财报
2019-09-03 09:20
Financial Performance - The company's consolidated revenue increased by 1.5% to $750.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019, compared to $739.3 million in the same period last year[5]. - The total shipment volume rose by 1.7% to 29.5 million pairs, up from 29 million pairs in the previous year[5]. - The average selling price of footwear products increased by 1.2% to $25.2 per pair, driven by changes in product and customer mix[5]. - The company's gross profit rose by 10.8% to $135 million, while operating profit surged by 61.5% to $45.9 million, resulting in an operating profit margin increase from 3.8% to 6.1%[6]. - Net profit for the period increased by 76.8% to $38.9 million, attributed to improved production efficiency and a favorable product mix[6]. - Revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2019, was USD 750,577,000, an increase from USD 739,253,000 for the same period in 2018, representing a growth of approximately 1.8%[15]. - Gross profit for the same period was USD 135,040,000, compared to USD 121,837,000 in 2018, reflecting an increase of about 10.5%[15]. - Profit before tax for the six months ended June 30, 2019, was USD 44,777,000, significantly higher than USD 26,549,000 in 2018, marking an increase of approximately 68.5%[15]. - The total comprehensive income for the period was USD 39,146,000, compared to USD 21,232,000 in 2018, indicating a growth of around 84.5%[15]. Market and Operational Insights - Fashion sports footwear orders showed strong growth, contributing positively to overall revenue and shipment performance[5]. - North America and Europe remained the largest markets, accounting for 48.8% and 30.1% of total revenue, respectively[6]. - The brand business faced challenges, with revenue declining by 35.9% to $5.9 million due to retail disruptions in France[6]. - Strong growth in demand for fashion sports products, supported by increased orders from major clients and utilization of new manufacturing facilities in Vietnam[7]. - Customization strategy in the fashion and casual footwear segment has led to a decrease in shipment volume, but average selling prices have increased[7]. - The company plans to continue expanding production capacity in Southeast Asia to enhance quality and efficiency standards[3]. - The company plans to continue increasing production capacity in Southeast Asia while reducing manufacturing facilities in China[8]. - Anticipated stable shipment volume for 2019, with further growth expected in fashion sports footwear products[8]. - The company will focus on improving profit margins through enhanced production efficiency and strategic pricing adjustments[8]. Financial Position and Investments - Cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2019, were approximately $67.9 million, up from $61.3 million as of December 31, 2018[9]. - Current assets as of June 30, 2019, were approximately $778 million, compared to $702.5 million as of December 31, 2018, with a current ratio of 2.6[9]. - Bank borrowings increased to $136.9 million as of June 30, 2019, from $65.4 million as of December 31, 2018, but decreased from $159.9 million as of June 30, 2018[10]. - Capital expenditures during the review period were approximately $37 million, an increase of 28.6% compared to $28.8 million for the same period in 2018[11]. - The company has no contingent liabilities as of June 30, 2019, maintaining a strong financial position[11]. - The net cash flow from operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2019, was $17,398,000, a significant improvement compared to a net cash outflow of $43,237,000 for the same period in 2018[19]. - The company incurred a loss of $6,586,000 related to the acquisition of non-controlling interests during the reporting period[18]. - The company’s investment activities resulted in a net cash outflow of $34,813,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2019, compared to an outflow of $30,319,000 in the same period of 2018[19]. - The company issued shares that generated $47,000 in financing activities during the reporting period[19]. - The company paid dividends totaling $45,579,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2019, compared to $30,361,000 in the same period of 2018[19]. Shareholder and Governance Information - The interim dividend declared by the board is HKD 0.40 per ordinary share for the six months ended June 30, 2019, with payment expected around October 18, 2019[12]. - The company’s total equity attributable to equity holders of the parent company as of June 30, 2019, was $930,773,000, a slight decrease from $943,191,000 as of December 31, 2018, representing a decline of approximately 1.3%[17]. - The company has adhered to the corporate governance code principles as per the listing rules, except for the disclosure of senior management remuneration details in the 2018 annual report[96]. - The company emphasizes a governance model that combines corporate governance with business governance to enhance accountability and shareholder assurance[97]. - The audit committee, consisting of four independent non-executive directors, reviews the company's financial information and compliance with applicable laws and regulations[100]. - The remuneration committee is responsible for recommending remuneration policies for all directors and senior management[101]. - The nomination committee evaluates the board's structure and recommends suitable candidates for directorship[102]. - The corporate governance committee focuses on compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and the company's communication policies with shareholders[103]. - The executive committee, established in July 2015, oversees daily operations and management matters, including financial planning and business strategies[104]. Stock Options and Incentive Plans - The company has a total of 17,590,000 unexercised stock options under the old stock option plan as of June 30, 2019[73]. - The company recognized stock option expenses of USD 477,000 for the period ending June 30, 2019, compared to USD 1,234,000 for the period ending December 31, 2018[73]. - The stock options are subject to performance conditions, including achieving specific profit and revenue growth targets[71]. - The options granted to executive director Mr. Qi Le Ren totaled 3,417,500, while 24,552,500 options were granted to employees and other eligible participants[110]. - The options have a validity period of six years from the grant date, expiring on March 16, 2023[109]. - The company adopted a new share incentive plan on March 16, 2017, allowing for the issuance of shares up to 2.5% of the total issued shares at the beginning of the fiscal year[75]. - No stock options were granted during the period ending June 30, 2019[73]. - The maximum number of shares that can be issued upon exercise of options under the 2017 Scheme and other schemes shall not exceed 30% of the issued shares, which amounts to 238,330,950 shares as of the report date[116]. - No options were granted, exercised, or cancelled under the 2017 Scheme during the review period, and there were no unexercised options as of June 30, 2019[119].
九兴控股(01836) - 2018 - 年度财报
2019-04-03 09:44
Financial Performance - In 2018, Stella International Holdings Limited achieved a significant improvement in profit margins and long-term growth despite external challenges such as US-China trade tensions and rising labor costs in China [25]. - The company's consolidated revenue for the year ended December 31, 2018, increased by 0.7% to $1,588,600,000, with a comparable revenue growth of 3.3% after adjusting for the sale of the previous retail business in China [30]. - The adjusted operating profit increased by 35.0% to $110,800,000, resulting in an adjusted operating profit margin of 7.0%, up from 5.2% in the previous year [32]. - The gross profit for the year rose by 2.6% to $277,100,000, while the net profit attributable to shareholders increased by 5.6% to $65,500,000 [32]. - Total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2018, was $1,588,583 thousand, a slight increase from $1,577,270 thousand in 2017, representing a growth of 0.8% [190]. - Gross profit for 2018 was $277,122 thousand, compared to $270,204 thousand in 2017, reflecting a growth of 2.7% [190]. - The net profit for the year was $62,226 thousand, up from $59,690 thousand in 2017, indicating an increase of 2.5% [190]. - Basic earnings per share for the year was $0.083, compared to $0.078 in the previous year, marking a growth of 6.4% [190]. Market Position and Strategy - The company reported a strong order volume for its fashion sports products, which contributed to increased production efficiency and improved profit margins [25]. - Stella International's shipment volume and revenue showed a solid recovery during the year, indicating a strengthening market position [29]. - The company has expanded its product offerings to include high-end leather goods, positioning itself as a comprehensive supplier for premium clients [8]. - Stella International has established strong partnerships with leading global brands, including Nike, Coach, and Prada, enhancing its market presence [8]. - The company is focusing on increasing its production capacity in Southeast Asia, particularly in Vietnam, to optimize its supply chain [25]. - The company plans to invest further in design and development capabilities to diversify its leather accessory offerings [8]. - The company anticipates positive effects from its operational strategies in the upcoming year, with expectations for continued growth in 2019 [26]. Operational Efficiency - The total shipment volume increased by 6.4% to 60,200,000 pairs, compared to 56,600,000 pairs in 2017 [30]. - The average selling price per pair of footwear decreased by 3.4% to $25.8, down from $26.7 in 2017, despite a positive growth in average selling prices in the fourth quarter due to price increases on certain products [30]. - The company plans to enhance profit margins and expects stable shipment volumes in 2019, with a focus on creative footwear product development [38]. - The company will continue to invest in new manufacturing facilities in Vietnam to improve production efficiency and profit margins [40]. - The company aims to strategically reduce production capacity in certain areas of China to improve utilization rates and safeguard profit margins [40]. Financial Position and Cash Flow - The company maintained a strong financial position with cash and cash equivalents of approximately $61.3 million as of December 31, 2018, down 18.2% from $74.9 million in 2017 [42]. - Net cash inflow from operating activities increased to $94.6 million in 2018, representing a 107.5% increase from $45.6 million in 2017 [42]. - Free cash flow significantly increased to $38.9 million in 2018, compared to $1.9 million in 2017 [42]. - The company reported a pre-tax profit of $66.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to $63.2 million in 2017, representing a year-over-year increase of approximately 3.4% [196]. - Operating cash flow for the year was $94.6 million, significantly up from $45.6 million in the previous year, indicating a growth of over 107% [196]. - The company incurred a financing cost of $2.9 million in 2018, up from $981,000 in 2017, reflecting a substantial increase in financing expenses [196]. Environmental and Social Responsibility - The company emphasizes responsible employment practices and employee development as part of its corporate social responsibility vision [50]. - The company has established a waste management system to ensure proper handling and reduction of waste pollution [53]. - The company is committed to sustainable operations that benefit multiple stakeholders, including employees and local communities [50]. - The company has a dedicated corporate social responsibility department that organizes regular safety training for employees [53]. - Total hazardous waste generated was 299.6 tons, with a density of 0.0049 kg per pair of shoes [52]. - Total carbon emissions from energy consumption amounted to 109,331.0 tons CO2 equivalent, with a density of 1.7848 kg per pair of shoes [53]. - The company implemented energy-saving measures, including the use of energy-efficient lighting and regular monitoring of electricity consumption [54]. Corporate Governance - The company emphasizes high standards of corporate governance to enhance long-term returns for shareholders [75]. - The governance structure includes various committees such as the Audit Committee and Corporate Governance Committee, focusing on compliance, risk management, and investor relations [78]. - The board of directors is responsible for setting the company's strategic direction and approving major investments and financing arrangements [80]. - The majority of the board consists of independent non-executive directors, ensuring strong independent elements for effective judgment [86]. - The company has established a board diversity policy focusing on various factors including gender, age, cultural background, and professional experience to enhance decision-making effectiveness [87]. - The company has a formal and transparent process for appointing new directors, with recommendations submitted by the nomination committee for board approval [89]. - The company has established a whistleblowing policy to allow employees to report concerns confidentially [115]. Shareholder Engagement - The company held its annual general meeting on May 18, 2018, where key resolutions included the approval of audited consolidated financial statements and the declaration of a final dividend [125]. - All resolutions at the annual general meeting were passed by a vote, and the results were published on the stock exchange and the company's website [125]. - The company maintains ongoing communication with shareholders through annual meetings and other investor engagements [121]. - The company has disclosed its dividend policy in the annual report [128]. - The chairman of the board did not attend the 2018 annual general meeting, but the vice-chairman and other committee members were present to answer shareholder questions [126]. Risk Management - The board confirmed the effectiveness of the risk management and internal control systems, which are designed to manage, but not eliminate, risks associated with achieving business objectives [109]. - The internal audit team reports directly to the audit committee and the CEO, ensuring oversight of the internal control functions [110]. - The company has received a positive assessment from a third-party professional institution regarding its risk management and internal control systems [109]. - The company has implemented a memorandum for the management and disclosure of inside information to prevent the creation of a false market [110]. Employee Engagement and Development - The company has approximately 63,000 employees as of December 31, 2018, maintaining a focus on talent development and employee retention [44]. - The company organizes various recreational activities to enhance employee engagement and team building [62]. - The company offers regular health check-ups and emergency training opportunities for employees [61]. - Regular training opportunities are provided to employees to enhance skills and ensure effective emergency management [65].