NEW YORK, Jan. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- High-Trend International Group (NASDAQ: HTCO) ("HTCO" or the "Company"), a global ocean transportation company, today announced the appointment of Mr. Chew Men Leong, former Chief of Navy of the Republic of Singapore Navy and a veteran leader in infrastructure and global business, as a director of the Company, effective as of January 26, 2026. This appointment marks a pivotal step in HTCO's strategy to deepen its global maritime footprint, strengthen its capital posit ...

Revenue Growth - Total revenue for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025, was approximately $214.4 million, an increase of approximately $106.2 million or 98.2% compared to $108.2 million in 2024[167] - Ocean freight revenue increased by approximately $108.6 million or 103.1%, from approximately $105.4 million in 2024 to approximately $214.4 million in 2025, driven by increased market demand[168] - Total revenue for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2024, was approximately $108.2 million, an increase of $12.9 million or 13.6% compared to $95.3 million in 2023[181] - Ocean freight revenue increased by approximately $10.9 million or 11.5%, reaching approximately $105.4 million, primarily due to higher ocean freight prices[181] - Vessel service revenue surged by approximately $2.1 million or 280.0%, totaling approximately $2.8 million for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2024[182] Cost and Expenses - Cost of revenues rose to approximately $207.6 million in 2025, an increase of approximately $107.5 million or 107.5% compared to $100.1 million in 2024[170] - Cost of revenues decreased by approximately $7.1 million or 6.6%, amounting to approximately $100.1 million, due to lower ship lease, fuel, and port fees[183] - Operating expenses surged to approximately $26.7 million in 2025, an increase of approximately $20.9 million or 360.9% from approximately $5.8 million in 2024, primarily due to a rise in share-based compensation[172] - Operating expenses increased by approximately $2.1 million or 54.9%, totaling approximately $5.8 million, driven by higher share-based compensation and general administrative expenses[186] - Share-based compensation expenses amounted to approximately $21.9 million in 2025, a significant increase from $1.2 million in 2024[174] Profitability and Loss - Gross profit for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025, was approximately $6.8 million, down from approximately $8.1 million in 2024, resulting in a gross margin decrease from 7.5% to 3.2%[171] - Gross profit for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2024, was approximately $8.1 million, compared to a gross loss of approximately $11.9 million in 2023, resulting in a gross margin of 7.5%[184] - Net loss for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025, was approximately $20.1 million, compared to a net loss of approximately $21.2 million in 2024, reflecting a reduction of $1.1 million or 5.2%[178] - The net loss for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2024, was approximately $21.2 million, compared to a net loss of approximately $15.8 million in 2023[192] Cash Flow and Liquidity - Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $4.6 million for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025, despite a net loss of approximately $20.1 million[198] - Net cash used in operating activities was approximately $3.3 million for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2024, with a net loss of approximately $21.2 million and a fair value loss of approximately $23.2 million on convertible notes[199] - Net cash used in operating activities was approximately $17.8 million for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2023, primarily due to a net loss of approximately $15.8 million[200] - As of October 31, 2025, the company had cash of $10.1 million and advances from customers of $7.4 million, indicating liquidity for future operations[194] Financing Activities - The company issued 67,985 Class A Ordinary Shares at a price of $65.5 per share for approximately $4.5 million in a private placement with Speed Wealthy Ltd[195] - Net cash used in financing activities was approximately $1.3 million for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025, mainly due to repayment of advances made by related parties of approximately $1.1 million[202] - Net cash provided by financing activities was approximately $8.0 million for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2024, primarily from loans from related parties of approximately $10.7 million[203] - Net cash used in financing activities was approximately $1.6 million for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2023, mainly due to repayment of related parties' loans of approximately $13.2 million[204] Taxation - The provision for income taxes was $9,106 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025, compared to $4,139 in 2024, with the company participating in a tax exemption program for qualified shipping income in Singapore[177] Other Information - The company began providing consulting services related to onboard carbon capture technologies in February 2025, generating approximately $0.4 million in revenue during the fiscal year 2025[169] - The company has entered into non-cancellable operating lease agreements for office space in Singapore, expiring on March 14, 2027[206] - Total contractual obligations as of October 31, 2025, amounted to $104,129, with $77,596 due within one year[207] - There were no off-balance sheet arrangements for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 that could materially affect the financial condition[208]

NEW YORK, Jan. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- High-Trend International Group (NASDAQ: HTCO) ("HTCO" or the "Company"), a global ocean technology company, today announced its financial results for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025. Revenue and volume growth For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2025, High-Trend's total revenue increased to approximately US$214.4 million, compared to approximately US$108.2 million for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2024, representing an increase of approximately US$106.2 mi ...

Core Viewpoint - HTCO has entered into a financing agreement for an investment of up to US $20 million to enhance its AI platform and support digital transformation initiatives [1]. Financing Agreement Details - The financing will be executed in multiple tranches, with the first tranche of US $3 million already funded [2]. - The financing facility does not include any warrants, aligning with the company's disciplined capital structure strategy [2]. - The investor is subject to a daily trading volume limit of 15 percent of total daily trading volume for subsequent share transactions, aimed at maintaining market stability [3]. Regulatory Compliance - The shares issued in connection with the initial US $3 million financing are contingent upon the company filing an F-1 registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which must be effective within 120 days [4]. Future Financing Considerations - The company has not yet determined the need for additional financing beyond the initial US $3 million, with future decisions based on capital planning, operational needs, and market conditions [5]. Strategic Vision - The company’s chairman stated that this strategic financing reflects strong market confidence in HTCO's long-term vision for marine digital transformation and its ability to drive sustainable value creation for shareholders [6].

Core Insights - High-Trend International Group (HTCO) welcomes the suspension of Section 301 trade measures by the U.S. and China, which is seen as a significant policy benefit for the company's operations [1][2][3] Group 1: Impact of Trade Policy Suspension - The suspension alleviates a long-standing cost and policy burden affecting HTCO's maritime logistics and carbon-neutral initiatives, leading to reduced cross-border shipping costs and improved cash-flow stability [2] - Industry analysts consider this decision a major advantage for companies in the U.S.–China trade corridor, particularly those focused on shipping efficiency and energy transition, where HTCO has a strong presence [3] Group 2: Company Outlook - The CEO of HTCO, Mr. Shixuan He, stated that the policy change is expected to lower operating costs, expand profit margins, and accelerate value creation for shareholders in the near term [3] - HTCO is positioned as a global ocean technology company that connects maritime decarbonization needs with carbon finance market supply, aiming to create a new paradigm for maritime sustainability [4]

Core Insights - High-Trend International Group has developed a new operational response plan to address recent changes in port fee policies affecting U.S.-China shipping routes [1][2] - The company will utilize China-manufactured vessels for cargo transportation on China-related shipping routes, allowing it to avoid the impact of the new port fees [2] - This strategic move is expected to help the company control operating costs and enhance its competitive advantage in the Asia-Pacific shipping market [2] Company Overview - High-Trend International Group is a global ocean technology company involved in international shipping and marine carbon neutrality [3] - The company aims to connect the decarbonization needs of the maritime industry with the carbon finance market through a technology ecosystem, promoting maritime sustainability [3]

Core Viewpoint - High-Trend International Group has announced a new share repurchase program, allowing the company to buy back up to $5.0 million of its Class A ordinary shares, which reflects confidence in the company's long-term value for shareholders [1][3]. Group 1: Share Repurchase Program Details - The share repurchase program is authorized for up to $5.0 million and will expire on August 23, 2027 [1]. - The company may repurchase shares through various means, including open market purchases and block trades, in compliance with regulatory requirements [2]. - Repurchases will be funded using existing cash and future operating cash flows, with all repurchased shares returned to treasury and cancelled [3]. Group 2: Management Discretion and Conditions - The timing, volume, and execution of share repurchases will be at the discretion of management, influenced by share price, market conditions, and the company's capital position [2][4]. - The program does not obligate the company to acquire a specific number of shares and may be adjusted or terminated based on market conditions [4].

Core Insights - High-Trend International Group reported significant revenue growth, with total revenue reaching $99.4 million for the first half of 2025, a 185.2% increase from $34.9 million in the same period of 2024 [2][4] - The ocean freight segment was a major contributor, with revenue soaring to $99.0 million, up 198.1% from $33.2 million year-on-year [2][4] - The company has also initiated a green shipping business, generating $0.4 million in revenue from consulting services related to ship exhaust gas capture technology [6] Financial Performance - Total revenue for the reporting period was $99.4 million, a substantial increase from $34.9 million in the same period of the previous year, marking a year-on-year growth of 185.2% [2][4] - Ocean freight revenue specifically increased to $99.0 million, reflecting a 198.1% rise from $33.2 million in the same period of 2024 [2][4] - Gross profit for the first half of 2025 was $4.0 million, up 63.1% year-on-year, despite revenue costs rising by 194.4% to $95.5 million [3][5] Cash Flow and Liquidity - Cash and cash equivalents as of April 30, 2025, reached $13.2 million, a 93.0% increase from the year ended October 31, 2024 [2][5] - Net cash flow from operating activities was $6.5 million, providing a solid foundation for further business expansion [3][5] Business Expansion and Strategy - The company expanded its ocean freight services by adding coal ocean freight, significantly increasing its operational capacity with voyage days rising from 953 to 3,420, a 258.9% increase [4] - The appointment of Christopher Nixon Cox as Chairman is expected to enhance the company's strategic direction, particularly in green low-carbon initiatives and financial innovation [8] Equity Incentives - The company issued 10,754,224 Class A ordinary shares to directors and consultants as part of an equity incentive program, valued at $24.3 million, to align interests and drive future business development [7]

Core Viewpoint - High-Trend International Group is implementing a reverse stock split to meet Nasdaq listing requirements, specifically to maintain a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share [2][3]. Group 1: Reverse Stock Split Details - The reverse stock split will occur at a ratio of 1-for-25, changing the par value of the Ordinary Shares from $0.0001 to $0.0025 [1][3]. - The effective date of the reverse stock split is set for August 7, 2025, with trading on a split-adjusted basis commencing on August 8, 2025 [3]. - The total number of outstanding Ordinary Shares will decrease from approximately 140 million to about 5.6 million shares [4]. Group 2: Impact on Shareholders - The reverse stock split will uniformly affect all holders of Ordinary Shares, without altering any shareholder's percentage ownership in the company [5]. - Shareholders holding shares in book-entry form or through intermediaries will not need to take any action, as the changes will be reflected in their accounts post-split [5].

Core Viewpoint - High-Trend International Group (HTCO) is actively engaged in promoting U.S. maritime innovation and global leadership, with support from President Trump, emphasizing the importance of restoring American shipbuilding capabilities and strategic industries [1][2][3] Company Initiatives - HTCO is focused on sustainable maritime solutions, infrastructure development, and international trade facilitation, positioning itself as a strategic player in reshoring maritime manufacturing and leading technological modernization in ocean freight [4][5] - The company is developing partnerships and pilot projects to introduce advanced clean energy propulsion systems and intelligent logistics platforms across its global network [4] Leadership and Advocacy - Mr. Brian Su, an Independent Director at HTCO, is advocating for the rebuilding of America's shipbuilding capabilities and advancing maritime technology, reflecting the company's commitment to innovation and sustainability [2][3] - The CEO of HTCO, Mr. Shixuan He, highlighted the recognition of Mr. Su's views at the highest level, reinforcing the company's mission to lead the transformation of the ocean shipping industry [4]