Core Viewpoint - The recent dividend plan by Sinovac Biotech has drawn significant attention, with a potential payout of up to $7.5 billion, raising questions about the company's financial strategy amidst ongoing shareholder disputes [1][2]. Dividend Plan - Sinovac Biotech announced three special cash dividends: $55 per share for the first phase, $19 for the second, and a planned $20 to $50 for the third phase, aiming to return cash to shareholders [2][3]. - The first phase of the dividend is set to be paid before a crucial shareholder meeting on July 9, 2025, where board member elections will take place [2][3]. Financial Performance - In 2021, Sinovac reported a net profit of $8.46 billion, but revenues and profits plummeted in 2022, with revenue at $1.493 billion and net profit at $114 million, both down over 90% year-on-year [3][8]. - The company has faced losses in 2023 and the first half of 2024, raising concerns about its ability to sustain such high dividend payouts [3][8]. Shareholder Disputes - The ongoing conflict between the two founding members, Yin Weidong and Pan Aihua, has persisted for nearly a decade, with both sides vying for control of the company [4][5]. - The board's current composition has been challenged, with allegations of governance issues and the legitimacy of board members being questioned [7][9]. Strategic Implications - The board, led by 1Globe, is perceived to be using the dividend strategy as a means to secure shareholder support ahead of the upcoming vote, while also potentially depleting the company's cash reserves [8][9]. - Sinovac's cash and cash equivalents amount to approximately $10.3 billion, and the proposed dividend could consume over 70% of these funds, raising concerns about future operational viability [8][9].

Group 1: On and Canadian Goose Performance - On is accelerating its expansion in China with plans to open over 20 new stores in 2024, aiming for direct sales to contribute 10% of total sales [2] - Canadian Goose reported a 7.9% revenue growth in the Greater China region for Q4 of FY2025, with a 15.2% increase in the Asia-Pacific market for the year, driven by effective marketing strategies [3] Group 2: Luxury Brands and Market Challenges - Chanel's net profit plummeted by 28.2% in FY2024, with total sales down 5.3% to $18.7 billion, marking the first decline in revenue and profit since the pandemic [8] - Victoria's Secret initiated a "poison pill" strategy to fend off hostile takeovers, with its stock price dropping over 50% in the year and a 28% decline in net profit for 2024 [12] Group 3: Inditex and Swatch Group Developments - Inditex announced a management reshuffle focusing on financial optimization and ESG strategies, raising concerns about potential impacts on innovation due to a conservative approach [5] - Swatch Group faced a 70% drop in net profit year-on-year, with a 10.94% decline in stock price, as it resisted external capital intervention from activist investor Steven Wood [6] Group 4: Asics and Amer Sports Growth - Asics achieved quarterly revenue exceeding 200 billion yen, with an 18% increase in net profit, driven by high-end running shoes and a 50% surge in sales from its fashion sub-brand [11] - Amer Sports reported a 23% revenue growth in Q1 2025, with the Greater China region becoming a core growth engine, contributing $446 million in revenue [10] Group 5: Market Exits and Strategic Adjustments - Shiseido announced the exit of its "醉象" brand from the Japanese market, citing a 65% drop in sales due to misalignment with local consumer preferences [10] - The luxury market is facing challenges as brands like Chanel and Victoria's Secret struggle with declining sales and shifting consumer behaviors [8][12]