Tigerair Taiwan Holds Shareholders' Meeting; Chairman Explains Dividend Policy Amid Fuel Price Volatility

Central News Agency, Taipei, May 28. Tigerair Taiwan held its shareholders' meeting today. In response to shareholder questions regarding dividend policy and market stock price, Chairman Huang Shih-hui replied that the board has decided to distribute a cash dividend of NT$2.42 per share this year, which remains among the top in the industry, and that the company has never ignored shareholder interests. She explained that the company must retain necessary earnings to face future fuel price fluctuations caused by geopolitical factors and new fleet introduction plans. Tigerair Taiwan held its annual general meeting today. Benefiting from the continued heat in the international tourism market and precise route network layout, Tigerair Taiwan's Q1 financial report hit a new record high. The newly appointed General Manager, Chiu Chang-hsin, also made his first public appearance. Tigerair Taiwan's Q1 revenue was NT$5.538 billion, with a net profit after tax of NT$1.335 billion, a year-on-year increase of 41.6%, and earnings per share of NT$2.91, with an average load factor of 92.2%. Chairman Huang Shih-hui stated that the cumulative revenue for the first four months of this year reached NT$7.19 billion, a year-on-year growth of 21%, with a cumulative average load factor of 91%. However, some shareholders at the scene raised concerns about dividend policy and market stock price. In response, Huang replied that last year's distribution of NT$6.05 per share, including NT$1.16 from capital surplus, was to reward shareholders for their support during the pandemic. This year, the board decided to distribute a cash dividend of NT$2.42 per share, which is still among the best in the industry, and there is no neglect of shareholder interests. Facing future fuel price fluctuations caused by geopolitics and new fleet introduction plans, the company must adopt a stable and sustainable financial strategy and retain necessary earnings. Last May, Tigerair's stock price hit a high of NT$109, but it has now fallen to around NT$58, a drop of over 46%. Small shareholders questioned this, and Huang responded that the market stock price is determined by the capital market, and Tigerair Taiwan will continue to focus on its core business and improve profitability in the future. In addition, she pointed out that at the beginning of this year, Tigerair Taiwan optimized working conditions and conducted a comprehensive review of routes, adjusting less efficient routes and focusing capacity on high-return routes. Although the timing of the drop in fuel prices is currently unclear, Tigerair Taiwan remains optimistic about this year's operating performance and will continue to review market conditions and actively expand potential routes in the future.