#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

2021-07-01

adidas launches new share buyback program

Through its new strategy ‘Own the Game’ adidas expects to drive significant top-line growth and strong bottom-line expansion until 2025. As a result, the company will generate substantial cumulative free cash flow over the next five years. adidas plans to share the majority of this – between € 8 billion and € 9 billion – with its shareholders through regular dividend pay-outs in a range of between 30% and 50% of net income from continuing operations, complemented with share buybacks.

Against this background and with the approval of the Supervisory Board, the Executive Board of adidas AG has decided today to launch a new share buyback program in the second half of 2021. Starting on July 1, 2021, the company plans to buy back shares worth up to € 550 million until the end of the year. Taking into consideration the dividend payment of € 585 million which was made in May, the total amount of cash which the company will return to its shareholders in 2021 is expected to exceed € 1 billion.

“The decision to resume our share buyback activities reflects adidas’ strong financial profile, our positive outlook for the current year and the successful start to our new strategy ‘Own the Game’,” said Harm Ohlmeyer, CFO of adidas. “While we are increasing our investments into our brand, our direct-to-consumer channel as well as the digital transformation of the company, adidas is becoming a more free cash flow generative business than ever before.”

While the company may use the repurchased shares for all purposes in accordance with the authorization granted by the Annual General Meeting in May 2021, the company intends to cancel most of the repurchased shares, which would reduce the number of shares and the share capital accordingly.

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

MarediModa highlights transparency and traceability with InsideOut by C.L.A.S.S.

The InsideOut by C.L.A.S.S. exhibition at MarediModa 2026 in Cannes focused on transparency, traceability and the measurable values behind fashion products. Its Decalogue of Values aims to make environmental, social and production-related information more accessible throughout the textile supply chain.

Vietnam’s market evolution creates new sourcing opportunities at VIATT 2027

As Vietnam’s textile industry continues to upgrade and scale, new opportunities are emerging for suppliers of advanced raw materials, design-led fabrics, production technologies, and sustainability solutions. The Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) will return 24 – 26 February 2027, presenting a cross-sector platform – spanning apparel, home and technical categories – for overseas companies to connect with manufacturers, brands, sourcing offices, retailers, and industry buyers from Vietnam, ASEAN, and beyond.

Monforts ready for India’s next phase of textile growth at ITME 2026

Advanced finishing, coating and energy-efficient processing will be highlighted by Monforts at India ITME 2026, as the region’s textile manufacturers increasingly look beyond volume production towards higher-value fabrics. The German finishing machinery specialist sees considerable potential in India as investment continues in conventional apparel and home textiles alongside rapidly developing markets for technical textiles, activewear, sportswear, filtration and automotive applications.

Vandewiele to showcase weaving innovations and automation solutions at ITMA Asia 2026

At ITMA ASIA + CITME 2026, taking place from November 20 to 24 in Shanghai, Vandewiele will present a broad range of technologies for weaving, carpet manufacturing, tufting, yarn processing and automation. The company's innovations focus on increasing productivity, improving process efficiency, reducing resource consumption and providing greater flexibility in textile manufacturing. Visitors can explore the latest developments at Booth D01 in Hall 3 of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC).

KARL MAYER expands TM WEFT capabilities for fashion fabrics at ITMA ASIA 2026

A new E 36 gauge, an EL pattern drive and improved yarn tension regulation extend the application possibilities of KARL MAYER's TM WEFT warp knitting machine. At ITMA ASIA 2026, the company will demonstrate the developments alongside a collection of woven-like warp knitted fabrics for fashion and apparel.