Here are the key changes to know about in the New Zealand equity market: a2 Milk, Hallenstein Glasson, and Vital Healthcare top the gainers, with Auckland Airport, Kathmandu, and Infratil the main the decliners

Here are the key things you need to know about in the NZX markets over the past 24 hours. Changes are as at 3:00 pm and may change when the market closes at 4:45 pm.

WHAT THE NZX50 INDEX IS DOING
The NZX50 remained little-changed today (down -0.1%), essentially holding onto its -2.5% decline over the past five days. Over the last six months, the index has gained +8%, with a +12% increase year-on-year.

THE MAIN GAINERS
The equity market recorded 42 gainers, led by a2 Milk (ATM, #10) and Hallenstein Glasson (HLG, #45), both rising +3%. a2 Milk has added +4% over the last five days and boasts a strong +49% gain year-on-year. Hallenstein Glasson celebrated surpassing $435.6 mln in Group Sales for its financial year, driving today's gain. However, the company remains down -6% for the month but holds a solid +29% increase year-on-year. The NZX (NZX, #41) rose +2%, bringing its impressive year-on-year growth to +41%, while Vital Healthcare Property (VHP, #25) also gained +2% despite being down -11% for the year.

THE MAIN DECLINERS
Meanwhile, 38 stocks declined, with Auckland International Airport (AIA, #3) leading the losses, down -2%. AIA has dropped -1% year-on-year. Ryman Healthcare (RYM, #16) also fell -2%, marking a sharp -9% drop over the past five days and a -20% decline year-on-year. Infratil (IFT, #4) decreased -1.6% today but maintains a robust +23% year-on-year gain. Kathmandu Brands (KMD, #50) slipped -1%, extending its six-month decline to -8% and its year-on-year drop to a steep -49%.

SMARTSHARES EFTs
 

KEY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Hallenstein Glasson (HLG, #45) reported a milestone year in FY24, achieving record Group sales of $435.6 mln despite a challenging retail environment. Strategic initiatives, including 'supplier diversification', 'improved lead times', and 'reduced discounting', expanded gross margins by 210 basis points. Operational cost management remained a priority, balancing wage pressures and rising freight costs while investing in staff and operational capabilities. Digital channels contributed 18.2% of total sales, with innovations like the Glassons app (1.9 mln downloads) enhancing the omnichannel experience. New investments in AI and RFID technology are improving inventory management and customer engagement, while sustainability initiatives include a commitment to 50% certified sustainable materials by 2027 and strengthened supply chain audits. Looking ahead, the Group anticipates continued retail challenges due to economic and geopolitical pressures but has started FY25 positively, with turnover up +10% in the first 18 weeks. Key growth opportunities remain in Australia, with disciplined store openings planned. Despite uncertainties, Hallenstein Glasson remains focused on maintaining profitability, supporting its brands, and adapting to market conditions to achieve its strategic goals.

Vector Limited (VCT, #13) will release its half-year financial results for the six months ended 31 December 2024 on Wednesday the 26th of February. A results presentation will be held at 10:00am NZT and broadcast via live webcast. Stakeholders can register for the webcast at Vector's Investor Reports Page.

Argosy Property (ARG, #32) has set the strike price for its Dividend Reinvestment Plan at $1.0291 per share, applicable to the dividend payable on Wednesday, 18 December 2024. The price reflects a 2% discount.

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