RESULTS
The unaudited consolidated Group results are set out below:-
For Six Months Ended
30th September
1999 1998
HK$'000 HK$'000
TURNOVER 550,213 640,759
========== ==========
OPERATING LOSS (14,297) (65,123)
EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS (Note 1) 35,318 (22,579)
---------- ----------
PROFIT/(LOSS) FROM
ORDINARY ACTIVITIES 21,021 (87,702)
TAXATION (Note 2) (559) (514)
---------- ----------
PROFIT/(LOSS) AFTER TAXATION 20,462 (88,216)
MINORITY INTERESTS (83) (362)
---------- ----------
PROFIT/(LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO
SHAREHOLDERS 20,379 (88,578)
========== ==========
EARNINGS/(LOSS) PER SHARE (Note 3)
Basic 2.2 cents (9.5 cents)
Diluted 1.5 cents N/A
========== ==========
Notes:-
1. Exceptional items
Foreign exchange gain/(loss)
on convertible notes 7,133 (46,982)
Profit on repurchase of
convertible notes 34,580 56,565
Provision written back/(provision)
for diminution in value of
marketable securities 9,015 (33,552)
(Loss)/profit on sales of land
and buildings (15,410) 1,390
------- -------
35,318 (22,579)
======= =======
2. Taxation
Hong Kong profits tax has been provided at the rate of 16% (1998: 16%) on the estimated assessable profits for the period less relief for available tax losses. Taxation on overseas profits has been calculated on the estimated assessable profits for the period at the rates of taxation prevailing in the countries in which the Group operates.
3. Earnings/(loss) per share
The calculation of earnings/(loss) per share is based on the Group's profit attributable to shareholders of HK$20,379,000 (1998: loss of HK$88,578,000) and on the weighted average of 936,340,023 shares (1998: 936,340,023 shares) in issue during the period.
The calculation of diluted earnings per share is based on adjusted earnings of HK$14,935,746 on the assumptions that all the convertible notes had been converted into shares on 1st April 1999 with interest saving of HK$3,174,860, convertible notes expenditure written off of HK$1,485,114 and excluding the exchange gain of HK$7,133,000 therefrom and on the weighted average number of 1,018,657,118 shares after adjusting for the effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares. There is no taxation effect because the adjustments are of capital nature (1998: no dilution effect).
INTERIM DIVIDEND
The directors have resolved not to declare an interim dividend for this period (1998 : Nil).
REVIEW OF OPERATIONS
The Group's retail and trading business declined by 18% in turnover compared to the corresponding period last year. Nevertheless, its operating loss reduced to HK$3.8 million from HK$29 million due mainly to general cost cutting measures undertaken. Reduction in rental cost continued during period under review, and further downward adjustment is expected in the ensuing half year.
During past 6 months, local retail business remained sluggish. Our retail outlets have been repositioned to improve the profit margin. Interior layout of City Chain and Optical 88 shops has undergone trendy renovations to promote new brand products, paying more attention to the younger customers. Franchised Optical 88 shops in Hong Kong have increased to 32.
Since September 1999, local consumption sentiment has improved and more overseas tourists arrived. If the positive economic environment can sustain, it is likely that Group's 3 local retail chains, namely City Chain, Optical 88 and Hipo.fant, will report profit in the remaining half of the current financial year.
Watches export business recorded satisfactory progress in North America and Europe markets, reporting an increase of profit by 13% compared to the corresponding period last year. New collections of Adidas sports watches were introduced and well received by the market.
The Stelux House has now leased 95% of the lettable floor area, contributing stable rental income to the Group.
In May 1999, a shop premises at Houston Centre, Tsimshatsui East was disposed of for HK$12 million, booking a loss of HK$15.4 million as a result.
During past 6 months, we repurchased our Convertible Notes (Due in March 2001) with a nominal value of Sfr 13.9 million at an average price of 50%; exceptional gain of HK$34.6 million was made therefrom. As of 30 September, 1999, the Group's outstanding Swiss Franc Convertible Notes were Sfr65.6 million.
OUTLOOK
The recovery of the Asian economies from the financial turmoil has been encouraging. Capital funds from overseas investors have restored. Local businesses expect stimulus, also challenges, following the Sino-American agreement on China's joining WTO.
The Group operates 351 retail outlets in Asia. With the upswing of the Asian economies, we hold an optimistic view of the overall consumers' market in the Region.
PURCHASE, SALE OR REDEMPTION OF LISTED SECURITIES
During the period, there was no purchase, sale or redemption by the Company, or any of its subsidiary companies, of the Company's listed securities except that a wholly owned subsidiary company had repurchased Swiss Francs 13.9 million of the unlisted Swiss Francs Convertible Notes issued by the same subsidiary as follows:
Nominal
Issuer Description amount repurchased Consideration paid
------ ----------- ------------------ ------------------
Stelux Holdings 1.75 percent Swiss Francs Swiss Francs
Limited Swiss Francs 13,900,000 6,862,000 average
125,000,000 of 50 per cent of
Convertible nominal value
Notes due 2001
CODE OF BEST PRACTICE
In the opinion of the directors, the Company has complied with the Code of Best Practice as set out in Appendix 14 of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited throughout the period except that the independent non-executive directors of the Company are not appointed for a specific term.
The results for the past 6 months have been reviewed by the Group's Audit Committee.
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE
The remedial measures for the Group's computer software and hardware have been completed and tested satisfactorily. However, a contingency plan was prepared to cope with external failures due to Y2000 problems. We expect our operations will not be affected upon the millennium changeover and no such insurance policy has been arranged. The total spending on Y2000 project, which was paid and capitalised, is approximately HK$1.5 million.
On behalf of the Board
Joseph C.C. Wong
Managing Director
HONG KONG, 21st December 1999
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