Group 1 - A total of 103 stocks reached a 52-week high as of June 16, with notable performers including Tianping Daohua (08403), Chuanglian Holdings (02371), and Jun Gao Holdings (08035) achieving high rates of 21.21%, 16.13%, and 15.38% respectively [1] - The closing prices for the top three stocks were 1.920, 0.033, and 0.082, with their highest prices recorded at 2.000, 0.036, and 0.150 respectively [1] - Other significant stocks that reached new highs include Yanchang Petroleum International (00346) with a high rate of 15.09% and Jacobson Pharmaceutical (02633) with 13.38% [1] Group 2 - The report also lists stocks that experienced slight increases, such as Crayon Shin-chan Foods (01262) with a closing price of 2.530 and a high of 2.600, reflecting a 2.77% increase [2] - Other stocks with minor gains include China Rare Earth Holdings (03788) at 2.320 (2.64% increase) and LUK Fook Holdings (00590) at 22.000 (2.52% increase) [2] - The report highlights that several stocks, including Jiangsu Nanjing-Hangzhou Expressway (00177) and KGI Pharmaceuticals (02171), also saw slight increases in their closing prices [2] Group 3 - The report identifies stocks that reached 52-week lows, with Aoki Holdings (02519) showing a significant decline of 13.24% [3] - Other notable declines include Minfa Group (00846) at -8.54% and Xinbao Global Holdings (00723) at -6.54% [3] - The report indicates that stocks like Rongda Technology (09881) and Jianpu New Life (08360) also experienced declines, with rates of -6.21% and -5.81% respectively [3] Group 4 - Additional stocks with minor declines include En Dian Life Technology (02112) at -1.52% and Xin Qi An (02573) at -1.40% [4] - Stocks such as Zhaogang Group (06676) and Chao Ren Intelligent (08176) also reported slight decreases of -1.23% and -1.11% respectively [4] - The report notes that the overall market sentiment reflects a mix of highs and lows among various stocks [4]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights significant stock movements in the Hong Kong market, driven by various company announcements and market conditions, indicating potential investment opportunities in specific sectors and companies. Group 1: Company Performances - Xiaomi Group-W (01810) rose over 3% as Lei Jun announced the release of new products, with Morgan Stanley suggesting these could be key to stock price increases [1] - Kingsoft Software (03888) increased by over 12% due to the upcoming public test of its new game, which has over 520,000 reservations, with Morgan Stanley optimistic about its revenue potential [1] - Sany International (00631) saw a rise of over 5% after reporting a 23% increase in net profit for the first quarter, alleviating growth concerns according to 招银国际 [1] - Ronghui International (00990) rose over 4% after issuing new shares to raise HKD 400 million and plans to rename itself to "Zhiyuan Holdings" [1] - Tongguan Gold (00340) increased by over 7% as gold prices surpassed USD 3,400, driven by heightened demand for safe-haven assets amid Middle East tensions [1] - Goldwind Technology (02208) rose over 6% with a 72% increase in wind power approvals, leading Guojin Securities to revise industry demand expectations upward [1] - Hec Pharma-B (02142) increased by over 4% due to collaboration with Visterra to advance HCAb technology for immune disease drug development [1] - Kangfang Biotech (09926) rose over 7% following the release of data on its drug for cervical cancer at the ASCO annual meeting, reinforcing its treatment value [1] - He Yu-B (02256) increased by over 5% after completing the first patient dosing of Ipagufungin, receiving breakthrough therapy designation from CDE [1] Group 2: Market Trends - The real estate sector saw a general rise, with Guangzhou lifting purchase restrictions, leading to increases in stocks like Jin Hui Holdings (09993) by 6.91% and others [2] - The luxury goods sector collectively rose, with Chow Tai Fook (01929) up 5.4% and LVMH reaffirming its investment in China, predicting that the mainland will account for 25% of global luxury market share by 2030 [4] - The stablecoin concept stocks opened higher, benefiting from the upcoming implementation of the Hong Kong stablecoin regulations [3] - The energy sector saw a significant rise, with Shandong Molong (00568) increasing over 40% due to Middle East conflicts driving oil prices up [2] Group 3: International Market Movements - In the US market, Austin Technology (OST.US) rose over 5% due to its involvement in various display module applications [6] - Circle (CRCL.US), the issuer of the USDC stablecoin, saw its stock price increase by over 25% amid major retailers exploring their own stablecoins [6] - Oracle (ORCL.US) rose over 7% as it projected a 40% year-on-year growth in cloud business revenue for fiscal 2026 [6]

Financial Performance - The company's net profit for the year ended December 31, 2024, was approximately HKD 371,921,000, a decrease of about 73% compared to HKD 1,382,081,000 for the corresponding year[9]. - Total revenue for the year was approximately HKD 40,913,965,000, representing a decrease of about 26% from HKD 55,376,948,000 in the previous year[15]. - The distribution, trading, and processing business contributed approximately HKD 40,021,747,000 in revenue, down from HKD 54,526,362,000 in the previous year, primarily due to a decrease in trading volume of silver and gold bars[16]. - The financial services segment recorded revenue of approximately HKD 892,218,000, an increase from HKD 850,586,000 in the previous year, indicating steady expansion in this area[18]. - Gross profit decreased from approximately HKD 1,780,649,000 to HKD 1,032,514,000, attributed to reduced margins in commodity trading activities due to unfavorable market conditions[9]. - The company reported a net profit of approximately HKD 371,921,000 for the year, a significant decrease from HKD 1,382,081,000 in the previous year, primarily due to reduced profit margins in distribution and trade segments, and losses related to the Singapore subsidiary's alleged fund misappropriation[21]. - Basic earnings per share for the year were approximately HKD 2.20, down from HKD 8.91 in the previous year[22]. - The company incurred other losses of approximately HKD 135,648,000 this year, compared to other income of approximately HKD 197,622,000 in the previous year[19]. - The financing costs for the year amounted to approximately HKD 20,310,000, a decrease from HKD 28,321,000 in the previous year[20]. - The company recorded a share of profits from associates totaling HKD 45,718,000, an increase from HKD 36,507,000 in the previous year, mainly due to higher profits from Green Esteel Pte. Ltd.[20]. - The company reported a foreign exchange loss of approximately HKD 93,028,000, compared to HKD 56,680,000 in the previous year, primarily due to fluctuations in the USD/CNY exchange rate[19]. Human Capital and Operations - The number of employees increased from 384 to 399, reflecting continued investment in human capital across Hong Kong, Singapore, China, and the UK[10]. - The company continues to invest significantly in human capital, believing that top talent will bring value to the organization[10]. - The company aims to enhance its operational capabilities in the financial services sector, including clearing, brokerage services, and leveraged forex trading[10]. - The company plans to focus on the continuous development of its financial services and distribution, trade, and processing businesses through 2025[23]. - The group employed a total of 399 staff as of December 31, 2024, an increase from 384 in 2023[65]. Legal and Compliance Issues - The company has reported a provision of approximately HKD 167,462,000 related to the alleged misappropriation of funds by a director and several employees of its Singapore subsidiary[31]. - The company is currently facing an ongoing investigation and legal proceedings related to its Singapore subsidiary, which has resulted in a qualified opinion from auditors due to insufficient audit evidence[75]. - The audit committee has agreed with management's position regarding the limitations in providing requested audit evidence, as it may hinder ongoing investigations and legal claims[76]. - Management is committed to resolving the qualified opinion through various solutions, including advancing investigations and potential liquidation of the Singapore subsidiary, with preliminary investigation results expected by 2025[77]. - The removal of the qualified opinion is contingent upon the completion of investigations and legal proceedings by December 31, 2025, which will also affect the financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2025[79]. - The group has engaged legal professionals to investigate the suspected embezzlement and has reported the matter to the Singapore police[70]. Corporate Governance - The company is committed to maintaining high standards of corporate governance to enhance investor confidence[153]. - The board has delegated certain responsibilities to committees, including the audit committee, remuneration committee, and nomination committee[152]. - The chairman and CEO roles are separated, ensuring no individual holds both positions simultaneously[153]. - The company has complied with all provisions of the corporate governance code for the year ending December 31, 2024[154]. - The independent non-executive directors have confirmed their independence according to the listing rules[156]. - The board consists of nine directors, including three executive directors, three non-executive directors, and three independent non-executive directors[156]. - The company has adopted the standard code of conduct for securities trading by directors as per the listing rules, confirming compliance for the year ending December 31, 2024[155]. Risk Management - The company is exposed to commodity price risk, which can significantly impact its operating performance due to market price fluctuations[50]. - The company faces foreign exchange risk primarily from transactions denominated in RMB, while USD exposure is minimal due to the peg with HKD[51]. - The company continues to monitor credit quality of counterparties to mitigate credit and performance risks[52]. - The company is subject to legal, regulatory, and compliance risks, which may result in financial losses or reputational damage[54]. - The risk management system identified no significant risks apart from potential risks related to internal control reviews of a Singapore subsidiary[178]. Related Party Transactions - The largest customer accounted for 7% of the group's total sales, while the top five customers together represented 24%[113]. - The largest supplier contributed 23% to the group's total procurement, and the top five suppliers collectively accounted for 45%[113]. - The group made service agreements with Mr. You Zhenhua, with projected revenue from services provided amounting to HKD 7,625,000 against an annual cap of HKD 40,000,000 for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024[117]. - The group has a sales agreement with Mr. You Zhenhua for iron ore, steel products, and nickel ore, with a projected transaction amount of HKD 138,479,000 against an annual cap of HKD 240,000,000 for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024[120]. - The group entered into a sales agreement with Mr. You Zhenwu for iron ore, steel products, and nickel ore, with similar pricing mechanisms based on internal pricing databases and market prices[121]. - The company has entered into a logistics service framework agreement with Mr. You Zhenwu for the period from 2024 to 2026, with a transaction amount of HKD 236,963,000 and an annual cap of HKD 330,000,000[123]. Internal Control and Audit - The company has implemented an internal control system compliant with the COSO 2013 framework to ensure operational efficiency and reliable financial reporting[179]. - An internal control review conducted in 2024 revealed no significant control deficiencies, except for issues related to the Singapore subsidiary[183]. - The independent reviewer identified several control deficiencies and provided recommendations for improving financial reporting procedures and internal control systems[188]. - The independent reviewer noted risks associated with informal communication channels for transaction confirmations, which could lead to audit record gaps[191]. - The independent reviewer emphasized the need for timely follow-up on open transaction statuses to ensure settlements within the required timeframe[194]. Environmental and Social Responsibility - The company's environmental policy emphasizes sustainability and reducing negative environmental impacts through various measures[136]. - The company encourages green office practices to enhance environmental performance[136]. - The company made charitable donations of approximately HKD 175,000 during the year ending December 31, 2024, compared to HKD 341,000 in 2023[92].

Financial Performance - Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024, was HKD 40,913,965, a decrease of 26.0% from HKD 55,376,948 in 2023[2] - Gross profit for the year was HKD 1,032,514, down 42.0% from HKD 1,780,649 in the previous year[2] - Operating profit decreased to HKD 410,311, a decline of 72.9% compared to HKD 1,513,979 in 2023[2] - Net profit attributable to equity holders was HKD 296,242, down 75.7% from HKD 1,200,955 in the prior year[3] - Total comprehensive income for the year was HKD 260,819, a decrease of 80.0% from HKD 1,309,044 in 2023[3] - Basic and diluted earnings per share were both HKD 2.20, down from HKD 8.91 in the previous year[3] - The group reported a total segment profit of HKD 423,875 for 2024, down from HKD 1,407,610 in 2023, reflecting a decline of about 69.9%[13] - The group's profit for the year attributable to equity holders was HKD 296,242,000, a decrease of 75.7% compared to HKD 1,200,955,000 in the previous year[27] - The group recorded other losses of approximately HKD 135,648,000, including a provision for losses related to alleged fund misappropriation in a Singapore subsidiary amounting to HKD 167,462,000[41] - The group's net profit for the year ended December 31, 2024, was approximately HKD 371,921,000, a decrease of about 73% compared to HKD 1,382,081,000 for the corresponding year[33] Assets and Liabilities - Non-current assets increased significantly to HKD 2,690,320 from HKD 887,745 in 2023, primarily due to increased investments in associates[4] - Current assets rose to HKD 16,286,472, up from HKD 15,443,384 in the previous year, driven by higher inventory levels[4] - Total liabilities increased to HKD 11,725,820 from HKD 9,035,811, reflecting higher trade payables[4] - The group's total assets as of December 31, 2024, were HKD 18,976,792, an increase from HKD 16,331,129 in 2023, representing a growth of approximately 10.1%[16][17] - The group’s total liabilities as of December 31, 2024, were HKD 11,740,505, an increase from HKD 9,061,301 in 2023, reflecting a rise of approximately 29.5%[16][17] - Trade receivables from external customers decreased to HKD 901,265,000 from HKD 1,848,962,000, a decline of 51.2%[29] - Trade payables increased to HKD 3,234,673,000 from HKD 2,147,299,000, an increase of 50.7%[31] - The company has a net current asset value of approximately HKD 4,560,652,000 as of December 31, 2024, down from HKD 6,407,573,000 in 2023[74] Revenue Segmentation - The distribution, trading, and processing segment generated revenue of HKD 40,021,747 in 2024, down from HKD 54,526,362 in 2023, indicating a decrease of about 26.6%[11] - Financial services revenue for 2024 was HKD 892,218, compared to HKD 850,586 in 2023, showing a slight increase of approximately 4.9%[13] - The group’s revenue from the Singapore market decreased to HKD 24,212,330 in 2024 from HKD 40,139,156 in 2023, a decline of about 39.7%[19] - The group’s revenue from the China market increased to HKD 16,374,113 in 2024, up from HKD 14,869,367 in 2023, representing a growth of approximately 10.1%[19] Corporate Governance and Compliance - The company has complied with all corporate governance codes throughout the year ending December 31, 2024[84] - The audit committee consists of one non-executive director and two independent non-executive directors, ensuring compliance with corporate governance standards[87] - The independent auditor issued a qualified opinion on the consolidated financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2024[89] Legal and Investigative Matters - The company has taken legal action regarding the alleged misappropriation and has reported the matter to the Singapore police[91] - The company has ceased operations of its Singapore subsidiary and terminated the employment of the implicated director and several employees[95] - Legal professionals have been engaged to investigate the alleged misappropriation and initiate legal action against involved parties[95] - The ongoing investigations and legal proceedings create uncertainty regarding the recoverability of the outstanding balances related to the alleged misappropriation[95] Future Plans and Investments - The group plans to focus on the continued development of financial services and distribution, trading, and processing businesses in 2025[44] - The company has established a joint venture with Shandong Energy Group, with registered capital expected to be HKD 800 million, where Shandong Energy holds 51% and the company holds 49%[62] - The company has made acquisitions of several chemical trading companies in Singapore to expand its business scope and is actively seeking further acquisition opportunities[51] Employee and Operational Metrics - The number of employees increased from 384 to 399, reflecting ongoing investment in human capital[35] - The group’s administrative expenses remained stable at approximately HKD 390,860,000, compared to HKD 373,042,000 in the previous year[42] Miscellaneous - The company has obtained a lending license under the Money Lenders Ordinance in Hong Kong, targeting corporate clients with loans primarily denominated in HKD and typically for one year, extendable by mutual agreement[46] - The company has approved a share buyback plan, authorizing the purchase of approximately HKD 270 million worth of shares, subject to market conditions and board discretion[82] - The company plans to publish its annual report in due course, which will be available on its website[100]

Financial Performance - Revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was HKD 26,582,474, an increase of 13.4% compared to HKD 23,396,789 for the same period in 2023[10]. - Gross profit for the same period was HKD 625,085, representing a slight increase from HKD 612,983 in 2023[10]. - Operating profit decreased significantly to HKD 291,910 from HKD 920,436 in the previous year, indicating a decline of 68.3%[10]. - Net profit for the period was HKD 309,184, down 64.6% from HKD 872,489 in 2023[10]. - Basic and diluted earnings per share were HKD 0.0219, a decrease from HKD 0.0616 in the prior year[15]. - Total comprehensive income for the period was HKD 248,002, down from HKD 752,110 in the same period last year[14]. - The company's profit attributable to equity holders for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was HKD 294,374,000, a decrease of 64.6% compared to HKD 830,044,000 for the same period in 2023[48]. - The group's profit before tax for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was HKD 342,084, compared to HKD 929,203 for the same period in 2023, showing a decrease of about 63.18%[30]. Assets and Liabilities - Current assets totaled HKD 15,451,346 as of June 30, 2024, slightly up from HKD 15,443,384 at the end of 2023[17]. - Total assets decreased slightly to HKD 10,495,077,000 as of June 30, 2024, from HKD 9,035,811,000 as of December 31, 2023, indicating a year-over-year increase of about 16.2%[19]. - The company's cash and cash equivalents increased to HKD 4,276,608,000 as of June 30, 2024, compared to HKD 3,757,451,000 at the end of the previous year, representing a growth of approximately 13.8%[21]. - The total liabilities of the group as of June 30, 2024, were HKD 10,075,063, up from HKD 8,934,726 as of December 31, 2023, indicating an increase of about 12.78%[36]. - The company’s total liabilities increased to HKD 3,239,835,000 as of June 30, 2024, from HKD 2,423,790,000 at the end of 2023, representing an increase of approximately 33.7%[19]. Cash Flow and Investments - Operating cash flow for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was HKD 4,357,075,000, up from HKD 3,240,779,000 in the same period of 2023, marking an increase of about 34.5%[21]. - The company reported a net cash outflow from investing activities of HKD 692,699,000 for the period, compared to HKD 235,847,000 in the previous year, indicating increased investment activity[21]. - The total capital expenditure during the interim period was HKD 1,452,000, a decrease from HKD 7,991,000 for the same period in 2023[127]. Foreign Exchange and Other Losses - The company incurred a foreign exchange loss of HKD 97,483,000 during the period, impacting overall comprehensive income[20]. - The company reported a net foreign exchange loss of HKD 36,007,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to HKD 9,534,000 in the same period of 2023, indicating a significant increase in losses[46]. - The group recorded other losses of approximately HKD 146,662,000 in the current period, compared to other income of approximately HKD 431,037,000 in the corresponding period[99]. Strategic Plans and Market Expansion - The company plans to continue its market expansion and product development strategies to enhance future growth prospects[22]. - The group plans to focus on the continuous development of its financial services and distribution, trading, and processing businesses in 2024[102]. - A joint venture agreement was signed with Shandong Energy Group Co., Ltd., with the registered capital expected to be HKD 800 million, where Shandong Energy will hold 51% and the company will hold 49%[93]. Regulatory and Compliance - The group has obtained regulatory licenses for securities and futures trading in Hong Kong, Singapore, and the UK, enhancing its market access and service offerings[104][107]. - The group has adopted new and revised Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards effective from January 1, 2024, with no significant impact on the financial statements reported for the current and prior periods[25]. Shareholder and Management Information - The total compensation for key management personnel was HKD 3,440,000, a decrease from HKD 4,048,000 in the previous year[73]. - The board has approved a share buyback plan for up to HKD 270 million, although no shares have been repurchased as of the report date[112]. - Major shareholder Mr. You Zhenhua holds 3,840,000 shares and has control over 8,494,907,176 shares, representing 63.06% of the issued shares[139]. Risks and Challenges - The group continues to monitor foreign exchange risks, particularly related to transactions denominated in RMB[120]. - The group faces various risks including commodity price fluctuations, credit risk from counterparties, and regulatory compliance risks[123][124].

Revenue and Profitability - Revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was HKD 26,582,474, an increase from HKD 23,396,789 in the same period of 2023, representing a growth of approximately 13.4%[4] - Net profit for the period was HKD 309,184, a decrease of 64.6% compared to HKD 872,489 in the same period last year[5] - Profit before tax was HKD 342,084, down from HKD 929,203, indicating a decrease of about 63.2%[4] - Operating profit decreased significantly to HKD 291,910 from HKD 920,436, a decline of approximately 68.3%[4] - The company reported a net profit of HKD 830,044,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to HKD 2,771,037,000 for the same period in 2023, indicating a significant decrease in profitability[9] - Total comprehensive income for the period was HKD 248,002, down from HKD 752,110, a decline of approximately 67.0%[6] Earnings Per Share - Basic and diluted earnings per share were HKD 2.19 cents, compared to HKD 6.16 cents in the previous year, reflecting a decrease of about 64.5%[6] - The basic and diluted earnings per share remained the same at HKD 0.0218, as there were no potential dilutive shares issued during the periods[32] Assets and Liabilities - Non-current assets totaled HKD 2,324,180, an increase from HKD 887,745 as of December 31, 2023[7] - Current liabilities increased to HKD 10,495,077 from HKD 9,035,811, indicating a rise of approximately 16.2%[8] - Total assets less current liabilities stood at HKD 7,280,449, slightly down from HKD 7,295,318[8] - The company’s total assets increased to HKD 7,255,242,000 as of June 30, 2024, compared to HKD 6,660,208,000 at the end of the previous period, indicating asset growth[9] - The group’s assets as of June 30, 2024, were HKD 15,650,854, with liabilities totaling HKD 10,075,063, resulting in a net asset position[22] Cash Flow and Investments - Cash generated from operating activities was HKD 4,381,579,000, an increase from HKD 3,284,754,000 year-over-year, showing improved cash flow from operations[11] - The company reported a net cash outflow from investing activities of HKD 692,699,000, compared to HKD 235,847,000 in the previous year, indicating increased investment expenditures[11] - The total cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period stood at HKD 4,276,608,000, up from HKD 3,757,451,000, reflecting a stronger liquidity position[11] Strategic Focus and Future Plans - The company plans to continue focusing on strategic investments and market expansion to enhance future performance and shareholder value[12] - The group plans to focus on the continued development of financial services and distribution, trading, and processing businesses in 2024[66] - The group is expanding its lending business in Hong Kong through its wholly-owned subsidiary, targeting corporate clients with loans typically denominated in HKD[67] - The group has acquired several chemical trading companies in Singapore to expand its business scope and will actively seek further acquisition opportunities[71] Compliance and Governance - The group has adopted new and revised Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards effective from January 1, 2024, but these changes did not significantly impact the financial statements[13] - The group has not yet applied new standards that have been issued but are not yet effective, and the potential impact on operational performance is still under evaluation[13] - The company continues to monitor potential compliance risks, including insider trading and money laundering activities[83] - The audit committee reviewed the group's unaudited interim financial results for the six months ended June 30, 2024[92] - The company has complied with all provisions of the corporate governance code during the reporting period[89] Shareholder Equity and Dividends - The company’s equity attributable to shareholders increased to HKD 3,996,939,000 as of June 30, 2024, compared to HKD 3,601,081,000 at the beginning of the period, indicating growth in shareholder equity[9] - The company confirmed an interim dividend of HKD 0.02 per share for the year ended December 31, 2023, totaling HKD 269,427,000[33] - The board does not recommend the payment of an interim dividend for the period ending June 30, 2024[73] Related Party Transactions - Accounts payable to a related party controlled by a close family member of the ultimate holding company increased from HKD 36,432,000 in 2023 to HKD 55,039,000 in 2024, an increase of approximately 51%[47] - Revenue from brokerage and commission fees from a related party controlled by a close family member of the ultimate holding company was HKD 2,565,000 in 2024, compared to HKD 906,000 in 2023, representing a significant increase[48] - The company reported logistics expenses paid to a related party controlled by a close family member of the ultimate holding company of HKD 135,260,000 in 2024, up from HKD 125,141,000 in 2023, an increase of approximately 8.9%[48] Miscellaneous - The company incurred a foreign exchange loss of HKD 97,483,000 during the period, which impacted the overall comprehensive income[9] - The group recorded a loss of approximately HKD 146,662,000 in other losses during the period, compared to a gain of HKD 431,037,000 in the previous year[63] - The potential loss due to the alleged misappropriation of funds by a director of the Singapore subsidiary is approximately $21.5 million (about HKD 167.7 million), with the company's equity holders' share being around $12.8 million (about HKD 99.8 million)[72]

Revenue and Profit Performance - Revenue for the year 2023 increased by 42% to HKD 55,376,948,000 compared to HKD 39,090,928,000 in 2022[9] - Net profit attributable to owners of the company decreased slightly to HKD 1,200,955,000 in 2023 from HKD 1,206,822,000 in 2022[6] - Gross profit decreased to HKD 1,780,649,000 in 2023 from HKD 2,079,880,000 in 2022 due to reduced margins in commodity and fund trading activities[6] - Revenue from distribution, trade, and processing business increased to approximately HKD 54,526,362,000, up from HKD 38,050,665,000 in the previous year, primarily due to increased trading volume of silver and gold ingots[11] - Financial services revenue decreased to HKD 850,586,000 from HKD 1,040,263,000 due to reduced fund performance[11] - Revenue increased to HKD 55,376,948 thousand in 2023, up from HKD 39,090,928 thousand in 2022, representing a 41.7% growth[158] - Gross profit decreased to HKD 1,780,649 thousand in 2023 from HKD 2,079,880 thousand in 2022, a decline of 14.4%[158] - Net profit attributable to equity holders of the company was HKD 1,200,955 thousand in 2023, slightly down from HKD 1,206,822 thousand in 2022[158] - The company's net profit for the year 2023 was HKD 1,200,955,000, compared to HKD 1,206,822,000 in 2022[161] - The total comprehensive income for 2023 was HKD 1,129,092,000, a decrease from HKD 1,099,023,000 in 2022[161] Business Segment Performance - Distribution and trading business segment profit before interest and tax decreased by 8% to HKD 1,087,072,000 in 2023 from HKD 1,175,902,000 in 2022[6] - Financial services segment profit before interest and tax decreased by 33% to HKD 320,538,000 in 2023 from HKD 479,728,000 in 2022[6] - Iron ore sales contributed HKD 18,508,971,000 to revenue in 2023, up from HKD 17,950,441,000 in 2022[10] - Silver and gold bar sales more than doubled to HKD 25,337,910,000 in 2023 from HKD 12,349,475,000 in 2022[10] Financial Position and Assets - The company's net current assets increased to HKD 6,407,573,000 in 2023 from HKD 5,135,547,000 in 2022, and net assets rose to HKD 7,269,828,000 from HKD 5,908,953,000[31] - The company's outstanding loans and borrowings decreased significantly to HKD 4,337,000 in 2023 from HKD 165,564,000 in 2022[31] - The company's unused bank credit facilities amounted to approximately USD 428,403,000 (equivalent to HKD 3,341,543,000) in 2023, up from USD 323,917,000 (equivalent to HKD 2,526,553,000) in 2022[31] - Capital expenditures for the year were HKD 14,284,000, down from HKD 29,463,000 in 2022, primarily for property, plant, and equipment[31] - The company's equity attributable to shareholders increased to HKD 6,198,499,000 in 2023 from HKD 4,584,488,000 in 2022[33] - Total assets increased to HKD 15,443,384 thousand in 2023 from HKD 12,806,572 thousand in 2022, a growth of 20.6%[159] - Cash and bank balances rose to HKD 5,310,281 thousand in 2023, up from HKD 4,030,651 thousand in 2022, a 31.7% increase[159] - Equity attributable to equity holders of the company grew to HKD 6,198,499 thousand in 2023 from HKD 4,584,488 thousand in 2022, a 35.2% increase[160] - Non-current assets increased to HKD 887,745 thousand in 2023 from HKD 810,111 thousand in 2022, a 9.6% growth[159] - Current liabilities rose to HKD 9,035,811 thousand in 2023 from HKD 7,671,025 thousand in 2022, an increase of 17.8%[159] - The company's accumulated profits as of December 31, 2023, were HKD 3,971,992,000, up from HKD 2,771,037,000 in 2022[161] - The company's total equity as of December 31, 2023, was HKD 7,269,828,000, compared to HKD 5,908,953,000 in 2022[161] Cash Flow and Financing - The cash flow from operating activities in 2023 was HKD 3,071,242,000, a decrease from HKD 6,646,315,000 in 2022[163] - The company's cash and bank balances decreased by HKD 1,053,896,000 in 2023, compared to a decrease of HKD 334,348,000 in 2022[163] - The company's trade payables and bills payable increased by HKD 2,932,174,000 in 2023, compared to an increase of HKD 5,183,084,000 in 2022[163] - The company's accounts payable increased by HKD 1,014,329,000 in 2023, compared to an increase of HKD 1,044,894,000 in 2022[163] - The company's contract liabilities increased by HKD 98,828,000 in 2023, compared to a decrease of HKD 327,893,000 in 2022[163] - Investment activities generated a net cash outflow of HKD 181.44 million in 2023, compared to HKD 248.66 million in 2022[164] - The company received dividends from an associate amounting to HKD 14.39 million in 2023, which was not present in 2022[164] - Partial disposal of an associate resulted in proceeds of HKD 42.07 million in 2023[164] - Restricted deposits increased by HKD 223.62 million in 2023, compared to a decrease of HKD 32.11 million in 2022[164] - Financing activities resulted in a net cash outflow of HKD 2.93 billion in 2023, compared to HKD 4.46 billion in 2022[164] - Repayment of trust receipt loans and bank borrowings amounted to HKD 2.45 billion in 2023, down from HKD 4.62 billion in 2022[164] - Cash and cash equivalents decreased by HKD 39.56 million in 2023, compared to an increase of HKD 1.93 billion in 2022[164] Risks and Compliance - The company faces significant risks from commodity price fluctuations, which can impact revenue and profitability[24] - The company is exposed to currency exchange rate risks, particularly from transactions denominated in RMB[25] - The company monitors counterparty credit and performance risks, using credit enhancement products like letters of credit to mitigate risks[26] - The company is subject to legal, regulatory, and compliance risks, including potential financial losses from non-compliance with laws and regulations[28] - The company has established a risk management system to identify, assess, and manage risks related to its business and operations, with no significant risks identified in 2023[100][101] - The internal control system is based on the COSO 2013 framework, ensuring operational efficiency, reliable financial reporting, and compliance with laws and regulations[102] - The company has implemented an insider information policy to ensure accurate and timely disclosure, with access restricted to employees on a need-to-know basis[102] - An independent consultant reviewed the company's internal control system, including financial, operational, and compliance controls, and found it to be effective and sufficient[103] - The company does not have an internal audit function but relies on external independent professionals for cost-effectiveness, with annual reviews to assess the need for such a function[103] Corporate Governance and Board Activities - The Board of Directors is responsible for leading and monitoring the company, overseeing business operations, strategic decisions, and performance, with daily management delegated to senior management[82] - The Board of Directors held 7 meetings in 2023 to discuss the overall strategy, operations, and financial performance of the group[87] - The Audit Committee, Remuneration Committee, and Nomination Committee held 3, 1, and 1 meetings respectively in 2023[87] - All directors attended 7 out of 7 Board meetings, with the exception of one executive director who resigned on April 30, 2023[88] - The company secretary participated in at least 15 hours of relevant professional training in 2023 to update skills and knowledge[91] - The Chairman position has been vacant since April 1, 2016, with the CEO temporarily acting as Chairman throughout 2023[92] - All directors participated in continuous professional development by attending or referencing training courses and materials related to the group's business, corporate governance, and regulations[89] - The Board consists of 9 directors: 3 executive directors, 3 non-executive directors, and 3 independent non-executive directors[86] - The company has adopted the Model Code for Securities Transactions by Directors of Listed Issuers, and all directors confirmed compliance with the code for the entire year of 2023[85] - The company secretary attended all regular Board meetings in 2023 and provided advice on corporate governance and statutory compliance matters when necessary[87] - All directors have access to the company secretary's opinions and services to ensure compliance with Board procedures and applicable rules and regulations[87] - The remuneration range for directors and senior management in 2023 varied from HKD 0 to HKD 20,000,000, with 4 individuals earning between HKD 0 to HKD 1,000,000 and 1 individual earning between HKD 19,500,001 to HKD 20,000,000[94] - The audit committee held three meetings in 2023 to review annual and interim results, assess financial reporting procedures, and provide recommendations on risk management and internal control systems[97] - The company's auditor, Zhonghui Anda CPA Limited, received HKD 1,390,000 for audit services and HKD 250,000 for non-audit services in 2023, representing an increase from HKD 1,230,000 and HKD 241,000 respectively in 2022[98] - The board of directors consists of 8 members, including 6 male and 2 female directors, with a focus on gender diversity in succession planning[96] - The nomination committee has adopted a board diversity policy, achieving measurable objectives in 2023, and will continue to review the policy to ensure its effectiveness[95] - The remuneration committee reviewed the company's remuneration policy and evaluated the performance of executive directors and senior management in 2023, providing recommendations on specific remuneration packages[93] Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) - The company implemented environmental sustainability measures, including energy efficiency and waste reduction initiatives[74] - The company's ESG report covers environmental and social performance for the year 2023, including key performance indicators (KPI) for its operations in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Shandong, and Guangxi[114] - The company follows the "importance," "quantification," and "consistency" principles in preparing its ESG report, ensuring transparency and comparability of data[115][117][118] - The board oversees the company's ESG strategy and risk management, regularly assessing the effectiveness of sustainability measures[119] - The company engages with stakeholders to understand their concerns and expectations, using this feedback to improve ESG governance and performance[119][121] - The company has implemented measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including replacing unnecessary overseas travel with phone/video conferences and prioritizing direct flights when travel is necessary[126] - The company has reduced water usage intensity per employee from 262.91 cubic meters to 173.53 cubic meters, a total reduction of 34%[128] - The company adheres to the "3Rs" principle (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) for waste management, including double-sided printing and reducing the use of disposable products[127] - The company has taken energy-saving measures such as installing energy-efficient bulbs, using natural light, and monitoring monthly electricity consumption[128] - The company collects and processes all waste, including hazardous waste like ink cartridges and batteries, in compliance with relevant laws[127] - The company prioritizes the use of water-efficient equipment, such as dual-flush toilets and infrared sensor faucets, to minimize water usage[128] - The company conducts regular employee training and seminars to ensure occupational health and safety[123] - The company engages with stakeholders through various channels, including surveys and third-party ESG importance maps, to identify and prioritize ESG issues[125] - The company maintains compliance with environmental laws and regulations, such as Hong Kong's Air Pollution Control Ordinance and Singapore's Environmental Protection and Management Act[126] - The company has reduced emissions from business vehicles by maintaining proper tire pressure and turning off idle engines[126] - The company has identified and prioritized climate-related risks, such as increased extreme weather events, which could raise operational costs and impact employee health and safety[129] - The company has implemented measures to mitigate climate-related risks, including regular communication with stakeholders and maintaining adequate resources for crisis management[129] - The company adheres to labor laws and regulations in Hong Kong, China, and Singapore, ensuring fair and transparent recruitment and promotion processes[130] - The company provides competitive compensation packages, including performance-based bonuses, and offers various types of leave and retirement benefits[131] - The company emphasizes employee development through training opportunities, including onboarding, internal, specialized, cross-departmental, and overseas training[131] - The company maintains a 5-day workweek and ensures adequate rest time for employees, with clear terms on working hours and leave in employment contracts[132] - The company has established emergency policies and conducts regular drills to enhance employee awareness and preparedness for accidents[132] - The company uses a supplier credit rating system to evaluate and select suppliers, prioritizing those with better performance and sustainability practices[133] - The company has 15 suppliers from Singapore, 3 from Hong Kong, 16 from China, and 15 from other countries, including Australia and South Africa[133] - The company has not received any customer complaints or product recalls related to health and safety issues during the year[134] - Total greenhouse gas emissions increased to 16,320,158 kg CO2e in 2023, up from 10,703,588 kg CO2e in 2022[138] - Direct emissions (Scope 1) rose to 26,202 kg CO2e in 2023, compared to 17,015 kg CO2e in 2022[138] - Indirect emissions (Scope 2) increased to 16,261,446 kg CO2e in 2023, up from 10,664,603 kg CO2e in 2022[138] - Total energy consumption grew to 24,486 MWh in 2023, compared to 20,317 MWh in 2022[141] - Electricity consumption rose to 24,375 MWh in 2023, up from 20,243 MWh in 2022[141] - Total water usage decreased to 66,637 m³ in 2023, down from 92,543 m³ in 2022[141] - Employee turnover rate increased to 20% in 2023, compared to 13% in 2022[143] - Male employee turnover rate rose to 23% in 2023, up from 14% in 2022[143] - Average training hours per employee increased to 4.7 hours in 2023, compared to 3.13 hours in 2022[144] - Senior-level employees completed an average of 8.19 hours of training in 2023, up from 4.43 hours in 2022[144] - Total direct (Scope 1) and energy indirect (Scope 2) greenhouse gas emissions and their intensity are disclosed, with detailed data available in the Key Performance Indicators (KPI) section[145] - Total harmful waste generated and its intensity (if applicable) are reported, with specific figures provided in the KPI section[145] - Total non-harmful waste generated and its intensity (if applicable) are disclosed, with detailed data available in the KPI section[145] - Total energy consumption by type (direct and/or indirect) and its density are reported, with specific figures provided in the KPI section[145] - Total water consumption and its density are disclosed, with detailed data available in the KPI section[145] - Total number of employees is categorized by gender, employment type, age group, and region, with specific figures provided in the KPI section[148] - Employee turnover rate is categorized by gender, age group, and region, with detailed data available in the KPI section[148] - Number of work-related fatalities and the ratio over the past three years, including the reporting year, are disclosed, with specific figures provided in the KPI section[148] - Number of lost workdays due to work-related injuries is reported, with detailed data available in the KPI section[148] - Training rate of employees by gender and employment type, as well as average training hours per employee, are disclosed, with specific figures provided in the KPI section[149] Financial Reporting and Auditing - The company's financial statements were prepared in accordance with Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards and the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance[151] - The audit was conducted in accordance with Hong Kong Standards on Auditing, and the auditor believes the audit evidence obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for the opinion[152] - The company's directors are responsible for the preparation of true and fair financial statements and for ensuring necessary internal controls are in place[156] - The auditor's responsibility is to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error[157] - The auditor evaluated the company's procedures for

Financial Performance - Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023, was HKD 55,376,948 thousand, an increase from HKD 39,090,928 thousand in 2022, representing a growth of approximately 41.5%[2] - Gross profit decreased to HKD 1,780,649 thousand in 2023 from HKD 2,079,880 thousand in 2022, reflecting a decline of about 14.4%[2] - Operating profit for the year was HKD 1,513,979 thousand, down from HKD 1,686,359 thousand in the previous year, a decrease of approximately 10.2%[2] - Net profit attributable to equity holders was HKD 1,200,955 thousand in 2023, compared to HKD 1,206,822 thousand in 2022, a slight decrease of about 0.5%[3] - Total comprehensive income for the year was HKD 1,309,044 thousand, down from HKD 1,425,607 thousand in 2022, a decline of approximately 8.2%[3] - The group reported a pre-tax profit of HKD 1,739,084 for the year 2022, which decreased to HKD 1,522,165 in 2023, reflecting a decline of 12.5%[12] - The revenue from financial services decreased to HKD 850,586,000 from HKD 1,040,263,000 in the previous year[37] - Profit attributable to shareholders for the year was approximately HKD 1,200,955,000, slightly down from HKD 1,206,822,000 in the previous year[39] Revenue Breakdown - The revenue from commodity trading and processing sales amounted to HKD 54,537,384, up from HKD 38,061,282 in the previous year, reflecting a growth of 43.4%[10] - Commission income and brokerage fees from financial services increased to HKD 242,688, compared to HKD 188,241 in 2022, marking a rise of 29%[10] - Revenue from distribution, trading, and processing business increased from approximately HKD 38,050,665,000 to approximately HKD 54,526,362,000, primarily due to increased trading volume of silver and gold bars[38] - Income from financial services decreased to approximately HKD 850,586,000 from HKD 1,040,263,000, attributed to reduced fund performance[38] Assets and Liabilities - Current assets increased to HKD 15,443,384 thousand in 2023 from HKD 12,806,572 thousand in 2022, representing a growth of about 20.4%[4] - Total liabilities increased to HKD 9,035,811 thousand in 2023 from HKD 7,671,025 thousand in 2022, reflecting a rise of about 17.8%[4] - The total assets of the group as of December 31, 2023, were HKD 16,331,129, compared to HKD 13,616,683 in 2022, indicating a growth of 20%[15] - The total liabilities of the group increased to HKD 9,061,301 in 2023 from HKD 7,707,730 in 2022, representing a rise of 17.5%[15] - The company’s loans granted to customers decreased to HKD 13,600 in 2023 from HKD 29,299 in 2022, a decline of 53.6%[26] Equity and Dividends - The company's equity attributable to equity holders increased to HKD 6,198,499 thousand in 2023 from HKD 4,584,488 thousand in 2022, a growth of approximately 35.2%[5] - The company declared an interim dividend of HKD 0.02 per ordinary share for 2023, compared to no dividend in 2022[22] - Basic earnings per share for 2023 were HKD 89.3, slightly down from HKD 89.5 in 2022, showing a marginal decrease[25] - The company authorized a share buyback plan for up to HKD 270 million, subject to market conditions[61] Operational Highlights - The company continues to explore new business opportunities to enhance synergies in its physical commodity trading operations[33] - The financial services division has expanded its offerings, including obtaining regulatory approval for a registered fund management company in Singapore[33] - The company has commenced lending operations in Hong Kong through a wholly-owned subsidiary, targeting corporate clients with loans typically denominated in HKD[41] - The company continues to focus on market expansion in Hong Kong, Singapore, and China, having acquired several chemical trading companies in Singapore to enhance its trading business[44] Risk Management - The company continues to monitor foreign exchange risks, particularly related to transactions denominated in RMB[51] - The company faces various risks including commodity price fluctuations, credit risk, and regulatory compliance risks[50][54] Compliance and Governance - The company has complied with all provisions of the Corporate Governance Code throughout the year ended December 31, 2023[63] - The Audit Committee consists of one non-executive director and two independent non-executive directors, and has reviewed the annual performance for the year ended December 31, 2023[66] - The external auditor confirmed that the figures in the preliminary announcement are consistent with the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023[67] - The annual report for the year 2023 will be sent to shareholders in due course and is available on the company's website[68]

Financial Performance - Revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2023, was HKD 23,396,789, an increase of 43.1% compared to HKD 16,329,638 in the same period of 2022[9]. - Gross profit for the same period was HKD 612,983, down 46.7% from HKD 1,150,075 in 2022, indicating increased cost pressures[9]. - Operating profit was HKD 920,436, slightly down from HKD 943,334 in the previous year, reflecting a decrease of 2.4%[9]. - Net profit for the period was HKD 872,489, a marginal increase of 0.4% compared to HKD 868,456 in 2022[9]. - Basic and diluted earnings per share increased to HKD 6.16 cents from HKD 4.95 cents, representing a growth of 24.5%[11]. - The company reported a total comprehensive income of HKD 752,110 for the period, down from HKD 787,271 in 2022, a decrease of 4.5%[11]. - For the six months ended June 30, 2023, the company reported a net profit of HKD 830,044,000, compared to HKD 666,971,000 for the same period in 2022, representing a year-over-year increase of approximately 24.4%[15]. - The group reported a total segment profit of HKD 538,284 for the first half of 2023, down from HKD 937,656 in the same period last year, reflecting a decrease of 42.6%[24]. - The group’s pre-tax profit for the six months ended June 30, 2023, was HKD 929,203, compared to HKD 986,484 for the same period in 2022, representing a decrease of 5.8%[24]. - The profit attributable to equity holders for the period was approximately HKD 830,044,000, an increase from HKD 666,971,000 in the corresponding period[87]. Assets and Liabilities - Total assets as of June 30, 2023, were HKD 14,521,393, up from HKD 12,806,572 as of December 31, 2022, indicating a growth of 13.4%[12]. - Current liabilities increased to HKD 8,648,004 from HKD 7,671,025, reflecting a rise of 12.7%[13]. - The total equity as of June 30, 2023, was HKD 5,178,207,000, an increase from HKD 4,329,316,000 as of June 30, 2022, indicating a growth of about 19.6%[15]. - The company’s total liabilities decreased from HKD 36,705,000,000 in the previous year to HKD 32,808,000,000, a reduction of approximately 10.8%[14]. - The total amount of loans and other borrowings as of June 30, 2023, was approximately HKD 4,869,000, significantly reduced from HKD 165,564,000 as of December 31, 2022[108]. - The current ratio as of June 30, 2023, was approximately 1.68, slightly up from 1.67 as of December 31, 2022, while the debt-to-equity ratio was approximately 0.001, down from 0.03[108]. Cash Flow - Cash and bank balances increased significantly to HKD 5,726,730 from HKD 4,030,651, a growth of 42.0%[12]. - The net cash generated from operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2023, was HKD 3,240,779,000, compared to HKD 4,413,262,000 for the same period in 2022, showing a decrease of about 26.6%[16]. - The financing activities resulted in a net cash outflow of HKD 1,882,058,000 for the period, compared to HKD 2,377,677,000 in the previous year, indicating a decrease in cash outflow by about 21%[16]. - The company reported a decrease in cash used in investing activities, with net cash outflow of HKD 235,847,000 compared to HKD 57,373,000 in the previous year[16]. Market Strategy and Future Plans - The company plans to focus on market expansion and new product development to drive future growth[8]. - The company plans to continue its market expansion efforts and invest in new product development to drive future growth[15]. - The company plans to expand its financial services, including securities and derivatives trading, and aims to provide a broader range of financial services in Hong Kong and Singapore[88]. - The company aims to expand its four main business pillars across all major asset classes, including commodities, foreign exchange, and interest rates[92]. - The company has actively sought acquisition opportunities, having acquired several chemical trading companies in Singapore to expand its business scope[94]. Taxation - The total income tax expense for the six months ended June 30, 2023, was HKD 56,714,000, a decrease of 52.0% from HKD 118,028,000 in the same period of 2022[5]. - The company’s effective tax rate for Hong Kong profits tax remained at 16.5% for both 2023 and 2022[5]. - The company’s Singapore corporate income tax was calculated at a standard rate of 17% or a preferential rate of 5% for eligible income under the Global Trader Programme[36]. Employee and Governance - The total number of employees as of June 30, 2023, was 366, with 9 in Hong Kong, 116 in Singapore, and 241 in China[110]. - The company has complied with all corporate governance codes during the six-month period ending June 30, 2023[111]. Financial Instruments and Fair Value - The company holds financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, primarily related to options for purchasing up to 120,000,000 shares of Green Esteel[52]. - The fair value of financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss as of June 30, 2023, totaled HKD 585,436 thousand, which includes HKD 782,886 thousand in assets and HKD (664,629) thousand in liabilities[68]. - The total fair value of financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss includes HKD 242,892,000 in overseas private equity investments and HKD 39,552,000 in options[69]. - The fair value measurement of financial assets as of June 30, 2023, includes a total of HKD 313,253,000, with HKD 30,809,000 classified as Level 1 and HKD 282,444,000 as Level 3[69]. - The total change in Level 3 fair value measurements resulted in a net gain of HKD 387,984,000 during the reporting period[71]. Risks - The company is exposed to commodity price fluctuations, which can significantly impact its operating performance[101]. - The company faces foreign exchange risk primarily due to transactions denominated in RMB, while USD exposure is minimal due to the peg with HKD[102]. - The company is continuously monitoring potential compliance risks, including insider trading and money laundering activities[106].

Financial Performance - Revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2023, was HKD 23,396,789, an increase of 29.5% compared to HKD 16,329,638 for the same period in 2022[2] - Gross profit for the same period was HKD 612,983, with a gross margin of approximately 2.62%[2] - Operating profit for the six months ended June 30, 2023, was HKD 920,436, slightly down from HKD 943,334 in 2022[2] - Profit attributable to equity holders for the period was HKD 830,044, up 24.4% from HKD 666,971 in the previous year[3] - Total comprehensive income for the period was HKD 752,110, compared to HKD 787,271 in the same period last year[4] - Basic and diluted earnings per share for the period were HKD 6.16 cents, an increase from HKD 4.95 cents in 2022[4] - The group reported a pre-tax profit of HKD 929,203 for the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to HKD 986,484 for the same period in 2022, indicating a decrease of about 5.8%[17] - The company reported a net profit of HKD 872,489,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2023, slightly up from HKD 868,456,000 in 2022[55] Assets and Liabilities - Total assets less current liabilities as of June 30, 2023, amounted to HKD 6,693,016, up from HKD 5,945,658 at the end of 2022[6] - The company's net asset value increased to HKD 6,660,208 as of June 30, 2023, compared to HKD 5,908,953 at the end of 2022[6] - Current liabilities increased to HKD 8,648,004 from HKD 7,671,025 at the end of 2022[5] - The group's assets as of June 30, 2023, totaled HKD 14,362,317, with liabilities amounting to HKD 8,589,983, resulting in a net asset position[15] - The company's inventory of raw materials and finished goods as of June 30, 2023, was HKD 1,853,985,000, down from HKD 2,340,096,000 as of December 31, 2022, representing a decrease of 20.8%[26] - Trade receivables and notes receivable as of June 30, 2023, amounted to HKD 2,033,396,000, an increase of 19.1% from HKD 1,707,436,000 as of December 31, 2022[29] Cash Flow and Financing - For the six months ended June 30, 2023, the company reported a net cash inflow from operating activities of HKD 3,240,779, a decrease of 26.5% compared to HKD 4,413,262 for the same period in 2022[8] - The company incurred a foreign exchange loss of HKD 97,483 during the period, which impacted the overall comprehensive income[7] - The company made a net cash outflow of HKD 235,847 from investing activities, compared to HKD 35,808 in the previous year, indicating a significant increase in investment expenditures[8] - The financing activities resulted in a net cash outflow of HKD 1,882,058, a decrease from HKD 2,377,677 in the prior year, reflecting improved cash management[8] - The company’s total equity as of June 30, 2023, was HKD 6,660,208, an increase from HKD 5,178,207 at the end of June 2022, representing a growth of 28.6%[7] Segment Performance - Revenue from the distribution, trading, and processing segment was HKD 23,089,693, while the financial services segment contributed HKD 307,096, leading to a total segment profit of HKD 538,284[13] - The group reported a decrease in segment profit for the distribution, trading, and processing segment to HKD 454,034 from HKD 668,447 in the previous year, indicating a decline of approximately 32%[13] - Income from financial services decreased to approximately HKD 307,096,000 from approximately HKD 532,540,000 in the previous period, attributed to reduced fund trading activities[57] Taxation - The total tax expense for the six months ended June 30, 2023, was HKD 56,714,000, a decrease of 52.0% from HKD 118,028,000 in the same period of 2022[5] - The company's effective tax rate for Hong Kong profits tax remained at 16.5% for both 2023 and 2022[5] Investments and Capital Expenditures - The company acquired property, plant, and equipment worth approximately HKD 7,991,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to HKD 22,359,000 in the same period of 2022[24] - As of June 30, 2023, the company's capital commitments for establishing a non-wholly owned subsidiary in China amounted to approximately HKD 82,994,000, down from HKD 108,662,000 as of December 31, 2022[51] - Capital expenditures during the interim period totaled HKD 7,991,000, a decrease from HKD 22,359,000 in the same period last year[77] Corporate Governance and Compliance - The audit committee, consisting of two independent non-executive directors and one non-executive director, is responsible for reviewing the company's annual and interim performance[84] - The audit committee has reviewed the accounting principles and practices adopted by the company and discussed internal controls and financial reporting for the six months ending June 30, 2023[85] - The company has adopted the standard code of conduct for securities trading by directors as per the listing rules, confirming compliance for the six months ending June 30, 2023[81] Future Plans and Strategies - The company plans to expand its financial services to include a wide range of offerings, including securities and derivatives services in Hong Kong and Singapore[59] - The company aims to actively seek further acquisition opportunities following recent acquisitions of several chemical trading companies in Singapore[64]