Financial Performance - Revenue for the fiscal year 2024 decreased from approximately HKD 165.0 million in 2023 to about HKD 99.3 million in 2024, representing a decline of approximately 40%[10] - Gross profit margin fell from approximately 52.8% in 2023 to about 8.7% in 2024, with gross profit dropping from HKD 87.1 million to HKD 8.6 million[10] - The company reported a loss attributable to owners of approximately HKD 47.9 million for 2024, compared to a profit of HKD 18.9 million in 2023[10] - Earnings per share for 2024 were approximately HKD -13.31, down from HKD 5.30 in 2023[10] - The company has decided not to declare a final dividend for the fiscal year 2024, consistent with the previous year[10] - The company's revenue for the fiscal year 2024 was approximately HKD 99.3 million, a decrease of about 39.8% from HKD 165.0 million in 2023[30] - Gross profit fell to approximately HKD 8.6 million in 2024, down about 90.1% from HKD 87.1 million in 2023, with a gross margin of approximately 8.7% compared to 52.8% in the previous year[42] - The company reported a loss attributable to equity holders of approximately HKD 47.9 million for the fiscal year 2024, compared to a profit of HKD 18.9 million in 2023[30] - Sales costs increased by approximately 16.3% to about HKD 90.7 million in 2024, compared to HKD 77.9 million in 2023[41] - Other income decreased from approximately HKD 44.2 million in FY2023 to about HKD 38.9 million in FY2024, a reduction of approximately HKD 5.3 million[43] Market Performance and Strategy - The traditional watch sales experienced a significant decline, primarily due to over-reliance on the Chinese market, which accounted for over half of the sales points[12] - The company is actively participating in overseas exhibitions and adjusting marketing strategies to expand into international markets, including ASEAN and Dubai[12] - Sales in the smartwatch manufacturing segment increased compared to the previous year, but were affected by geopolitical factors and tariff issues, leading to more conservative order placements by clients[13] - Future sales strategies for traditional watches will focus on overseas markets, aiming to enhance brand recognition and develop exclusive designs for international buyers[14] - The company plans to stabilize customer orders in the smartwatch segment while controlling production costs and improving gross margins[14] - Revenue from the Chinese market decreased by approximately 37.9% to about HKD 81.9 million in 2024, accounting for approximately 82.5% of total revenue[32] - Sales in the Hong Kong and Macau markets increased by approximately 100.5% to about HKD 11.2 million in 2024, representing approximately 11.3% of total revenue[33] - Revenue from other markets, primarily in Europe, increased by approximately 62.7% to about HKD 3.4 million in 2024, accounting for approximately 3.4% of total revenue[34] Operational Changes and Employee Management - The total employee count increased by approximately 24.9% from 434 to 542 full-time employees, with total employee costs rising from approximately HKD 57 million to HKD 60.4 million[68] - The company encourages employee training and development, offering subsidies for external training courses[170] - Employee development is a priority, with the company providing training in management skills, sales, production, and quality control[198] - The employee turnover rate in mainland China reached 83.8%, significantly higher than Hong Kong's 5.4% and Switzerland's 10.8%[166] - The company reported zero work-related fatalities in the past three years, maintaining a safe working environment[168] Governance and Compliance - The company has adopted the corporate governance code as per the listing rules appendix 14, which is crucial for enhancing overall performance and accountability[84] - All directors have confirmed compliance with the standard code of conduct for securities trading as per listing rules appendix 10 for the fiscal year 2024[85] - The board consists of two executive directors, one non-executive director, and two independent non-executive directors, ensuring a diverse range of expertise and industry knowledge[87] - The company has established five committees: Audit, Remuneration, Nomination, Executive, and Investment, each with defined roles and responsibilities[99] - The Audit Committee includes members with appropriate professional qualifications and experience, ensuring effective oversight of financial reporting[100] - The company has implemented a whistleblowing policy to encourage employees to report potential violations, ensuring complete protection and confidentiality for whistleblowers[188] - The company has not faced any legal prosecution related to corruption or criminal offenses during the year[188] Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Initiatives - The company has identified key ESG issues, including employee rights, safety and health, product quality and safety, and innovation management, to enhance performance in daily operations[132] - The report includes key performance indicators to track and list performance in resource utilization[136] - The total emissions of greenhouse gases for the year 2024 amounted to 96.61 tons of CO2 equivalent, a decrease of 22.6% from 124.88 tons in 2023[149] - The company aims to enhance resource efficiency and has implemented measures to track consumption patterns, leading to increased awareness of environmental conservation among employees[154] - The company has committed to sustainable waste management practices, including recycling old watch batteries and minimizing hazardous waste generation[150] - The company has established a procurement policy to control material purchases and minimize potential waste[154] - The company is committed to managing environmental and social risks in its supply chain, with specific practices in place for supplier selection and monitoring[192] Future Outlook - The external economic environment is expected to be complex and challenging, impacting the watch industry negatively in 2025[71] - The group plans to focus on inventory clearance and redesign existing watch inventory to improve cost efficiency and accelerate turnover[72] - In 2025, the group aims to enhance brand visibility through a new store design and promotional activities, including tiered gift offerings to stimulate sales[73] - The group intends to expand its market presence in Southeast Asia and North America, with a focus on increasing the number of duty-free stores in Singapore[77] - The company aims to reduce carbon emission density by 10% and energy consumption density by 10% by 2028[162]

Financial Performance - Revenue for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, decreased to approximately HKD 99.3 million from about HKD 165.0 million for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, representing a decline of approximately 40%[4] - Gross profit margin fell from approximately 52.8% in 2023 to about 8.7% in 2024, with gross profit decreasing from HKD 87.1 million to HKD 8.6 million[4] - The loss attributable to the company's owners for the fiscal year 2024 was approximately HKD 47.9 million, compared to a profit of about HKD 18.9 million in 2023[4] - Basic and diluted loss per share for 2024 was approximately HKD 0.1331, down from earnings of HKD 0.0530 per share in 2023[4] - The company reported a loss before tax of HKD 48,289,000 for 2024, compared to a profit of HKD 17,483,000 in 2023[21] - For the year ended December 31, 2024, the company reported a loss attributable to owners of HKD 47,938,000, compared to a profit of HKD 18,871,000 for 2023, resulting in a basic and diluted loss per share for 2024[25] - The company recorded a loss of approximately HKD 47.9 million in FY2024, compared to a profit of approximately HKD 18.9 million in FY2023[54] Assets and Liabilities - Non-current assets decreased from HKD 154.7 million in 2023 to HKD 87.4 million in 2024, primarily due to a reduction in goodwill and intangible assets[6] - Current assets decreased from HKD 501.3 million in 2023 to HKD 465.6 million in 2024, with inventory decreasing from HKD 324.8 million to HKD 288.1 million[6] - Total assets decreased to HKD 553,001,000 in 2024 from HKD 656,004,000 in 2023, reflecting a decline of approximately 15.7%[17] - Total liabilities increased from HKD 393.2 million in 2023 to HKD 409.9 million in 2024, with current liabilities remaining stable[6] - Total liabilities were HKD 451,096,000 in 2024, down from HKD 488,212,000 in 2023, indicating a reduction of about 7.6%[17] - The company's net asset value decreased from HKD 167.8 million in 2023 to HKD 101.9 million in 2024, reflecting a significant decline in reserves[7] Revenue Breakdown - Smartwatch segment revenue was HKD 38,008,000, down from HKD 111,983,000 in the previous year, representing a decline of 66%[21] - Revenue from external customers in China was HKD 81,884,000 in 2024, a decrease of 37.9% from HKD 131,849,000 in 2023[19] - Revenue from the Chinese market decreased by approximately 37.9% to about HKD 81.9 million, accounting for approximately 82.5% of total revenue in fiscal year 2024[40] - Revenue from the Hong Kong and Macau markets increased by approximately 100.5% to about HKD 11.2 million, accounting for approximately 11.3% of total revenue in fiscal year 2024[41] - Revenue from other markets, primarily in Europe, increased by approximately 62.7% to about HKD 3.4 million, accounting for approximately 3.4% of total revenue in fiscal year 2024[42] Expenses and Costs - The total cost of goods sold increased to HKD 90,656,000 in 2024 from HKD 77,932,000 in 2023, reflecting a rise of approximately 16.5%[21] - Sales cost increased by approximately 16.3% from about HKD 77.9 million in FY2023 to about HKD 90.7 million in FY2024[48] - Distribution expenses decreased by approximately 52.8% from about HKD 56.2 million in FY2023 to about HKD 26.5 million in FY2024[51] - Administrative expenses increased by approximately 19.0% from about HKD 50.4 million in FY2023 to about HKD 60.0 million in FY2024[52] Trade Receivables and Payables - The total trade receivables as of December 31, 2024, amounted to HKD 152,023,000, an increase of 8.9% from HKD 139,540,000 in 2023[26] - The impairment loss provision for trade receivables increased to HKD 17,058,000 in 2024 from HKD 14,115,000 in 2023, reflecting a rise in credit risk[28] - The company’s trade receivables aging analysis showed that receivables over 270 days increased significantly to HKD 78,867,000 in 2024 from HKD 39,590,000 in 2023[27] - Trade payables increased to HKD 49,225,000 in 2024 from HKD 37,231,000 in 2023, reflecting a growing obligation[34] Corporate Governance and Future Outlook - The company is committed to maintaining high standards of corporate governance to protect shareholder interests and enhance corporate value[84] - The company has established a review committee to ensure compliance with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange's listing rules regarding independent non-executive director numbers[81] - The company plans to innovate traditional watch designs and improve inventory turnover to adapt to market changes[71] - The outlook for the watch industry in 2025 is expected to be challenging due to economic uncertainties and competition from smartwatches[70] - The company anticipates that the audited profit after tax for the year ending December 31, 2025, will also be less than HKD 30 million[33] Dividends - The board of directors has resolved not to recommend the payment of a final dividend for the fiscal year 2024, consistent with the previous year[4] - The company did not declare any dividends for the years ended December 31, 2024, and 2023[24] - The company will not recommend a final dividend for the fiscal year 2024, consistent with the previous year[87] Employee and Operational Changes - The total number of full-time employees increased by approximately 24.9% from 434 in FY2023 to 542 in FY2024, with total employee costs rising to about HKD 60.4 million[66] - The company emphasizes strict performance evaluations across sales departments, focusing on invoicing, collections, and profit metrics[83]

Financial Performance - Revenue for the first half of the fiscal year 2024 decreased by approximately 51.4%, from about HKD 82.5 million in the first half of fiscal year 2023 to about HKD 40.1 million[7]. - Gross profit decreased to approximately HKD 19.4 million in the first half of fiscal year 2024, down from about HKD 44.1 million in the same period of fiscal year 2023, resulting in a gross margin decline from approximately 53.4% to 48.5%[8]. - The loss attributable to equity holders for the first half of fiscal year 2024 was approximately HKD 5.3 million, compared to a profit of about HKD 1.3 million in the first half of fiscal year 2023[7]. - The basic and diluted loss per share for the first half of fiscal year 2024 was approximately HKD 0.0148, while the basic and diluted earnings per share for the first half of fiscal year 2023 were approximately HKD 0.0036[7]. - Total revenue decreased by approximately 51.4% from about HKD 82.5 million in the first half of the 2023 fiscal year to about HKD 40.1 million in the first half of the 2024 fiscal year[14]. - Watch business revenue decreased by approximately 62.5% from about HKD 61.3 million in the first half of the 2023 fiscal year to about HKD 23 million in the first half of the 2024 fiscal year[15]. - The company reported a net loss attributable to owners of HKD 5,337,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to a profit of HKD 1,271,000 in the same period of 2023[50]. - The company reported a foreign exchange loss of HKD 8,103,000 for the period, compared to a gain of HKD 7,285,000 in the same period last year[50]. - The net loss after tax for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was HKD 5,337 thousand, compared to a profit of HKD 1,271 thousand for the same period in 2023[59]. Market and Strategic Focus - The company plans to expand its overseas market presence, particularly in Europe and Southeast Asia, to mitigate challenges in the Chinese retail market[9]. - The company is focusing on enhancing its online sales platforms and marketing efforts to adapt to changing consumer preferences post-pandemic[10]. - The company aims to diversify its product offerings and innovate in watch design and functionality to attract consumers[10]. - The group is enhancing brand awareness through various marketing strategies, targeting younger and international consumers, and has increased collaboration with social media influencers to promote products[35]. - The group is restructuring its online sales team and establishing a dedicated international market team to enhance overseas marketing capabilities and increase sales on international e-commerce platforms[37]. - The group plans to continue expanding its smart manufacturing business segment, which is expected to drive future revenue growth[58]. Revenue Breakdown - Revenue from the Chinese segment decreased by approximately 66.5% from about HKD 55.9 million in the first half of the 2023 fiscal year to about HKD 18.7 million in the first half of the 2024 fiscal year, accounting for approximately 81% of total watch business revenue[11]. - Revenue from the Hong Kong and Macau markets decreased by approximately 59% from about HKD 4.4 million in the first half of the 2023 fiscal year to about HKD 1.8 million in the first half of the 2024 fiscal year, representing about 8% of total watch business revenue[11]. - Revenue from other markets increased by approximately 127% from about HKD 1.1 million in the first half of the 2023 fiscal year to about HKD 2.5 million in the first half of the 2024 fiscal year, accounting for about 11% of total watch business revenue[12]. - Total revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was HKD 40,068 thousand, with watch business contributing HKD 22,965 thousand and smart manufacturing business contributing HKD 17,103 thousand[58]. Cost Management - Distribution expenses decreased by approximately 67.7% from about HKD 23.5 million in the first half of the 2023 fiscal year to about HKD 7.6 million in the first half of the 2024 fiscal year, representing about 19% of total revenue[22]. - Administrative expenses increased by approximately 57.5% from about HKD 21.4 million in the first half of the 2023 fiscal year to about HKD 33.7 million in the first half of the 2024 fiscal year[23]. - The group aims to control administrative expenses and operational costs while exploring diverse revenue channels to achieve cost-saving goals[39]. Inventory and Employee Management - As of June 30, 2024, inventory decreased by approximately HKD 6.7 million to about HKD 318.1 million from about HKD 324.8 million as of December 31, 2023[25]. - As of June 30, 2024, the group had 399 full-time employees, down from 446 on December 31, 2023, with total employee costs for the first half of the fiscal year amounting to approximately HKD 25.6 million, compared to HKD 26.7 million in the same period of the previous fiscal year[32]. - The company’s total employee costs for the six months ended June 30, 2024, were HKD 25,649,000, a slight decrease from HKD 26,708,000 in the same period of 2023[67]. Financial Position - Total assets as of June 30, 2024, were HKD 465,518,000, a decrease from HKD 501,310,000 as of December 31, 2023[51]. - Current liabilities decreased to HKD 386,653,000 from HKD 393,243,000 at the end of 2023, reflecting a reduction of 1.5%[52]. - The company's net asset value as of June 30, 2024, was HKD 154,460,000, down from HKD 167,792,000 at the end of 2023, a decline of 7.9%[52]. - Trade receivables as of June 30, 2024, amounted to HKD 133,121,000, down from HKD 139,540,000 as of December 31, 2023, a decrease of 5%[71]. - The aging analysis of trade receivables showed that amounts overdue for more than 270 days increased to HKD 55,404,000 as of June 30, 2024, compared to HKD 39,590,000 as of December 31, 2023, an increase of 40%[73]. Shareholder Information - The group disclosed that Teguh Halim holds approximately 0.14% of the company's issued shares, with 6,000,000 shares owned[40]. - As of June 30, 2024, the company has a total of 360,257,512 shares issued[45]. - International Brand Limited holds 205,834,485 shares, representing approximately 57.14% of the total issued shares[43]. - The major shareholder, Chao Feng Limited, holds 217,634,485 shares, accounting for 60.41% of the total issued shares[43]. - The company has not implemented any share option plans since the previous plan expired on June 24, 2024[46]. Compliance and Governance - The audit committee, consisting of three independent non-executive directors, reviewed the interim results for the six months ended June 30, 2024[48]. - The company has complied with all corporate governance codes as per the listing rules during the reporting period[46]. - The company has established a standard code for securities trading by directors, which has been adhered to during the reporting period[47].

Financial Performance - Revenue for the first half of the fiscal year 2024 decreased to approximately HKD 40.1 million from about HKD 82.5 million in the same period of fiscal year 2023, representing a decline of approximately 51.5%[1] - Gross profit margin fell from approximately 53.4% in the first half of fiscal year 2023 to about 48.5% in the first half of fiscal year 2024, with gross profit decreasing from approximately HKD 44.1 million to about HKD 19.4 million[1] - The loss attributable to owners of the company for the first half of fiscal year 2024 was approximately HKD 5.3 million, compared to a profit of about HKD 1.3 million in the same period of fiscal year 2023[1] - Basic and diluted loss per share for the first half of fiscal year 2024 was approximately HKD 1.48, while the basic and diluted earnings per share for the first half of fiscal year 2023 was approximately HKD 0.36[1] - Total comprehensive loss for the period amounted to approximately HKD 13.3 million, compared to a total comprehensive income of about HKD 8.7 million in the same period of the previous year[3] Asset and Liability Changes - Non-current assets decreased from approximately HKD 154.7 million as of December 31, 2023, to about HKD 141.8 million as of June 30, 2024[4] - Current assets decreased from approximately HKD 501.3 million as of December 31, 2023, to about HKD 465.5 million as of June 30, 2024[4] - Current liabilities decreased from approximately HKD 393.2 million as of December 31, 2023, to about HKD 386.7 million as of June 30, 2024[5] - Total equity attributable to owners of the company decreased from approximately HKD 167.8 million as of December 31, 2023, to about HKD 154.5 million as of June 30, 2024[6] Cash Position and Financing - The company reported a net cash position of approximately HKD 9.7 million in bank balances and cash as of June 30, 2024, compared to HKD 5.9 million as of December 31, 2023[4] - The company incurred financing costs of HKD 4,439,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to HKD 4,840,000 in the previous year, showing a reduction of 8.3%[12] - The financing costs increased by approximately HKD 0.4 million or about 9.1% to approximately HKD 4.8 million in the first half of the 2024 fiscal year[37] Revenue Breakdown - Total revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was HKD 82,542,000, compared to HKD 40,068,000 for the same period in 2023, representing a 106.5% increase[12] - The watch segment generated revenue of HKD 61,339,000, while the smart manufacturing segment contributed HKD 21,203,000, indicating strong performance in both areas[12] - Revenue from external customers in China was HKD 32,409,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024, down from HKD 61,939,000 in the same period of 2023, indicating a decline of 47.6%[13] - The number of sales points in China as of June 30, 2024, was 618, with revenue from this segment decreasing by approximately 66.5% to HKD 18.7 million, accounting for about 81% of total watch business revenue[26] - Sales in the Hong Kong and Macau markets decreased by approximately 59% to HKD 1.8 million, representing about 8% of total watch business revenue[27] - Revenue from other markets, primarily in Southeast Asia and Europe, increased by approximately 127% to HKD 2.5 million, accounting for about 11% of total watch business revenue[28] Profitability and Cost Management - The company reported a pre-tax profit of HKD 1,011,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to a pre-tax loss of HKD 6,711,000 for the same period in 2023[12] - The net profit after tax for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was HKD 1,271,000, a significant recovery from a net loss of HKD 5,337,000 in the previous year[18] - The total employee cost for the first half of the 2024 fiscal year was approximately HKD 25.6 million, down from approximately HKD 26.7 million in the same period of the 2023 fiscal year[43] - The distribution expenses decreased by approximately HKD 15.9 million or about 67.7% to approximately HKD 7.6 million, representing about 19% of total revenue in the first half of the 2024 fiscal year[35] Strategic Plans and Market Focus - The company plans to expand its online sales platforms overseas and enhance marketing efforts through exhibitions to attract foreign customers[25] - The company aims to diversify its product offerings and innovate in design and functionality to adapt to changing market conditions and improve profitability[25] - The company plans to enhance its product offerings by designing men's, women's, and couple's watch series that align with market trends and consumer preferences[44] - The company aims to increase brand awareness through various marketing strategies, targeting younger and more international consumers, and has restructured its online sales team to focus on international markets[44][46] - The company will actively participate in overseas exhibitions and visit international clients to expand its customer base[44] - The company is shifting its business model from a focus on the Chinese market to attracting more international clients[48] Governance and Compliance - The company has adhered to all corporate governance codes as of June 30, 2024[50] - All directors have confirmed compliance with the standard code of conduct regarding securities trading during the six months ending June 30, 2024[51] - The audit committee has been established to oversee financial reporting and internal controls, consisting of three independent non-executive directors[52] - The interim results for the six months ending June 30, 2024, have been reviewed and deemed compliant with applicable accounting standards[52] - No purchase, sale, or redemption of the company's listed securities occurred during the six months ending June 30, 2024[52] - The interim report will be published on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the company's website[52]

香港交易及結算所有限公司及香港聯合交易所有限公司對本公告之內容概不負責， 對其準確性或完整性亦不發表任何聲明，並明確表示，概不對本公告全部或任何 部分內容所產生或因倚賴該等內容而引致的任何損失承擔任何責任。 ERNEST BOREL HOLDINGS LIMITED 依 波 路 控 股 有 限 公 司 （於開曼群島註冊成立之有限公司） （股份代號：1856） 有關於二零二三年十二月三十一日止年度 年度報告的補充公告 茲提述依波路控股有限公司（「本公司」，連同其附屬公司統稱「本集團」）日期為 2022年11月21日、2022年12月8日、2023年2月1日、2023年3月29日及2023年4月19日的 公告（「公告」）、日期為2023年3月13日的通函（「通函」）以及截至2023年12月31日止 年度（「報告期間」）的年度報告（「年度報告」）。除本文另有定義外，本公告內所用 之釋義與公告、通函及年報所定之具相同含意。本公司董事會（「董事會」或「董事」） 謹此提供更多有關公告、通函及年報的資料。 溢利補償計算 根據日期為2022年11月21日的買賣協議及日期為2022年12月8日的補充協議，買方（本 公司的直接全 ...

Financial Performance - The company reported a profit attributable to owners of approximately HKD 18.9 million for the fiscal year 2023, compared to a loss of approximately HKD 12.1 million in fiscal year 2022[3]. - Revenue for the fiscal year 2023 was approximately HKD 165.0 million, representing a year-on-year increase of approximately 20.1% from HKD 137.4 million in 2022[14]. - Gross profit increased to approximately HKD 87.1 million in 2023, up from approximately HKD 75.2 million in 2022, with a gross margin of approximately 52.8%[19]. - The company's total revenue for the fiscal year 2023 increased by approximately 20.1% to about HKD 165.0 million, up from approximately HKD 137.4 million in the fiscal year 2022[41]. - The company's financing costs decreased by approximately 17.7% to about HKD 9.3 million in fiscal year 2023, down from approximately HKD 11.3 million in fiscal year 2022[46]. - The company's audited net profit for the year ending December 31, 2023, is estimated to be less than HKD 30 million, with a fair value gain of HKD 44 million recognized in other comprehensive income[71]. Market Performance - Revenue from the Chinese market, the company's main sales market, accounted for approximately 79.9% of total revenue in fiscal year 2023, with a slight increase of 0.04% from the previous year[18]. - The company experienced a significant increase in sales in Hong Kong and Macau, with revenue rising by 67.5% to approximately HKD 5.6 million in 2023[18]. - Revenue from the Hong Kong and Macau markets rose by approximately 67.5% to about HKD 5.6 million in fiscal year 2023, compared to approximately HKD 3.3 million in fiscal year 2022[42]. - Other Asian markets, primarily Vietnam, Korea, and Southeast Asia, contributed approximately 15.4% to total revenue in fiscal year 2023, amounting to about HKD 25.5 million[40]. Business Expansion and Strategy - The company acquired a smartwatch accessory processing factory, diversifying its business into the research and production of smartwatch accessories[29]. - The company completed the acquisition of a smart watch manufacturer on April 19, 2023, to strengthen its revenue base in the smart watch market[60]. - The company plans to enhance its overseas brand promotion efforts and expand its market presence, particularly in the smart watch segment, which shows strong growth potential[60]. - The company plans to expand its sales in Southeast Asia and North America, with a focus on enhancing brand image in Singapore's duty-free stores and launching a new duty-free store in Thailand in Q2 2024[81]. - The company aims to focus its R&D resources on overseas markets and develop more new products in the coming year[61]. - The company is implementing various strategies to address market challenges, including enhancing design solutions and increasing promotional efforts[30]. Operational Challenges - The company faced challenges in the retail sector due to slow economic recovery and conservative purchasing demands from distributors[5]. - The company's administrative expenses rose by approximately 60.5% to about HKD 50.4 million in 2023, compared to approximately HKD 31.4 million in 2022[20]. - Inventory increased from approximately HKD 322.3 million as of December 31, 2022, to approximately HKD 324.8 million as of December 31, 2023[21]. - The company's trade and other receivables increased by approximately 44.9 million to about HKD 134.7 million as of December 31, 2023, from approximately HKD 89.8 million as of December 31, 2022[47]. - Trade and other payables increased from approximately HKD 33.7 million as of December 31, 2022, to approximately HKD 67.2 million as of December 31, 2023, an increase of about 33.5 million HKD[68]. Corporate Governance - The company is committed to good corporate governance principles, adhering to the corporate governance code as per the listing rules[67]. - The board consists of 4 male and 2 female members, reflecting a commitment to diversity in skills and experience[108]. - The independent non-executive directors have confirmed their independence according to the listing rules, ensuring unbiased oversight[111]. - The audit committee met without management to review the audited annual results for the year ended December 31, 2022, and the unaudited interim results for the six months ended June 30, 2023[129]. - The remuneration committee held two meetings this year, ensuring no directors participated in determining their own remuneration[130]. - The chairman and CEO roles are held by separate individuals, ensuring clear division of responsibilities[109]. - The board has adopted a diversity policy to enhance the benefits of diverse perspectives in decision-making[108]. - The company has established a nomination committee on June 24, 2014, to regularly review the board's structure and recommend suitable candidates to ensure fairness and transparency in nominations[131]. - The board has conducted an annual review of the effectiveness of the internal control systems to protect the group's assets and shareholder investments[157]. - The company has implemented measures to identify insider information and maintain its confidentiality until proper disclosure through the stock exchange[157]. Sustainability and ESG - The company emphasizes sustainable development, with the board leading discussions and decisions on significant environmental, social, and governance matters[192]. - The company is focused on enhancing its environmental, social, and governance performance to achieve future sustainable development[190]. - The company has identified key environmental, social, and governance issues to focus on, including employee rights, safety and health, green building opportunities, product quality and safety, and innovation management[182]. - The company is committed to continuously adjusting its sustainable development management strategies based on stakeholder expectations and actual business conditions[190]. - The company will continue to engage with various stakeholders to listen to their voices and grow together[182]. Shareholder Communication - The company emphasizes maintaining clear, timely, and effective communication with shareholders and investors to ensure high transparency[178]. - The company has a process for shareholders to request special meetings if they hold at least 10% of the voting shares[179]. - The board will continue to review the dividend policy and has the discretion to amend it at any time, with no guarantee of declaring any specific amount of dividends[177]. - The company is committed to providing stable and sustainable returns to shareholders, considering capital needs and future expansion plans when deciding on dividends[177]. - The board of directors has decided not to recommend a final dividend for the fiscal year 2023, consistent with the previous fiscal year[198].

Sales and Revenue Growth - The company plans to enhance offline sales by focusing on promotional activities in third, fourth, and fifth-tier cities, aiming to increase sales through diverse marketing strategies [2]. - E-commerce sales will be expanded significantly, particularly through platforms like Tmall and JD.com, with efforts to optimize product presentation and improve conversion rates [2]. - For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, the company's revenue increased from approximately HKD 137.4 million to approximately HKD 165.0 million, representing a growth of about 20.8% [74]. - Revenue from external customers for 2023 reached HKD 164,994,000, an increase from HKD 137,368,000 in 2022, representing a growth of approximately 20.2% [89]. - The revenue breakdown includes HKD 131,849,000 from China, HKD 18,351,000 from Vietnam, and HKD 5,592,000 from Hong Kong and Macau, with notable growth in Vietnam and Southeast Asia [89]. - The company has 37 sales points in Hong Kong and Macau, with sales increasing by approximately 67.5% to about HKD 5.6 million, accounting for about 3.4% of total revenue [168]. - The company has 116 sales points in other markets, primarily in Europe, with sales rising by approximately 57.3% to about HKD 2.1 million, representing about 1.3% of total revenue [169]. Profitability and Financial Performance - The company's net profit for the fiscal year 2023 increased by approximately HKD 44.2 million, a significant improvement from a net loss of about HKD 1.3 million in the previous fiscal year [17]. - The profit attributable to the company's owners for the fiscal year 2023 was approximately HKD 18.9 million, compared to a loss of approximately HKD 12.1 million in the fiscal year 2022 [74]. - The pre-tax profit for 2023 was HKD 18,871,000, a turnaround from a loss of HKD 12,068,000 in 2022, reflecting improved financial performance [96]. - The total comprehensive income attributable to the company's owners for the fiscal year 2023 was approximately HKD 29.2 million, compared to a loss of approximately HKD 4.9 million in the fiscal year 2022 [75]. - The estimated after-tax profit for the group for the year ending December 31, 2023, is expected to be less than HKD 30,000,000, indicating cautious financial projections [103]. Expenses and Cost Management - Administrative expenses decreased by approximately HKD 2.0 million or 17.7%, from about HKD 11.3 million in fiscal year 2022 to about HKD 9.3 million in fiscal year 2023 [18]. - The company's administrative expenses rose by approximately 60.5% to about HKD 50.4 million in 2023, up from HKD 31.4 million in 2022 [175]. - Employee costs totaled HKD 57,040,000 in 2023, compared to HKD 39,426,000 in 2022, marking an increase of approximately 44.5% [91]. - The cost of goods sold for the year included employee costs and depreciation amounting to HKD 23,632,000, up from HKD 8,647,000 in 2022, indicating a significant increase in operational costs [90]. Assets and Liabilities - The company reported non-current assets of HKD 154.694 million for the year ending December 31, 2023, compared to HKD 23.974 million in 2022, indicating a significant increase [60]. - Current assets increased to HKD 501.310 million in 2023 from HKD 423.971 million in 2022, reflecting a growth of approximately 18.3% [60]. - The company has a total asset value of HKD 656,004,000, with total liabilities amounting to HKD 488,212,000 [115]. - Trade and other payables rose from approximately HKD 33.7 million on December 31, 2022, to about HKD 67.2 million on December 31, 2023, an increase of approximately HKD 33.5 million [20]. - The company's trade and other receivables increased from approximately HKD 89.8 million as of December 31, 2022, to about HKD 134.7 million as of December 31, 2023, an increase of approximately 44.9 million [190]. Strategic Initiatives and Market Expansion - The company is committed to developing smart watch accessories to leverage the growing smart watch market and enhance profitability [10]. - The company plans to strengthen sales and brand image in the Southeast Asian and North American markets, with a focus on Singapore and Thailand duty-free stores [46]. - The company plans to enhance resource sharing and marketing interaction with sister brands to increase global market influence [46]. - The company has expanded its business into the smart watch manufacturing sector as of the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023 [67]. - The company plans to launch a new store counter design in 2023 to enhance brand visibility and stimulate terminal sales through promotional gifts [200]. Acquisitions and Investments - The company successfully acquired a smartwatch accessory manufacturing factory, enhancing its product diversification and synergy with traditional watch business [47]. - The company completed the acquisition of 100% equity in Kam Hee Industrial Limited and its subsidiaries on April 19, 2023 [79]. - The company completed the acquisition of Jinxi Industrial Co., Ltd. for a total consideration of HKD 108.456 million on April 19, 2023 [134]. - The acquisition of Jinxi Group contributed approximately HKD 53.0 million in revenue and a net profit of about HKD 7.9 million from the acquisition date to December 31, 2023 [164]. - The goodwill generated from the acquisition amounted to HKD 42.2 million, attributed to the growth and profit potential in the smartwatch business [163]. Corporate Governance and Management - The company is committed to maintaining high standards of corporate governance throughout the year [53]. - The company is exploring an equity incentive mechanism to complete an annual equity incentive plan [49]. - The company maintains a prudent financial management approach, ensuring sufficient financial resources to meet funding needs and manage liquidity risks [191]. - The company aims to implement strict performance evaluations across sales departments, focusing on invoicing, collections, and profit metrics [48].

Financial Performance - Total revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2023, was HKD 82,542,000, representing a 39% increase from HKD 59,390,000 for the same period in 2022[20][23]. - The net profit after tax for the six months ended June 30, 2023, was HKD 1,271,000, compared to a net loss of HKD 9,730,000 for the same period in 2022[20][38]. - The company achieved a profit attributable to equity holders of approximately HKD 1.3 million in the first half of 2023, a significant turnaround from a loss of approximately HKD 9.7 million in the same period of 2022[132]. - The gross profit increased to approximately HKD 44.1 million in the first half of 2023, up from approximately HKD 39.1 million in the first half of 2022, while the gross margin decreased to approximately 53.4% from 65.8%[138]. - The group recorded a net income of approximately HKD 1.3 million for the first half of the 2023 fiscal year, compared to a net loss of approximately HKD 9.7 million in the same period of 2022[169]. Assets and Liabilities - As of June 30, 2023, total assets amounted to HKD 464,647,000, an increase from HKD 423,971,000 as of December 31, 2022, representing a growth of approximately 9.4%[2]. - Current liabilities increased to HKD 381,133,000 from HKD 318,728,000, reflecting a rise of about 19.6%[2]. - Non-current liabilities surged to HKD 114,185,000 from HKD 21,375,000, indicating a significant increase of approximately 434.5%[3]. - The company's net asset value rose to HKD 147,294,000 as of June 30, 2023, compared to HKD 107,842,000 at the end of 2022, marking an increase of around 36.6%[3]. - The company’s total liabilities increased, reflecting its strategy to leverage debt for growth, with a notable rise in both current and non-current liabilities[61]. Cash Flow and Investments - Operating cash flow showed a net outflow of HKD 21,271,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2023[10]. - The company reported a net cash inflow from investing activities of HKD 10,533,000 for the period[10]. - The company raised new bank borrowings amounting to HKD 18,518,000 during the financing activities[10]. - Cash and cash equivalents decreased to HKD 3,040,000 from HKD 6,274,000, a decline of approximately 51.6%[10]. Revenue Segments - The watch business segment generated revenue of HKD 61,339,000, up from HKD 59,390,000, while the smart manufacturing segment contributed HKD 21,203,000[20][22]. - The company reported a significant increase in revenue from the Chinese market, reaching HKD 61,939,000, up from HKD 57,026,000 in the previous year[23]. - Revenue from the Chinese market decreased by approximately 1.9% to about HKD 55.9 million in the first half of 2023, accounting for approximately 91.1% of total watch business revenue[146]. - Sales in the Hong Kong and Macau markets increased by approximately 193.3% to about HKD 4.4 million in the first half of 2023, representing approximately 7.2% of total watch business revenue[147]. - Sales in other markets, primarily in Southeast Asia and Europe, increased by approximately 22.2% to about HKD 1.1 million in the first half of 2023, accounting for approximately 1.7% of total watch business revenue[148]. Acquisitions and Growth - The company acquired a subsidiary for HKD 42,178,000 during the first half of 2023, contributing to its asset growth[49]. - The acquisition of the Jinxi Group was completed on April 19, 2023, for a total consideration of HKD 108,456,000, which includes the issuance of 12,820,512 shares as the first tranche of payment[81]. - The goodwill generated from the acquisition of Jinxi Group is HKD 42,178,000, attributed to expected synergies and growth potential in the smartwatch sector[94]. - The company completed the acquisition of a smart manufacturing business on April 19, 2023, which focuses on designing and producing stainless steel alloy watch cases and smart watch cases[151]. - The acquisition of Kinsey Group contributed approximately HKD 21,203,000 in revenue and HKD 5,257,000 in net profit from the acquisition date to June 30, 2023[99]. Shareholder Information - The average number of ordinary shares issued during the period was 352,041,051, compared to 347,437,000 shares in the previous year[38]. - The company issued a total of 360,257,512 shares as of June 30, 2023, reflecting an increase from 347,437,000 shares at the end of 2022[78]. - Basic and diluted earnings per share for the first half of 2023 were approximately HKD 0.36, compared to a loss of approximately HKD 2.80 per share in the same period of 2022[139]. Expenses and Costs - Employee costs increased to HKD 26,708,000, compared to HKD 22,868,000 in the previous year, reflecting a rise in salaries and benefits[36]. - The group’s distribution expenses increased by approximately HKD 0.4 million or about 1.7% to approximately HKD 23.5 million, representing about 28.4% of total revenue in the first half of 2023[166]. - The group’s administrative expenses rose by approximately HKD 2.2 million or about 11.5% to approximately HKD 21.4 million in the first half of 2023[167]. - The financing costs decreased to HKD 4,439,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2023, down from HKD 6,447,000 in the same period of 2022[31]. Future Plans and Strategies - The company aims to enhance brand awareness and market share through coordinated online and offline marketing activities targeting younger consumers[195]. - The company plans to optimize e-commerce operations by exploring potential collaboration platforms and experimenting with various live-streaming sales models[199]. - The company will focus on reducing inventory levels while ensuring sales supply, aiming to improve operational efficiency through close collaboration between procurement and sales departments[200]. - The company will continue to develop high-quality Swiss-made watches while analyzing consumer trends to design products that cater to target customers[194]. Dividends and Commitments - The company did not declare or propose any dividends for the periods ended June 30, 2023, and 2022[39]. - The company will not declare any interim dividends for the six months ending June 30, 2023[187]. - The company has no significant future investment or acquisition plans as of June 30, 2023[181]. - The company has no major capital commitments as of June 30, 2023[191].

香港交易及結算所有限公司及香港聯合交易所有限公司對本公告的內容 概不負責，對其準確性或完整性亦不發表任何聲明，並明確表示，概不對 因本公告全部或任何部份內容而產生或因倚賴該等內容而引致的任何損 失承擔任何責任。 ERNEST BOREL HOLDINGS LIMITED 依 波 路 控 股 有 限 公 司 （於開曼群島註冊成立之有限公司） （股份代號：1856） 截 至2023年6月30日 止 六 個 月 之 未 經 審 核 中 期 業 績 財務摘要 • 截至2023年6月30日止財政期間（「2023財政年度上半年」）的收益較去 年 同 期（「2022財 政 年 度 上 半 年」）增 加，由 約59.4百 萬 港 元 增 加 至 約 82.5百萬港元。 • 毛 利 率 由2022財 政 年 度 上 半 年 的 約65.8%減 少 至2023財 政 年 度 上 半 年的約53.4%。毛利由2022財政年度上半年的約39.1百萬港元增加至 2023財政年度上半年的約44.1百萬港元。 • 2023財政年度上半年除稅後溢利約為1.3百萬港元，而2022財政年度 上半年則為除稅後虧損約9.7百萬港元。 ...

Financial Performance - The gross profit decreased by approximately HKD 15.6 million or about 17.3% from approximately HKD 90.8 million in the fiscal year 2021 to approximately HKD 75.2 million in the fiscal year 2022, with the gross profit margin dropping from about 60.9% to 54.7%[1] - Other income and loss decreased from a gain of approximately HKD 1.5 million in the fiscal year 2021 to a loss of approximately HKD 1.3 million in the fiscal year 2022, a decrease of HKD 2.8 million[2] - The company recorded a loss of approximately HKD 12.1 million in the 2022 fiscal year, compared to a loss of approximately HKD 31.8 million in the 2021 fiscal year[147] - The company achieved sales of HKD 137 million in the past year, indicating a challenging performance but a commitment to strategic adjustments for future growth[111] Cost Management - Administrative expenses reduced by approximately HKD 13.3 million or about 29.7% from approximately HKD 44.7 million in the fiscal year 2021 to approximately HKD 31.4 million in the fiscal year 2022[4] - Distribution expenses decreased by approximately HKD 21.5 million or about 32.0% from approximately HKD 67.1 million in the fiscal year 2021 to approximately HKD 45.6 million in the fiscal year 2022[81] - Total employee costs decreased from approximately HKD 55.1 million in 2021 to approximately HKD 39.4 million in 2022[132] - Financing costs decreased by approximately HKD 2.2 million or about 16.6% from approximately HKD 13.5 million in 2021 to approximately HKD 11.3 million in 2022[146] Inventory and Receivables - Inventory decreased by approximately HKD 50.4 million from approximately HKD 372.7 million as of December 31, 2021, to approximately HKD 322.3 million as of December 31, 2022[5] - Trade and other receivables increased from approximately HKD 47.7 million on December 31, 2021, to approximately HKD 89.8 million on December 31, 2022, an increase of about 42.1 million HKD[122] - Trade and other payables decreased from approximately HKD 38.5 million on December 31, 2021, to approximately HKD 33.7 million on December 31, 2022, a decrease of about 4.8 million HKD[122] - As of December 31, 2022, the group's inventory was valued at HKD 322,277,000, representing a significant proportion of the total assets[187] Environmental and Social Responsibility - The report includes key performance indicators related to greenhouse gas emissions, waste management, and resource usage[49] - Direct (Scope 1) and energy-related (Scope 2) greenhouse gas emissions are reported in tons, with specific metrics for harmful and non-harmful waste generation[49] - The company has implemented measures to reduce emissions and manage waste effectively, with results documented in the report[49] - The company has policies to prevent child labor and forced labor, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations[51] - The report outlines the company's commitment to environmental protection and resource conservation initiatives[50] Employee Development and Training - Employee training programs are in place, with a percentage of trained employees reported by gender and employee category[51] - The company maintains a strong commitment to employee training, ensuring staff are updated on product, technology developments, and market conditions[106] - The company has adopted a stock option plan to reward employees for their contributions to growth and development[29] Corporate Governance - The company has received written annual confirmations from all independent non-executive directors regarding their independence, affirming compliance with listing rules[92] - The company’s board and senior management have established service contracts for three years, with provisions for rotation and re-election[115] - The independent auditor, Hong Kong BDO Limited, will be reappointed at the upcoming annual general meeting[184] - The audit committee reviewed the accounting principles and discussed audit, internal control, and financial reporting matters[164] Marketing and Brand Strategy - The company emphasizes continuous innovation and employee development as key strategies for maintaining competitiveness in a volatile market[10] - The company is focused on brand promotion and adapting to the preferences of younger consumers to enhance brand vitality and market share[112] - The company engaged in promotional activities with influencers to enhance brand recognition and market reputation[174] - The company’s marketing strategy includes collaborations with sports figures to promote its brand image[174] Compliance and Legal Matters - The group has complied with all relevant laws and regulations that have a significant impact on its business operations during the year ending December 31, 2022[182] - There were no major litigations or arbitrations involving the group as of December 31, 2022, nor any pending or threatened significant claims[183] - The company has adhered to the International Financial Reporting Standards and the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance in preparing its financial statements[192] Future Outlook - The company believes in a rebound in performance despite the global economic slowdown and challenges faced in the watch industry[111] - The company plans to enhance marketing strategies and integrate online and offline resources to increase brand exposure and sales[140] - The company plans to shorten the research and development cycle to ensure timely product development and align with current market trends and consumer preferences[112]