Financial Performance - Revenue for the first half of 2024 was HK124.9 million in the same period of 2023[12]. - Profit from operations increased to HK33.4 million in the previous year, representing a growth of 1.8%[14]. - Profit for the period rose to HK38.8 million in 2023, marking an increase of 4.9%[12]. - Basic earnings per share improved to 5.12 HK cents, up from 4.89 HK cents in the prior year, reflecting a growth of 4.7%[12]. - The interim dividend per share remained stable at 3.7 HK cents, consistent with the previous period[12]. - Total assets decreased to HK545.6 million, a decline of 2.0%[12]. - Net assets also saw a reduction, falling to HK376.2 million, a decrease of 2.3%[12]. Segment Performance - The E-Commerce segment performed better compared to the previous year, while the Identity Management and Other Services segments experienced some downward adjustments[14]. - Revenue from the Government Electronic Trading Services (GETS) sub-segment for the first half of 2024 was HK70.0 million in 2023[15]. - The Supply Chain Solutions (SCS) sub-segment recorded a growth of 17.9%, generating HK9.0 million in 2023[15]. - Total turnover of the E-Commerce segment increased by 7.9% year-on-year to HK79.0 million in 2023[15]. - Segment profit for the E-Commerce segment surged 28.9% year-on-year to HK21.1 million in 2023[15]. - The IDM segment experienced a 24.3% decline in turnover to HK29.4 million in 2023[16]. - Profit for the IDM segment dropped by 63.9% to HK6.6 million in 2023[15]. - The Other Services segment's turnover decreased to HK16.6 million in 2023[16]. Future Outlook - The company anticipates improvement in the IDM segment and SCS sub-segment performance in the second half of 2024, alongside continued momentum in GETS services[18]. - New products are expected to be launched later in the year to address emerging cybersecurity risks, potentially creating a new revenue stream for the IDM business[18]. - The company is optimistic about the performance of its SCS sub-segment, expecting revenue recognition from new orders in the second half of 2024[20]. - The GETS and GETS-related services business is expected to benefit from a stable competitive environment and increased trade activities in the second half of 2024[22]. - The company plans to launch new products in the identity management segment to address emerging cybersecurity risks, aiming to create new revenue sources[20]. Cash Flow and Investments - Cash and cash equivalents decreased to HK276,335,000, reflecting a significant decline of 39.6%[113]. - Net cash used in investing activities increased significantly to HK13,887,000 in 2023, indicating a rise of 590.5%[123]. - The net decrease in cash and cash equivalents was HK35,640,000 in 2023, representing an increase of 207.5%[123]. Shareholder Information - The company declared an interim dividend of HK 3.7 cents per share for the six months ended 30 June 2024, the same as the 2023 interim dividend[37]. - The total number of shares available for issue under the Share Option Scheme 2014 is 43,525,000 shares, representing approximately 5.48% of the issued shares of the Company as of the report date[59]. - The total number of options granted reflects the company's strategy to incentivize employees and align their interests with shareholders[178]. Corporate Governance - The Company confirmed compliance with all applicable Code Provisions during the six months ended June 30, 2024[84]. - The Board consists of two Executive Directors, three Non-Executive Directors, and four Independent Non-Executive Directors[86]. - The Company is committed to high standards of corporate governance, ensuring effective management in the interests of stakeholders[84]. Employee and Operational Insights - The Group employed 233 staff as of 30 June 2024, with related staff costs amounting to HK$55.8 million[45]. - The company has implemented various commission, bonus, and incentive plans to encourage employee performance and growth[49]. - The company continues to manage its share option scheme actively, reflecting its commitment to employee engagement and performance[66].
贸易通(00536) - 2024 - 中期财报