Financial Performance - The company reported a revenue of HKD 3,973,103,000 for 2024, a 29.3% increase from HKD 3,073,686,000 in 2023[12]. - The production business generated revenue of HKD 3,321,000,000, reflecting a 34.7% increase from HKD 2,466,000,000 in the previous year[12]. - The high-end fashion retail business achieved revenue of HKD 652,100,000, a 7.3% increase from HKD 607,700,000 in 2023[12]. - The company's revenue from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2024, was HKD 3,973,100,000, representing a 29.3% increase from HKD 3,073,700,000 in 2023[20]. - The gross profit margin increased to 19.5%, up 3.1 percentage points from 16.4% in 2023, resulting in a gross profit of HKD 774,600,000, a 53.7% increase from HKD 504,100,000 in 2023[20]. - The company recorded a net loss of HKD 61,943,000 for the year, significantly reduced from a loss of HKD 382,608,000 in 2023[13]. - The group recorded an operating loss of HKD 63.5 million for the year ending December 31, 2024, compared to an operating loss of HKD 47.1 million in 2023[29]. - The company recorded an operating loss of HKD 9,300,000, significantly reduced from an operating loss of HKD 231,400,000 in 2023[21]. - The company experienced a turnaround from a tax-adjusted loss of HKD 85,700,000 in the first half of 2024 to a profit of HKD 23,800,000 in the second half[13]. Cash and Debt Management - Cash and bank balances increased to HKD 250,321,000, compared to HKD 209,456,000 in the previous year[13]. - The net debt-to-equity ratio decreased to 16.0% from 18.4% in 2023, indicating improved financial stability[13]. - The group has cash and bank balances of HKD 250.3 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to HKD 209.5 million in 2023, while net borrowings decreased to HKD 214.7 million from HKD 265.2 million[35]. - The net cash used in financing activities improved to HKD (135,797) thousand in 2024, a significant reduction of 70.0% from HKD (467,328) thousand in 2023[198]. Market Focus and Strategy - The company continues to focus on the mainland China market for its high-end fashion retail business despite weak consumer demand[12]. - The company has introduced a direct-operated and franchising model to provide clear direction for its high-end fashion retail business[12]. - The company aims to expand its customer base to strengthen market leadership and ensure sustainable long-term growth[14]. - The group plans to introduce franchised stores for a fast-growing brand in the second half of 2024, marking a strategic shift in the high-end fashion retail business[34]. Operational Challenges and Improvements - The overall economic recovery in the Greater China region remains slow, affecting consumer sentiment, particularly in the premium fashion retail market[24]. - The high-end fashion retail business's operating loss decreased from HKD 52,200,000 in the first half of 2024 to HKD 11,300,000 in the second half[28]. - The sportswear production business has turned profitable due to a rebound in customer orders, benefiting from a global focus on health and fitness[31]. Corporate Governance and Management - The company emphasizes strong corporate governance, adhering to the principles of the corporate governance code as per the listing rules[52]. - The management team is responsible for the overall operations and strategic planning of the group, with regular reviews of authorized functions and responsibilities[55]. - The board consists of four executive directors and three independent non-executive directors, ensuring a balanced composition with relevant knowledge and expertise[56][57]. - The company has established three core corporate values to guide employees in achieving its vision and mission[51]. - The roles of the Chairman and CEO are clearly distinguished to ensure a balance of power and authority[59]. Employee and Diversity Initiatives - The group employed about 17,000 employees as of December 31, 2024, an increase from approximately 16,000 in 2023[37]. - The company aims to foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration among its employees[51]. - The company has adopted a board diversity policy, aiming to avoid a single-gender board composition, with currently 1 out of 7 board members being female[71]. - As of December 31, 2024, approximately 22.9% of the group's employees, including directors and senior management, are male, while about 77.1% are female[71]. Risk Management and Compliance - The company is committed to identifying, monitoring, and managing risks related to its business activities, with a continuous risk management process in place[89]. - The internal audit plan was updated based on ongoing risk assessments, ensuring effective internal control evaluations[89]. - The company maintains a robust internal control system to comply with accounting standards and financial reporting regulations[76]. - The audit committee is authorized to review the effectiveness of the group's risk management and internal control procedures at least once a year[95]. Shareholder Communication and Dividends - The board decided not to recommend a dividend for the year ended December 31, 2024, to retain financial resources for future market changes[22]. - The company has established a shareholder communication policy to ensure timely and equal access to information for shareholders[101]. - The board will continue to review the dividend policy and reserves the right to amend it at any time[109]. Environmental and Social Responsibility - The company has implemented energy-saving measures and encourages the recycling of office supplies to minimize environmental impact[119]. - The company reported a total charitable and other donations of HKD 316,000 during the review year[132]. Audit and Financial Reporting - The financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024, were audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers, who will be reappointed at the upcoming annual general meeting[164]. - The independent auditor's report aims to provide reasonable assurance that the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement due to fraud or error[181]. - The auditor evaluated the appropriateness of accounting policies and the reasonableness of estimates made by management[183].
永嘉集团(03322) - 2024 - 年度财报