Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the company with a target price of HKD 19.40 [6][5]. Core Insights - The company reported a revenue of HKD 38.99 billion for FY26H1, showing a year-on-year decline of only 1.1%, indicating a significant improvement from previous periods [1]. - The operating profit reached HKD 6.82 billion, up 0.7% year-on-year, with an operating margin of 17.5%, the highest in nearly five years [1]. - The net profit attributable to shareholders was HKD 2.53 billion, essentially flat compared to the previous year [1]. - The company declared an interim dividend of HKD 0.22 per share, a 10% increase year-on-year, reflecting confidence in future growth [1]. Summary by Sections Financial Performance - For FY26H1, the company achieved a gross margin of 30.5%, supported by an increase in high-margin priced jewelry and rising gold prices [1]. - Same-store sales growth (SSSG) for mainland China and Hong Kong/Macau was reported at +2.6% and +4.4%, respectively, showing a significant year-on-year improvement of 30.0 and 35.2 percentage points [2]. - The retail sales of priced gold and jewelry in mainland China showed SSSG of +3.1% and +8.3%, while in Hong Kong/Macau, the figures were +8.5% and +6.1% [2]. Store Network Optimization - The company is optimizing its store network by closing inefficient stores and opening new flagship stores, with a net closure of 609 stores in FY25H1 [3]. - The average monthly sales of new stores opened in FY26H1 reached HKD 1.3 million, a 72% increase year-on-year, indicating improved productivity [3]. - The company plans to open six new stores in Southeast Asia, Oceania, and Canada by June 2026, with a forecasted net closure of 910 stores for the fiscal year [3]. Market Trends and Outlook - Retail sales from October 1 to November 18, 2025, showed a strong growth of 33.9% year-on-year, reflecting a recovery in consumer demand [4]. - The implementation of a new gold tax policy in early November is expected to raise industry compliance standards, potentially benefiting the company due to its robust supply chain and brand strength [4]. - The company forecasts net profit attributable to shareholders for FY26 to be HKD 8.12 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 37.3% [5].