In the face of a tough operating environment as a result of COVID-19, the Group's total revenue decreased by 36.1% to HK$2,626.6 million (2019: HK$4,110.1 million) during the Year. The revenue during the second half of the Year is nearly two times of that of the first half Year. Revenue from the Hong Kong market dropped significantly to HK$1,256.6 million (2019: HK$2,760.7 million) as the retail market remained difficult due to weak tourism, and accounted for 47.8% (2019: 67.2%) of the total revenue. On the other hand, with mainland China substantially containing COVID-19 and continued restrictions on outbound travel, there was an expansion of inbound consumption and resulted in a robust rebound of the Group's mainland China business. Hence, revenue from the mainland China market increased by 39.7% to HK$783.3 million (2019: HK$560.6 million), accounting for 29.8% (2019: 13.6%) of the total revenue.
In respect of product segment, the sales revenue from watch and jewellery segments decreased to HK$2,056.2 million (2019: HK$3,158.2 million) and HK$570.4 million (2019: HK$951.9 million) respectively, accounting for 78.3% (2019: 76.8%) and 21.7% (2019: 23.2%) of the total revenue.
Gross profit decreased to HK$840.1 million (2019: HK$1,264.0 million), while gross profit margin increased by 1.2 percentage points to 32.0% (2019: 30.8%). The Group actively adopted all necessary measures to mitigate the adverse financial impacts, including but not limited to rental reductions, staff cost reductions, and driving sales by various means. During the Year, the net profit decreased to HK$34.0 million (2019: HK$90.0 million), while a net loss of HK$113.7 million was recorded for the six months ended 30 June 2020, indicating a turnaround during the second half of the Year. Basic earnings per share was HK0.50 cent (2019: HK1.33 cents). The Group has recommended the payment of a final dividend of HK0.15 cent (2019: Nil) per share.
During the Year, the Group's cash position improved and the net gearing ratio (calculated on the basis of bank borrowings less cash and cash equivalents over net asset value) significantly decreased to 5.1% (2019: 12.3%).
As at 31 December 2020, the Group had 101 (2019: 104) stores in Hong Kong, Macau, mainland China, Singapore and Malaysia. To seize the opportunity to expand its business in the mainland China, the Group has opened a Rolex & Tudor watch boutique in Chongqing, China in February 2021.
Ms. Cindy Yeung, Chairperson of Emperor W&J, said, "The Group's Hong Kong, Macau and Singapore businesses have seen slight improvements recently, while the mainland China business saw good progress in recovering from the earlier downturn. Although various governments have been pushing ahead with vaccination programmes, it takes time to achieve mass inoculation. In the meantime, mainland China's outbound travel will still be restricted in the near term, thus the Group believes that domestic consumption within mainland China will be an important driver of the Group's business going forward, given the strong pent-up demand and high purchasing power of Chinese citizens. The Group will adhere to its prudent approach and strive to minimise the downside risks to which the Group is exposed, with an aim of maintaining steady development of its businesses amid this unprecedented, challenging business environment."
About Emperor Watch & Jewellery Limited
With long establishment history of over 75 years in Hong Kong since 1942, Emperor W&J (887.HK) is a leading retailer principally engages in the sale of European-made internationally renowned watches, and self-designed fine jewellery products under its own brand, "Emperor Jewellery". Through its comprehensive watch dealership, unique marketing campaigns and extensive retail network at prime locations in Hong Kong, Macau, mainland China, Singapore and Malaysia, Emperor W&J established a strong brand image amongst its target customers ranging from middle to high income groups worldwide. In recognition of its efforts in investor relations communications, Emperor W&J was granted with "Best IR Company" (Small Cap), "Best Investor Presentation Material" (Small cap) and "Best IR Team" (Small cap) in HKIRA Investor Relations Awards 2020 by the Hong Kong Investor Relations Association. In November 2019, "Emperor" and "Emperor W&J" , which have been recognised as well-known to the relevant public in mainland China, obtained cross-class protection by the National Intellectual Property Administration, affirming their wide recognition and brand value in China. For more information, please visit its website: www.emperorwatchjewellery.com.
Investor/Media Enquiries
Anna Luk
Group Investor Relations Director
Tel: +852 2835 6783
Email: annaluk@emperorgroup.com
Janice Au
Group Investor Relations Manager
Tel: +852 2835 6799
Email: janiceau@emperorgroup.com
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source http://www.acnnewswire.com/press-release/english/65415/