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Silkwave Inc — Interim / Quarterly Report 2008
Sep 23, 2008
49233_rns_2008-09-23_4b8289c2-f4da-43be-a312-cd631c7749b1.pdf
Interim / Quarterly Report
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SOUTH CHINA HOLDINGS LIMITED
(Incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability)
(Stock Code: 265)
ANNOUNCEMENT OF INTERIM RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2008
UNAUDITED INTERIM RESULTS
The board of directors (the “Board”) of South China Holdings Limited (the “Company”) announces that the unaudited results of the Company and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) for the six months ended 30 June 2008 are as follows:
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
| Six months ended 30 June | Six months ended 30 June | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 2007 |
||
| Unaudited | |||
| Unaudited | and restated |
||
| Notes | HK$'000 | HK$'000 |
|
| Turnover | 3 | 2,036,978 | 2,211,348 |
| Cost of sales | (1,860,118) | (1,923,668) |
|
| Gross profit | 176,860 | 287,680 |
|
| Other operating income | 24,186 | 10,571 |
|
| Selling and distribution costs | (23,363) | (44,275) |
|
| Administrative expenses | (247,406) | (251,514) |
|
| (Impairment)/reversal of impairment of trade and loans | |||
| receivable | (5,235) | 1,385 |
|
| Fair value (loss)/gain on financial assets at fair value | |||
| through profit or loss | (79,125) | 13,629 |
|
| Fair value gains on investment properties | 93,640 | 20,000 |
|
| Gain on disposal of available-for-sale financial assets | – | 82,326 |
|
| Excess over the cost of business combinations | 12 | 215,103 | 3,779 |
| Gain on disposal of subsidiaries | 12 | 30,996 | 55,292 |
| Profit from operations | 3&4 | 185,656 | 178,873 |
| Finance costs | (12,721) | (19,148) |
|
| Share of profits and losses of associates | 55,544 | 171,435 |
|
| Profit before tax | 228,479 | 331,160 |
|
| Tax | 5 | (27,650) | (8,510) |
| Profit for the period | 200,829 | 322,650 |
|
| Attributable to: | |||
| Equity holders of the Company | 166,661 | 241,932 |
|
| Minority interests | 34,168 | 80,718 |
|
| 200,829 | 322,650 |
||
| Earnings per share attributable to equity holders of | |||
| the Company | |||
| Basic | 7 | HK 9.14 cents | HK 13.27 cents |
– 1 –
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
| Notes Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment Investment properties Prepaid land lease payments Construction in progress 8 Interests in associates 9 Biological assets Available-for-sale financial assets Loans receivable Other non-current assets Goodwill Intangible assets Deferred tax assets Total non-current assets Current assets Inventories Property under development 8 Trade and other receivables 10 Loans receivable Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss Due from related companies Due from associates Advance to minority shareholders of subsidiaries Tax recoverable Pledged bank deposits Cash held on behalf of clients Cash and cash equivalents Total current assets Current liabilities Client deposits Trade and other payables 11 Interest-bearing bank and other borrowings Advances from minority shareholders of subsidiaries Due to related companies Tax payable Total current liabilities Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities |
30 June 2008 Unaudited HK$'000 363,430 1,808,876 58,754 26,926 369,907 71,000 41,766 5,441 53,967 9,911 836 15 2,810,829 441,070 345,874 744,249 165,001 153,308 409 4,199 14,001 9,362 21,492 322,110 367,430 2,588,505 317,918 970,929 694,555 40,746 110 36,460 2,060,718 527,787 3,338,616 |
31 December 2007 Audited HK$'000 356,628 1,229,827 20,027 263,444 304,227 71,000 38,990 6,913 47,900 9,882 836 3,255 |
|---|---|---|
2,352,929 |
||
290,853 – 578,052 229,711 241,036 5,158 234,045 14,105 8,972 18,730 538,546 281,881 |
||
2,441,089 |
||
518,718 793,015 590,971 2,128 13,207 24,642 |
||
1,942,681 |
||
498,408 |
||
2,851,337 |
– 2 –
| Notes Non-current liabilities Interest-bearing bank and other borrowings Advances from shareholders Advances from minority shareholders of subsidiaries Provision for severance payment Promissory notes Deferred tax liabilities Total non-current liabilities Net assets Equity Issued capital Reserves Proposed final dividend Equity attributable to equity holders of the Company Minority interests Total equity |
30 June 2008 Unaudited HK$'000 306,961 15,156 54,051 86,230 95,959 249,127 807,484 2,531,132 45,584 1,744,213 – 1,789,797 741,335 2,531,132 |
31 December 2007 Audited HK$'000 235,445 14,529 54,842 41,259 95,959 150,261 |
|---|---|---|
592,295 |
||
2,259,042 |
||
45,584 1,503,236 25,528 |
||
1,574,348 684,694 |
||
2,259,042 |
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the six months ended 30 June 2008
1. Basis of presentation
The unaudited consolidated income statement for the six months ended 30 June 2008 has not been audited by the Company’s auditors but has been reviewed by the Company’s audit committee.
These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the 2007 annual report.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards issued by the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“HKICPA”) and the disclosure requirements of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance and the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.
The accounting policies and methods of computation used in the preparation of the interim financial statements are consistent with those used in the annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2007.
2. Restatement of comparative figure
As detailed in the 2007 Annual Report, the Group acquired 67.69% equity interest in South China Land Limited 南華置地有限公司 (“SCL”) from a substantial shareholder and a director of the Company. Such acquisition of businesses under common control was accounted for using merger accounting in accordance with Accounting Guideline 5 issued by HKICPA. Accordingly, financial statement items of the combining entities or businesses to which common control combination occurs are included in the consolidated financial statements as if they had been combined from the date when the combining entities or businesses first came under the control of the controlling party. As such, the comparative figures are restated to include SCL in the consolidated financial statements and the gain on disposal of the interest in certain subsidiaries to SCL previously reported is eliminated. This results in a decrease in profit of HK$300,633,000 of which HK$300,323,000 is attributable to the elimination of the gain on disposal the said interest in subsidiaries to SCL.
– 3 –
3. Turnover and segmental information
An analysis of the Group’s consolidated turnover and contribution to profit / (loss) from operations by principal activity and geographical location for the six months ended 30 June 2008 and 2007 is as follows:
| By principal activity: Trading and manufacturing Property investment and development Travel and related services Securities and financial services Agriculture and woods Information technology Media and publications Investment holding By geographical location#: The People’s Republic of China (“PRC”, including Hong Kong and Macau) United States of America Europe Japan Others |
Turnover Six months ended 30 June 2008 2007 Unaudited Unaudited and restated HK$’000 HK$’000 693,920 847,517 25,204 20,043 1,215,818 1,087,516 44,755 120,797 1,447 950 37,439 27,550 18,395 106,975 – – 2,036,978 2,211,348 1,442,629 1,435,589 375,247 518,203 135,234 156,263 4,949 4,685 78,919 96,608 2,036,978 2,211,348 |
Contribution to profit/(loss) from operations Six months ended 30 June 2008 2007 Unaudited Unaudited and restated HK$’000 HK$’000 (26,623) 12,304 100,433 30,694 16,060 17,391 (87,534) 43,796 (4,791) (2,550) (2,067) (2,407) 185 (20,408) 189,993 100,053 185,656 178,873 209,035 164,545 (5,311) 11,336 (12,123) (33) (491) 23 (5,454) 3,002 185,656 178,873 |
Contribution to profit/(loss) from operations Six months ended 30 June 2008 2007 Unaudited Unaudited and restated HK$’000 HK$’000 (26,623) 12,304 100,433 30,694 16,060 17,391 (87,534) 43,796 (4,791) (2,550) (2,067) (2,407) 185 (20,408) 189,993 100,053 185,656 178,873 209,035 164,545 (5,311) 11,336 (12,123) (33) (491) 23 (5,454) 3,002 185,656 178,873 |
|---|---|---|---|
178,873 |
|||
| 164,545 11,336 (33) 23 3,002 |
|||
178,873 |
- # Turnover by geographical location is determined on the basis of the location where merchandise is delivered and/or service is rendered.
4. Depreciation
Profit from operations for the period is arrived at after charging depreciation of approximately HK$25,599,000 (six months ended 30 June 2007: HK$27,463,000) in respect of the Group’s property, plant and equipment.
5.
Tax
Hong Kong profits tax has been provided at the rate of 16.5% (six months ended 30 June 2007: 17.5%) on the estimated assessable profits arising in Hong Kong during the period. Taxes on profits assessable elsewhere have been calculated at the rates of tax prevailing in the countries in which the Group operates, based on existing legislation, interpretations and practices in respect thereof.
6. Interim dividend
The Board resolved not to declare the payment of an interim dividend for the six months ended 30 June 2008 (six months ended 30 June 2007: HK1.4 cents per ordinary share, totalling HK$25,528,000).
– 4 –
7. Earnings per share attributable to equity holders of the Company
- The calculation of basic earnings per share is based on the profit attributable to equity holders of the Company of approximately HK$166,661,000 (six months ended 30 June 2007: HK$241,932,000) and on 1,823,401,376 shares (six months ended 30 June 2007: 1,823,401,376 shares) in issue during the period.
Diluted earnings per share is not presented for both periods as there was no diluting event during that periods.
8. Construction in progress and Property under development
During the period, the cost of construction in progress for building of the commercial complex in Shenyang, the PRC was reclassified from Construction in progress to Property Under Development to signify the intention of the said property being held for sale.
9. Interests in associates
The amounts included advances to an affiliated company indirectly held by the Company and details are as follows:
| Proportion of | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| issued capital | |||
| held indirectly | Advances from | Guarantees | |
| by the | the Group as at | given by the | |
| Name of affiliated company | Company | 30 June 2008 | Group |
| HK$’000 | HK$’000 | ||
| Firm Wise Investment Limited (“FWIL”)(note) | 30% | 3,250 | 396,000 |
Note: The advances and guarantees given were used on refinancing an investment property, The Centrium, a Grade-A commercial building located in Central, Hong Kong. The advances are unsecured, interest bearing at 0.5% per annum, repayable on demand and subordinated to the bank loans of the affiliated company. The guarantees given is to be matured in November 2012 of which approximately HK$387,300,000 were utilized as at 30 June 2008.
The following details have been extracted from the unaudited financial statements of the Group’s significant associate, FWIL:
| Assets Liabilities |
As at 30 June 2008 HK$’000 2,371,900 |
|---|---|
| (1,545,183) |
10. Trade receivables
Trade receivables of approximately HK$557,132,000 (31 December 2007: HK$383,004,000) are stated net of impairment for trade receivables, substantially with an aging within 6 months.
Impairment is recognised when there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able to collect the amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables.
11. Trade payables
Trade payables of approximately HK$602,924,000 (31 December 2007: HK$529,948,000) are substantially with an aging within 6 months.
12. Excess over the cost of business combinations and Gain on disposal of subsidiaries Please refer to the section “MATERIAL ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS” for details.
– 5 –
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
BUSINESS REVIEW
The Group recorded turnover of HK$2,037 million and profit of HK$200.8 million for the six months ended 30 June 2008, representing a decrease of 8% in turnover and decrease of 38% in profit as compared to the corresponding period in 2007.
Trading and Manufacturing
The segment recorded an 18% reduction in turnover to HK$693.9 million and a loss of HK$26.6 million as compared to a profit of HK$12.3 million in the first six months of 2007.
The first half of 2008 continued to be a challenging period for both our toys and electronics manufacturing business. The appreciation of Renminbi, high labour costs and spiraling commodity prices are continuing to assert pressures on profit margins. The traditionally low season in the first half-year was coupled with the downturn of US consumer market after the outbreak of the sub-prime crisis which further affected the sentiment of overseas clients in delaying their orders to the second half of the year.
In face of the present unpredictable adverse impacts on both costs and a weaker consumer market, our management team took a more conservative approach in bidding for new products in order to ensure a reasonable gross profit margin and that has also partly accounted for the reduction in turnover from our toys segment. As compared to the corresponding period in 2007, our toys business had an exceptionally good first half result due to mainly unexpectedly high orders for some hot promotional toy products received together with the launch of movies in that spring season.
The shoe manufacturing operations had steady increase in turnover and were successful in keeping down costs further. Profit margins however decreased in the first half of 2008.
Property Investment and Development
Investment properties
Early this year, our Group expanded our interests in the PRC by increasing our controlling stake in certain joint ventures that holds sizeable property spaces within the central district in Nanjing. The value of net assets attributable to the Group acquired, including investment properties, prepaid land lease payments and leasehold buildings, all being at fair value, exceeds the consideration paid for the acquisition, giving rise to an excess over the cost of business combination of HK$215.1 million recognised.
The 26% rise in turnover from our investment properties was the effect of consolidating the rental income from those subsidiaries after our increase in controlling interests, together with an increase in rental on renewal of tenancies for our local properties. The property segment reported a HK$6.8 million rental profit and recognised a fair value gain of HK$93.6 million during the period.
Our share of profits of the Group’s 30%-owned principal associate that holds the Grade-A commercial building in Central, The Centrium, reflected a 35% increase in rental income as a result of the great demand for office space in prime location. The fair value gain on the property held however declined as compared to the corresponding period that led to the total amount of profit from the associate fell in the current period.
– 6 –
Development properties
The Group’s property development projects are mainly in China and held under South China Land Limited 南華置地有限公司 , a subsidiary listed in the GEM Board.
Shenyang property project
Building of the upscale 7-storey shopping complex with around 117,000 square metres of GFA, South China Landmark Plaza , located in the prime commercial district with heavy pedestrian flow of the Shenyang City is well underway. The evacuation and soil anchor work of the construction site was completed in the second quarter of 2008. The construction work of the superstructure has already commenced in September 2008.
Cangzhou/Hebei property projects
Currently we have various relocation and redevelopment project for development to commercial and residential properties in Hebei Province including Zhongjie ( 中捷 ) of approximately 1,286,000 square metres site area in the Tianjin-Bohai Coastal Economic Development Site; approximately 620,000 square metres in Nandagang ( 南大港 ), and approximately 450,000 square metres in Huanghua City ( 黃驊市 ). They are either at the initial stage of development or in the process of negotiating the terms and conditions for development. We believe the future commercial value and thus its profit margin for these redevelopment projects is promising.
Chongqing Nanchuan ( 重慶南川 ) property project
During the period, we also signed an agreement with Chongqing Nanchuan Municipal Government in relation to a property development project that covers 13,334,000 square metres of suburban area in Chongqing. The project includes development and construction of new and modern agricultural estates, agricultural related tourism centre, country parks and hot springs holiday resorts. Details of the development plans are still under negotiation.
Travel and Related Services
The rising oil prices and the slowing down of the world economy had an adverse impact on global air travel. Travel agencies have also faced increasing pressure of higher operating costs with wages and rent in particular. In light of these adverse factors, Fourseas Travel recorded a profit of HK$16.1 million, an 8% decrease compared with the first half of 2007 despite a 12% growth in turnover. This was mainly due to the increase in operating costs and the setting up of four branches in Mainland China which the Group sees as a necessary investment for future development.
Securities and Financial Services
During the period, the Hong Kong equity market was characterized by a significant downturn in contrast with the rising trend experienced in the same corresponding period last year. The direction of the local stock market and the investing sentiment have been affected adversely by a mixture of external factors including the deteriorating sub-prime crisis leading to the slowing down of the US economy, the tightening austerity policies in China to control the inflationary pressures that accelerated the drastic downward correction in the Mainland stock markets as well as the surging oil price.
– 7 –
The operating result of the segment was directly impacted by the market downturn. The segment recorded turnover of HK$44.8 million, a decrease of 63% when compared to the same period last year, and a loss of HK$87.5 million during the first half of 2008. The greater than expected loss was mainly the result of an unrealized holding loss of HK$79.1 million on writing down the trading and investment portfolio to their market values at 30 June 2008.
Other than the unrealised holding loss on investment in financial assets, the Group’s principal financial businesses in securities broking and margin financing remained profitable and fundamentally sound.
Agriculture and Woods
Following our expansion into the forestry business last year, we were able to expand our Chongqing acquisition model successfully in the first half of 2008. During the period, we increased our forestry acreage from 40 square kilometers to 431.8 square kilometers in the Chongqing region as well as expanding into Wuhan of Hubei Province. As compared with our original target of achieving 600 square kilometers of forestry land by this year-end, our current progress will likely exceed this by 50%.
Our existing agricultural business units reported an operating loss of HK$4.8 million for the period as they are largely at investment stage. However, the operations in fish and crab rearing in Jiangsu and winter-dates plantation in Hebei should start to yield returns in the second half of this year, and depending on the environmental and market factors some business units may achieve profit at the operation level for the year.
In view of the increasing demand and rising sales prices for agricultural produce in the Mainland, the segment will be a main growth direction in the foreseeable future as we continue to expand our current portfolio of farmlands and woodlands. At the back of the revolutionary government macro policies to transform massive rural area in realisation of its commercial market value in the Mainland, it is expected that our agricultural operations will bring new business opportunities to the Group. In Guangzhou, we are now in the process of negotiating with the local government on the usage conversion of our lychee farmland there.
Information Technology
The IT segment reported an increase of 36% in turnover over the last corresponding period to HK$37.4 million in the first half of 2008. However, administrative costs increased in various areas including the cost of retaining key personnel due to market competition for IT people in Chongqing where most of our operations are situated, and also recruiting a new team for setting up a new subsidiary in the high technology industrial park for software development for overseas buyers. The high technology industrial park is a special concession scheme made available by the local government to reputable software developers. Our IT operations in the Mainland recorded a loss of HK$2.1 million for the high running costs during the period.
Media and Publications
The Group disposed a substantial part of the media operation early this year. We intend to divest the remaining media and publication business in the near future.
– 8 –
LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES
As at 30 June 2008 the Group had a current ratio of 1.26 and a gearing ratio of 12.1% (31 December 2007: 1.26 and 10.3% respectively). The gearing ratio is computed by comparing the Group’s total long-term bank and other borrowings of HK$307 million to total equity of HK$2,531.1 million. The Group’s operations and investments continue to be financed by internal resources and bank borrowings.
MATERIAL ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS
During the period, the Group had the following material acquisitions and disposals:
-
In January 2008, the Group acquired the controlling stake in certain associates of the Group at a total cash consideration of RMB55.8 million through the acquisition of the entities set out below:
-
a) the entire interest in 南京第二壓縮機廠 , which is engaged in property holding and manufacturing of compressor;
-
b) the entire interest in 南京電機廠 , which is engaged in property holding and trading of flowers; and
-
c) 85% interest in 南京液壓件二廠 , which is engaged in property holding, and has a 49% owned associate engaged in manufacturing of hydraulic press.
The Group recognised a gain of HK$215.1 million on acquisition.
- In February 2008, the Group disposed of its entire interest in South China Media Limited and the shareholders’ loan to Broaden Base Investment Limited, a BVI incorporated company of which a director of the Company is the controlling shareholder, for a consideration of HK$30.0 million payable in cash.
The Group recognised a gain of HK$30.0 million on disposal.
PROSPECTS
Trading and Manufacturing
Although the adverse conditions facing trading and manufacturing operations are not expected to get better soon, the Group is cautiously optimistic about our toys segment as a stronger second half-year orders from our customers are picking up. Renegotiations of prices with major customers in relation to costs of currency, labour and materials have been satisfactory. Moreover, our toys operation has launched an aggressive lean program to rationalise organisation structure and manufacturing activities in improving operational efficiency. Both of these efforts should help improvement in profit margins in the second half of the year.
We believe the challenges to the manufacturing industry will bring lights after the darkness as the retirement or consolidation of manufacturers with low performance is inevitable. In the process of such consolidation, the profit margin for quality-focused and high-performing manufacturers will likely be rationalised after balancing supply and demand in the industry. Our two main manufacturing units of Wah Shing Toys and Tianjin Nanhua Shoes, with sizable production scales and fundamental strengths, should be benefited from this process.
– 9 –
Property Investment and Development
The acquisition of an equity stake in our Nanjing’s property portfolio is expected to bring further increase in rental income as well as high development value to the Group in the coming years. Given time for renovation and restructuring the tenant mix, it shall bring greater returns to the Group in the foreseeable future.
We believe that the macro-economic policies implemented by the Central Government may have some adverse impact on the property market in China in the short term, but China's GDP has increased tenfold since 1978, we maintain our optimistic view on the China property market in the longer run. In particular, the demand for premium commercial areas is still very high. Our investment property portfolio in China is substantially comprised of commercial spaces in prime city location.
For the South China Landmark Plaza in Shenyang, pre-sales will commence in the last quarter of 2008, and we are now preparing our marketing and sales campaign. With the increasing spending power in the region and increasing demand for quality space in prime shopping area, we expect our retail spaces will attract strong interest.
In Hebei, our current relocation projects and land redevelopment projects have a total site area of 2,356,000 square metres. Their potential commercial value will be extensive if fully developed. Rising construction costs and relocation costs remain our main concern. We are considering very carefully the costs and the stages of development phases in our negotiations with the local government before finalising the future plans. However, we are confident that the economic growth of the area will allow property prices to outpace rising costs.
The Government of Hebei Province has announced a plan to speed up the development of the region and its transformation into new face in three years time. The development aims to increase the population in Huanghua City and the Tianjin-Bohai Coastal Economic Development Site which includes Zhongjie, Nandagang and Haxin to cater up to one million residents.
The relocation projects recently entered by the Group match the macro economic policies implemented by the Government of Hebei Province, and thus our projects in the region have received good support.
Travel and Related Services
Air travel is expected to face even stiffer challenges in the second half of the year as consumer demand continues to fall due to high fuel surcharges and a weaker economic environment. Notwithstanding the negative macro economic factors, the management of Fourseas Travel looks to build upon its current market share with the opening up of the Mainland market through the four new branches in the major cities of China. This will set a solid foundation for us to take advantage of any possible rebounds when the market upturns.
Securities and Financial Services
The Group remains positive about the future development of the financial market in Hong Kong in spite of the present depressing investor sentiment. With the existing infrastructure, Hong Kong will continue to be competitive among other major world capital markets as a centre of capital fund raising.
– 10 –
The current worldwide financial turmoil hits revenue but we see better opportunities available ahead. In China, the Ministry of Commerce of the PRC approved and issued us a license to operate a financial leasing company in Nanjing in March 2008. The leasing company is allowed to operate financial leasing business across China and has no territorial restrictions. The tightening of lending activities in the banking system in China exposes new business opportunities for second tier financial institutions such as financial leasing companies. The recruitment of key personnel has completed and this new business development is expected to bring new revenue streams to the Group in the near future.
Agriculture and Woods
Our focus for the year is the expansion of acreage for our forestry business. As of August 2008, our acreage in Chongqing was 732.6 square kilometers, and our new target for Chongqing is to achieve 1,000 square kilometers by this year-end. Beyond Chongqing, Wuhan of Hubei Province, and Xi’an of Shanxi Province will be our two new growth areas for the rest of the year.
Looking ahead, the future of agriculture and forestry is very promising for the Group. The segment is least affected by the global financial meltdown because of the hiking demand for basic commodities. We are still able to accumulate forestry land at reasonable cost that is important in the existing environment. Furthermore, government subsidies have continued to grow in favour of agriculture and forestry business in Chongqing, which have been boosted by the recent policy restructure regarding forestry asset rights in the PRC. Upon realization of the macro policies in commercialise rural lands for constructive usage, our agricultural and forestry land bank portfolio in the Mainland will reflect its real and significant economic asset value in the market.
Information Technology
It is expected the increase in administrative costs will stabilise and the increase in remuneration of the existing work force will be conducive to the growth in production and profitability to be materialised in the second half of the year.
INTERIM DIVIDEND
The Board resolved not to declare the payment of an interim dividend for the six months ended 30 June 2008 (six months ended 30 June 2007: HK1.4 cent).
PURCHASE, SALE OR REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES
During the period ended 30 June 2008, neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries purchased, sold or redeemed any of the listed securities of the Company.
CODE ON CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRACTICE
The Company has complied with all the code provisions as set out in the Code on Corporate Governance Practices contained in Appendix 14 of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Listing Rules”) throughout the six months ended 30 June 2008.
– 11 –
AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Company has established an audit committee with written terms of reference in compliance with the Listing Rules. The audit committee comprises three independent non-executive directors namely Mr. Cheng Hong Kei (Committee Chairman), Mr. David John Blackett and Mrs. Tse Wong Siu Yin, Elizabeth and one non-executive director namely Mr. David Michael Norman.
The Group’s unaudited results for the six months ended 30 June 2008 have been reviewed by the audit committee.
On behalf of the Board Ng Hung Sang Chairman
Hong Kong, 23 September 2008
As at the date of this announcement, the Board comprises (1) Mr. Ng Hung Sang, Mr. Richard Howard Gorges, Ms. Cheung Choi Ngor and Mr. Ng Yuk Fung, Peter as executive directors; (2) Mr. David Michael Norman and Ms. Ng Yuk Mui, Jessica as non-executive directors; and (3) Mr. David John Blackett, Mrs. Tse Wong Siu Yin, Elizabeth and Mr. Cheng Hong Kei as independent non-executive directors.
– 12 –