Highlights
HK$41.0 million profit for 6-months ended 30 September 2014; EPS of HK4.95 cents
64,070 tonnes sold in 6-month Period
Improved performance partially attributed to higher global metal prices and the improved performance of professional value-added services
The Board of Directors declares an interim dividend of HK 1 cent per share
(Hong Kong, 25 November 2014) - LEE KEE Holdings Limited ("LEE KEE" or the "Company") (Stock code: 637), a leading solutions provider for the metals industry, today announced the unaudited condensed consolidated results for the Company and its subsidiaries (collectively "LEE KEE" or the "Group") for the six months ended 30 September 2014 ("the 6-month Period" or the "Interim Period").
Revenue for the 6-month Period was HK$1,273 million, up 0.46% compared to the six months ended 30
September 2013 ("the Corresponding Period of last year"). Tonnage sold by the Group in the 6-month
Period was 64,070 tonnes.
Gross profit for the 6-month Period was HK$90.7 million, up 159% compared to the Corresponding Period of last year. Gross profit margin for the 6-month Period was 7.1%, compared to 2.8% in the Corresponding Period of last year. The Group recorded a profit attributable to equity holders of the Company of HK$41.0 million in the 6-month Period, compared to a loss of HK$8.8 million for the Corresponding Period of last year.
The rise in gross profit and profit attributable to equity holders of the Company was partially attributed to higher global metal prices and the improved performance of LEE KEE's professional value-added services. The Group's performance in the 6-month Period was also supported by its resilient business model, particularly its ability to trade metal from both inside and outside China which helped mitigate the impact of lower metal prices in China.
The Board of Directors declares an interim dividend of HK 1 cent per share.
capacity, as well as in new professional talent and research and development."
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LEE KEE Holdings Limited
25 November 2014 (Page 2)
Business Review
LEE KEE continued to focus on "powering growth" during the 6-months under review and is currently the trusted partner of over 1,100 customers from more than 20 industries in the Greater China and ASEAN regions.
The Group continued to invest in new machinery and logistics capabilities at its subsidiary Lee Yip Metal Products Company Limited ("Lee Yip"), which contributed revenue of approximately HK$37 million during the 6-month Period. The performance of Genesis Alloys (Ningbo) Limited ("Genesis Ningbo"), a producer of high-quality zinc alloys, was boosted by rising global demand for zinc and synergies achieved following LEE KEE's recent acquisition of the remaining 50% stake in the company. It contributed net profit of approximately HK$0.87 million during the 6-month Period.
The Group also continued to place a top priority on expanding the capabilities of its technical services team by investing in new technology. Recently introduced technical services have been highly recognized by customers for improving their production efficiency. LEE KEE also expanded the scope of testing services offered by its wholly-owned metals testing subsidiary Promet Metals Testing Laboratory Limited ("Promet"), Hong Kong's first Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (HOKLAS) facility.
The Group's Chief Executive Officer Clara Chan was also recently appointed as a member of the London Metals Exchange (LME)'s Lead and Zinc Committee, as well as a Board Risk Committee member of LME Clear Limited, the new clearing house of the LME. Her appointment is recognition of LEE KEE's ability to act as a bridge between the LME and the zinc industry - across both the upstream and downstream of the value-chain - as well as LEE KEE's strong positioning and contribution to the global zinc market. Her extensive knowledge of the industry and experience with downstream end users in Asia will ensure that their suggestions are reflected to the international metal platform.
Prospects
LEE KEE expects that demand for its value-added services will continue to grow during the rest of the fiscal year with more metal end users seeking value solutions for metals in order to meet rising demand for quality metals and premium products in the Greater China and ASEAN regions.
LEE KEE will continue to utilise its upgraded research and development capabilities to create more innovative value-adding solutions and tailored metal alloys that meet the specific needs of its customers, while also investing further in its upstream and downstream businesses - Lee Yip and Genesis Ningbo. It will also continue to invest in new technology and equipment to further expand the scope of services offered by Promet.
industry."
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LEE KEE Holdings Limited
25 November 2014 (Page 3)
About LEE KEE
Established in 1947 in Hong Kong, LEE KEE is a leading solutions provider for the metals industry which specializes in providing quality metal materials and value-added solutions to customers. With an extensive and strong portfolio of worldwide suppliers and customers, LEE KEE continues to be by far the largest zinc alloy importer in the PRC. LEE KEE has been an Associate Trade member (Category 5) of the London Metals Exchange since January 2014 - the first such member based in Hong Kong.
For more information, please contact:
Instinctif Partners
Henry Chow
Tel: +852 3791 2289
Email: henry.chow@instinctif.com
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LEE KEE Holdings Limited
25 November 2014 (Page 4)
Appendix: Condensed Consolidated Income Statement
Six months ended 30 September 2014 2013HK$'000 HK$'000
(Unaudited) (Unaudited)
Revenues 1,273,378 1,267,549
Cost of sales (1,182,715) (1,232,518) Gross profit 90,663 35,031
Other income 587 399
Distribution and selling expenses (9,928) (8,921) Administrative expenses (36,895) (36,950) Other gains/(losses), net 4,055 (822) Operating profit/(loss) 48,482 (11,263) Finance income 2,176 2,441
Finance costs (2,603) (289)
Finance (costs/income), net (427) 2,152
Share of profit of a joint venture 875 571
Profit/(loss) before income tax 48,930 (8,540) Income tax expense (7,888) (297) Profit/(loss) for the period 41,042 (8,837)
Profit/(loss) attributable to:
Equity holders of the Company 41,042 (8,837)
Earnings/(loss) per share for profit/(loss) attributable to equity holders of the Company during the period
- basic (Hong Kong cents) 4.95 (1.07)
- diluted (Hong Kong cents) 4.95 (1.07)
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