Hong Kong, August 26, 2009 – Lianhua Supermarket Holdings Co.,Ltd. (“Lianhua Supermarket” or the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries the “Group”) today announced its unaudited interim results for the six months ended June 30, 2009 (the “Review Period” or the “Period”).
Financial and Business Highlights
The Group recorded a turnover of RMB10.98 billion, representing a growth of 2.2% as compared with that of 2008. Affected by the financial crisis and the slump in prices of consumer goods, same store sales fell 1.7%. During the Period, it proactively launched the centralized procurement and procurement from the places of origin which has helped to increase the merchandise-related income. The consolidated gross profit increased by 0.3 percentage points, and the consolidated gross profit margin rose to 19.7%.
The consolidated income increased by 7.1%, while the consolidated income margin grew by 1.1 percentage points to 23.6%. The growth in consolidated income resulted from the increased consolidated gross profit, and the the growth in rental income brought by reasonable planning and marketing strategies in business solicitation. The further promotion of membership cards drove the commission income up steadily. And the development of franchise business led to growth in franchise fee. Meanwhile, the Group proactively utilized sufficient capital and adopted centralized cash management strategies, so that the growth in cash earnings could come into view.
During the period, profit before taxation increased by 19.8% to RMB380 million. Total net profit attributable to the Company‟s shareholders was RMB250 million, representing an increase of 10.0% YOY. In 2008, the net profit margin attributable to the Company‟s shareholders reached 2.27%. Earnings per share reached RMB0.4.
The Group continued to expand its network and get more locations for development. During the Period, it opened 260 outlets and total numbers of outlets reached 3,932 comprising 126 hypermarkets, 1780 supermarkets and 2026 convenience stores with 83% of the outlets located in Eastern China. Thus, our advantages in this region have been further strengthened.
The Group actively promoted the integration of supply chain system. It emphasized broader application of automatic stock replenishment technology and implemented an improvement plan for key suppliers. It embarked on an information system infrastructure optimization project and pushed bulk procurement and direct purchase for better operation and stronger core competitiveness.
To better capture the business opportunities brought about by Expo 2010 Shanghai, the Group actively promoted the transformation of its environment, made adjustment to its merchandise mix and commenced staff training. This exposition in Shanghai will not only bring in a myriad of customers, but breathe new life into the whole city, which may create an inestimable contribution to the peripheral regions. As a major retail enterprise there, the Group will make every effort to grasp this unprecedented opportunity to improve its operation.
The Board declared an interim dividend of RMB0.12 per share, up 20% YOY.
Consolidated revenues = Gross profit + Other revenues + Other income