SOUTH CHINA FINANCIAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

南 華 金 融 控 股 有 限 公 司

(Incorporated in Hong Kong with limited liability)

(Stock Code: 00619)

INTERIM REPORT

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2020

UNAUDITED INTERIM RESULTS

The board of directors (the "Board") of South China Financial Holdings Limited (the "Company") presents the unaudited consolidated results of the Company and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Group") for the six months ended 30 June 2020 (the "Period") together with the relevant comparative figures as follows:

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS

Six Months ended 30 June

2020

2019

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

Notes

HK$'000

HK$'000

CONTINUING OPERATIONS

Revenue

3, 4

34,291

132,674

Fair value gain on investment properties

-

21,000

Impairment of loans and trade receivables, net

(3,309)

(3,584)

Fair value gain/(loss) on financial assets at fair value

  through profit or loss, net

(76,850)

21,823

Fair value gain on derivative financial instruments

112

3,275

Loss on disposal of subsidiary

(54)

-

Other income

2,335

1,449

Other operating expenses

(118,021)

(133,999)

Profit/(loss) from operating activities

(161,496)

42,638

Finance costs

6

(8,188)

(9,575)

Profit/(loss) before tax from continuing operations

5

(169,684)

33,063

Income tax expenses

7

(90)

(2,820)

Profit/(loss) for the period from continuing operations

(169,774)

30,243

DISCONTINUED OPERATION

Loss for the period from a discontinued operation

9

-

(5,078)

Profit/(loss) for the period

(169,774)

25,165

- 1 -

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS (Continued)

Six Months ended 30 June

2020

2019

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

Notes

HK$'000

HK$'000

Attributable to:

Equity holders of the Company

- For profit/(loss) from continuing operations

(169,577)

30,268

- For loss from a discontinued operation

9

-

(5,078)

For profit/(loss) for the period

(169,577)

25,190

Non-controlling interests

(197)

(25)

(169,774)

25,165

Earnings/(loss) per share attributable to equity

holders of the Company

10

Basic

- For profit/(loss) for the period

HK(56.3) cents

HK8.3 cents

- For profit/(loss) from continuing operations

HK(56.3) cents

HK10.0 cents

Diluted

- For profit/(loss) for the period

HK(56.3) cents

HK8.3 cents

- For profit/(loss) from continuing operations

HK(56.3) cents

HK10.0 cents

- 2 -

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

As at

As at

30 June

31 December

2020

2019

(Unaudited)

(Audited)

Notes

HK$'000

HK$'000

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Property, plant and equipment

2,598

2,707

Investment properties

11

550,000

550,000

Right-of-use assets

6,963

9,085

Intangible assets

8,376

9,210

Investments in associates

-

-

Equity investments designated at fair value

  through other comprehensive income

17

19,320

30,240

Debt investments at fair value through

  other comprehensive income

17

2,847

2,847

Other assets

7,367

9,627

Goodwill

83,494

83,494

Long term loans receivable

13

1,668

16,552

Long term prepayments and deposits

131

773

Total non-current assets

682,764

714,535

CURRENT ASSETS

Inventories

12,142

12,936

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

12, 17

223,151

414,265

Loans receivable

13

204,899

171,701

Trade receivables

14

127,329

107,127

Contract assets

250

250

Prepayments, other receivables and other assets

63,231

56,819

Derivative financial instruments

17

592

478

Tax recoverable

165

378

Cash held on behalf of clients

495,423

512,272

Cash and bank balances

106,965

89,493

Total current assets

1,234,147

1,365,719

- 3 -

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (Continued)

As at

As at

30 June

31 December

2020

2019

(Unaudited)

(Audited)

Notes

HK$'000

HK$'000

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Client deposits

553,937

531,801

Trade payables

14

84,546

77,575

Other payables and accruals

33,744

31,218

Derivative financial instruments

17

204

154

Interest-bearing bank and other borrowings

369,098

410,249

Tax payables

3,714

5,415

Total current liabilities

1,045,243

1,056,412

NET CURRENT ASSETS

188,904

309,307

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES

871,668

1,023,842

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

Convertible bonds

15

50,000

-

Interest-bearing bank and other borrowings

135,519

156,268

Deposits received

1,308

692

Deferred tax liabilities

31,141

31,063

217,968

188,023

Net assets

653,700

835,819

EQUITY

Equity attributable to equity holders of the Company

Share capital

16

1,085,474

1,085,474

Reserves

(434,232)

(252,347)

651,242

833,127

Non-controlling interests

2,458

2,692

Total equity

653,700

835,819

- 4 -

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

Attributable to equity holders of the Company

Non-

Share

Other

Accumulated

controlling

Total

capital

reserves

losses

Total

interests

equity

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

HK$'000

HK$'000

HK$'000

HK$'000

HK$'000

HK$'000

At 1 January 2020

1,085,474

131,831

(384,178)

833,127

2,692

835,819

Loss for the period

-

-

(169,577)

(169,577)

(197)

(169,774)

Other comprehensive loss

  for the period

-

(12,308)

-

(12,308)

(37)

(12,345)

Total comprehensive loss

  for the period

-

(12,308)

(169,577)

(181,885)

(234)

(182,119)

At 30 June 2020

1,085,474

119,523

(553,755)

651,242

2,458

653,700

At 1 January 2019

1,085,474

135,350

(307,295)

913,529

831

914,360

Effect of adoption of HKFRS 16

-

-

(581)

(581)

(232)

(813)

At 1 January 2019 (Restated)

1,085,474

135,350

(307,876)

912,948

599

913,547

Profit/(loss) for the period

-

-

25,190

25,190

(25)

25,165

Other comprehensive income

  for the period

-

1,737

-

1,737

-

1,737

Total comprehensive income/(loss)

  for the period

-

1,737

25,190

26,927

(25)

26,902

Transfer of share options reserve

  upon the lapse of share options

-

(1,264)

1,264

-

-

-

At 30 June 2019

1,085,474

135,823

(281,422)

939,875

574

940,449

- 5 -

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Six Months ended 30 June

2020

2019

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

HK$'000

HK$'000

Profit/(loss) for the period

(169,774)

25,165

Change in fair value of equity investments designated

at fair value through other comprehensive income

(10,919)

1,750

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

(1,426)

(13)

Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the period

(12,345)

1,737

Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the period

(182,119)

26,902

Attributable to:

Equity holders of the Company

(181,885)

26,927

Non-controlling interests

(234)

(25)

(182,119)

26,902

- 6 -

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Six months ended 30 June

2020

2019

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

HK$'000

HK$'000

Net cash flows from operating activities

26,371

25,595

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Dividend income received from listed investments

15

6,064

Purchases of items of property, plant and equipment

(689)

-

Decrease/(increase) in other assets

2,260

(1,524)

Net cash flows from investing activities

1,586

4,540

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Proceeds from issue of convertible bonds

50,000

-

New bank loans

5,578,724

5,280,000

Repayment of bank loans

(5,611,765)

(5,312,921)

Principal portion of lease payments

(1,761)

(987)

Net cash flows from/(used in) financing activities

15,198

(33,908)

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

43,155

(3,773)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period

39,760

32,634

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes, net

952

19

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF THE PERIOD

83,867

28,880

ANALYSIS OF BALANCES OF CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash and bank balances

106,965

87,218

Bank overdrafts

(23,098)

(58,545)

Cash and bank balances attributable to a discontinued operation

-

207

83,867

28,880

- 7 -

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the six months ended 30 June 2020

  1. BASIS OF PREPARATION
    The unaudited condensed consolidated interim results of the Group and the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements (the "interim financial statements") have been reviewed by the audit committee of the Company.
    The interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the applicable disclosure provisions of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on the Stock Exchange, including compliance with Hong Kong Accounting Standard (the "HKAS") 34, Interim Financial Reporting, issued by the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (the "HKICPA").
    These interim financial statements do not include all the information and disclosures required in annual financial statements, and should be read, where relevant, in conjunction with the 2019 annual financial statements of the Group.
    The financial information relating to the year ended 31 December 2019 that is included in the unaudited interim condensed consolidated statement of financial position as comparative information does not constitute the Company's statutory annual consolidated financial statements for that year but is derived from those financial statements. Further information relating to those statutory financial statements required to be disclosed in accordance with section 436 of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance is as follow:
    The Company has delivered the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 to the Registrar of Companies as required by section 662(3) of, and Part 3 of Schedule 6 to, the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance. The Company's auditors have reported on the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019. The auditor's report was unqualified, and did not contain a statement under sections 406(2), 407(2) or 407(3) of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance.
  2. CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES
    The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the interim financial statements are consistent with those applied in the preparation of the Group's annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019.
    In the current interim period, the Group has applied the following new and amendments to Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards ("HKFRSs") issued by the HKICPA which are mandatory effective for the annual period beginning on or after 1 January 2020 for the preparation of the Group's condensed consolidated financial statements:

Amendments to HKFRS 3

Amendments to HKFRS 9, HKAS 39 and HKFRS 7 Amendment to HKFRS 16

Amendments to HKAS 1 and HKAS 8

Definition of a Business Interest Rate Benchmark Reform

Covid-19-Related Rent Concessions (early adopted) Definition of Material

The directors do not expect that the amendments listed above will have a material impact on the Group's condensed consolidated financial statements upon application.

- 8 -

3. REVENUE

An analysis of revenue is as follows:

Six months ended 30 June

2020

2019

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

HK$'000

HK$'000

Revenue from contracts with customers:

Commission and brokerage income

13,863

17,171

Rendering of services

6,412

15,622

Handling fee income

933

1,199

Media publications and financial public relation services* ("Media Services")

14,549

20,931

Sales of jewellery products

11,991

18,152

47,748

73,075

Revenue from other sources:

Profit/(loss) on the trading of securities, forex, bullion and future contracts, net

(29,362)

34,317

Interest income from loans and trade receivables

7,797

10,631

Interest income from forex and bullion contracts trading

272

230

Interest income from banks and financial institutions

1,399

1,997

Dividend income from listed investments

15

6,064

Gross rental income

6,422

6,360

(13,457)

59,599

34,291

132,674

  • Including advertising income, service income and circulation income

- 9 -

4. REVENUE AND SEGMENTAL INFORMATION

The Group manages its business by divisions, which are organised by business lines (products and services). In a manner consistent with the way in which information is reported internally to the Group's most senior executive management for the purposes of resource allocation and performance assessment, the Group has identified 8 (six months ended 30 June 2019: 8) reportable segments as summarised below.

Six months ended 30 June

2020

2019

2020

2019

Profit/(loss)

Profit/(loss)

from operating

from operating

Revenue

Revenue

activities

activities

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

HK$'000

HK$'000

HK$'000

HK$'000

Broking

14,110

16,755

(4,903)

(19,462)

Trading and investment

(29,347)

40,617

(107,175)

58,991

Margin financing and money lending

9,196

12,406

(7,934)

(1,850)

Corporate advisory and underwriting

5,850

14,916

(6,900)

1,135

Assets and wealth management

1,053

2,071

(2,161)

(3,423)

Property investment

6,422

6,360

4,756

26,947

Media publication and financial public

  relation services ("Media Services")

14,549

20,931

(34,988)

(19,171)

Jewellery and other business

12,458

18,618

(2,191)

(529)

Consolidated

34,291

132,674

(161,496)

42,638

Other than the revenue from Trading and investment, over 74% of the Group's revenue and contribution to profit/ (loss) from operating activities were derived from operations in Hong Kong.

The revenue from Trading and investment was 100% derived from operations in Hong Kong.

- 10 -

4. REVENUE AND SEGMENTAL INFORMATION (Continued) Revenue from contracts with customers

Disaggregated revenue information For the period ended 30 June 2020

Media

publications

and financial

Corporate

Asset

public

advisory and

and wealth

relation

Jewellery

Other

Broking

underwriting

management

services

business

business

Total

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

Type of goods or services

HK$'000

HK$'000

HK$'000

HK$'000

HK$'000

HK$'000

HK$'000

Commission and brokerage income

12,810

-

1,053

-

-

-

13,863

Corporate advisory fee income

3

5,850

-

-

-

-

5,853

Handling fee income

933

-

-

-

-

-

933

Media publications and financial

  public relation services*

-

-

-

14,549

-

-

14,549

Sales of jewellery products

-

-

-

-

11,991

-

11,991

Other business income

92

-

-

-

-

467

559

Total revenue from contracts

  with customers

13,838

5,850

1,053

14,549

11,991

467

47,748

Geographical markets

Hong Kong

13,838

2,950

1,053

14,549

-

467

32,857

Mainland China

-

300

-

-

11,991

-

12,291

Other countries

-

2,600

-

-

-

-

2,600

Total revenue from contracts

  with customers

13,838

5,850

1,053

14,549

11,991

467

47,748

- 11 -

4. REVENUE AND SEGMENTAL INFORMATION (Continued) Revenue from contracts with customers (Continued)

For the period ended 30 June 2019

Media

publications

and financial

Corporate

Asset

public

advisory and

and wealth

relation

Jewellery

Other

Broking

underwriting

management

services

business

business

Total

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

Type of goods or services

HK$'000

HK$'000

HK$'000

HK$'000

HK$'000

HK$'000

HK$'000

Commission and brokerage income

15,819

-

1,352

-

-

-

17,171

Corporate advisory fee income

-

14,916

-

-

-

-

14,916

Handling fee income

733

-

706

-

-

-

1,439

Media publications and financial

  public relation services*

-

-

-

20,931

-

-

20,931

Sales of jewellery products

-

-

-

-

18,152

-

18,152

Other business income

-

-

-

-

-

466

466

Total revenue from contracts

  with customers

16,552

14,916

2,058

20,931

18,152

466

73,075

Geographical markets

Hong Kong

16,552

6,554

1,352

20,931

-

466

45,855

Mainland China

-

2,949

-

-

18,152

-

21,101

Other countries

-

5,413

706

-

-

-

6,119

Total revenue from contracts

  with customers

16,552

14,916

2,058

20,931

18,152

466

73,075

- 12 -

5. PROFIT/(LOSS) BEFORE TAX FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

Six months ended 30 June

2020

2019

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

HK$'000

HK$'000

The Group's profit/(loss) before tax from continuing

  operations is arrived at after charging:

Cost of services provided

9,351

13,648

Depreciation and amortisation

2,172

1,016

Depreciation of right-of-use assets

1,078

987

Cost of inventories sold

9,071

13,653

Cost of media publications and financial public relation services

17,305

15,684

Lease payment not included in the measurement of lease liabilities

12,272

7,884

Employee benefit expense (including directors' remuneration)

47,155

63,900

Direct operating expenses arising from rental-earning investment properties

878

801

Interest expenses for short-terminterest-bearing bank and other borrowings

2,317

2,636

  1. FINANCE COSTS
    Finance costs mainly represent interest on a mortgage loan secured by the Group's investment properties.
  2. INCOME TAX EXPENSES
    Hong Kong profits tax has been provided in this current Period at the rate of 16.5% on the estimated assessable profits arising in Hong Kong for the underprovision of income tax in the prior years. During the corresponding period in 2019, no provision for the Hong Kong profits tax has been made as the Group either had no estimated assessable profits or had available tax losses carried forward to offset the assessable profits arising in Hong Kong. Taxes on profits assessable elsewhere have been calculated at the rates of tax prevailing in the jurisdictions in which the Group operates, based on existing legislation, practices and interpretations in respect thereof.
  3. INTERIM DIVIDEND
    The Board resolved not to declare the payment of an interim dividend for the Period (six months ended 30 June 2019: Nil).

- 13 -

9. DISCONTINUED OPERATION

Year Blossom Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, together with its subsidiaries (the "Disposal Group") were principally engaged in food and beverage operations in Nanjing, the PRC.

On 1 February 2019, the Company entered into a conditional sale and purchase agreement with South China Industries (BVI) Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of South China Holdings Company Limited, pursuant to which the Company agreed to dispose of the entire issued share capital of Year Blossom Limited. The transaction was completed at 31 December 2019 and the Group recognised a gain on disposal of a discontinued operation amounting to HK$8,557,000.

The result of the Disposal Group for the Period in 2019 are presented below:

Six months

ended

30 June

2019

(Unaudited)

HK$'000

Revenue

4,554

Cost of inventories consumed

(2,314)

Gross profit

2,240

Other operation expenses

(7,318)

Loss before tax from the discontinued operation

(5,078)

Income tax

-

Loss for the period from the discontinued operation

(5,078)

The calculation of basic and diluted loss per share from the discontinued operation are based on:

Six months

ended

30 June

2019

(Unaudited)

Loss attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Company

  from the discontinued operation

(HK$5,078,000)

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the Period

  used in the basic and diluted loss per share calculation

301,277,070

Loss per share

  Basic and diluted, from the discontinued operation

(HK1.7 cents)

- 14 -

  1. EARNINGS/(LOSS) PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO EQUITY HOLDERS OF THE COMPANY
    The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share amounts is based on the loss for the Period attributable to equity holders of the Company of HK$169,577,000 (six months ended 30 June 2019: profit of HK$25,190,000) and the weighted average number of 301,277,070 (six months ended 30 June 2019: 301,277,070) ordinary shares in issue during the Period.
    The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share amounts from continuing operations is based on the loss for the Period from continuing operations attributable to equity holders of the Company of HK$169,577,000 (six months ended 30 June 2019: profit of HK$30,268,000) and the weighted average number of 301,277,070 (six months ended 30 June 2019: 301,277,070) ordinary shares in issue during the Period.
    No adjustment had been made to the basic loss per share amount presented for the Period in respect of a dilution as the impact of the convertible bonds had an anti-dilutive effect on the basic loss per share amount presented.
    No adjustment has been made to the basic earnings/(loss) per share amount presented for the six months ended 30 June 2020 and 2019 in respect of a dilution as the impact of the share options outstanding during the periods had no dilutive effect on the basic earnings/(loss) per share amount presented.
  2. INVESTMENT PROPERTIES

As at

As at

30 June

31 December

2020

2019

(Unaudited)

(Audited)

HK$'000

HK$'000

Carrying amount at 1 January

550,000

529,000

Net gain from a fair value adjustment

-

21,000

Carrying amount

550,000

550,000

On 30 June 2020, the Group's investment properties were revalued by Ravia Global Appraisal Advisory Limited at HK$550,000,000 (31 December 2019: HK$550,000,000). The fair value of investment properties is determined using the market comparison approach by reference to recent sales prices of comparable properties on a price per square foot basis. The investment properties are leased to third parties under operating leases.

The Group's investment properties are situated in Hong Kong. The investment properties with a carrying value of HK$550,000,000 (31 December 2019: HK$550,000,000) were pledged to secure banking facilities granted to the Group.

Details of the Group's investment properties are as follows:

Location

Existing use

26th Floor, Tower One, Lippo Centre, 89 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong

Office building

12. FINANCIAL ASSETS AT FAIR VALUE THROUGH PROFIT OR LOSS

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss represented listed equity investments, mainly in Hong Kong, at market value.

- 15 -

13. LOANS RECEIVABLE

The loans receivable at the end of the reporting period are analysed by the remaining period to the contractual maturity dates as follows:

As at

As at

30 June

31 December

2020

2019

(Unaudited)

(Audited)

HK$'000

HK$'000

Repayable:

On demand

180,597

141,392

Within 3 months

888

5,577

3 months to 1 year

23,414

15,109

1 year to 5 years

1,668

26,175

206,567

188,253

Portion classified as current assets

(204,899)

(171,701)

Portion classified as non-current assets

1,668

16,552

  1. TRADE RECEIVABLES AND PAYABLES
    The Group allows a credit period up to the respective settlement dates of securities, forex, bullion and commodities transactions (normally two business days after the respective trade dates for Hong Kong stocks) or a credit period mutually agreed between the contracting parties. The credit period for Media Services is generally one month, extending up to four months for major customers. The credit period for corporate advisory services is generally within two weeks. The Group's trading terms with its jewellery retail customers are mainly on cash and credit card settlement.
    All of the Group's trade receivables and payables are aged within 90 days.
  2. CONVERTIBLE BONDS
    On 30 June 2020, the Company issued the convertible bonds amounted to HK$50,000,000 due on the 3rd anniversary of the issue date, and the conversion price is HK$0.22 (subject to adjustment) as disclosed in the circular issued by the Company on 15 May 2020.
  3. SHARE CAPITAL

As at

As at

30 June

31 December

2020

2019

(Unaudited)

(Audited)

HK$'000

HK$'000

Issued and fully paid:

  301,277,070 (2019: 301,277,070) ordinary shares

1,085,474

1,085,474

- 16 -

17. FAIR VALUE AND FAIR VALUE HIERARCHY OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The fair values of equity investments and derivative financial instruments are based on quoted market prices. The fair value of debt investments at fair value through other comprehensive income in which represented club debentures have been estimated based on quoted market prices.

Fair value hierarchy

The following tables illustrate the fair value measurement hierarchy of the Group's financial instruments:

As at 30 June 2020

Fair value measurement using

Quoted prices

Significant

Significant

in active

observable

unobservable

markets

inputs

inputs

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 3)

Total

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

HK$'000

HK$'000

HK$'000

HK$'000

Assets measured at fair value:

Equity investments designated at fair value

  through other comprehensive income

19,320

-

-

19,320

Debt investments at fair value through

  other comprehensive income

-

2,847

-

2,847

Financial assets at fair value through

  profit or loss

223,151

-

-

223,151

Derivative financial instruments

-

592

-

592

242,471

3,439

-

245,910

Liabilities measured at fair value:

Derivative financial instruments

-

204

-

204

As at 31 December 2019

Fair value measurement using

Quoted prices

Significant

Significant

in active

observable

unobservable

markets

inputs

inputs

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 3)

Total

(Audited)

(Audited)

(Audited)

(Audited)

HK$'000

HK$'000

HK$'000

HK$'000

Assets measured at fair value:

Equity investments designated at fair value

  through other comprehensive income

30,240

-

-

30,240

Debt investments at fair value through

  other comprehensive income

-

2,847

-

2,847

Financial assets at fair value through

  profit or loss

414,265

-

-

414,265

Derivative financial instruments

-

478

-

478

444,505

3,325

-

447,830

Liabilities measured at fair value:

Derivative financial instruments

-

154

-

154

- 17 -

MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

The aggregate revenue of the Group decreased from HK$132.7 million for the six-month period ended 30 June (the "Period") in 2019 by 74.2% to HK$34.3 million for the same period in 2020 and the Group has incurred a loss of HK$169.8 million for the Period in 2020 as opposite to the profit of HK$25.2 million for the corresponding period in 2019.

BUSINESS REVIEW

The impact of COVID-19 during the first half of 2020 has severely disrupted global economic activity and the lives of people in every country globally. In Hong Kong, this has been compounded by the existing challenges created by geopolitical tension and social unrest. The resulting uncertainty has caused businesses and individuals to refrain from committing to new investments and significant volatility in domestic and international markets. This has in general caused a negative impact on the financial performance of the Group over the Period in 2020.

Brokerage

Market liquidity was fairly robust in the first 6 months of 2020 as a result of the global easing of monetary policy in response to the outbreak of COVID-19. On the other hand, market volatility was high in the first half of this year with significant downturn witnessed across global financial markets from mid of March of 2020. These two factors gave strong support to the market turnover which remained resilient during the first half year of 2020.

In addition, due to widely anticipated regulatory action in United States ("US"), targeting US-listed Chinese Companies, the market saw an increase in dual listing activities in Hong Kong and the repatriation of many Chinese companies listed in the US. Alibaba, NetEase and JD.com raised a cumulative US$20 billion through secondary listings in Hong Kong since November of 2019. These IPOs had further injected momentum into the Hong Kong stock market and drove the daily market turnover up by 20% from HK$98 billion during the first half of last year to HK$118 billion for the same Period of this year. The securities brokerage commission income increased in line with the market turnover from HK$8.2 million for the Period ended at 30 June 2019 to HK$10.9 million for the Period ended at 30 June 2020 and the operating loss of this business segment was decreased from HK$19.5 million for the first half of 2019 to HK$4.9 million for the same Period of 2020.

Margin financing and money lending

With the market turnover recovering during the current period, our margin loan book was improved from HK$136.8 million as at 31 December 2019 to HK$190.6 million as at 30 June 2020. However, since there is a rapid and sudden correction in the financial market from mid of March 2020, our margin clients have liquidated their margin loan book during this unfavorable period. Our interest income was therefore decreased from HK$12.4 million for the Period last year to HK$9.2 million for the same Period this year. The operating loss was also increased from HK$1.9 million for the Period of 2019 to HK$7.9 million for the current Period of 2020.

- 18 -

Corporate advisory and underwriting

The fund raising from Initial Public Offerings ("IPO") for the first half year of 2020 amounted to HK$81.5 billion, representing an increase of 14% as compared with the amount of HK$71.8 billion for the same Period of 2019. Conversely, the number of newly listed companies was reduced from 84 for the first half year of 2019 to 64 for the same Period of 2020. The IPO market was dominated by the dual listing of US listed Chinese companies and some other larger size PRC companies whereas our competitive advantage is in the small-to-medium size market. We completed one IPO deal during the Period which was the same as the comparable Period of 2019.

Due to impact of COVID-19 in the first half year, all travelling across the border was stopped. Required due diligence became impossible to undertake which imposed significant pressure on our deal-based business. It was difficult to solicit new IPO mandates during the current Period and our deal pipeline became much weaker for the current Period when comparing with the same Period of 2019.

Under such a challenging conditions, our revenue in this segment dropped by 60% from HK$14.9 million for last Period to HK$5.9 million for the same Period this year. The operating profit of HK$1.1 million for the Period in 2019 turned to loss of HK$6.9 million for the corresponding Period of 2020.

Assets and wealth management

Our Assets Management business faced the same challenges as our Corporate Advisory and Underwriting business as mentioned above. As a result of the suspension of all cross-border due diligence work, the Assets Management deals were all postponed until further notice. For the six-month ended 30 June 2020, this business segment recorded revenue of HK$1.1 million as opposed to HK$2.1 million for the same Period last year. However, with our swift response in costs controls, the operating loss was reduced from HK$3.4 million to HK$2.2 million. In order to increase the source of revenue, our Wealth Management team has expanded the business scope to cover immigration business by co-operating with partnered immigration consultancy companies during the Period. We anticipate more revenue will be realized once travelling is allowed across different countries and when the immigration procedures can be realised.

Media and financial public relations

The business environment for the media sector has similarly faced an extremely challenging environment under the ongoing impacts of COVID-19. Inevitably this has caused a noted reduction in advertising income not only concerned with traditional print media, but also with digital media as well as the events and marketing services sectors. The operating loss of the media business segment widened from HK$19.2 million for the first half year of 2019 to HK$35.0 million for the same Period of 2020. In order to mitigate the loss as much as possible in the second half of this year, we have relocated all available resources to ensure a cost- efficient model in continuing our business. Our primary goal is still focused on targeting multi-media business opportunities and providing services to clients through our existing and developing channels.

- 19 -

Trading and investment

The Group's investment portfolio, which was mainly booked under financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, decreased from HK$414.3 million as at 31 December 2019 to HK$223.2 million as at 30 June

2020. The major investments holding and their fair value gains or losses are listed below:

Fair value

Carrying

gain/(loss)

amount

Percentage of

during

as at

shareholding

the Period

Stock code

Name of security

30 June 2020

interest

of 2020

HK$'000

HK$'000

00413

South China Holdings Company Limited

51,895

3.043%

(22,107)

00670

China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited

41,386

0.290%

(16,261)

01097

i-CABLE Communications Limited

31,544

6.501%

1,856

01033

Sinopec Oilfield Service Corporation

22,272

0.823%

(15,587)

00317

CSSC Offshore & Marine Engineering

  (Group) Company Limited

19,297

0.627%

(2,301)

Others

56,757

(22,450)

223,151

(76,850)

The Hang Seng Index moved in the opposite direction of the market turnover which dropped by 13% from 28,190 as at 31 December 2019 to 24,427 as at 30 June 2020, reflecting the investors' pessimistic view of the general economy in Hong Kong. The market focus was only on selective sectors, such as leading technology and medical industries while traditional business sectors, such as banking and real estate industries were not high on investors preferred sector list. Since the Group has positioned the investment portfolio for medium to long term growth in traditional industries, the fair value gain resulting from marking investments to market dropped from a gain of HK$21.8 million for the Period of 2019 to a loss of HK$76.9 million for the same Period in current year. Meanwhile, the Group incurred a net realized loss of HK$29.3 million for the current Period as compared with a gain of HK$40.6 million for the last Period of 2019.

Property investment

Due to the widespread disruption caused by the outbreak of COVID-19, the valuation of commercial properties showed signs of weakening in the first half year of 2020. No revaluation gain was recorded for the current Period as opposed to a revaluation gain of HK$21 million for the same Period of 2019. The fair value of the investment properties therefore remained at HK$550 million at the end of the Period while gross rental income for the current Period increased slightly to HK$6.42 million from HK$6.36 million for last Period.

- 20 -

LIQUIDITY AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES

The Group had obtained short term credit facilities which were reviewed annually and a long term mortgage loan from a bank. The banking facilities for the share margin finance operations were secured by the securities of our margin clients and the Group. The outstanding credit facilities were guaranteed by the Company.

The Group monitors capital using a gearing ratio, which is net debt divided by capital plus net debt. Net debt includes interest-bearing bank borrowings, less cash and bank balances. Capital represents total equity. The gearing ratio as at 30 June 2020 was approximately 37.8% (31 December 2019: 36.3%).

The Group had a cash balance of HK$107.0 million at the end of the Period, an increase of 20% from the end of 2019. The Group had sufficient working capital base to meet its operational needs.

CAPITAL STRUCTURE

There was no material change in Group's capital structure during the Period as compared to the most recent published annual report.

Use of proceeds update

Use of Proceeds of the 2016 Rights Issue Update

With reference to the announcement dated 3 July 2019, the unutilised proceeds of approximately HK$280 million from the 2016 Rights Issue has been used for the development of the Group's existing trading and investment business. As a result, there is no more outstanding unutilised proceeds as at 31 December 2019.

CHARGES ON ASSETS

As at 30 June 2020, the Group's investment properties, inventories and listed securities held in trading and investment portfolio were pledged to banks for banking facilities.

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

As at 30 June 2020, the Group had no material contingent liabilities.

EVENT AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD

There is no material event noted after the reporting period.

- 21 -

EMPLOYEES

As at 30 June 2020, the total number of employees of the Group was 235 (six months ended 30 June 2019: 316). Employee's cost (including directors' emoluments) amounted to approximately HK$47.2 million for the Period (six months ended 30 June 2019: approximately HK$63.9 million).

In addition to salary, other fringe benefits such as medical subsidies, life insurance, provident fund and subsidized external training are offered to employees. Continuous professional training will continue to be arranged for those staff who are registered with the Securities and Futures Commission. Performance of the employees is normally reviewed on an annual basis with adjustment compatible to the market. Individual employee may also receive a discretionary bonus at the end of each year based on performance. Selected employees may also be granted share option and share award under the share option scheme and share award scheme adopted by the Company.

PROSPECTS

The integration of the economy of Greater Bay Area ("GBA") and Hong Kong is anticipated to be the direction of future development for the local financial market. We therefore launched the non-face-to-face account opening mobile application around the end of 2019 and promoted our brokerage services and wealth management products more actively through some digital marketing campaigns during the first half of the current year. The response from investors so far is encouraging with the number of new accounts opened significantly improved. We will continue to solicit new PRC clients through the digital marketing for our brokerage and wealth management business for the rest of year 2020.

In response to the recent announcement of Wealth Management Connect across the GBA and Hong Kong in June 2020, we will strengthen our sales forces in wealth management products, including but not limited to mutual funds, bonds and insurance products. Although the initial stage of Wealth Management Connect is expected to be a close-loop arrangement between the banks in GBA and Hong Kong, the experience in Stock Connect and Bonds Connect indicated that various investor education initiatives and marketing activities will not only attract new investments through the close-loops across the border, but also attract funding to invest directly into these products out of the loops and can also stimulate the local investors' appetite in these products. We will therefore be well positioned to capture a greater market share of the GBA/Hong Kong wealth management business.

On the other hand, the onset of a series of protests in Hong Kong since June 2019 plus the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping across the globe imposed significant pressure to our investment banking and assets management businesses. Due to the shrinking number of deals and their size, we have carried out stringent costs control measures in these two business segments and expect to continue in the second half of the current year for making efficiencies where applicable.

- 22 -

At the same time, our investments in creating a more flexible and innovative business are demonstrating their long-term value in enhancing our ability to serve customers more effectively, broaden our appeal with a wide audience, and deliver strong business momentum in the future. Our competitive edge is also influenced by our high-performing culture that encourages collaboration and creativity. Our staff are constantly innovating and adding real value whilst always looking to deliver positive outcomes for our customers. To support the performance of our dynamic business, we will continue to invest in talent development and in our staff's overall well-being.

We are always looking to market ourselves as a reliable strategic media partner to our clients with a comprehensive total media solution offering. COVID-19 has changed the customers' behavior in which various activities are now carried out on-line through digital channels. The Media Group will speed up its transformation into a reliable digital media platform for our customers by utilizing our technology in events management, digital and multimedia offerings.

Given the uncertainties ahead, we will review our strategies critically from time-to-time. We now maintain a much reduced cost structure to allow the Group to move forward with more flexibility and react to the abrupt market changes in a more timely manner. Whilst technology is a vital part of our customer-focused approach, our employees remain our best asset. Under difficult circumstances, our staff have demonstrated flexibility and professionalism to minimise any disruption in service for our valued customers. The Group remains alert to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic and increasing tensions between China and the US. We will continue to closely monitor the market situation and react to any market changes without hesitation.

Our experience, accumulated in Hong Kong and China over more than 30 years, will enable us to encounter challenges ahead and deliver value to our shareholders, customers and staff alike.

INTERIM DIVIDEND

The Board resolved not to declare the payment of an interim dividend for the Period (six months ended 30 June 2019: Nil).

- 23 -

DIRECTORS' AND CHIEF EXECUTIVES' INTERESTS AND SHORT POSITIONS IN SHARES, UNDERLYING SHARES AND DEBENTURES

As at 30 June 2020, save as disclosed below, none of the Directors or chief executive of the Company had any interest or short position in the shares, underlying shares and/or debentures of the Company or any of its associated corporations (within the meaning of Part XV of the Securities and Futures Ordinance, Chapter 571 of the laws of Hong Kong (the "SFO")) which was required to be notified to the Company and the Stock Exchange pursuant to Divisions 7 and 8 of the Part XV of the SFO (including interests and short positions which any such Directors or chief executives of the Company is taken or is deemed to have under such provisions of the SFO) or was required to be entered in the register required to be kept by the Company pursuant to section 352 of the SFO or which was otherwise required to be notified to the Company and the Stock Exchange pursuant to the Model Code for Securities Transactions by Directors of Listed Issuers (the "Model Code") as contained in Appendix 10 of the Listing Rules:

Long positions in shares and underlying shares of the Company

Number of shares/underlying shares

Approximate

percentage of

Personal

Family

Corporate

Convertible

shareholding

Name of Director

Capacity

interests

interests

interests

bonds

Total

(Note 3)

Mr. Ng Hung Sang

Beneficial owner/

11,133,264

-

77,328,343

227,272,727

315,734,334

104.80%

  ("Mr. Ng")

Interests of controlled

(Note 1)

(Note 2)

corporations

Ms. Cheung Choi Ngor

Beneficial owner

12,300,311

-

-

-

12,300,311

4.08%

Hon. Raymond Arthur

Interest of spouse

-

53,000

-

-

53,000

0.02%

  William Sears, Q.C.

Notes:

  1. The 77,328,343 shares of the Company held by Mr. Ng through controlled corporations included 23,526,030 shares held by Fung Shing Group Limited ("Fung Shing"), 44,623,680 shares held by Parkfield Holdings Limited ("Parkfield"), 1,999,872 shares held by Ronastar Investments Limited ("Ronastar") and 7,178,761 shares held by Uni-spark Investments Limited ("Uni-spark"). Fung Shing, Parkfield and Ronastar are directly wholly-owned by Mr. Ng. Uni-spark is indirect wholly-owned by Mr. Ng.
  2. Total Grace Investments Limited is a company wholly-owned by Mr. Ng which holds the convertible bonds issued by the Company in the principal amounts of HK$50,000,000. Assuming (i) the conversion right under the convertible bonds are exercised in full; and (ii) there is no other change to the total number of issued shares, a total of 227,272,727 new shares will be allotted and issued to Total Grace Investments Limited, representing approximately 75.44% as at 30 June 2020 and approximately 43.00% of the total number of issued shares as enlarged by the allotment and issue of the conversion shares.
  3. Based on the total number of issued shares (i.e. 301,277,070 shares) of the Company as at 30 June 2020.

- 24 -

SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDERS' AND OTHER PERSONS' INTERESTS AND SHORT POSITIONS IN SHARES AND UNDERLYING SHARES

As at 30 June 2020, save as disclosed below, the Directors were not aware of any person (other than the Directors or chief executives of the Company) who had any interest or short position in the shares or underlying shares which would fall to be disclosed to the Company under the provisions of Divisions 2 and 3 of Part XV of the SFO as recorded in the register required to be kept by the Company pursuant to section

336 of the SFO:

Long position in the ordinary shares and underlying shares

Number of

shares and

Approximate

underlying

percentage of

Beneficial

Family

Corporate

shares held/

shareholding

Name

Capacity

interests

interests

interests

interested

(Note 5)

Ms. Ng Lai King Pamela

Interest of spouse

-

315,734,334

-

315,734,334

104.80%

(Note 1)

Parkfield Holdings Limited

Beneficial owner

44,623,680

-

-

44,623,680

14.81%

(Note 2)

Fung Shing Group Limited

Beneficial owner

23,526,030

-

-

23,526,030

7.81%

(Note 3)

Total Grace Investments

Beneficial owner

227,272,727

-

-

227,272,727

75.44%

  Limited (Note 4)

Notes:

  1. Ms. Ng Lai King Pamela is the spouse of Mr. Ng Hung Sang ("Mr. Ng"). By virtue of the SFO, Ms. Ng Lai King Pamela is deemed to be interested in the 88,461,607 shares and 227,272,727 underlying shares which Mr. Ng is interested in.
  2. Parkfield Holdings Limited is a company wholly-owned by Mr. Ng.
  3. Fung Shing Group Limited is a company wholly-owned by Mr. Ng.
  4. Total Grace Investments Limited is a company wholly-owned by Mr. Ng which holds the convertible bonds issued by the Company in the principal amounts of HK$50,000,000. Assuming (i) the conversion right under the convertible bonds are exercised in full; and (ii) there is no other change to the total number of issued Shares, a total of 227,272,727 new shares will be allotted and issued to Total Grace Investments Limited, representing approximately 75.44% as at 30 June 2020 and approximately 43.00% of the total number of issued shares as enlarged by the allotment and issue of the conversion shares.
  5. Based on the total number of issued shares (i.e. 301,277,070 shares) of the Company as at 30 June 2020.

- 25 -

EMPLOYEES' SHARE AWARD SCHEME

On 10 June 2015, the Company adopted the Share Award Scheme whereby the Company may grant share awards to selected employees in recognition of their contributions to the Group and as incentive to retain them to support the operations and ongoing development of the Group and attract suitable personnel for the Group's further development. Pursuant to the terms and the conditions of the Share Award Scheme, the Company shall settle a sum up to and not exceeding HK$20 million for the purchase of shares of the Company and/or other shares listed on the Main Board or GEM of the Stock Exchange from market. Such shares shall form part of the capital of the trust fund set up for the Share Award Scheme. The Board may, from time to time, select employees for participation in the Share Award Scheme and cause to be paid an amount to the trustee from the Company's resources for the purpose of purchase of shares as referred to in the above.

No share award has been granted to the employees of the Company during the Period.

SHARE OPTION SCHEME

The Company adopted a share option scheme in June 2012 (the "Scheme") for the purpose of providing incentives and rewards to eligible participants, who contribute to success of the Group's operations, and retaining such participants for their continuing support to the Group. Particulars and movements of the outstanding share options granted under the Scheme during the Period were as follows:

Number of share options

Outstanding

Outstanding

Date of

Exercise

as at

Granted

Exercised

Lapsed

as at

grant of

period of

Exercise

Category

1 January

during the

during the

during the

30 June

share

share

price per

of participant

2020

Period

Period

Period

2020

options

options

share

Employees

155,385

-

-

(155,385)

-

09/06/2015

09/06/2018-

HK$9.750

08/06/2020

Notes:

  1. All share options granted are subject to a vesting period and becoming exercisable in the following manner:

From the date of grant of share options

Exercisable percentage

Within 12 months

Nil

13th-36th month

331/3%

25th-48th month

331/3%

37th-60th month

331/3%

The unexercised share options of each exercise period will lapse at the end of the respective exercise periods.

  1. The exercise price of the share option is subject to adjustment in case of rights issues, or other alteration in the capital structure of the Company.

PURCHASE, SALE OR REDEMPTION OF LISTED SECURITIES OF THE COMPANY

During the Period, neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries purchased, sold or redeemed any of the Company's listed securities.

- 26 -

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CODE

The Company had complied with all the code provisions as set out in the Corporate Governance Code (the "CG Code") contained in Appendix 14 to the Listing Rules except that (i) Mr. Ng Hung Sang, an Executive Director and the Chairman of the Board of the Company and Ms. Ng Yuk Mui Jessica, an Executive Director, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company; and (ii) Hon. Raymond Arthur William Sears, Q.C., an Independent Non-executive Director of the Company were unable to attend the annual general meeting of the Company held on 16 June 2020 which deviated from code provisions E.1.2 and A.6.7 of the CG Code as they had other business engagements.

MODEL CODE FOR SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS

The Company has adopted the Model Code as its code of conduct regarding the directors' securities transactions. In addition, the Board has established similar guidelines for relevant employees who are likely to possess inside information in relation to the Group or its securities.

In response to the Company's specific enquiry, all Directors confirmed that they have complied with the required standard set out in the Model Code regarding securities transactions by Directors throughout the Period.

AUDIT COMMITTEE

The Company has established an Audit Committee with written terms of reference in compliance with the Listing Rules. The Audit Committee presently comprises three Independent Non-executive Directors, namely Mr. Tung Woon Cheung Eric (Chairman of the Audit Committee), Hon. Raymond Arthur William Sears, Q.C. and Mrs. Tse Wong Siu Yin Elizabeth.

The Group's unaudited consolidated results for the Period have been reviewed by the Audit Committee. The audit committee was of the opinion that the preparation of such interim results complied with the applicable accounting standards and requirements and that adequate disclosures were made.

By Order of the Board

South China Financial Holdings Limited

南華金融控股有限公司

Ng Hung Sang

Chairman and Executive Director

Hong Kong, 18 August 2020

As at the date of this report, the Directors of the Company are (1) Mr. Ng Hung Sang, Ms. Cheung Choi Ngor and Ms. Ng Yuk Mui Jessica as executive directors; and (2) Mrs. Tse Wong Siu Yin Elizabeth, Hon. Raymond Arthur William Sears, Q.C. and Mr. Tung Woon Cheung Eric as independent non-executive directors.

- 27 -

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South China Financial Holdings Ltd published this content on 17 September 2020 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 17 September 2020 08:44:03 UTC