Lukfook Announces Interim Results For The Period Ended 30 September 2008 Turnover Grew By 29.6% To HK$1,762,965,000

 

(19 December 2008) ── Luk Fook Holdings (International) Limited (SEHK Code: 0590) (“Luk Fook”/ “The Group”) today announced its interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2008. During the period under review, turnover increased by 29.6% to HK$1,762,965,000 (2007:HK$1,360,565,000). Profit attributable to shareholders amounted to approximately HK$123,033,000 (2007: 118,496,000), up 3.8% from that of the previous year. Earnings per share were 24.98 HK cents (2007: HK 24.06 cents) and cash on hand was approximately HK$159,946,000 as at 30 September 2008. The Board recommends an interim dividend of 5.0 HK cents (2007: 10.0HK cents) per share for the period ended 30 September 2008.

Mr. Wong Wai Sheung, Chief Executive of Luk Fook, said, “Even signs for slow-down of Hong Kong economy surfaced during the period under review, the overall performance in the financial period was satisfactory, demonstrating strong consumer confidence in Luk Fook brand amongst Hong Kong and mainland consumers. Besides, thanks to the appreciation of Renminbi, the purchasing power of the PRC customers is improved. Turnover from the wholesale business recorded a growth of 10.5% from HK$333,495,000 to HK$368,465,000. The Group is envisioned to develop the PRC market as the major market contributor in a long run.”

At present, Luk Fook operates a total of 445 retail outlets in the PRC, Hong Kong, Macau, Canada and the United States. The Group currently runs 30 shops in Hong Kong, 3 in Macau, 2 in the United States and 2 in Canada and a total of 408 retail outlets in the PRC. For the period ended 30 September 2008, total turnover from retail business amounted to HK$1,393,697,000 (2007: HK$1,025,429,000), up 35.9% from the same period of last year.

’ shopping experience in Luk Fook.

For its PRC operations, benefited from the Beijing Olympics, the total same store sales growth of self operated shops in Beijing for the month of August 2008 recorded about 116%

$110,226,000, representing an increase of 91.1% from the same period of last year.

In order to achieve our corporate goal of “Brand of Hong Kong Sparkling the World”

In recognition of the Group’s outstanding brand building, the Group was awarded “Most Favorable Enterprise with Good Credibility” and “Consumers’ Most Favorable Hong Kong Brands” in the “PRC Consumers’ Most Favorable Hong Kong Brands Campaign 2008”. Also the Group gained “The Best Brand Enterprise Award 2008 (Greater China)” for 3 consecutive years, revealing the Group’s success in the pursuit of brand excellence.

“Miss Hong Kong Pageant” for the 11st consecutive years and “Miss Asia Pageant” for several years.

“Looking ahead, with the slowdown in global economy, the Group will be cautious about developing business and put more resources in brand building in order to enlarge market share under such poor economic condition.  Nevertheless, we will continue to expand the PRC market at the rationale of relative strong GDP growth.” Mr. Wong concluded.

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