Hong Kong Economic Times Holdings Limited (HKET Holdings) reported a loss attributable to owners of HK$42.97 million for the year ended 31 March 2026, widening 20.36% from HK$35.69 million a year earlier. The decline was driven by a 10.34% year-on-year slide in revenue to HK$720.68 million, offset only partially by tighter cost control that lifted gross profit margin to 43.60% (FY 2025: 41.90%).

Revenue mix and segment performance • Advertising income fell 17.17% to HK$311.45 million as cautious advertiser spending and a softer recruitment market weighed on the Media segment. • Circulation income slipped 6.51% to HK$27.97 million. • Service income, largely from financial information, solutions and printing, eased 4.14% to HK$381.26 million; printing services were down 8%, while financial information and solutions revenue dipped 2%. • Digital platforms, information and solutions businesses collectively accounted for more than 66% of total revenue, underscoring the group’s ongoing digitalisation strategy.

By segment, the Media unit’s loss widened to HK$58.45 million, while the Financial News Agency, Information & Solutions division generated a HK$15.96 million profit, marginally higher than last year.

Expense trends Total operating costs contracted, led by a HK$44.0 million (9%) reduction in staff expenses and a 4% drop in content costs. Overall selling and distribution expenses declined 12.26% to HK$150.04 million. General and administrative expenses were broadly flat at HK$206.97 million. Impairment charges on non-current assets rose slightly to HK$5.28 million, reflecting updated valuations of property, plant and equipment and investment properties.

Cash flow and balance-sheet highlights • Cash, cash equivalents and term deposits stood at HK$413.31 million at 31 March 2026 (31 March 2025: HK$459.78 million). • Net current assets totalled HK$360.06 million, while the group remained debt-free, resulting in no gearing. • Owners’ equity declined to HK$729.72 million from HK$807.79 million, mainly due to the year’s loss and dividend payouts.

Dividends The board proposed a final dividend of HK 4.0 cents per share, down from 5.0 cents a year earlier. Including the interim dividend of 3.0 cents paid, total FY 2026 dividends amount to 7.0 cents per share (FY 2025: 8.0 cents). The final dividend is subject to shareholder approval at the 6 August 2026 AGM and, if approved, will be paid on 4 September 2026.

Management outlook Management reiterated digitalisation as the core strategic focus, noting that advances in artificial intelligence are expected to enhance content creation, user engagement and operational efficiency. While highlighting a stable recovery in Hong Kong’s economy, the group cited ongoing global geopolitical and macro-economic uncertainties and structural shifts in local consumption patterns as challenges. Cost discipline and liquidity preservation remain priorities, supported by a cash position of HK$413.31 million and the absence of interest-bearing debt.