Central Development FY26 Loss Deepens to HK$25.90 Million on 54% Revenue Slide; Balance-Sheet Strengthens after Bond Cancellation

Bulletin Express
Jun 26

Central Development Holdings Limited released audited results for the year ended 31 March 2026, showing a markedly weaker top line but a firmer liquidity profile following capital-structure adjustments.

Revenue and Profitability • Group revenue fell 54.0% year on year to HK$104.85 million (FY25: HK$228.11 million). • Energy operations—chiefly refined oil and LNG sales—contributed HK$101.87 million, down 54.0%, while jewellery sales slipped 56.0% to HK$2.98 million. • Gross profit contracted 32.2% to HK$7.65 million; gross margin improved to 7.3% (FY25: 4.9%) on tighter cost control and scaled-back lower-margin LNG volumes. • Loss attributable to shareholders widened 35.1% to HK$25.90 million; basic loss per share rose to 6.04 HK cents (FY25: 4.79 HK cents). No dividend was declared.

Operating Highlights • Other income more than halved to HK$2.60 million, reflecting a temporary rental gap after early termination of a factory lease. • Net other gains declined to HK$2.84 million (FY25: HK$6.32 million) amid a smaller fair-value gain on derivative liabilities and a HK$0.56 million revaluation loss on investment properties; these were partially offset by a HK$1.72 million gain on disposal of a 35% stake in associate Chengdu Huahan. • Selling and distribution costs fell 16.8% to HK$2.16 million; administrative expenses eased 10.4% to HK$19.16 million following cost-saving initiatives. • Finance costs edged down 1.7% to HK$16.47 million, with lower imputed interest on shareholder loans partly offset by higher interest on those loans.

Balance-Sheet Turnaround • Net current assets reached HK$34.93 million versus a net current liability position of HK$26.93 million a year earlier, mainly due to the automatic cancellation of HK$52.00 million convertible bonds on 1 December 2025. • Cash and cash equivalents increased to HK$23.62 million (FY25: HK$16.97 million); bank borrowings declined to HK$18.14 million (FY25: HK$30.83 million). • Total assets slipped to HK$215.80 million (-18.2%), but total liabilities fell faster to HK$192.25 million (-23.7%), lifting equity to HK$23.56 million (FY25: HK$11.88 million). • Gearing ratio (total bank borrowings / total equity) improved sharply to 77.0% from 259.6% a year earlier. • In January 2026, a HK$35.00 million loan from controlling shareholder Mr. Hu was capitalised into 87.50 million new shares, further easing leverage.

Segment Performance Energy Business: Revenue drop mirrored softer LNG demand amid industry volatility, partially offset by refined-oil sales resilience. Cost pressure from international oil price swings and intense domestic competition compressed margins. Jewellery Business: Revenue fell to HK$3.0 million on weak consumer sentiment and high gold-price volatility; no Hong Kong sales were recorded during the year.

Strategic Outlook Management plans to: 1) optimise LNG procurement and expand customer coverage while tightly controlling credit risk; 2) enhance refined-oil station efficiency and consider conversion to a comprehensive energy hub; 3) monitor policy shifts under China’s “Dual Carbon” agenda for potential clean-energy opportunities; 4) broaden jewellery sales via e-commerce and other channels while maintaining cost discipline.

No major capital commitments or contingent liabilities were reported post year-end, and the company confirms that public float requirements remain satisfied.

Disclaimer: Investing carries risk. This is not financial advice. The above content should not be regarded as an offer, recommendation, or solicitation on acquiring or disposing of any financial products, any associated discussions, comments, or posts by author or other users should not be considered as such either. It is solely for general information purpose only, which does not consider your own investment objectives, financial situations or needs. TTM assumes no responsibility or warranty for the accuracy and completeness of the information, investors should do their own research and may seek professional advice before investing.

Most Discussed

  1. 1
     
     
     
     
  2. 2
     
     
     
     
  3. 3
     
     
     
     
  4. 4
     
     
     
     
  5. 5
     
     
     
     
  6. 6
     
     
     
     
  7. 7
     
     
     
     
  8. 8
     
     
     
     
  9. 9
     
     
     
     
  10. 10