Emperor Watch & Jewellery profit jumps high

Emperor Watch & Jewellery cites “strong momentum in luxury consumption” as the reason for a massive profit boost in the first half of this year.

Total sales surged 34.3 per cent to HK$2.454 billion (US$312.6 million), as inbound tourism arrivals from the mainland recovered and Hong Kong retail sales rose.

Revenue from its core, home market Hong Kong was up 42.8 per cent to $1.908 billion, accounting for 77.8 per cent of total sales.

“The improvement in consumption sentiment has supported robust demand for watches,” the company said in an announcement. Hence, revenue of the watch segment, the group’s largest revenue contributor, rose 32.1 per cent to $1.942 billion, accounting for 79.1 per cent of total revenue. Revenue from the jewellery segment increased by 43.6 per cent to $512.5 million.

Gross profit grew 39 per cent to $677.3 million, with gross profit margin rising from 26.7 per cent to 27.6 per cent, due to stronger demand for watches.

Group net profit more than quadrupled year on year to HK$157.2 million.

“Given the favourable fundamentals of Hong Kong luxury watch sector, we are cautiously optimistic about our long-term business prospects albeit market volatility,” said Emperor Watch & Jewellery CEO and chairperson Cindy Yeung. “We remain committed to respond proactively to the market dynamics and leverage on our core competencies.” As at June 30, the group operated 84 stores – four more than at the end of last year – in Hong Kong, Macau, Mainland China and Singapore.

After a successful launch in Singapore in 2013, the group now plans to expand into Malaysia. Yeung said the company will also continue to eye further expansion opportunities globally.