On November 29, Gelonghui Group (00052.HK) announced its interim results. In the six months ended September 30, 2023, the Group's revenue increased 4.2% to HK$1,558 billion (2022: HK$1,494.7 billion). Gross margin increased to 9.4% (2022:9.2%). Profit excluding government funding increased from HK$2 million to HK$35.3 million during this period. The government funding is HK$1 million (2022: HK$40.8 million). The profit for the period attributable to the company's equity shareholders was HK$36.3 million (2022: HK$42.8 million). The basic profit per share was HK28.03 cents compared to HK33.06 cents for the same period last year. The Board of Directors declared an interim dividend of HK11.0 cents per share.
As of September 30, 2023, the Group has operated 144 large happy fast food restaurants and maintained 10 small-scale specialty restaurants in Hong Kong. Its brands are ASAP, Minced Meat, and Little Chef Ichiba, respectively. In mainland China, the number of Big Happy Fast Food restaurants continues to grow. As of September 30, 2023, the number of stores operating in the Greater Bay Area was 24, compared to 22 six months ago.