EX-99.1 2 ex99-1.htm

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

2024

INTERIM REPORT

 

 

 

 

2 Financial Highlights 2
3 Corporate Information 3
4 Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss 4
5 Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 5
6 Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 6
8 Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 8
10 Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 10
12 Notes to Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 12
37 Management Discussion and Analysis 37
46 Other Information 46

 

 

 

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

   For the six months ended 30 June 
   2024   2023     
Results  HK$’000   HK$’000   Change 
Revenue  93,742    151,274    (38.0)%
Graphene products   61,489    97,103    (36.7)%
Landscape architecture   32,253    54,171    (40.5)%
Catering            
    4,682    19,269    (75.7)%
Adjusted segment EBITDA*               
Graphene products   7,374    16,012    (53.9)%
Landscape architecture   (2,692)   1,512    (278.0)%
Catering       1,745    (100.0)%
                
Loss before tax   (57,303)   (46,780)   22.5%
Loss attributable to owners of the parent   (54,096)   (43,968)   23.0%
                
    HK cents    HK cents      
                
Basic loss per share attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent   (6.00)   (6.06)   (1.0)%

 

* Non-IFRS Measure

 

   At 30 June   At 31 December     
   2024   2023     
Results  HK$’000   HK$’000   Change 
Total assets   839,316    847,343    (0.9)%
Net assets   329,247    369,638    (10.9)%
Shareholder’s equity   329,246    369,687    (10.9)%
Cash and bank balances   10,391    27,190    (61.8)%
Debt  234,206    233,165    0.4%

 

To supplement our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements which are presented in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”), adjusted segment EBITDA is used as an additional financial measure throughout this interim report. The financial measure is presented because it is used by management to evaluate operating performance. The Company believes that non-IFRS measure may provide useful information to help investors and others understand and evaluate the Company’s consolidated results of operations in the same manner as management and in comparing financial results across accounting periods and to those of our peer companies. However, non-IFRS financial measure does not have a standardised meaning prescribed by IFRSs and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.

 

Adjusted segment EBITDA used herein is defined as earnings before interest expense, taxation, depreciation and amortisation, and excludes fair value change on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, impairment losses of other intangible assets and property, plant and equipment, share of losses of associates, impairment/(reversal of impairment) on financial and contract assets, unallocated other income and gains and corporate expenses.

 

Please refer to note 4 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in this interim report for reconciliation of loss before tax, an IFRS measure, to adjusted segment EBITDA.

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 20242
 

 

CORPORATE INFORMATION

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS   CORPORATE WEBSITE
     
Executive Directors   www.graphexgroup.com
     
Mr. Lau Hing Tat Patrick   AUTHORISED REPRESENTATIVES
Mr. Chan Yick Yan Andross    
Mr. Qiu Bin   Mr. Kwok Ka Hei
    Mr. Chan Yick Yan Andross
Non-executive Director    
  ALTERNATES TO AUTHORISED REPRESENTATIVES
Mr. Ma Lida    
  Mr. Lau Hing Tat Patrick
Independent non-executive Directors    
  PRINCIPAL BANKERS
Ms. Tam Ip Fong Sin    
Mr. Wang Yuncai   Bank of China (Hong Kong)
Mr. Liu Kwong Sang   Bank of Communications
Mr. Tang Zhaodong   The Bank of East Asia
  The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking
COMPANY SECRETARY    
  PRINCIPAL SHARE REGISTRAR OFFICE
Mr. Kwok Ka Hei    
  Ocorian Trust (Cayman) Limited
REGISTERED OFFICE   Windward 3
  Regatta Office Park
Windward 3   P.O. Box 1350
Regatta Office Park   Grand Cayman KY1-1108
P.O. Box 1350   Cayman Islands
Grand Cayman KY1-1108    
Cayman Islands   HONG KONG SHARE REGISTRAR
     
HEADQUARTER, HEAD OFFICE AND   Tricor Investor Services Limited
PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS   17/F, Far East Finance Centre
IN HONG KONG   16 Harcourt Road
    Hong Kong
11/F COFCO Tower  
262 Gloucester Road   ADR DEPOSITARY
Causeway Bay  
Hong Kong   Bank of New York Mellon
   
AUDIT COMMITTEE   INVESTOR RELATIONS
   
Mr. Liu Kwong Sang (Chairman)   Email: investrel@graphexgroup.com
Ms. Tam Ip Fong Sin  
Mr. Wang Yuncai   LEGAL ADVISER AS TO HONG KONG LAW
   
REMUNERATION COMMITTEE   Tso Au Yim & Yeung
   
Ms. Tam Ip Fong Sin (Chairlady)   AUDITOR
Mr. Wang Yuncai  
    Crowe (HK) CPA Limited
NOMINATION COMMITTEE  
     
Ms. Tam Ip Fong Sin (Chairlady)    
Mr. Wang Yuncai    

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 20243
 

 

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS

For the six months ended 30 June 2024

 

      For the six months ended 30 June 
     

2024

   2023 
   Notes  (Unaudited)
HK$’000
   (Unaudited)
HK$’000
 
REVENUE  3   93,742    151,274 
Cost of sales  7   (63,375)   (101,242)
GROSS PROFIT      30,367    50,032 
Other income and gains  5   6,934    6,553 
Selling and marketing expenses      (1,230)   (2,956)
Administrative expenses      (75,030)   (76,724)
Impairment losses on financial and contract assets, net      (6,704)   (10,705)
Impairment losses on property, plant and equipment and other intangible asset, net      (1,859)    
Fair value loss on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss      (3)   (6)
Finance costs  6   (8,978)   (12,744)
Share of losses of associates      (800)   (230)
LOSS BEFORE TAX  7   (57,303)   (46,780)
Income tax credit  8   3,257    5,005 
LOSS FOR THE PERIOD      (54,046)   (41,775)
Attributable to:             
Owners of the parent      (54,096)   (43,968)
Non-controlling interests      50    2,193 
       (54,046)   (41,775)

LOSS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO ORDINARY EQUITY HOLDERS OF THE PARENT

             
Basic
             
– For loss for the period  10   HK(6.00) cents    

HK(6.06) cents

 
Diluted
             
– For loss for the period      HK(6.00) cents    

HK(6.06) cents

 

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 20244
 

 

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the six months ended 30 June 2024

 

   For the six months ended 30 June 
   2024   2023 
  

(Unaudited)

HK$’000

   (Unaudited)
HK$’000
 
LOSS FOR THE PERIOD   (54,046)   (41,775)
           
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME          
Other comprehensive income that may be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods:          

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

   (3,706)   (16,369)
           
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE PERIOD, NET OF TAX   (3,706)   (16,369)
           
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE LOSS FOR THE PERIOD   (57,752)   (58,144)
           
Attributable to:          
Owners of the parent  (57,802)   (60,475)
Non-controlling interests   50    2,331 
           
    (57,752)   (58,144)

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 20245
 

 

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

As at 30 June 2024

 

      30 June   31 December 
      2024   2023 
      (Unaudited)   (Audited) 
   Notes  HK$’000   HK$’000 
NON-CURRENT ASSETS             
Property, plant and equipment      23,863    28,676 
Goodwill      101,939    101,939 
Other intangible assets      435,823    460,997 
Investments in associates          801 
Equity investments designated at fair value through other comprehensive income      34    34 
Prepayments, deposits and other receivables      5,122    5,157 
Deferred tax assets      3,225    3,240 
Total non-current assets      570,006    600,844 
CURRENT ASSETS             
Inventories      16,451    13,712 
Trade and bills receivables  11   157,478    147,991 
Prepayments, deposits and other receivables      61,685    27,677 
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss      19    23 
Contract assets      23,241    29,906 
Restricted bank deposit      45     
Cash and cash equivalents      10,391    27,190 
Total current assets      269,310    246,499 
CURRENT LIABILITIES             
Trade payables  12   39,149    23,190 
Other payables and accruals      98,259    80,547 
Contract liabilities      40,248    38,627 
Lease liabilities      3,429    4,682 
Interest-bearing borrowings  13   150,099    135,882 
Convertible notes  15   3,798    4,158 
Tax payable      32,847    33,082 
Total current liabilities      367,829    320,168 
NET CURRENT LIABILITIES      (98,519)   (73,669)
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES      471,487    527,175 

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 20246
 

 

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

As at 30 June 2024

 

      30 June   31 December 
      2024   2023 
   Notes 

(Unaudited)

HK$’000

   (Audited)
HK$’000
 
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES             
Lease liabilities     13,698   14,919 
Interest-bearing borrowings  13       12,500 
Promissory note  14   63,182    61,024 
Deferred tax liabilities      65,360    69,094 
Total non-current liabilities      142,240    157,537 
NET ASSETS      329,247    369,638 
EQUITY             
Equity attributable to owners of the parent             
Share capital             
– ordinary shares  16   9,711    8,980 
– preference shares  16   3,236    3,236 
Other reserves      316,299    357,471 
       329,246    369,687 
Non-controlling interests      1    (49)
TOTAL EQUITY      329,247    369,638 

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 20247
 

 

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

For the six months ended 30 June 2024

 

   Share   Preference  

Share

premium

  

Share-

based

payment

  

rights of

convertible

   Warrant   Fair value   Capital   Reserve  

Exchange

fluctuation

   Accumulated      

Non-

controlling

   Total 
   capital   shares   account*   reserve*   notes*   reserve*   reserve*   reserve*   funds*   reserve*   losses*   Total   interests   equity 
   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000 
At 1 January 2024 As previously reported   8,980    3,236    782,438    14,764    883    19,943   (2,606)   5    10,701    (16,420)   (452,237)   369,687    (49)   369,638 
Loss for the period
                                           (54,096)   (54,096)   50    (54,046)
Other comprehensive income for the period:
                                                                      
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations                                       (3,706)       (3,706)       (3,706)
Total comprehensive loss for the period                                       (3,706)   (54,096)   (57,802)   50    (57,752)
Issue of ordinary shares                                                                      
upon conversion of
convertible notes
   6        438        (56)                           388        388 
Issue of ordinary shares                                                                      
under the share award
scheme
   264        11,783    (12,047)                                        
Issue of ordinary shares   461        4,870                                    5,331        5,331 
Equity-settled share-based
transactions
               11,642                                11,642        11,642 
At 30 June 2024 (unaudited)   9,711    3,236    799,529    14,359    827    19,943    (2,606)   5    10,701    (20,126)   (506,333)   329,246    1    329,247 

 

* These reserve accounts as at 30 June 2024 comprise the consolidated other reserves of HK$316,299,000 (31 December 2023: HK$357,471,000) in the condensed consolidated statement of financial position.

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 20248
 

 

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

For the six months ended 30 June 2024

 

   Share   Preference  

Share

premium

  

Share-

based

payment

  

rights of

convertible

   Warrant   Fair value   Capital   Reserve  

Exchange

fluctuation

   Accumulated      

Non-

controlling

   Total 
   capital   shares   account*   reserve*   notes*   reserve*   reserve*   reserve*   funds*   reserve*   losses*   Total   interests   equity 
   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000 
At 1 January 2023                                                                      
As previously reported   6,835    3,236    673,303    2,940    13,006    19,943    (2,547)   5    13,471    (7,769)   (341,839)   380,584    (10,742)   369,842 
Loss for the period                                           (43,968)   (43,968)   2,193    (41,775)
Other comprehensive                                                                      
income for the period:                                                                      
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations                                                (16,507)   138    (16,369)
Total comprehensive loss for
the period
                                       (16,507)   (43,968)   (60,475)   2,331    58,144 
Issue of ordinary shares upon conversion of convertible notes   939            62,314        (12,022)                       51,231        51,231 
Equity-settled share-based
transactions
               2,546                                2,546        2,546 
At 30 June 2023
(unaudited)
   7,774    3,236    735,617    5,486    984    19,943    (2,547)   5    13,471    (24,276)   (385,807)   373,886    (8,411)   365,475 

 

* These reserve accounts as at 30 June 2023 comprise the consolidated other reserves of HK$362,876,000 (31 December 2022: HK$370,513,000) in the condensed consolidated statement of financial position.

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 20249
 

 

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the six months ended 30 June 2024

 

   For the six months ended 30 June 
  

2024

   2023 
   (Unaudited) HK$’000  

(Unaudited)

HK$’000

 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES          
Loss before tax   (57,303)   (46,780)
Adjustments for:          
Finance costs   8,978    12,744 
Share of losses of associates   800    230 
Interest income   (786)   (582)
Amortisation and depreciation   24,826    27,187 
Dividend income from equity instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income   (65)   (92)
(Gain)/loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment   (177)   106 
Impairment of property, plant and equipment, net   1,740     
Impairment of other intangible assets, net   119     
Impairment loss of trade receivables, net   3,387    3,330 
Impairment loss of contract assets, net   4,261    7,375 
Impairment loss of other receivables and other assets, net   (944)    
Equity-settled share-based transaction   11,642    2,546 
Gain on lease termination       (2)
Gain on settlement of other payables upon issue of ordinary shares   (560)    
Waiver of interest on convertible notes       (1,160)
Fair value changes on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss   3    6 
Exchange differences, net   (166)   311 
    (4,245)   5,219 
(Increase)/decrease in inventories   (2,850)   7,429 
Increase in trade and bills receivables   (13,958)   (88,232)
Decrease/(increase) in contract assets   2,232    (4,172)
(Increase)/decrease in prepayments, deposits and other receivables   (12,583)   4,700 
Increase in trade payables   16,199    64,905 
Increase in other payables and accruals   12,594    5,056 
Increase/(decrease) in contract liabilities   1,857    (2,575)
Cash used in operations   (754)   (7,670)
Interest received   15    46 
Income tax paid       (708)
Net cash flows used in operating activities   (739)   (8,332)

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202410
 

 

UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the six months ended 30 June 2024

 

   For the six months ended 30 June 
  

2024

   2023 
   (Unaudited) HK$’000  

(Unaudited)

HK$’000

 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES          
Interest received   17    771 
Purchases of items of property, plant and equipment   (31)   (823)
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment   177    2 
Repayment of a loan from a joint venture   8,690    10,630 
Loan advanced to joint ventures   (23,246)   (13,828)
Purchase of the other intangible asset   (10)   (84)
Dividend from equity instruments at fair value through other          
comprehensive income   65    92 
Placement of restricted bank deposit   (45)    
Net cash flows used in investing activities   (14,383)   (3,240)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES          
Proceeds from bank borrowings   7,035    5,236 
Repayment of bank borrowings   (5,108)   (5,236)
Proceeds from other borrowings       6,014 
Repayment of other borrowings   (110)   (2,392)
Interest paid   (1,041)   (918)
Repayment of lease liabilities   (2,363)   (3,387)
Dividend paid to non-controlling interests       (1,511)
Net cash flows used in financing activities   (1,587)   (2,194)
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS   (16,709)   (13,766)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period   27,190    31,470 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes, net   (90)   (245)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD   10,391    17,459 

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202411
 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

30 June 2024

 

1. CORPORATE AND GROUP INFORMATION

 

Graphex Group Limited (the “Company”) was incorporated as an exempted company with limited liability in the Cayman Islands on 25 November 2013. The registered office address of the Company is Windward 3, Regatta Office Park, P.O. Box 1350, Grand Cayman KY1-1108, Cayman Islands.

 

The principal activities of the Company and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the “Group”) are development and processing of graphene products, in particular, graphite anode material for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles, energy storage systems and other applications. The Group is also engaged in landscape architecture and design businesses.

 

2.1 BASIS OF PREPARATION

 

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the six months ended 30 June 2024 have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34 Interim Financial Reporting.

 

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all the information and disclosures required in the annual financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with the Group’s annual financial statements as at 31 December 2023. These financial statements are presented in Hong Kong dollars (“HK$”) and all values are rounded to the nearest thousand except when otherwise indicated.

 

All intra-group transactions and balances have been eliminated on consolidation.

 

Going concern basis

 

The Group recorded a loss attributable to owners of the parent of HK$54,096,000 for the six months ended 30 June 2024 and net current liabilities of HK$98,519,000 as at 30 June 2024.

 

In view of the above circumstances, the directors have given careful consideration to the future liquidity and performance of the Group and its available sources of finance in assessing whether the Group will have sufficient financial resources to continue as a going concern in the foreseeable future.

 

The directors of the Company have reviewed the Group’s cash flow projection prepared by management, which includes revenue and expenditure growth of the business, working capital needs and, the continuing renewal of the banking facilities. They are of the opinion that, after taking into account the measures to be implemented and has been implemented, the Group will have sufficient working capital to finance its operation and to meet its financial obligations for at least the next twelve months from the date of approval of these interim condensed consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, the directors of the Company believe it is appropriate to prepare the interim condensed consolidated financial statements of the Group for the six months ended 30 June 2024 on a going concern basis.

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202412
 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

30 June 2024

 

2.1 BASIS OF PREPARATION (Continued)

 

Going concern basis (Continued)

 

In view of these circumstances, the directors have taken various measures with an aim to improve the Group’s liquidity position. The directors have prepared a cash flow forecast of the Group for the next twelve months from the end of the reporting period taken into account the followings:

 

  (i) The Group has obtained a short-term loan facility of HK$20,000,000 for financing its working capital;
     
  (ii) The Group has taken various cost control measures to tighten the costs of operations;
     
  (iii) The Group is in serious discussions with potential investors for raising new capital by way of issuing new equity and/or debt securities; and
     
  (iv) Graphex (Shandong) New Energy Technologies Limited (the “Graphex Shandong”), being an indirect whollyowned subsidiary of the Company established for the purpose of operating a project in Nanshu Town has on 26 October 2023 received a letter of intent (“LOI”) issued by one of the four major banks of the PRC (the “Bank”) to Graphex Shandong, whereby the Bank has indicated an intention of providing banking facilities of RMB400 million for the project (the “Proposed Loan”). The LOI is non-legally binding and the granting of the Proposed Loan is subject to, amongst other things, the Bank’s further evaluation on the Proposed Loan, finalisation of the terms and conditions of the Proposed Loan and compliance with the relevant banking and other laws and regulations of the PRC.

 

Whether the Group will be able to generate adequate cash flows to continue as a going concern would depend on the successful outcome of the above measures.

 

Should the going concern assumption be inappropriate, adjustments may have to be made to write down the values of assets to their recoverable amounts, to provide for further liabilities that might arise, and to reclassify noncurrent assets and non-current liabilities as current assets and current liabilities. The effects of these adjustments have not been reflected in these interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

2.2 CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND DISCLOSURE

 

The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the interim condensed consolidated financial information are consistent with those applied in the preparation of the Group’s annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023, except for the adoption of new standards effective as of 1 January 2024. The Group has not early adopted any standard, interpretation or amendment that has been issued but is not yet effective.

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202413
 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

30 June 2024

 

2.2 CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND DISCLOSURE (Continued)

 

The IASB has issued a number of new or amended IFRSs that are first effective for the current accounting period of the Group:

 

Amendments to IAS 7 and IFRS 7   Supplier Finance Arrangements
Amendments to IFRS 16   Lease Liability in a Sale and Leaseback
Amendments to IAS 1   Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-current Liabilities
Amendments to IAS 1   Non-current Liabilities with Covenants

 

Other than as noted below, the adoption of the new or amended IFRSs had no material impact on how the results and financial position for the current and prior periods have been prepared and presented. The Group has not early applied any new or amended IFRSs that is not yet effective for the current accounting period.

 

3. REVENUE

 

An analysis of revenue is as follows:

 

   For the six months ended 30 June 
   2024   2023 
  

(Unaudited)

HK$’000

   (Unaudited)
HK$’000
 
Type of goods or services          
Sales of graphene products   61,489    97,103 
Landscape architecture services   32,253    54,171 
Total Revenue   93,742    151,274 
Geographical markets          
Mainland China   79,587    138,178 
Hong Kong   12,629    12,754 
Others   1,526    342 
Total Revenue   93,742    151,274 
Timing of revenue recognition
Goods transferred at a point in time
   61,489    97,103 
Services transferred over time   32,253    54,171 
Total Revenue   93,742    151,274 

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202414
 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

+30 June 2024

 

4. OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

Information reported to the board of directors, being the chief operating decision maker (CODM), for the purposes of resources allocation and assessment of segment performance focuses on types of goods and services delivered and provided.

 

For management purposes, the Group has identified the following two (30 June 2023: three) major reportable segments. Certain segments have been aggregated to form the following reportable segments:

 

  (a) Processing and sale of graphite and graphene related products (“Graphene Products Segment”);
     
  (b) Providing landscape architecture design (“Landscape Architecture Design Segment”); and
     
  (c) The catering business focuses on operation of restaurants (“Catering Segment”).

 

Management monitors the results of the Group’s operating segments separately for the purpose of making decisions about resource allocation and performance assessment. Segment performance is evaluated based on reportable segment profit, which is a measure of adjusted profit/loss before tax. The adjusted profit/loss before tax is measured consistently with the Group’s profit/loss before tax except that finance costs, as well as head office and corporate income and expenses are excluded from such measurement.

 

Segment assets exclude deferred tax assets, cash and bank balances and other unallocated head office and corporate assets as these assets are managed on a group basis.

 

Segment liabilities exclude tax payable, deferred tax liabilities and other unallocated head office and corporate liabilities as these liabilities are managed on a group basis.

 

Intersegment revenue is eliminated on consolidation. Intersegment sales and transfers are transacted with reference to the service prices used for sales made to third parties at the then prevailing market prices.

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202415
 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

30 June 2024

 

4. OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued)

 

The following tables present revenue and profit/loss information for the Group’s operating segments for the six months ended 30 June 2024 and 2023.

 

Six months ended 30 June 2024 (Unaudited)

 

   Graphene products  

Landscape

architecture

design

   Catering (note (iii))  

 

 

Total

 
   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000 
Segment revenue (note 3)                    
Sales to external customers   61,489    32,253        93,742 
Elimination of inter-segment sales                
Segment results   (15,830)   (13,058)       (28,888)
Reconciliations:                    
Unallocated income and gains                  1,005 
Unallocated expenses                  (19,997)
Unallocated finance costs                  (8,216)
Unallocated depreciation and amortisation                  (407)
Share of losses of associates                  (800)
Loss before tax                  (57,303)
Adjusted segment EBITDA (note (i))   7,374    (2,692)       4,682 

 

Six months ended 30 June 2023 (Unaudited)

 

  

 

Graphene products

   Landscape architecture design  

 

Catering (note (iii))

   Total 
  
HK$’000
  
HK$’000
  
HK$’000
  
HK$’000
 
Segment revenue (note 3)                    
Sales to external customers   97,103    54,171        151,274 
Elimination of inter-segment sales                
Segment results   (7,790)   (13,013)   1,680    (19,123)
Reconciliations:                    
Unallocated income and gains                  1,316 
Unallocated expenses                  (16,479)
Unallocated finance costs                  (11,858)
Unallocated depreciation and amortisation                  (406)
Share of losses of associates                  (230)
Loss before tax                  (46,780)
Adjusted segment EBITDA (note (i))   16,012    1,512    1,745    19,269 

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202416
 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

30 June 2024

 

4. OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued)

 

The following tables present assets and liabilities information for the Group’s operating segments as at 30 June 2024 and 31 December 2023.

 

30 June 2024 (Unaudited)                
       Landscape         
   Graphene products  

architecture

design

   Catering (note (iii))   Total 
   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000 
Segment assets   750,996    81,723        832,719 
Reconciliations:                    
Elimination of intersegment receivables                  (17,456)
Unallocated assets                  24,053 
Total assets                  839,316 
Segment liabilities   95,602    69,941        165,543 
Reconciliations:                    
Elimination of intersegment payables                  (17,456)
Unallocated liabilities                  361,982 
Total liabilities                  510,069 
31 December 2023 (Audited)                    

 

       Landscape         
   Graphene products   architecture
design
   Catering (note (iii))   Total 
   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000 
Segment assets   744,222    87,663        831,885 
Reconciliations:                    
Elimination of intersegment receivables                  (15,641)
Unallocated assets                  31,099 
Total assets                  847,343 
Segment liabilities   72,988    71,405        144,393 
Reconciliations:                    
Elimination of intersegment payables                  (15,641)
Unallocated liabilities                  348,953 
Total liabilities                  477,705 

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202417
 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

30 June 2024

4. OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued)

 

The following tables present other segment information for the Group’s operating segments for the six months ended 30 June 2024 and 2023.

 

Six months ended 30 June 2024 (Unaudited)

 

       Landscape         
   Graphene products  

architecture

design

  

Catering

(note (iii))

   Total 
   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000 
Other segment information                    
Share of losses of associates unallocated                  800 
Impairment losses recognised in the statement of profit or loss                    
– Financial and contract assets       6,704        6,704 
– Property, plant and equipment and other intangible asset       1,859        1,859 
Reconciliation:                    
Unallocated                   
Total                  8,563 
Depreciation and amortisation   22,752    1,667        24,419 
Reconciliation:                    
Unallocated                  407 
Total                  24,826 
Income and gains allocated   6    5,923        5,929 
Finance costs allocated   452    310        762 
Investment in an associate unallocated                   
Capital expenditure (note (ii))       41        41 
Reconciliation:                    
Unallocated                   
Total                  41 

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202418
 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

30 June 2024

4. OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued)

 

Six months ended 30 June 2023 (Unaudited)

 

       Landscape         
   Graphene
products
   architecture
design
   Catering
(note (iii))
  

 

Total

 
   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000 
Other segment information                    
Share of losses of associates unallocated                  230 
Impairment losses recognised in the statement of profit or loss                    
– Financial and contract assets       10,705        10,705 
Reconciliation:                    
Unallocated                   
Total                  10,705 
Depreciation and amortisation   23,307    3,412    61    26,780 
Reconciliation:                    
Unallocated                  407 
Total                  27,187 
Income and gains allocated   2    3,185    2,050    5,237 
Finance costs allocated   495    388    3    886 
Investment in an associate unallocated                   
Capital expenditure (note (ii))   451    456        907 
Reconciliation:                    
Unallocated                   
Total                  907 

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202419
 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

30 June 2024

 

4.OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued)

 

Notes:

 

(i)Adjusted segment EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest expense, taxation, depreciation and amortisation, and excludes fair value change on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, impairment losses of other intangible assets and property, plant and equipment, share of losses of associates, impairment/(reversal of impairment) on financial and contract assets, unallocated other income and gains and corporate expenses.

 

A reconciliation of adjusted segment EBITDA to consolidated loss before income tax is provided as follows:

 

  

30 June 2024

(Unaudited)

   30 June 2023
(Unaudited)
 
   HK$’000   HK$’000 
Loss before tax   (57,303)   (46,780)
Add:          
Finance costs   8,978    12,744 
Amortisation and depreciation          
– property, plant and equipment   548    1,623 
– right-of-use assets   2,390    2,890 
– other intangible assets   21,888    22,674 
           
EBITDA   (23,499)   (6,849)
           
Impairment of property, plant and equipment, net   1,740     
Impairment of other intangible assets, net   119     
Impairment loss of trade receivables, net   3,387    3,330 
Impairment loss of contract assets, net   4,261    7,375 
Impairment loss of other receivables, net   (944)    
Fair value changes on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss   3    6 
(Gain)/loss on disposal of items of property, plant and equipment   (177)   106 
Share of losses of associates   800    230 
Corporate expenses          
– Directors and corporate staff salaries   9,289    8,108 
– Auditor’s remuneration   620    726 
– Legal and professional expenses   6,794    3,883 
– Publicity expenses   632    907 
– Bank charges   689    826 
– Others   1,973    2,029 
    19,997    16,479 
Unallocated income and gains          
– Dividend income from equity investments at fair value through other comprehensive income   (65)   (92)
– Interest income   (329)   (126)
– Gain on settlement of other payables upon issue of ordinary shares   (560)    
– Waiver of interest       (1,160)
– Others   (51)   (30)
    (1,005)   (1,408)
Adjusted segment EBITDA   4,682    19,269 

 

(ii)Capital expenditure consists of additions to property, plant and equipment and other intangible assets except for right-of-use assets.

 

(iii)On 1 August 2023 and 24 November 2023, the Group and a third party entered into two agreements, pursuant to which, the Group disposed of the entire equity interests in Yummy Food Holdings Limited (“Yummy Food”) and Thai Gallery (HK) Limited (“Thai Gallery”) and their subsidiaries at zero consideration. The disposal was completed on 24 November 2023.

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202420
 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

30 June 2024

 

5.OTHER INCOME AND GAINS

 

An analysis of other income and gains is as follows:

 

  

For the six months ended 30 June

 
   2024   2023 
  

(Unaudited)

   (Unaudited) 
   HK$’000   HK$’000 
Other income          
Service income   4,969    1,659 
Dividend income from equity instruments at fair value through other comprehensive income   65    92 
Interest income   786    582 
Waiver of interest on convertible notes       1,160 
Compensation from a supplier       1,041 
Government grants (note)   291    914 
    6,111    5,448 
Gains          
Gain on lease termination       2 
Gain on settlement of other payables upon issue of ordinary shares   560     
Gain on disposal of items of property, plant and equipment   177     
Exchange difference, net   1    44 
Others   85    1,059 
    823    1,105 
    6,934    6,553 

 

  Note: Government grants were received from government departments for promoting the Group’s business in the local area. There are no unfulfilled conditions or contingencies relating to these grants.

 

6.FINANCE COSTS

 

An analysis of finance costs is as follows:

 

  

For the six months ended 30 June

 
   2024   2023 
  

(Unaudited)

HK$’000

   (Unaudited)
HK$’000
 
Interest on interest-bearing borrowings   4,621    4,383 
Interest on convertible notes   928    3,925 
Interest on promissory note   2,871    3,769 
Interest on lease liabilities   558    667 
    8,978    12,744 

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202421
 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

30 June 2024

 

7.LOSS BEFORE TAX

 

The Group’s loss before tax is arrived at after charging:

 

  

For the six months ended 30 June

 
   2024   2023 
   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited) 
   HK$’000   HK$’000 
Cost of inventories sold   45,249    63,753 
Cost of services provided   18,126    37,489 
Cost of sales   63,375    101,242 
Amortisation and depreciation          
– property, plant and equipment   548    1,623 
– right-of-use assets   2,390    2,890 
– other intangible assets   21,888    22,674 
    24,826    27,187 
Research and development cost: current year expenditure   7,760    10,780 
Lease payments for leases less than 12 months   1,096    771 
Auditor’s remuneration   685    824 
Employee benefit expense (including directors and chief executive’s remuneration):          
– wages and salaries   30,938    38,371 
– equity-settled share-based payment expenses   6,194    1,907 
– pension scheme contributions (defined contribution scheme)   3,945    6,798 
– welfare and other benefits   212    375 
    41,289    47,451 
Equity-settled share-based payment for services   5,448    639 
Foreign exchange differences, net   (166)   311 
Impairment of property, plant and equipment, net   1,740     
Impairment of other intangible assets, net   119     
Impairment loss of financial and contract assets          
Impairment loss of trade receivables, net   3,387    3,330 
Impairment loss of contract assets, net   4,261    7,375 
Impairment loss of financial assets included in other receivables and other assets, net   (944)    
    6,704    10,705 
Fair value loss on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss   3    6 
(Gain)/loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment   (177)   106 

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202422
 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

30 June 2024

 

8.INCOME TAX

 

Hong Kong profits tax has been provided at the rate of 16.5% (2023: 16.5%) on the estimated assessable profits arising in Hong Kong during the year. Taxes on profits assessable elsewhere have been calculated at the rates of tax prevailing in the jurisdictions in which the Group operates.

 

泛亞景觀設計(上海)有限公司 continued to be granted with the qualification of High and New Technology Enterprises (“HNTE”) on 15 November 2023 and is entitled to a preferential corporate income tax rate of 15% (2023: 15%) for a period of three years ending 31 December 2025.

 

前海泛亞景觀設計(深圳)有限公司 has been provided at the rate of 15% (2023: 15%) on the estimated assessable profits as its main principal activities, of engaging in interior design and landscape, are recognised as encouraged industries in Qianhai district, Shenzhen in Mainland China.

 

黑龍江省牡丹江農墾湠奧石墨烯深加工有限公司 is qualified for High and New Technology Enterprises and is entitled to a preferential corporate income tax rate of 15% (2023: 15%) for a period of three years ended 31 December 2025.

 

Other subsidiaries located in Mainland China were subject to corporate income tax at the statutory rate of 25% for the year (2023: 25%) under the income tax rules and regulations in the PRC.

 

Graphex Technologies, LLC is incorporated in the US and is subject to corporate income tax at 21%.

 

  

For the six months ended 30 June

 
   2024   2023 
   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited) 
   HK$’000   HK$’000 
Current tax:          
Hong Kong        
Mainland China        
         
Deferred tax   (3,257)   (5,005)
Total tax credit for the period   (3,257)   (5,005)

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202423
 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

30 June 2024

 

9.DIVIDEND

 

The board of directors of the Company does not recommend the payment of any interim dividend (six months ended 30 June 2023: nil) for the six months ended 30 June 2024.

 

10.LOSS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO ORDINARY EQUITY HOLDERS OF THE PARENT

 

The calculation of the basic loss per share amount is based on the loss for the period attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent of HK$54,096,000 (six months ended 30 June 2023: HK$43,968,000), and the weighted average number of ordinary shares of 901,508,416 (six months ended 30 June 2023: 725,781,129) issued during the period.

 

No adjustment has been made to the basic loss per share amounts presented for the six months ended 30 June 2024 and 2023 in respect of a dilution as the impact of the convertible notes, warrants and share options outstanding had an anti-dilution effect on the basic loss per share amounts presented.

 

The calculation of basic loss per share was based on:

 

   For the six months ended 30 June 
   2024   2023 
   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited) 
   HK$’000   HK$’000 
         
Loss          
Loss attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent   (54,096)   (43,968)

 

   Number of shares 
   For the six months ended 30 June 
   2024   2023 
   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited) 
         
Shares          
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period used in the basic loss per share calculation   901,508,416    725,781,129 

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202424
 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

30 June 2024

 

11. TRADE AND BILLS RECEIVABLES

 

   30 June   31 December 
   2024   2023 
  

(Unaudited)

HK$’000

   (Audited)
HK$’000
 
Trade and bills receivables   233,000    220,655 
Allowance for impairment   (75,522)   (72,664)
    157,478    147,991 

 

The Group’s trading terms with its customers are mainly on credit, except for new customers, where payment in advance is normally required. The credit period is two months, extending up to six months for major customers. Each customer has a maximum credit limit. The Group seeks to maintain strict control over its outstanding receivables to minimise credit risk. Overdue balances are reviewed regularly by senior management. In view of the aforementioned and the fact that the Group’s trade and bill receivables relate to a large number of diversified customers, there is no significant concentration of credit risk. The Group does not hold any collateral or other credit enhancements over its trade and bills receivables balances. Trade and bills receivables are non-interest-bearing.

 

Included in the Group’s trade and bill receivables were amounts billed of HK$157,028,000 (31 December 2023:

 

HK$78,252,000) and billable of HK$75,972,000 (31 December 2023: HK$142,403,000).

 

An ageing analysis of trade and bills receivables as at the end of the reporting period, based on the invoice date, and net of allowance for lifetime expected credit losses, is as follows:

 

   30 June   31 December 
   2024   2023 
  

(Unaudited)

HK$’000

   (Audited)
HK$’000
 
Within 6 months   58,090    75,972 
Over 6 months but within 1 year   72,924    49,715 
Over 1 year but within 2 years   26,353    20,962 
Over 2 years but within 3 years   111    1,342 
    157,478    147,991 

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202425
 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

30 June 2024

 

12.TRADE PAYABLES

 

An aged analysis of trade payables as at the end of the reporting period, based on the invoice date, is as follows:

 

   30 June   31 December 
   2024   2023 
  

(Unaudited)

HK$’000

   (Audited)
HK$’000
 
Within 1 year   36,889    20,278 
Over 1 year but within 2 years   77    22 
Over 2 years but within 3 years   19    42 
Over 3 years   2,164    2,848 
    39,149    23,190 

 

The trade payables are non-interest-bearing and are normally settled within three months.

 

13.INTEREST-BEARING BORROWINGS

 

      30 June 2024 (Unaudited) 
      Effective interest rate        
   Notes  (%)   Maturity  HK$’000 
Current                
Bank borrowing – guaranteed  (a)   3.0–3.6   2024   12,873 
Other borrowing – unsecured  (b)   3.8   On demand   1,557 
Other borrowing – unsecured  (b)   14.4   On demand   2,014 
Other borrowing – unsecured  (b)   9   2024   11,000 
Other borrowing – unsecured  (b)   15   On demand   4,000 
Other borrowing – unsecured  (b)   5   On demand   1,586 
Other borrowing – unsecured  (b)   Nil   On demand   1,697 
Current portion of corporate bonds                
– unsecured  (c), (d) and (e)   6   2025 but   88,540 
           subject to right to demand repayment     
– unsecured  (c) and (d)   9.13–10.04   On demand   26,832 
               150,099 
Non-current               

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202426
 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

30 June 2024

 

13. INTEREST-BEARING BORROWINGS (Continued)

 

      31 December 2023 (Audited) 
      Effective        
      interest rate        
   Notes  (%)   Maturity  HK$’000 
Current              
Bank borrowing – guaranteed  (a)   3.6–3.8   2024   11,035 
Other borrowing – unsecured  (b)   4   On demand   1,678 
Other borrowing – unsecured  (b)   14.4   On demand   2,014 
Other borrowing – unsecured  (b)   9   2024   11,000 
Other borrowing – unsecured  (b)   15   On demand   4,000 
Other borrowing – unsecured  (b)   5   On demand   1,586 
Other borrowing – unsecured  (b)   Nil   On demand   1,697 
Current portion of corporate bonds                
– unsecured  (c), (d) and (e)   6   2025 but subject   76,040 
           to right to demand repayment     
– unsecured  (c) and (d)   9.13–10.04   On demand   26,832 
               135,882 
Non-current                
Corporate bonds – unsecured  (d)   6 2025   12,500     

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202427
 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

30 June 2024

 

13.INTEREST-BEARING BORROWINGS (Continued)

 

The corporate bonds recognised in the interim condensed consolidated financial statements are calculated as follows:

 

  

HK$6%

Corporate Bonds due

2021

  

HK$6%

Corporate

Bonds due 2021 and

2022

  

HK$6%

Corporate

Bonds due 2021 and

2022

  

HK$6%

Corporate Bonds due

2023

  

HK$6%

Corporate Bonds due

2025

   Total 
   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000 
   (note (c))   (note (d))   (note (d))   (note (e))         
Carrying amount as at 1 January 2023   22,955    28,693    53,224    7,995    2,500    115,367 
Interest charged               13    3,025    3,038 
Interest paid and interest                              
payable included in other                              
payables and accruals               (8)   (3,025)   (3,033)
Due date extension   (10,469)   (19,387)   (48,184)   (8,000)   86,040     
Carrying amount as at 31 December 2023   12,486    9,306    5,040         88.540    115,372 
Carrying amount as at 1 January 2024   12,486    9,306    5,040        88.540    115,372 
Interest charged                   2,649    2,649 
Interest paid and interest                              
payable included in other                              
payables and accruals                   (2,649)   (2,649)
Carrying amount as at 30 June 2024   12,486    9,306    5,040        88,540    115,372 

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202428
 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

30 June 2024

 

13.INTEREST-BEARING BORROWINGS (Continued)

 

Notes:

 

(a)During the period ended 30 June 2024, the Group obtained bank borrowings of HK$7,035,000 (31 December 2023: HK$11,035,000) denominated in Renminbi, carry fixed interest rate at 3.0% and 3.6% per annum and repayable within one year. The bank borrowings were secured by a guarantee provided by the Company.

 

(b)The Group’s all other borrowings were unsecured, of which, HK$1,557,000 (31 December 2023: HK$1,678,000) was denominated in Renminbi with duration of one year from the date issued, HK$16,800,000 (31 December 2023: HK$16,800,000) was denominated in Hong Kong dollars, with duration of three months to two years from the date issued, HK$3,497,000 (31 December 2023: HK$3,497,000) was denominated in US dollars, with duration of three months from the date issued.

 

(c)The corporate bonds matured in 2021. In June 2023, certain holders of corporate bonds with aggregate carrying amount of approximately HK$10,469,000 have agreed in writing to extend the repayment date of the relevant bonds to 30 June 2025. Since the holders of the corporate bonds have right to demand immediate repayment in May 2024, the bonds have been reclassified under current liabilities. At 30 June 2024, the remaining balance of the corporate bonds of HK$12,486,000 (31 December 2023: HK$12,486,000) was repayable on demand. The corporate bonds carried coupon interest at a rate of 6%, which is accumulated daily on the 365 daily basis and payable annually.

 

(d)The Company issued corporate bonds of HK$79,500,000 and HK$37,000,000 in 2020 and 2019, respectively, which were matured in 2021 and 2022, respectively. The corporate bonds carried coupon interest at a rate of 6%, which is accumulated daily on the 365 daily basis and payable annually. During the year ended 31 December 2023, corporate bonds with aggregate nominal value of HK$67,571,000 (2022: HK$2,500,000) were extended to 2025, as agreed with the corporate bond holders. Since the holders of the corporate bonds with aggregate carrying amount of approximately HK$57,571,000 have right to demand immediate repayment in May 2024, the related bonds have been reclassified under current liabilities. As at 30 June 2024, the remaining balance of corporate bonds of HK$14,346,000 (31 December 2023: HK$14,346,000) was repayable on demand.

 

(e)On 6 January 2021, the Company issued HK$8,000,000 corporate bonds with a nominal value of HK$8,000,000, of which HK$7,440,000, after net of related transaction costs, was received in 2021. The bonds matured in 2023 and carried coupon interest at a rate of 6% per annum and payable annually. In June 2023, the holders of corporate bonds have agreed in writing to extend the repayment date of the relevant bonds to 30 June 2025. Since the holders of the corporate bonds have right to demand immediate repayment in May 2024, the bonds have been reclassified under current liabilities.

 

(f)The Company is also in serious negotiations with the corporate bond holders for extension of the remaining corporate bonds.

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202429
 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

30 June 2024

 

14. PROMISSORY NOTE

 

   30 June   31 December 
   2024   2023 
   (Unaudited)   (Audited) 
   HK$’000   HK$’000 
At the beginning of the period   61,024    90,074 
Conversion to ordinary shares       (34,481)
Effective interest charged   2,871    7,628 
Interest payable and included in other payables and accruals   (713)   (2,197)
At the end of the period   63,182    61,024 

 

Note:On 7 August 2019, the Group issued a 4-year unsecured promissory note with principal amount of HK$348,080,000 at 2% coupon rate, as part of the consideration for the acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Think High Global Limited. The effective interest rate was 8.4% at the date of issue. The fair value of the promissory note at acquisition date was estimated to be HK$274,552,000. The promissory note is carried at amortised cost.
   
  On 9 December 2021, the Group and the promissory note holder, which is an independent third party and not a substantial shareholder of the Company, entered into an agreement to extend the maturity date from 6 August 2023 to 6 August 2026. A gain on extension of promissory note of approximately HK$51,435,000 was recognised in profit or loss for the year ended 31 December 2021. The fair value of the promissory note of HK$263,740,000 at the date of extension was determined by the directors of the Company based on the valuation prepared by a professional qualified valuer independent to the Group, CHFT Advisory and Appraisal Ltd. The effective interest rate is 8.5% per annum.
   
  On 25 March 2022, the Company issued 323,657,534 preference shares of HK$0.01 each, with a fair value of HK$178,427,000, as consideration for full settlement of promissory note to the holder of the promissory note with a carrying amount at HK$182,100,000, resulting in a gain on derecognition of promissory note of approximately HK$3,673,000 which was credited to the consolidated profit or loss for the year ended 31 December 2022.
   
  On 11 December 2023, the Company issued 100,000,000 ordinary shares, at closing market price of HK$0.39 per ordinary share, with a fair value of HK$39,000,000, to the holder of the promissory note as consideration for full settlement of promissory note with a carrying amount at HK$34,481,000, resulting in a loss on derecognition of promissory note of approximately HK$4,519,000 which was recognised in the consolidated profit or loss for the year ended 31 December 2023. As at 30 June 2024, the holder of the promissory note held 100,000,000 ordinary shares of the Company, representing approximately 10.3% of the issued share capital of the Company.

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202430
 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

30 June 2024

 

15.CONVERTIBLE NOTES

 

   Equity component 
  

Liability

component

  

Conversion

rights

  

Warrant

reserve

  

 

Total

 
   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000   HK$’000 
As at 1 January 2023   52,983    13,006    19,943    85,932 
Effective interest for the year   3,057            3,057 
Conversion to ordinary shares   (51,882)   (12,123)       (64,005)
As at 31 December 2023   4,158    883    19,943    24,984 
Effective interest for the year   28            28 
Conversion to ordinary shares   (388)   (56)       (444)
As at 30 June 2024   3,798    827    19,943    24,568 
Current portion of convertible notes   (3,798)               
Non-current portion of convertible notes                   

 

Pursuant to the subscription agreement entered into between the Company and Lexinter International Inc. (“Lexinter”) on 19 January 2021 (“Subscription Agreement”), the Company shall issue the convertible notes and warrants in tranches with aggregate principal value of US$15,000,000 (equivalent to HK$116,250,000 at the fixed exchange rate of HK$7.75: US$1). The financial obligations in the convertible notes and warrants in Hong Kong dollars are fixed in accordance with the subscription agreement. The conversion rights embedded with the convertible notes are exercisable into ordinary shares at the price of HK$0.65 per ordinary share and the convertible notes bear coupon interests at the coupon rate of 5.5% per annum and will be due for repayment on the second anniversary of their respective issue dates. Warrants are exercisable from the issue date of warrants to the maturity date, which is five years from the date of issue. The share subscription rights attached to the warrants are exercisable into ordinary shares at the price of HK$0.65 per ordinary share.

 

The conversion rights embedded with the convertible notes and the warrant subscription rights are regarded as equity component as both of them meet with the fixed-for-fixed rule of IAS 32 i.e. fixed number of ordinary shares of the Company will be issued upon the exercise of the conversion rights and warrant subscription rights.

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202431
 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

30 June 2024

 

15.CONVERTIBLE NOTES (Continued)

 

At the time of issuance, the Company allocated the proceeds to liability component and equity component in respect of the conversion rights of the convertible notes and warrant subscription rights as follows:

 

(i)Liability component of the convertible notes represents the present value of the contractually determined stream of future cash flows discounted at the prevailing market interest rates applicable to instruments of comparable credit status taken into account the business risk and financial risk of the Company at the issue date, and

 

(ii)Equity component in respect of conversion rights of convertible notes and warrant subscription rights represent the excess of proceeds over liability component of the convertible notes as determined in (i) above.

 

During the period ended 30 June 2024, convertible notes with principal amount of US$50,000 (equivalent to HK$387,500 at the fixed exchange rate of HK$7.75: US$1) (year ended 31 December 2023: US$7,970,000 (equivalent to HK$61,676,500 at the fixed exchange rate of HK$7.75: US$1)) were converted into 596,153 (year ended 31 December 2023: 95,026,919) ordinary shares at HK$0.65 (year ended 31 December 2023: HK$0.65) per ordinary share.

 

At 30 June 2024, there were outstanding convertible notes with aggregate principal value of US$490,000 (2023: US$540,000), which was equivalent to approximately HK$3,797,500 (2023: HK$4,185,000) at the fixed exchange rate of HK$7.75: US$1 as stipulated in the Subscription Agreement, out of which convertible notes with principal value of US$290,000 and US$200,000 was overdue since 23 August 2023 and 9 January 2024, respectively. The holder of these convertible notes has not taken any legal action against the Company.

 

At 30 June 2024, the effective interest rate of the liabilities component of the convertible notes ranged from 18.84% to 22.04% (year ended 31 December 2023: 18.83% to 22.04%).

 

At 30 June 2024, 5,842,313 (year ended 31 December 2023: 6,438,466) and 89,423,076 (year ended 31 December 2023: 89,423,076) ordinary shares are issuable under the conversion rights of the convertible notes and the warrants at HK$0.65 per ordinary share, respectively.

 

At 30 June 2024 and 31 December 2023, the entire issued capital of Think High Global Limited, which holds 100% of the Graphene Products Business, was charged in favour of Lexinter for the outstanding convertible notes and the warrants.

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202432
 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

30 June 2024

 

16.SHARE CAPITAL

 

Ordinary Shares

 

   30 June   31 December 
   2024   2023 
   (Unaudited)   (Audited) 
   HK$’000   HK$’000 
Issued and fully paid          
971,136,762 (2023: 897,974,788) ordinary shares of HK$0.01 each   9,711    8,980 

 

A summary of movements in the Company’s share capital is as follows:

 

  

Number of

issued and fully paid

  

 

Nominal

value of shares

  

 

Share

premium account

 
   shares   HK$’000   HK$’000 
As at 31 December 2023 and 1 January 2024   897,974,788    8,980    607,247 
Issue of ordinary shares upon conversion of convertible notes (note (a))   596,153    6    438 
Shares granted under share award scheme (note (b))   26,476,438    264    11,783 
Issue of new ordinary shares (note (c))   46,089,383    461    4,870 
As at 30 June 2024   971,136,762    9,711    624,338 

 

Notes:

 

(a)Conversion of convertible notes

 

On 30 January 2024, convertible notes with principal amount of US$50,000 was converted into 596,153 ordinary shares at conversion price of HK$0.65 per ordinary shares.

 

(b)On 20 June 2024, the Company allotted and issued 26,476,438 ordinary shares under the Company’s share award scheme.

 

(c)On 8 May 2024 and 28 June 2024, the Company allotted and issued 2,400,000 and 43,689,383 new ordinary shares as consideration for settlement of other payables of approximately HK$429,600 and HK$5,461,000, respectively. The closing market price of the Company’s shares on the issue date was HK$0.164 and HK$0.113, respectively, per share. Gain on settlement of other payables HK$560,100 were recognised in the profit or loss for the six months ended 30 June 2024.

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202433
 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

30 June 2024

 

16. SHARE CAPITAL (Continued)

 

Preference shares

 

   30 June   31 December 
   2024   2023 
  

(Unaudited)

HK$’000

   (Audited)
HK$’000
 
Issued and fully paid          
323,657,534 (2023: 323,657,534) preference shares of HK$0.01 each   3,236    3,236 

 

A summary of movements in the Company’s preference share is as follows:

 

   Number of         
   issued and         
   fully paid   Nominal   Share 
   preference   value of   premium 
   shares   shares   account 
       HK$’000   HK$’000 
As at 1 January 2024 and 30 June 2024   323,657,534    3,236    175,191 

 

Warrants

 

As at 30 June 2024, the Company had 89,423,076 (31 December 2023: 89,423,076) warrants outstanding. Each warrant entitles the registered holder the rights to subscribe one ordinary share of the Company at the exercise price of HK$0.65 per ordinary share, subject to adjustment, at any time commencing on the grant date. The warrants will expire on the fifth anniversary of the issue date.

 

Movements of the warrants during the period ended 30 June 2024 and year ended and at 31 December 2023 are as follows:

 

  

Number of

securities to

be issued upon

exercise of

   Weighted-  

Weighted

average remaining

contractual

 
   outstanding warrants   average exercise price   life in years 
       HK$     
As at 1 January 2023   89,423,076    0.65    2.5 
Issue of warrants            
As at 31 December 2023 and 30 June 2024   89,423,076    0.65    2.0 

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202434
 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

30 June 2024

 

17.MATERIAL RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

The Group had the following material transactions with related parties during the period:

 

   For the six months ended 30 June
     

2024

  

2023

 
      (Unaudited)  (Unaudited) 
   Notes  HK$’000   HK$’000 
Contract revenue from Pubang  (i)   363    80 
Loans to             
上海奕桂品牌管理有限公司 (“Yigui”)  (ii)   17,946    12,785 
Earthasia Worldwide Holdings Limited (“EA Trading”)  (iii)   5,300    1,043 
Repayment of loans from             
大連鵬亞國際貿易有限公司 (“Dalian Trading”)          192 
Yigui  (ii)   7,470    10,438 
上海泰迪朋友投資管理有限公司 (“Teddy”)      1,220     
Interest income from             
Yigui  (ii)   442    435 
EA Trading  (iii)   329    101 

 

Notes:

 

(i)The Group’s contract revenue derived from Pubang for the period ended 30 June 2024 amounted to HK$363,000 (six months ended 30 June 2023: HK$80,000).

 

(ii)The Group granted a short-term loan in aggregate of RMB16,300,000 (six months ended 30 June 2023: RMB11,330,000) to Yigui, a joint venture of the Group during the period. The interest rate was 4% (six months ended 30 June 2023: 4%) per annum. During the six month ended 30 June, 2024, Yigui repaid RMB6,785,000 (six months ended 30 June 2023: RMB9,250,000) to the Group. The outstanding balance of the loan was RMB9,515,000 as at 30 June 2024 (six months ended 30 June 2023: RMB10,710,000).

 

(iii)In 2021, the Group renewed its revolving loan facility of HK$50,000,000 granted to EA Trading, a joint venture of the Group, to support its business operation with a one-year term which was unsecured and bore interest at 12% per annum. The outstanding principal and interest were HK$10,761,000 as at 30 June 2024.

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202435
 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

30 June 2024

 

18.EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD

 

Save as disclosed in this interim report, no material event affecting the Group has occurred after the six months ended 30 June 2024.

 

19.COMPARATIVE FIGURES

 

Certain comparative information has been restated to conform with the current period’s presentation.

 

20.APPROVAL OF THE INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board of directors on 29 August 2024.

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202436
 

 

MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

BUSINESS REVIEW

 

Amid global economic challenges in 2024, the Group set out expansion plans that will create vast opportunities and values for shareholders in the coming years. Electrification is an irreversible trend. While lithium-ion batteries play a significant role in electrification, graphite processing capabilities shall be essential because graphite is the anode material that accounts for about 25% by weight of a lithium-ion battery. The demand for graphite anode material will continue to be driven by the global development of the EV industry, energy storage infrastructures, consumer electronics, and robotics.

 

Graphene Products Business

 

For the six months ended 30 June 2024, the graphene products business contributed revenue of approximately HK$61.5 million, representing approximately 66% of the Group’s total revenue, with an adjusted segment EBITDA of approximately HK$7.4 million. Comparing to the six months ended 30 June 2023, the revenue and the adjusted segment EBITDA decreased by approximately 37% and 54% respectively. The Group looks forward to the implementation of the expansion plan in Laixi City, Shandong Province, PRC soon.

 

The demand of lithium-ion batteries remains strong, especially for EV market and energy storage market. Lithium-ion batteries use deep processed graphite as anode material and there is no commercially viable substitute. The Graphene Division of the Group specializes in the mid-stream deep processing of graphite from flake graphite into battery anode material which is essential for battery making and hence EV production now and in the foreseeable future. The expansion plan of anode material production capacity is well placed to take advantage of the growth in demand of batteries and the new battery gigafactory to be built in the next few years.

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202437
 

 

MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

Landscape Architecture Business

 

The Group maintains its market position as one of the leading landscape architecture providers predominantly in the PRC and Hong Kong. It offers landscape architecture services to clients including governments, private property developers, state-owned property developers, design services companies and engineering companies in the PRC and Hong Kong.

 

The revenue of the Group’s landscape architecture services segment decreased to approximately HK$32.2 million for the six months ended 30 June 2024, representing a decrease of approximately 41%, as compared with that of approximately HK$54.2 million for the six months ended 30 June 2023. The decrease in revenue was primarily due to the slowdown in real estate development market in China.

 

For the six months ended 30 June 2024, the Group entered into 42 new contracts with a total contract sum of approximately HK$35.5 million for projects located in the PRC and 15 new contracts with a total contract sum of approximately HK$12.1 million for projects located in Hong Kong. Geographically, approximately 75% of the new contract sum represented projects located in the PRC and approximately 25% represented projects located in Hong Kong in terms of contract sum.

 

The number of new contracts and contract sum entered by the Group compared with last reporting period are set out as follows:

 

Six months ended 30 June  No. of new contracts  Contract sum
      (HK$’million)
2024   57   47.6
2023   44   38.4

 

The new contract sum increased to approximately HK$47.6 million for the six months ended 30 June 2024, representing an increase of approximately 24%, as compared with that of approximately HK$38.4 million for the last reporting period.

 

Catering Business

 

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, the Group had decisively shut down certain catering management businesses to avoid any operating risks under the unprecedented market conditions. The Group ceased all the remaining catering business and completed the disposal of the entire segment in 2023.

 

Upon the cessation of the catering business, the Group intended not to restart any catering business in the future, thereby eliminated any risk of incurring operating loss and such other adverse impacts associated with the pandemic and economic downturn.

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202438
 

 

FINANCIAL REVIEW

 

Revenue

 

The Group’s total revenue decreased to approximately HK$93.7 million in first half of 2024, compared with HK$151.3 million for the six months ended 30 June 2023, representing year-on-year decrease of approximately 38%. The decrease was mainly attributable to the less favourable market and economic environment.

 

The graphene products segment contributed revenue of approximately HK$61.5 million, representing a decrease of approximately 37%, compared with HK$97.1 million for the six months ended 30 June 2023. The landscape architecture segment contributed revenue of approximately HK$32.2 million, representing a decrease of approximately 40%, compared with HK$54.2 million for the six months ended 30 June 2023.

 

Cost of sales

 

Cost of sales decreased to approximately HK$63.4 million for the six months ended 30 June 2024, representing a decrease of approximately 37%, as compared with that of approximately HK$101.2 million for the same period in 2023.

 

Cost of sales mainly represented cost of inventories in respect of graphene products business and project staff cost in respect of landscape architecture segment. The decrease in cost of sales was generally in line with the decrease in revenue derived from the graphene products segment and landscape architecture segment.

 

Gross profit and gross profit margin

 

Gross profit decreased to approximately HK$30.3 million for the six months ended 30 June 2024, representing a decrease of approximately 39%, as compared with that of approximately HK$50 million for the same period in 2023.

 

Gross profit margin decreased to approximately 32% for the six months ended 30 June 2024, as compared with that of approximately 33% for the same period in 2023. The slight decrease was mainly attributable to the decrease in the gross profit margin in the graphene segment.

 

Selling and marketing expenses

 

Selling and marketing expenses decreased to approximately HK$1.2 million for the six months ended 30 June 2024, representing a decrease of approximately 60%, as compared with that of approximately HK$3 million for the same period in 2023. The decrease was mainly attributable to the decrease in revenue in the graphene segment.

 

Administrative expenses

 

Administrative expenses decreased to approximately HK$75.0 million for the six months ended 30 June 2024, representing a decrease of approximately 2%, as compared with that of approximately HK$76.7 million for the same period in 2023. The decrease was a combined effect of (i) the increase of shares-based payment under the 2023 Share Award Scheme; (ii) the decrease in the overall salaries of the Group which is attributable to the cost control measures implemented; (iii) the decrease of R&D expenses which is in line with the decreased revenue; (iv) the decrease of depreciation and amortisation due to the impairment of property, plant and equipment of landscape architecture design segment recognised during the six month ended 30 June 2024; and (v) the fluctuation of exchange rate in RMB.

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202439
 

 

MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

Impairment loss on financial and contract assets

 

The impairment loss, which represented impairment loss of trade receivables, contract assets, and other receivables, decreased to approximately HK$6.7 million for the six months ended 30 June 2024, representing a decrease of approximately 37%, as compared with that of approximately HK$10.7 million for the same period in 2023. The decrease mainly reflected the Group’s decrease in credit loss under the post-Covid period which the Group improved its collectability on financial and contract assets related to landscape architecture segment.

 

Net loss

 

As a result of the foregoing, the loss attributable to owners of the Company was approximately HK$54.1 million for the six months ended 30 June 2024, as compared with that of a loss attributable to owners of the Company of approximately HK$44.0 million for the same period in 2023.

 

Liquidity, financial resources and gearing

 

The Group’s objectives for capital management are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern in order to maintain an optimal capital structure and reduce the cost of capital, while maximizing the return to shareholders through improving the debt and equity balance.

 

  

As at

30 June 2024

 

As at

31 December 2023

   HK$’000  HK$’000
Current assets   269,310    246,499 
Current liabilities   367,829    320,168 
Current ratio   0.73x   0.77x

 

The current ratio of the Group at 30 June 2024 was approximately 0.73 times as compared to that of approximately 0.77 times at 31 December 2023 as a result of the conversion of convertible notes.

 

At 30 June 2024, the Group had total cash and bank balances of approximately HK$10.4 million (31 December 2023: HK$27.2 million).

 

At 30 June 2024, the Group’s gearing ratio (represented by total interest-bearing bank and other borrowings at the end of the period divided by total equity at the end of the respective period multiplied by 100%) was approximately 65.9% (31 December 2023: 57.8%).

 

The capital structure of the Company mainly comprises issued ordinary shares, preference shares and debt securities. As of 30 June 2024, the Company had outstanding issued corporate bonds with the carrying amount of approximately HK$115.4 million, issued promissory notes of approximately HK$63.2 million, issued convertible notes (as liability) of approximately HK$3.8 million, 971,136,762 ordinary shares and 323,657,534 preference shares in issue.

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202440
 

 

Contingent liabilities

 

The Group had no significant contingent liabilities as at 30 June 2024.

 

Pledge of assets

 

On 19 January 2021, Think High Global Limited, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company established under the laws of the British Virgin Islands, which directly holds 100% of the equity interest of the graphene products business was charged in favour of Lexinter International Inc., a corporation incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario which is wholly owned by Jeffrey Abramovitz, an individual carrying Canadian nationality, who shall subscribe the convertible notes and warrants issued by the Company in the aggregate principal amount of US$15,000,000 pursuant to the subscription agreement and supplemental agreement entered into on 19 January 2021 and 24 May 2021 respectively.

 

More details of the pledge were set out in the announcements of the Company dated 19 January 2021 and 24 May 2021, and circular of the Company dated 30 June 2021.

 

Capital commitment

 

At 30 June 2024 and 31 December 2023, the Group had the following capital commitments at the end of the reporting period:

 

  

As at 30 June

2024

  As at 31 December
2023
   HK$’000  HK$’000
Contracted, but not provided for:
        
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment   5,719    5,760 

 

On 20 September 2022, the Company entered into the Cooperation Agreement with the Jixi Mashan Government relating to the cooperation in connection with the Company’s intended strategic investment for setting up graphite deep processing and production facilities located in the Jixi (Mashan) Graphite Industrial Park with an intended annual output of 30,000 metric tons of high-purity spherical graphite and 10,000 metric tons of battery anode materials to promote the rapid development of the regional graphite new material industry. The Company intends to carry out this project in two phases, with the first phase of this project for the setting up graphite deep processing and production facilities with an annual output capacity of 20,000 metric tons of high-purity spherical graphite and the second phase of this project for the setting up graphite deep processing and production facilities with an annual output capacity of 10,000 metric tons of high-purity spherical graphite and 10,000 metric tons of battery anode materials. It is estimated that the Company’s total investment in the first phase of this project will be not less than RMB200 million. The Company intends to fund the first phase of this project by the Group’s internal resources and/or bank borrowings and/or future fund-raising exercise. At the reporting period end, no contract for the construction of the plant and/or the equipment for this project was entered into.

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202441
 

 

MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

On 19 July 2023, the Company entered into the Cooperation Agreement with the Nanshu Town Government pursuant to which the Company and the Nanshu Town Government intended to have a cooperation in the “Graphite Anode Material Project” in Laixi City Nanshu Town New Material Industrial Park which is situated in Nanshu Town, Laixi City, Shandong Province, the PRC. Subject to obtaining all approval from the PRC government, the Company will set up the factory plants for the manufacturing of lithium-ion battery anode materials in the Park. The Company can apply for the relevant policy subsidies of “Several Preferential Measures for Investment Promotion in Laixi City (Trial)” (Xifa [2023] No. 1) after meeting the relevant requirements. The first phase of the Project, if materialized, is expected to be completed and put into operation in September 2024. It is estimated that the Company’s total investment will be around RMB1,000 million. The Company intends to fund the first phase of this project by the Group’s internal resources and/or bank borrowings and/ or future fund-raising exercise. On 10 January 2024, a subsidiary of the Company entered into a lease agreement for the factory buildings for an aggregate term of 10 years for which the total rental payment will be RMB58,872,000 (equivalent to HK$65,936,000).

 

Foreign exchange exposure

 

The Group mainly operates and invests in Hong Kong and the PRC but most of the transactions are denominated and settled in HKD and RMB. No significant foreign currency risk has been identified for the financial assets in the PRC as they were basically denominated in a currency same as the functional currencies of the group entities to which these transactions relate. Nevertheless, the Directors will closely monitor the Group’s foreign currency position and consider natural hedge technique to manage its foreign currency exposures by non-financial methods, managing the transaction currency, leading and lagging payments, receivable management, etc. Save for meeting working capital needs, the Group only holds minimum foreign currency.

 

Human resources and employees’ remuneration

 

As at 30 June 2024, the Group had 249 employees. Employees are remunerated according to nature of the job, market trend, and individual performance. Employee bonus is distributable based on the performance of the respective subsidiaries and the employees concerned.

 

The Group offers competitive remuneration and benefit package to employees. Employee benefits include mandatory provident fund, employee pension schemes in the PRC, contributions to social security system, medical coverage, insurance, training and development programs. As to defined contribution schemes, there is no forfeited contribution available for the Group to reduce its existing level of contributions to the retirement benefit scheme during the year.

 

During the period ended 30 June 2024, the Group had maintained a number of share schemes at the Company and subsidiary levels in order to recognise the contributions by selected eligible participants who are directors, officers, employees and service providers of the Group and to provide them with incentives for the continual operation and development of the Group and/or attract suitable personnel to join the Group.

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202442
 

 

ADVANCES TO AN ENTITY

 

As disclosed in the announcements of the Company dated 20 September 2016, 24 January 2017, 8 December 2017, 25 June 2019 and 1 December 2021 (the “Announcements”), the Company as the Lender entered into a loan agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) on 1 December 2021 with the borrower pursuant to which the Lender agreed to provide an unsecured revolving loan facility (the “Revolving Loan Facility”) in the amount of HK$50,000,000 at an interest rate of 12% per annum during the availability period from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2024. Subject to the terms and conditions, the Revolving Loan Facility can be drawn down at any time for one year during the availability period. Set out below are the principal terms of the loan agreement:

 

Fourth Renewal Agreement

 

Date of agreement:   1 December 2021
     
Borrower:   Earthasia Worldwide Holdings Limited
     
Revolving facility amount:   Up to HK$50,000,000
     
Interest rate per annum:   12%
     
Availability period:   1 January 2022 to 31 December 2024
     
Repayment term:   One year
     
Repayment:   Borrower shall repay the interests with the principal amount at loan maturity.
     
Early repayment:   The Borrower may prepay all or any part of a drawdown prior to the maturity date without penalty. Any prepayment of a drawdown will refresh the available amount of the Revolving Loan Facility for drawing. Any early repayment shall first settle all interests accrued.
     
Collateral:   Nil
     
Other terms and conditions:   The Lender shall have absolute discretion as to whether to make available any sum for any drawdown under the loan agreement.

 

The advance was made on the basis of the Company’s credit assessments on the Borrower’s financial strength, repayment history and the tenure of the advance. The Company considered that the risks and return involved in the advance to the Borrower are justifiable. For further details, please refer to the Announcements. As of 30 June 2024, there was an outstanding loan balance of approximately HK$10.8 million due from the Borrower to the Company.

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202443
 

 

MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

In relation to the provision of financial assistance by the Company to the Borrower, a combined statement of financial position of the Borrower group as at 30 June 2024 required to be disclosed under Rule 13.22 of Chapter 13 of the Listing Rules is set out below:

 

    30 June 2024
    HK$’000

Cash and cash equivalents

    260  
Other current assets     8,482  

Current assets

    8,742  

Non-current assets

     
Current liabilities     57,857  
Non-current liabilities     1,134  

Net assets/(deficiency in assets)

    (50,249 )

Reconciliation to the Group’s interests in the joint venture:

       
Proportion of the Group’s ownership     30 %
Carrying amount of the investment      

Revenue

    19,661  
Interest expense     (2,045 )
Profit for the period     (1,971 )
Profit and total comprehensive income for the period     (1,971 )

 

SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENTS HELD, MATERIAL ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS OF SUBSIDIARIES, AND FUTURE PLANS FOR MATERIAL INVESTMENTS OR CAPITAL ASSETS

 

Save for those disclosed in this interim report, there were no other significant investments held, nor were there material acquisitions or disposals of subsidiaries during the period under review. Apart from those disclosed in this interim report, there was no plan authorised by the Board for other material investments or additions of capital assets at the date of this interim report.

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202444
 

 

PROSPECTS

 

We believe electrification is a manageable path to sustainability of the world. Therefore the demand of rechargeable batteries shall increase as the application ends increase. The battery technologies may advance, and new battery system may emerge. However, lithium-ion batteries will still be the most stable and cost-effective device for energy storage in the coming years. And lithium-ion batteries will still be using graphite anode material. We focus on the production of graphite anode materials for various needs of battery chemistry. We have set a five-year plan to invest in the expansion of production capacity, research development, and new battery system.

 

We recognize the importance of producing battery anode material in a responsible and environmentally friendly manner. We are conscience of the increasing environmental and social expectations and requirements coming from international and national regulations, laws makers, as well as the customers, the communities, the business partners, and all the shareholders. We regularly assess the current ESG measures and constantly find ways to improve the ESG standard and strengthen sustainability.

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202445
 

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS

 

Directors’ and Chief Executive’s Interests and Short Positions in Shares, Underlying Shares and Debentures of the Company and its associated corporations

 

As at 30 June 2024, the interests and short positions of the Directors and chief executive of the Company in the shares, underlying shares and debentures of the Company or any of the associated corporations (within the meaning of Part XV of the SFO) which (i) are required to be notified to the Company and the Stock Exchange pursuant to Divisions 7 and 8 of Part XV of the SFO (including interests and short positions which they are taken or deemed to have under such provisions of the SFO); or (ii) are required, pursuant to section 352 of the SFO, to be entered in the register as referred to therein; or (iii) are required, pursuant to the Model Code, to be notified to the Company and the Stock Exchange are as follows:

 

Long position in the Shares and underlying Shares

 

      Number of Shares  Number of underlying Shares held under the Share     Approximate % of

Name of Director

  Capacity  Personal interest  Family interest  Corporate interest  Other interest 

Option

Scheme

  Total  shareholding
                         
Chan Yick Yan Andross  Beneficial owner, interest of controlled corporation   4,214,000    —      93,716,887    —      —      97,930,887    10.08%
Lau Hing Tat Patrick  Beneficial owner, interest of spouse, interest of controlled corporation   9,212,000    —      46,003,444    —      —      55,215,444    5.69%

 

Notes:

 

1.Such interests are held by CYY Holdings Limited, a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, of which Mr. Chan Yick Yan Andross is interested in the entire issued share capital.

 

2.Such interests are held by LSBJ Holdings Limited, a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, of which Mr. Lau Hing Tat Patrick is interested in the entire issued share capital.

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202446
 

 

Long position in the shares of associated corporations of the Company

 

Name of director  

Name of associated

corporation

  Nature of interest  

Number of shares

and class of shares held

 

Approximate % of

shareholding

                 
Chan Yick Yan Andross  

Earthasia (International)

Limited

  Beneficial owner   50 (ordinary shares)   0.98%
                 
Lau Hing Tat Patrick  

Earthasia (International)

Limited

  Beneficial owner   50 (ordinary shares)   0.98%

 

Saved as disclosed above, as at 30 June 2024, none of the Directors and the chief executive of the Company had any interests or short positions in the shares, underlying shares or debentures of the Company or any of its associated corporations (within the meaning of Part XV of the SFO), which would have to be notified to the Company and the Stock Exchange pursuant to Divisions 7 and 8 of Part XV of the SFO (including interests or short positions which they have taken or deemed to have taken under such provisions of the SFO), or which were required, pursuant to Section 352 of the SFO, or which were required to be notified to the Company and the Stock Exchange pursuant to the Model Code.

 

Substantial Shareholders’ Interests and Short Positions in Shares and Underlying Shares

 

As at 30 June 2024, so far as the Directors and chief executive of the Company are aware, other than the interests of the Directors and chief executive of the Company as disclosed in the section titled “Directors’ and chief executive’s interests and short positions in shares, underlying shares and debentures of the Company and its associated corporations”, the following persons had interests or short positions in the shares or underlying shares of the Company which would fall to be disclosed to the Company under the provisions of Divisions 2 and 3 of Part XV of the SFO, or which were recorded in the register required to be kept by the Company under Section 336 of the SFO, or as otherwise notified to the Company and the SEHK.

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202447
 

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Long position in the shares

 

Name of shareholder

  Capacity/nature of interest  Number of Shares  Approximate % of shareholding
 The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation  Interest of controlled corporation   266,834,348    27.48%
The Bank of New York Mellon  Beneficial owner   266,834,348    27.48%
CYY Holdings Limited1  Beneficial owner   93,716,887    9.65%
PBLA Limited2  Beneficial owner   75,123,669    7.74%
Pubang Landscape Architecture (HK) Company Limited2  Interest of controlled corporation   75,123,669    7.74%
Pubang Landscape Architecture Company Limited2  Interest of controlled corporation   75,123,669    7.74%

 

Notes:

 

1.CYY Holdings Limited is 100% beneficially owned by Mr. Chan Yick Yan Andross. Accordingly, Mr. Chan Yick Yan Andross is deemed to be interested in the shares of the Company held by CYY Holdings Limited under the SFO.

 

2.PBLA Limited is 100% beneficially owned by Pubang Landscape Architecture (HK) Company Limited, which is in turn 100% beneficially owned by Pubang Landscape Architecture Company Limited. Accordingly, each of Pubang Landscape Architecture (HK) Company Limited and Pubang Landscape Architecture Company Limited is deemed to be interested in the Shares held by PBLA Limited under the SFO.

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202448
 

 

Short position in the shares

 

Name of shareholder

 

Capacity/nature

of interest

  Number of Shares  Approximate % of shareholding
          
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation  Interest of controlled corporation   259,626,720    26.73%
              
The Bank of New York Mellon  Beneficial owner   259,626,720    26.73%

 

DIRECTORS’ INTERESTS IN COMPETING INTERESTS

 

Save as Mr. Ma Lida, our non-executive Director nominated by Pubang Landscape Architecture Co., Ltd., who is required to declare his conflict of interests and barred from participation or voting on issue if there is any potential conflict of interest between the Group and Pubang Landscape Architecture Co., Ltd., the Directors are not aware of any business or interest of the Directors, the controlling shareholder and their respective associates (as defined under the Listing Rules) that compete or may compete with the business of the Group and any other conflict of interest which any such person has or may have with the Group during the six months ended 30 June 2024.

 

CHANGES IN INFORMATION OF DIRECTORS

 

There is no change in the information of the Directors to be disclosed pursuant to Rule 13.51B(1) of the Listing Rules.

 

SHARE OPTION SCHEME

 

A share option scheme (the “Share Option Scheme”) was adopted by the Company on 3 June 2014 and became effective on 25 June 2014.

 

The Board has resolved to terminate the existing share option scheme on 9 January 2023.

 

All the options forfeited before expiry of the Share Option Scheme will be treated as lapsed options which will not be added back to the number of shares available to be issued under the Share Option Scheme.

 

The number of shares that may be issued in respect of the share options granted under the Share Option Scheme is 9,677,692 Shares, representing approximately 1.1% of the weighted average number of Shares issued and outstanding for the period ended 30 June 2024.

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202449
 

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

A summary of the movements of the outstanding share options during the six months ended 30 June 2024 are as follows:

 

                  Number of Share Options      

Grantees

  Date of  Vesting  Exercisable 

Exercise

 

As at

        Cancelled/  As at
Employee(s)  grant  date  period 

price (HK$)

  1/1/2024  Granted  Exercised  Lapsed  30/6/2024
Other employee(s)  28/1/2021  28/1/2021  28/1/2021 to 27/1/2026              0.65    9,677,692    —      —      —      9,677,692 

 

Notes:

 

1.The closing price of the Shares immediately before the date on which the options were granted was HK$0.6.

 

2.No share options were cancelled or lapsed during the reporting period.

 

Save as disclosed above, at no time during the period under review was the Company or its subsidiaries a party to any arrangement that enabled the Directors or any of their associates to acquire benefits by means of the acquisition of shares in, or debentures of, the Company or any other body corporate.

 

2023 SHARE AWARD SCHEME

 

On 9 January 2023, the Company terminated the existing Share Option Scheme and Share Award Scheme and adopted the 2023 Share Award Scheme with effective from 6 February 2023 in order to provide eligible participants with equity incentives.

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202450
 

 

Summary of the 2023 Share Award Scheme

 

1. Purposes (i) to attract talents, suitable personnel and entities that are eligible participants;
     
    (ii) to award certain selected participants with awarded shares for accepting their appointments, employments or engagement by the Group and related entities; (iii) to recognize the contributions by certain selected participants and to provide them with incentives in order to retain them for the continual operation, development and growth of the Group and related entities; and (iv) to improve or create sense of connection and/or loyalty of certain selected participants to the Group and related entities
     
2. Qualifying participants (i) Any director and employee of the Group or its subsidiaries; (ii) Any director and employee of the related entities of the Group; and (iii) Any person who provided services to the Group on a continuing or recurring basis
     
3. Maximum number of shares Not exceeding 10% of the shares of the Company in issue as at the date of adoption of the 2023 Share Award Scheme (i.e. 68,349,307 shares)
     
4. Maximum entitlement of each participant Not exceed 1% of the issued share capital of the Company from time to time
     
5. Vesting period Subject to the terms and condition of the 2023 Share Award Scheme and the fulfillment of all vesting conditions to the vesting of the awarded Shares on such selected employee as specified in the grant notice and in accordance with the vesting schedule (if any) as set out therein
     
6. The amount payable on acceptance of the award Nil
     
7. The remaining life of the scheme It shall be valid and effect for a period of 10 years commencing on 6 February 2023

 

On 12 June 2023, the Board resolved to grant an aggregate of 35,231,235 shares, which represented approximately 4.53% of the Company’s shares in issue at that date, to three employees and eight service providers. 3,754,797 of these shares were vested on 15 June 2023. The closing price of the shares immediately before the grant date was HK$0.425 each share. The fair value of the 35,231,235 shares awarded on the grant date was valued at HK$0.455 each share which was determined based on closing market price of the Company on grant date.

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202451
 

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

On 24 July 2023, the Board resolved to grant an aggregate of 22,990,000 shares, which represented approximately 2.94% of the Company’s shares in issue at that date, to three directors and thirteen employees. 6,800,000 of these shares were vested on 24 July 2023. The closing price of the shares immediately before the grant date was HK$0.47 each share. The fair value of the 22,990,000 shares awarded on the grant date was valued at HK$0.46 each share which was determined based on closing market price of the Company on the grant date.

 

On 14 December 2023, the Board resolved to grant an aggregate of 10,128,072 shares, which represented approximately 1.13% of the Company’s shares in issue at that date, to twelve employees. The closing price of the shares immediately before the grant date was HK$0.375 each share. The fair value of the 10,128,072 shares awarded on the grant date was valued at HK$0.38 each share which was determined based on closing market price of the Company on the grant date.

 

As disclosed above, a total of 68,349,307 shares awards were granted to certain Grantees under the 2023 Share Award Scheme, and among which a total of 15,094,797 shares awards were granted to the Directors and senior management. Out of the aforesaid 15,094,797 share awards were granted to the Directors and senior management, 10,554,797 shares awards were granted to 2 senior management with the vesting period less than 12 months from the date of grant.

 

There is no performance target attached with the shares awards granted under the 2023 Share Award Scheme which, however, are subject to general clawback mechanism that if a grantee ceases to be a participant on the grounds that he has committed any act of fraud or dishonesty or serious misconduct, or has been declared or adjudged to be bankrupt, or has been convicted of any criminal offence or has been convicted for any offence under any securities laws or regulations in Hong Kong, that relevant share awards made to such grantee shall automatically be cancelled.

 

The Remuneration Committee has noted that the 2023 Share Award Scheme is intended to attract talents, suitable personnel and entities who will accept awarded shares as part of their remuneration, compensation or payment packages for the development and growth of the businesses of the Group; to award certain selected participants with award shares for accepting their appointments, employments or engagement by the Group; to provide certain participants with incentives in order to retain them for the continual operation, development and growth of the Group and to improve or create sense of connection and/or loyalty of certain selected participants to the Group. In recommending the grant of those share awards to the selected participants and determining the number of share awards and the relevant vesting periods for the share awards to be granted, the Remuneration Committee has considered factors such as (i) whether they were considered as talent and personnel that could contribute to the development and growth of the business of the Group that the Company would want to recruit with reference to their industry experience, tenure and roles with the Group; (ii) the remuneration of them including the grant of share awards as part of their remuneration packages as an incentive offered by the Group as compared with those offered by the industry peers in order to attract them in joining the Group; (iii) whether they would accept award shares as part of their remuneration or compensation package and as inducement for them to accept any offer for appointment; (iv) the business synergy and opportunities that might be brought by them to the Group; and (v) whether the share awards could further motivate their performances for the benefit of the businesses of the Group.

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202452
 

 

The Remuneration Committee considered that for those share awards granted with the vesting period less than 12 months from the date of grant is appropriate and necessary to enable the Company to provide competitive terms and conditions to valuable talent for the development and growth of the Group’s Graphene Products Business. It is necessary to enable the Company to offer competitive employment package to the grantees in order to retain valuable and loyal talent and to attract the talent and suitable personnel who will accept award shares as part of his/her remuneration, compensation or payment packages in accepting to stay on and continue his/her employment with the Group to further promote the development and growth of the Group’s businesses, to improve or create sense of connection and/or loyalty of him/her to the Group and to provide incentive to him/her to continue to work for the success and improve the performance of the Group and thus it could align the interest of the grantees with the Company and its shareholders as a whole.

 

Accordingly, having taken into account the factors above, the Remuneration Committee considered that notwithstanding the absence of performance targets, the shorter vesting period and the limited clawback mechanism, the share awards granted during the year ended 31 December 2023 can incentivize the grantees to strive for the future development of the Company which was in line with the purpose of 2023 Share Award Scheme.

 

During the six months ended 30 June 2024, there was no share awards granted under the 2023 Share Award Scheme.

 

During the six months ended 30 June 2024, the number of unvested awards granted under the 2023 Share Award Scheme at the beginning and end of the reporting period was 56,794,510 and 27,818,072, respectively. No award granted under the 2023 Share Award Scheme was cancelled or lapsed in accordance with the terms of the 2023 Share Award Scheme during the reporting period.

 

During the six months ended 30 June 2024, the equity-settled share-based compensation under the 2023 Share Award Scheme of HK$11,642,000 is included in employee benefit expenses and professional expenses.

 

Details of the 2023 Share Award Scheme are set out in the Company’s announcement dated 9 January 2023, 12 June 2023, 24 July 2023 and 14 December 2023 and circular dated 12 January 2023.

 

The number of award shares available for grant under the 2023 Share Award Scheme at the beginning and end of the six months ended 30 June 2024 were nil.

 

The number of shares that may be issued in respect of the share awards granted under the 2023 Share Award Scheme is 31,818,072 Shares, representing approximately 3.5% of the weighted average number of Shares issued and outstanding for the six months ended 30 June 2024.

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202453
 

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

A summary of the movements of the share awards during the period ended 30 June 2024 are as follows:

 

         Number of Share Awards   Actual issued/ allotted 
Grantees  Date of Grant  Vesting date  As at 1/1/2024   Granted   Vested  

Cancelled/

Lapsed

   As at 30/6/2024   As at 30/6/2024 

Directors(note 1)

Lau Hing Tat Patrick

  24/7/2023  23/7/2024   680,000                                     –        680,000     
Chan Yick Yan Andross  24/7/2023  23/7/2024   680,000                680,000     
Qiu Bin  24/7/2023  23/7/2024   680,000                680,000     
                                     
Employees(note 2)                                    
  12/6/2023
  1/2/2024
   500,000        500,000(note 3)             
   12/6/2023
  1/5/2024
   500,000        500,000(note 3)             
   12/6/2023
  1/8/2024
   500,000                500,000     
   12/6/2023
  1/11/2024
   500,000                500,000     
   12/6/2023
  1/2/2025
   500,000                500,000     
   12/6/2023
  11/6/2024
   1,000,000        

1,000,000(note 3)

 

             
   24/7/2023  23/7/2024   14,150,000                14,150,000     
   14/12/2023  13/12/2024   10,128,072                10,128,072     
                                     

Service providers(note 4)

 

                                    
Wang Yi
  12/6/2023
  11/6/2024
   2,000,000        

2,000,000(note 3)

 

            2,000,000 
Greg McKenzie
  12/6/2023
  11/6/2024
   2,000,000        

2,000,000(note 3)

 

            2,000,000 
Tom Rooney
  12/6/2023
  11/6/2024
   2,000,000        

2,000,000(note 3)

 

             
Corrales Trading Ltd
  12/6/2023
  11/6/2024
   6,500,000        

6,500,000(note 3)

 

            6,500,000 
Chad Management Group Inc.  12/6/2023
  11/6/2024
   976,438        976,438(note 3)            976,438 
Lyons Capital, LLC
  12/6/2023
  11/6/2024
   6,500,000        

6,500,000(note 3)

 

            6,500,000 
Onyx Relations Corp.
  12/6/2023
  11/6/2024
   6,000,000        

6,000,000(note 3)

 

            6,000,000 
Redchip Companies, Inc.
  12/6/2023
  11/6/2024
   1,000,000        

1,000,000(note 3)

 

            1,000,000 
                                              56,794,510        28,976,438        27,818,072    25,976,438 

 

Notes:

 

1.Director Grantees refer to the directors of the Company or its subsidiaries.

 

2.Employee Grantees refer to the employees of the Company or its subsidiaries.

 

3.The weighted average closing price of the shares immediately before the vesting date was HK$0.135 each share.

 

4.Service providers refer to persons or companies who provide services to the Group on a continuing or recurring basis in their ordinary and usual course of business which are in the interests of the long-term growth of the Group.

 

Graphex Group Limited Interim Report 202454
 

 

EIL SHARE AWARD SCHEME

 

On 19 January 2021, Earthasia (International) Limited, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, also adopted a share award scheme (the “EIL Share Award Scheme”). Details of the EIL Share Award Scheme were set out in the announcements of the Company dated 19 January 2021.

 

Summary of the EIL Share Award Scheme

 

1. Purposes to recognise the contributions made or to be made by certain participants and to provide them with incentives in order to retain them for the continual operation and development of EIL Group and to attract suitable personnel for further development of the EIL Group
     
2. Qualifying participants (i) any individual being an employee (including without limitation any director) of any member of the EIL Group; (ii) any agent or consultant to the EIL Group; and (iii) any business or joint venture partner, contractor, any party providing advisory, consultancy, professional services to the EIL Group, or any other persons who have contributed or may contribute to the operation and development of the EIL Group
     
3. Maximum number of shares Not exceeding 10% of the shares of EIL (“EIL Shares”) in issue as at the date of adoption of the EIL Share Award Scheme (i.e. 500 EIL Shares)
     
4. Maximum entitlement of each participant Not exceed 1% of the issued share capital of EIL from time to time
     
5. Vesting period Subject to the terms and conditions of the EIL Share Award Scheme and the fulfillment of all vesting conditions to the vesting of the awarded EIL Shares on such participant as specified in the EIL Share Award Scheme and the grant notice
     
6. The amount payable on acceptance of the award HK$1.00 per awarded EIL Share
     
7. The remaining life of the scheme It shall be valid and effect for a period of 10 years commencing on 19 January 2021

 

During the period ended 30 June 2024, no EIL share awards granted. No unvested EIL share awards were outstanding as at 30 June 2024.

 

During the period ended 30 June 2024, no equity-settled share-based compensation under the Scheme is included in employee benefit expenses.

 

The number of award EIL Shares available for grant under the EIL Share Award Scheme at the beginning and end of the period ended 30 June 2024 were 400 EIL Shares and 400 EIL Shares respectively.

 

During the period ended 30 June 2024, EIL was not a principal subsidiary of the Company within the meaning of Rule 17.14 of the Listing Rules.

 

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OTHER INFORMATION

 

MAXIMUM NUMBER OF SHARES

 

The maximum aggregate number of Shares that may be issued in respect of all the share options and awards that granted by the Company under all the share schemes is 41,495,764 Shares, representing approximately 4.6% of the weighted average number of Shares issued and outstanding for the period ended 30 June 2024.

 

COMPLIANCE WITH CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CODE

 

The Company has complied with the applicable code provisions as set out in the Corporate Governance Code (the “CG Code”) stated in Appendix C1 to the Listing Rules during the six months ended 30 June 2024. The Company reviews its corporate governance practices regularly to ensure compliance with the CG Code.

 

In connection with the public offering of the ADSs, the Company adopted corporate governance requirements of the NYSE American.

 

COMPLIANCE WITH MODEL CODE FOR SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS BY DIRECTORS

 

The Company has adopted the Model Code for Securities Transactions by Directors of Listed Issuers (the “Model Code”) as set out in Appendix C3 of the Listing Rules as the code of conduct regarding securities transactions by the Directors of the Company. Having made specific enquiries to all Directors, all of them confirmed that they had complied with the required standard set out in the Model Code during the six months ended 30 June 2024.

 

PURCHASE, SALES OR REDEMPTION OF THE COMPANY’S LISTED SECURITIES

 

During the six months ended 30 June 2024, neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries purchased, sold or redeemed any of the Company’s listed securities.

 

AUDIT COMMITTEE

 

The Company has established the Audit Committee to review and supervise the financial reporting process and internal Control procedures of the Group with written terms of reference in compliance with Rule 3.21 of the Listing Rules and the CG Code. The Audit Committee consists of three members namely, Mr. Liu Kwong Sang (an independent non- executive Director), Ms. Tam Ip Fong Sin (an independent non-executive Director) and Mr. Wang Yuncai (an independent non-executive Director). The chairman of the Audit Committee is Mr. Liu Kwong Sang.

 

REVIEW OF INTERIM RESULTS

 

The Group’s interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2024 have not been reviewed by external auditor but have been reviewed by the audit committee of the Company that the preparation of such results complied with the applicable accounting standards and requirements as well as the Listing Rules and that adequate disclosures have been made.

 

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INTERIM DIVIDEND

 

The Board does not recommend the payment of an interim dividend for the six months ended 30 June 2024 (six months ended 30 June 2023: nil).

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This interim report contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements”, for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the Company’s future plans and prospects.

 

Forward-looking statements may be identified by words or phrases such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “aim”, “estimate”, “intend”, “plan”, “believe”, “likely”, “potential”, “continue” or other similar expressions. The Company has based these forward-looking statements largely on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that it believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. These forward-looking statements include statements relating to:

 

The Company’s goals and strategies;
   
The Company’s future business development, financial conditions and results of operations;
   
Fluctuations in prices, interest rates and other factors that may increase the Company’s costs significantly;
   
The Company’s expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its products and services;
   
Competition in the Company’s industry;
   
Relevant government policies and regulations relating to the Company’s industry, including governmental policies in the Peoples Republic of China as well as other governmental or sovereign risk factors related to the Peoples Republic of China and its relationship with the United States;
   
The Company’s ability to continue to diversify its manufacturing and operations in the U.S. and globally;
   
The growth of the renewable energy sector; and
   
The U.S. and global economy including any recession or other adverse economic factors that limit the ability of the Company’s customers to purchase its products, including such customer’s ability to continue investment in the renewable energy sector.

 

These forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that its expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, the Company’s expectations may later be found to be incorrect. The Company’s actual results could be materially different from the Company’s expectations. Important risks and factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to be materially different from the Company’s expectations.

 

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OTHER INFORMATION

 

The Company’s forward-looking statements are based, in part, on certain data and information that it obtained from various government and private sources. Statistical data obtained from these sources may include projections based on a number of assumptions. The Company’s industry may not grow at the rate projected by these sources, or at all. Failure of the Company’s markets to grow at the projected rate may have a material and adverse effect on the Company’s businesses and the market price of the Company’s ordinary shares and the ADSs. In addition, the rapidly changing nature of the Company’s markets may result in significant uncertainties for any projections or estimates relating to the Company’s growth prospects or future condition. Furthermore, if any one or more of the assumptions underlying the market data are later found to be incorrect, actual results may differ from the projections based on these assumptions. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

 

The forward-looking statements made in this interim report relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this interim report. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake an obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should read this interim report and the other information about the Company that is available publicly, completely and with the understanding that the Company’s actual future results may be materially different from what the Company expects.

 

APPRECIATION

 

Finally, we would like to express our gratitude to the Shareholders, business partners, subconsultants and customers for their continuous support. We would also like to thank our dedicated staff for their contributions to the success of the Group.

 

Lau Hing Tat Patrick

 

Chairman

 

Hong Kong, 29 August 2024

 

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