HK Stock Market Move | HELENS (09869) surged nearly 11%, with net profit margin for the first half of the year improving to 17.8%. The total number of stores has increased to 583.

HELENS (09869) rose nearly 11%, up 10.94% to HK$1.42 as of press time, with a turnover of HK$3.5245 million. On the news front, HELENS released its mid-term performance for 2025, with revenue of RMB 291 million, a 34.02% decrease year-on-year; shareholders' net profit decreased by 27.77% to RMB 50.331 million; and a proposed interim dividend of RMB 0.1051 per share. In addition, the company's net profit margin increased from 15.7% in the same period last year to 17.8%, with a pre-tax profit of RMB 51.9 million. The improvement in gross profit margin was significant, with the gross revenue contribution from self-operated taverns increasing from 70% to 74%, and the gross profit margin of self-owned liquor beverages increasing from 78.3% to 80.2%. In the first half of this year, the total number of group stores increased from 560 at the beginning of the year to 580, and further to 583 as of August 26, 2025. Among them, the number of existing store networks (including self-operated stores and franchised tavern stores) has stabilized, while the network of Hi Beer partner stores continues to expand. In May 2025, the company restarted its plan to open self-operated stores by opening new stores in new markets, and reiterating and opening stores in existing markets to upgrade the store environment, improve store experience, and reduce costs such as rent and labor. It is expected to improve store performance. Currently, 10 stores have opened or will open soon. In the future, with the continuous opening of self-operated stores, the company's self-operated network is expected to gradually expand again.