STARLITE HOLD (00403.HK): profit warning on interim loss
- Sales rose in the period, but intense competition in packaging and paper products cut profit.
- A 7% rise in the renminbi's average monthly rate against the Hong Kong dollar hurt operating costs at mainland plants.
NewTimeSpace News: On 3 November 2026, Starlite Holdings Limited (stock code: 00403) issued a profit warning, expecting an attributable loss of not more than HKD 55,000,000 for the six months ended 30 September 2026, against a loss of about HKD 29,000,000 a year earlier, based on a preliminary assessment of unaudited management accounts.
The loss was mainly due to tougher price negotiations by brand customers and intense competition in packaging and paper products; higher oil prices that raised raw material and freight costs and cut gross margin; the loss of quality customers and low production efficiency in Southeast Asia; and a 7% appreciation of the renminbi against the Hong Kong dollar, which raised operating costs at mainland plants. The interim results are expected by end-November and are unaudited.
