HONG KONG SAR -
Media OutReach - 27 May 2026 - The board of directors of
Oi Wah Pawnshop Credit Holdings Limited (HKEx stock code:
1319.HK, the "Group" or "Oi Wah") announced its annual results and its
financial position. For the year ended 28 February 2026 ("
FY2026"),
the Group recorded revenue of approximately HK$164.4 million. Profit
attributable to shareholders of the Company reached approximately
HK$82.6 million, representing an increase of 47.8% compared to the year
ended 28 February 2025 ("
FY2025"). During the year, net interest margin expanded to approximately 17.2%.
As of 28 February 2026, the cash and cash equivalents (net of bank
overdraft) amounted to approximately HK$376.9 million, representing a
substantial increase of approximately 74.8% YoY. The net assets
increased to approximately HK$1,155.7 million. Concurrently, the gearing
ratio dropped to 4.1%. During the year, the earnings per share
increased by approximately 48.3% YoY to HK 4.3 cents. The Board of
Directors recommends a final dividend of HK 1.15 cents per share.
BUSINESS REVIEW
Mortgage loan business
In FY2026, the economy entered a phase of gradual recovery, leading to a
steady resurgence in financing demand. The revenue from the mortgage
loan business was approximately HK$65.8 million and accounted for
approximately 40.0% of the Group's total revenue during the year. The
gross mortgage loan receivables were approximately HK$612.5 million as
at 28 February 2026. During the year, net interest margin of the
mortgage loan business was approximately 10.1%.
In FY2026, the Group maintained a disciplined and risk-sensitive
approach in its lending activities. While we observed an encouraging
stabilization in the residential property market, the Group exercised
intensified vigilance toward the commercial and industrial sectors due
to persistent supply overhangs and valuation pressures. Our underwriting
strategy remained focused on building a resilient loan portfolio by
prioritizing high-quality collaterals and prudent loan-to-value ratios.
During the year, the average loan-to-value ratio for first mortgage was
approximately 56.27%, while overall average loan-to-value ratio for
subordinate mortgage was approximately 40.82% of which, average
loan-to-value ratio of subordinate mortgage that the Group participated
in was approximately 3.73%.
Reflecting our robust credit risk management, the charge for impairment
losses recognized on loan receivables decreased from approximately
HK$46.3 million to approximately HK$12.7 million, representing a
decrease of approximately 72.6% or HK$33.6 million.
Pawn Loan Business
The revenue from the pawn loan business increased by approximately 12.9%
to approximately HK$98.6 million in FY2026. The business's
profitability was further bolstered by a significant 73.0% increase in
the gain on disposal of repossessed assets, which reached approximately
HK$19.2 million as compared to approximately HK$11.1 million in FY2025.
This performance was mainly attributed to the unprecedented strength of
gold prices and a highly active secondary market for luxuries,
particularly high-end timepieces. These factors have further solidified
the pawn loan business as a resilient and strategic hedge against
broader economic volatility.
During the year, the Group continued to channel resources to advertising
and promotion to enhance the Group's brand exposure. Such effort has
generated demand for one-to-one pawn loan appointment services for pawn
loans exceeding HK$0.1 million.
PROSPECTS
Looking ahead, the Group maintains a stance of cautious optimism
regarding the global economic recovery. While macroeconomic and
geopolitical uncertainties may persist, we remain dedicated to a
proactive yet prudent strategy to ensure sustainable long-term growth
and maximize returns for our shareholders.
Within the mortgage loan market, our strategy will be characterized by a
calibrated and divergent approach. We continue to hold an optimistic
outlook on the residential property segment, where we intend to
capitalize on the stabilizing interest rate environment by identifying
high-quality mortgage opportunities. Conversely, we maintain cautious
and vigilant towards the commercial and industrial sectors. Given the
structural challenges of inventory overhang and the increasing
prevalence of distressed assets, the Group will exercise intensified
oversight in its credit underwriting and collateral appraisal to
mitigate valuation risks.
Regarding our core operations, we anticipate our pawn loan business to
remain resilient, supported by a firm gold price trajectory and
sustained demand for liquidity management. To further enhance
operational efficiency, the Group is actively optimizing its pawn shop
network. We are strategically identifying more cost-effective locations
within our established service areas, aiming to relocate our pawn
outlets to premises with more competitive lease terms to reduce
operating overheads while maintaining our leading market presence.
Simultaneously, our strategic partnership with PACM Group remains a key
driver for geographic diversification. By proactively exploring
institutional credit opportunities in developed markets while
maintaining rigorous investment oversight, the Group is well-positioned
to navigate evolving industry dynamics and deliver stable value to all
stakeholders.
Mr. Edward Chan, Chairman and CEO of the Company, said, "Global
geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainties intertwine, placing
pressure on the global economic recovery and posing ongoing challenges
to the local property market. In the face of a complex external
environment, Oi Wah has consistently adhered to a proactive yet prudent
management strategy. Our core pawn loan business has fully demonstrated
its role as a strategic tool to hedge against macroeconomic
fluctuations, showcasing the Group's strong resilience amidst market
challenges.
Looking forward, we will adopt a carefully calibrated differentiation
strategy and continue to drive regional diversification. Under strict
investment monitoring, we will actively explore business opportunities
in developed markets to further expand our revenue streams and customer
base, striving to deliver long-term, stable, and sustainable returns for
our shareholders."