Helens International Holdings posted a net profit attributable to shareholders of RMB13.7 million for the six months ended Jun 30, down 72.7 % year-on-year as lower store count and softer same-store sales dragged revenue and margins.

Revenue fell 20.3 % YoY to RMB232.1 million. Basic earnings per share declined to RMB0.011 from RMB0.040 a year earlier. The board declared an interim dividend of RMB0.0410 per share, to be paid on or about 30 Sept 2026 to shareholders on record as of 18 Sept 2026; Hong Kong investors will receive HK$0.0474 per share and Singapore investors S$0.007715 per share, both funded from the share-premium account.

Bar operations remained the largest contributor with turnover of RMB148.3 million, 19 % lower YoY, while revenue from the franchise and HiBeer Partnership business contracted 22 % to RMB83.8 million. Across the network, self-operated and franchised outlets generated an average daily turnover of RMB6.8 thousand, versus RMB8.3 thousand a year earlier. Total bar count shrank to 555 at end-June from 580 a year ago, reflecting net closures of 39 locations, predominantly under the HiBeer Partnership format.

Lower volumes fed through to profitability. Gross contribution margin on Helen’s branded alcoholic drinks slipped to 75.8 % from 80.2 %, pressured by promotional pricing. Other expenses rose 32.8 % to RMB26.7 million, while finance income halved to RMB8.8 million amid reduced bank deposits. Finance costs eased 21.1 % to RMB3.0 million as lease liabilities declined with the smaller store base.

Management cited multiple initiatives to revive same-store performance, including product-mix optimisation, enhanced membership and marketing systems, and deeper supply-chain integration. The company plans to stabilise existing outlets, refine its HiBeer Partnership model and continue selective expansion of self-operated bars while upgrading store designs to match evolving consumer lifestyles.