Sterling Group Holdings (HKG:1825) expects a net profit of about HK$3 million for the six months ended Sept. 30, compared with a net loss of HK$8 million in the corresponding period of the previous year, according to a Tuesday filing with the Hong Kong bourse.

The company attributed the upbeat forecast to the decreased credit loss on trade receivables of HK$9.9 million and higher gross profit margin due to better cost control and increased manufacturing efficiency during the period.

The apparel products manufacturer and trader plans to publish its interim results by the end of November.