Financial Performance - Total revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2021, was HKD 339.829 million, a decrease of 9.3% from HKD 374.740 million in the same period of 2020[9]. - Operating profit for the period was HKD 265.753 million, significantly up from HKD 259, indicating a strong operational performance[9]. - Net profit attributable to equity shareholders was HKD 446.285 million, an increase of 142.5% compared to HKD 184.347 million in the previous year[9]. - Basic earnings per share rose to HKD 1.20, compared to HKD 0.49 in the same period last year, reflecting improved profitability[9]. - Total comprehensive income for the period was HKD 324,341,000, down from HKD 1,633,256,000 in the previous year, a decline of 80.2%[15]. - The company reported a profit of HKD 446,285,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to HKD 540,896,000 for the same period in 2020, indicating a decrease of 17.5%[15]. - The group’s profit attributable to shareholders for the first half of 2021 was HKD 446.3 million, an increase of 142.1% compared to HKD 184.3 million in the same period of 2020[75]. - Earnings per share for the first half of 2021 were HKD 1.20, compared to HKD 0.49 in the same period of 2020[75]. Assets and Liabilities - Non-current assets totaled HKD 6.011 billion as of June 30, 2021, up from HKD 5.528 billion at the end of 2020[12]. - Current assets decreased to HKD 4.284 billion from HKD 4.638 billion at the end of 2020, primarily due to a reduction in cash and bank deposits[12]. - The company’s total liabilities decreased to HKD 740.849 million from HKD 800.260 million at the end of 2020, indicating improved financial stability[12]. - Total assets decreased to HKD 9,553,756,000 as of June 30, 2021, compared to HKD 9,365,501,000 on December 31, 2020, representing an increase of 2%[13]. - Net asset value increased to HKD 9,514,249,000 from HKD 9,298,865,000, reflecting a growth of 2.3%[13]. - The group’s total liabilities as of June 30, 2021, were HKD 595,048,000, compared to HKD 504,063,000 as of December 31, 2020, indicating an increase of 17.9%[56]. Cash Flow - Operating cash flow for the six months ended June 30, 2021, was HKD 111,791,000, an increase of 15.5% from HKD 96,591,000 in the same period of 2020[16]. - Net cash generated from operating activities was HKD 105,017,000, up 70.5% compared to HKD 61,661,000 in the prior year[16]. - Cash and cash equivalents decreased by HKD 258,862,000, compared to an increase of HKD 373,424,000 in the same period of 2020[16]. - Investment activities resulted in a net cash outflow of HKD 220,200,000, compared to a net cash inflow of HKD 446,370,000 in the same period of 2020[16]. Dividends - The company declared dividends totaling HKD 22,361,000 during the fiscal year, compared to HKD 89,445,000 in the previous year, a reduction of 75%[15]. - The company declared an interim dividend of HKD 0.06 per share for both the first and second quarters, totaling HKD 44,722,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2021, consistent with the previous year[57]. - The company approved and distributed a final dividend of HKD 0.24 per share for the last fiscal year, amounting to HKD 89,445,000, unchanged from the previous year[58]. Investments - The group held investments in Evergrande Auto valued at HKD 1,567,970,000 as of June 30, 2021, down from HKD 1,638,501,000 at the end of 2020[40]. - The group’s total financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss amounted to HKD 2,178,517,000 as of June 30, 2021, compared to HKD 1,754,345,000 as of December 31, 2020[39]. - The fair value of the investment in Evergrande Auto was HKD 1,568.0 million, representing 15.2% of the group's total assets, with a fair value loss of HKD 70.5 million during the period[93]. - The investment portfolio's book value as of June 30, 2021, was HKD 7,150.9 million, up from HKD 5,946.4 million as of December 31, 2020[89]. Operational Highlights - Revenue from driving school courses increased to HKD 243,941,000, up 12.3% from HKD 217,080,000 in the previous year[21]. - The segment profit before tax for the driving school segment rose to HKD 93,191 thousand in the first half of 2021, compared to HKD 68,908 thousand in the same period of 2020, an increase of 35.19%[27]. - The group experienced a 12.4% increase in operating income from its driving school business due to an increase in the number of driving courses offered[80]. - Revenue from tunnel fees for the six months ended June 30, 2021, was HKD 788,086,000, an increase of 8.8% compared to HKD 724,142,000 for the same period in 2020[45]. Future Outlook - The company plans to continue expanding its market presence and investing in new technologies to drive future growth[9]. - The management expressed optimism about future performance, citing a strong pipeline of new products and strategic initiatives[9]. - Future performance of the investment portfolio will depend on various factors including political, economic, and industry-specific risks[97]. - The group is expected to benefit from a diversified investment portfolio that aims to generate higher long-term returns while mitigating individual investment risks[97]. Corporate Governance - The company has complied with the Corporate Governance Code during the reporting period, with some deviations noted regarding formal appointment letters for directors[114]. - All directors confirmed compliance with the established standards for securities trading during the reporting period[115]. - The mid-term report has been reviewed by the Audit Committee and KPMG, focusing on accounting principles and internal controls[116].

Financial Performance - The group's profit attributable to shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2020, was HKD 725.2 million, a slight decrease of 0.3% compared to HKD 727.3 million in 2019[9]. - Earnings per share remained stable at HKD 1.95, unchanged from 2019[9]. - The proposed final dividend is HKD 0.24 per share, maintaining the total dividend for the year at HKD 0.42 per share, consistent with the previous year[10]. - Total revenue for the year was HKD 760.5 million, an increase of 9.3% from HKD 695.9 million in 2019, driven by higher income from the driving school and financial investment segments[49]. - The financial investment segment reported a net fair value gain of HKD 68.4 million, a significant improvement from a loss of HKD 45.6 million in 2019, primarily due to gains from the Diversified Absolute Return Fund[49]. - The driving school segment recorded a revenue increase of 4.4% to HKD 474.5 million, with a pre-tax profit of HKD 198.2 million, up 40.1% from HKD 141.5 million in the previous year[51]. - The group’s share of profits from joint ventures decreased by 32.3% to HKD 417.4 million, primarily due to poor performance from the West Tunnel Company[51]. Economic Environment - The Hong Kong economy contracted by 6.1% in 2020, marking a more severe decline than the 2.5% during the 2009 global financial crisis[11]. - Retail sales in Hong Kong dropped sharply by 24.3% in 2020 due to extensive travel restrictions and weak local demand[11]. - The unemployment rate surged to 7.0% during the fourth wave of COVID-19, nearing a 17-year high[11]. - The company anticipates a challenging operating environment for the Alpha Hero group in 2021, with the driving training market expected to remain sluggish[14]. - The company expects new opportunities from China's 14th Five-Year Plan and regional cooperation agreements, despite uncertainties in U.S.-China relations[11]. Operational Challenges - The company anticipates continued challenges in 2021 due to the ongoing pandemic and has implemented necessary measures to ensure operational continuity[22]. - The management will continue to implement effective marketing strategies and monitor the pandemic's progress to ensure business continuity[14]. - The operational leases for driving training schools will expire in August 2021, February 2023, and July 2023, respectively, depending on government land supply[14]. Traffic and Toll Operations - Average daily traffic for the Western Harbour Tunnel decreased by 29.1% to 49,442 vehicles, down from 69,778 vehicles last year[17]. - The average toll per vehicle for the Western Harbour Tunnel increased from HKD 78.9 to HKD 82.3, while market share dropped to 21.8% from 27.3%[17]. - The average daily processing volume for the electronic toll collection system was approximately 365,000 transactions, involving an amount of about HKD 9.1 million[31]. - The total number of users for the electronic toll collection system reached 361,609, a 2.0% increase from 354,571 in 2019, with an average penetration rate of approximately 45% for licensed vehicles[31]. - The average traffic volume for the Western Harbour Tunnel decreased by 29.1% to 18,095,744 vehicles in the fiscal year, down from 25,469,064 vehicles in 2019[38]. - The market share for the Western Harbour Tunnel dropped from 27.3% in 2019 to 21.8% in 2020 due to COVID-19 and social distancing measures[38]. Employee Management - The employee turnover rate improved to 6.1% from 14.7% in 2019, indicating enhanced employee retention strategies[28]. - The company maintained strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring timely services at favorable prices[28]. - The total employee cost for the year, after deducting the "Employment Support" scheme subsidy, was HKD 272.8 million, down from HKD 284.3 million in 2019[64]. - The company employs 676 staff, with compensation determined based on job nature and market trends[64]. - Employee compensation is reviewed annually to ensure alignment with market standards and shareholder interests[155]. - The company provides comprehensive employee benefits, including medical insurance and retirement plans, to enhance employee satisfaction[156]. Environmental Initiatives - The company emphasizes sustainable development and aims to minimize environmental impact through the "Reduce, Recycle, Reuse" principles[128]. - The company actively participates in environmental initiatives and has implemented green office measures to enhance stakeholder awareness[128]. - The company has established strict procedures for the safe handling of hazardous waste, ensuring proper classification and disposal by licensed agents[142]. - The company encourages community investment through donations to education, charity, and cultural initiatives[165]. - The company has implemented measures to reduce emissions, including optimizing fleet management and encouraging the use of electric or hybrid vehicles[140]. Corporate Governance - The company emphasizes maintaining good corporate governance principles, focusing on effective board management and risk control systems[74]. - The board is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Corporate Governance Code and has conducted annual reviews of governance policies and practices[75]. - The company has established a risk management committee to oversee compliance with licensing conditions related to electronic payment tools[67]. - The board conducts an annual review of its arrangements to ensure they meet the company's needs and comply with applicable regulations[89]. - The company has established a communication policy with shareholders, which is reviewed annually to ensure effectiveness[120]. Investment Strategy - The investment strategy includes increasing investments in non-listed funds and debt securities while reducing equity securities to enhance recurring income[18]. - The group’s investment portfolio increased to HKD 5,946.4 million as of December 31, 2020, up from HKD 4,792.0 million in 2019, with significant increases in both listed and non-listed equity securities[52]. - The Group's significant investment in Evergrande New Energy Vehicle Group recorded a fair value of HKD 1,638.5 million, representing 16.1% of total assets and a fair value gain of HKD 1,216.9 million compared to a loss of HKD 137.3 million in 2019[56]. - The Group's total fair value of unlisted fund investments was HKD 933.8 million, representing 9.2% of total assets, with a focus on various industries including biotechnology and e-commerce[59]. Shareholder Relations - The total dividend for the year is HKD 0.42 per share, consistent with the previous year, amounting to approximately HKD 156.5 million[173]. - The proposed final dividend of HKD 0.24 per share is subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming annual general meeting[175]. - Shareholders holding at least 5% of total voting rights can request the board to convene a general meeting[121]. - A written request must specify the general nature of the matters to be addressed and include proposed resolutions, signed by the relevant shareholders[121]. Risk Management - The company has established a risk management framework, including a board, audit committee, internal audit function, and management, to oversee risk and internal controls[96]. - The company has implemented internal control measures to manage and disclose insider information effectively[98]. - The risk management process includes setting risk contexts, identifying risk factors, analyzing and assessing risk levels based on established rating standards, and implementing control mechanisms[99]. - The company maintains a diversified investment portfolio to mitigate risks associated with equity investments and non-listed funds[67].

Financial Performance - Total revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2020, was HKD 374,740,000, an increase of 12.3% from HKD 333,771,000 in the same period of 2019[19] - Customer contract revenue under Financial Reporting Standard No. 15 was HKD 220,130,000, up from HKD 217,504,000, reflecting a growth of 0.75%[19] - The net profit for the period was HKD 208,056,000, a significant decrease of 56.2% compared to HKD 474,970,000 in the previous year[20] - Basic and diluted earnings per share decreased to HKD 0.49 from HKD 1.22, representing a decline of 60.7%[19] - Total comprehensive income for the six months ended June 30, 2020, was HKD 293,938,000, down from HKD 378,038,000 in the previous year, indicating a decline of about 22.3%[26] - The company reported a net profit of HKD 184,347,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2020, compared to HKD 455,361,000 for the same period in 2019, representing a decrease of approximately 59.6%[25] - The consolidated profit before tax for the six months ended June 30, 2020, was HKD 220,229,000, down from HKD 486,238,000 in the same period of 2019, indicating a decline of about 54.7%[44] - The group’s unaudited profit attributable to shareholders for the first half of 2020 was HKD 184.3 million, a decrease of 59.5% compared to HKD 455.4 million in the same period of 2019[94] Cash Flow and Assets - The company's cash and cash equivalents increased to HKD 2,135,725,000 from HKD 1,926,867,000, showing a growth of 10.8%[22] - Cash generated from operating activities increased to HKD 62,861,000 in 2020 from HKD 32,862,000 in 2019, reflecting an increase of approximately 91.2%[29] - The company reported a decrease in cash and cash equivalents to HKD 2,068,112,000 as of June 30, 2020, compared to HKD 1,651,919,000 at the end of the previous year, an increase of 25.4%[29] - Total assets less current liabilities as of June 30, 2020, were HKD 7,783,334,000, an increase from HKD 7,623,226,000 at the end of 2019[23] - The company’s total equity as of June 30, 2020, was HKD 7,526,072,000, an increase from HKD 7,325,698,000 at the end of the previous year, representing a growth of approximately 2.7%[26] - As of June 30, 2020, the total non-current financial assets measured at amortized cost amounted to HKD 2,742,236,000, an increase from HKD 2,312,796,000 as of December 31, 2019, representing a growth of 18.6%[56] - Total reported assets as of June 30, 2020, amounted to HKD 8,362,625,000, compared to HKD 8,190,086,000 as of December 31, 2019, reflecting an increase of approximately 2.1%[44] Dividends and Shareholder Returns - The company declared dividends totaling HKD 22,361,000 during the fiscal year, compared to HKD 81,991,000 in the previous year, a reduction of approximately 72.7%[25] - The company declared an interim dividend of HKD 0.06 per share, totaling HKD 44,722,000, consistent with the previous year[75] - The company declared an interim dividend of HKD 0.06 per share for the first quarter, totaling approximately HKD 22.4 million, with a similar dividend planned for the second quarter[95] Operational Highlights - The company experienced a decrease in investment activities cash inflow to HKD 446,370,000 in 2020 from HKD 458,042,000 in 2019, a decline of about 2.9%[29] - The average daily traffic for the West Tunnel decreased by 30.3% to 48,421 vehicles in the first half of 2020, compared to 69,476 vehicles in the same period last year[101] - The total number of users for the electronic toll collection system was approximately 357,400, with a daily processing volume of about 359,600 vehicles, amounting to approximately HKD 8.9 million[100] - The new driving school in Kwun Tong contributed positively to the operating income, which increased by 1.4% due to higher demand for motorcycle training courses[99] Investment Performance - The fair value of investments in Evergrande Health was HKD 563,167,000 as of June 30, 2020, compared to HKD 421,561,000 as of December 31, 2019, indicating a significant increase of 33.5%[58] - The fair value of China Evergrande Group shares held by the company is HKD 458.0 million, representing a gain over the purchase cost of HKD 125.7 million, accounting for 5.5% of total assets and 9.2% of the investment portfolio[113] - The fair value of Evergrande Health shares is HKD 563.2 million, exceeding the purchase cost of HKD 62.2 million, making up 6.7% of total assets and 11.3% of the investment portfolio, with a fair value gain of HKD 141.6 million recorded[114] - The total fair value of real estate-related investments is HKD 1,726.9 million, including HKD 582.0 million in equity securities and HKD 1,144.9 million in debt securities, representing approximately 34.7% of the investment portfolio[118] Market Conditions and Challenges - The company noted that the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing social unrest have led to a significant decline in local demand and a deteriorating business environment[97] - The company anticipates that the overall performance in the short term may be adversely affected by the changing local and external environment, including the ongoing pandemic and geopolitical tensions[97] - The Hong Kong GDP fell by 9.1% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2020, marking the third consecutive quarter of contraction[97] - The Hang Seng Index dropped to 21,696 points in March 2020, the lowest level in the first half of the year, and closed at 24,427 points by the end of June, down 13.3% from December 2019[102] Compliance and Governance - The company has complied with the Corporate Governance Code during the accounting period, with some deviations noted[131] - The audit committee reviewed the interim report and discussed accounting principles, internal controls, and financial reporting matters with management[133] - The company has adopted a code of conduct for securities trading that meets or exceeds the standards set out in the Listing Rules[132]

Financial Performance - The company's net profit attributable to shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2019, was HKD 727.3 million, an increase of 62.6% compared to HKD 447.4 million in 2018[9]. - Earnings per share for 2019 was HKD 1.95, up from HKD 1.20 in 2018[9]. - Revenue for the year was HKD 695.9 million, up HKD 55.0 million or 8.6% from HKD 640.9 million in 2018, driven by increased income from driving schools and financial investment segments[41]. - The company's profit for the year 2019 was HKD 770,927,000, representing a 55.5% increase from HKD 495,467,000 in 2018[170]. - Total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2019, was HKD 695,937,000, an increase of 8.6% from HKD 640,937,000 in 2018[169]. - Operating profit for the year was HKD 167,519,000, compared to an operating loss of HKD 161,114,000 in the previous year[169]. - The company reported a significant reduction in other losses, netting HKD (45,375,000) compared to HKD (390,724,000) in the previous year[169]. - The company assessed its ability to continue as a going concern and found no significant uncertainties affecting its operations[165]. Dividends and Shareholder Returns - The board proposed a final dividend of HKD 0.24 per share, bringing the total dividend for the year to HKD 0.42, a 5.0% increase from the previous year[10]. - The total dividend for the year was approximately HKD 156.5 million, an increase from HKD 149.1 million in 2018, with a final dividend of HKD 0.24 per share[136]. - The company aims to provide stable dividend returns to shareholders while exploring new investment opportunities[54]. Market Conditions - The local GDP growth in Hong Kong fell from 4.1% in the first half of 2018 to 0.5% in the first half of 2019, with a contraction of 2.8% and 2.9% in the third and fourth quarters of 2019, respectively[11]. - Retail sales in Hong Kong decreased by 19.4% in December 2019 and further declined by 21.4% in January 2020, marking twelve consecutive months of decline[11]. - The unemployment rate in Hong Kong rose from 2.8% in the first half of 2019 to 3.3% in the second half[11]. Operational Developments - The company completed the construction of a new driving school in Kwun Tong in the second half of 2019 and began enrolling students in August 2019[12]. - The company acquired two retail shops during the year to enhance long-term stability amid rising rental costs[12]. - The driving training market in Hong Kong is expected to continue shrinking in 2020 due to challenging conditions[12]. Traffic and Tolling Operations - Autotoll's electronic road tolling facilities cover 12 different toll roads and tunnels in Hong Kong, with 61 operational automatic toll lanes[13]. - Despite challenges in acquiring new users, Autotoll recorded a net increase in users this year, partly due to the introduction of motorcycle tags[13]. - The average toll fee for the Western Harbour Tunnel increased from HKD 73.5 to HKD 78.9, with a daily average traffic volume of 69,778 vehicles, a 1% increase year-on-year[14]. - The company anticipates a decline in traffic volume and toll revenue in the first half of 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak and ongoing social unrest[14]. - The total number of users for the electronic road tolling system increased by 3.6% to 354,571 compared to 342,346 in 2018[24]. Investment Strategy - The company is adopting a cautious investment strategy, increasing investments in interest-bearing instruments while reducing exposure to listed equity securities[15]. - The company aims to enhance shareholder returns through diversified investments, including listed equity securities, bonds, and non-listed funds[15]. - The group held a total investment portfolio valued at HKD 4,792.0 million as of December 31, 2019, compared to HKD 4,593.7 million at the end of 2018[44]. Environmental Initiatives - The company has implemented various environmental initiatives, including the installation of LED lighting and energy-saving measures in its facilities[38]. - The company aims to maintain office temperatures between 23 to 25 degrees Celsius to save energy[113]. - The company encourages employees to plant green plants in the office and promotes the use of video conferencing to reduce unnecessary travel[114]. - The company is committed to continuous improvement in natural resource management practices[116]. Corporate Governance - The company emphasizes the importance of good corporate governance principles, focusing on effective board management and risk control systems[61]. - The board is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Corporate Governance Code and has conducted annual reviews of governance policies and practices[62]. - The board consists of nine members, with a commitment to diversity and balanced representation of executive and independent non-executive directors[68]. Risk Management - The company faces operational risks from fire, natural disasters, terrorism, and power supply interruptions, which cannot be completely eliminated but are mitigated through insurance and emergency plans[56]. - Regulatory risks include changes in government policies and regulations affecting electronic toll collection, with a risk management committee established to oversee compliance[56]. - The company is committed to enhancing risk monitoring and management mechanisms to ensure effective control measures across business segments[56]. Employee Management - The employee turnover rate for the year was 14.7%, down from 15.7% in 2018[22]. - The company provides comprehensive compensation and benefits, training opportunities, and equal employment opportunities to attract and retain talent[121]. - The company has maintained a safe and healthy working environment, with no reported violations of health and safety laws during the year[123].

Financial Performance - Total revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2019, was HKD 333,771,000, an increase of 31.8% compared to HKD 253,292,000 in the same period of 2018[5]. - The company reported a profit of HKD 474,970,000 for the period, a significant recovery from a loss of HKD 104,147,000 in the previous year[5]. - Earnings per share for the period was HKD 1.22, compared to a loss per share of HKD 0.34 in the same period last year[5]. - The company’s total comprehensive income for the period was HKD 397,643,000, compared to a loss of HKD 11,314,000 in the same period of 2018[7]. - The group reported a profit before tax of HKD 527,795,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2019, compared to a loss of HKD 118,518,000 in the same period of 2018[31]. - The group’s total comprehensive income for the period was HKD 527,795,000, compared to a loss of HKD 118,518,000 in the same period of 2018[31]. - The group reported a profit attributable to shareholders of HKD 455.4 million for the first half of 2019, compared to a loss of HKD 128.0 million in the same period of 2018, representing a significant turnaround[76]. - The group’s profit for the first half of 2019, excluding fair value changes, was HKD 412.2 million, reflecting a stable growth of 12% compared to 2018[76]. Assets and Liabilities - The company's non-current assets increased to HKD 4,252,167,000 as of June 30, 2019, up from HKD 4,053,425,000 at the end of 2018[8]. - The company’s total liabilities decreased to HKD 778,827,000 from HKD 736,019,000 at the end of 2018[8]. - Total assets decreased to HKD 7,471,789,000 from HKD 7,053,906,000, representing an increase of 5.9% year-over-year[9]. - The group’s total assets as of June 30, 2019, were HKD 8,193,051,000, up from HKD 7,737,937,000 at the end of 2018, indicating a growth of 5.9%[29]. - The company’s equity attributable to shareholders was HKD 455,361,000, recovering from a loss of HKD 127,977,000 in the previous year[5]. - The total equity attributable to equity shareholders increased to HKD 7,169,824,000 from HKD 6,896,138,000, marking a rise of 3.9%[10]. - The company’s equity decreased to HKD 1,398,492,000 from HKD 1,703,264,000, indicating a decline in shareholder value[48]. Cash Flow and Investments - Cash and cash equivalents stood at HKD 1,682,402,000, an increase from HKD 1,499,006,000 at the end of 2018[8]. - Operating cash flow for the six months ended June 30, 2019, was HKD 37,743,000, a significant increase from HKD 9,881,000 in 2018, representing a growth of approximately 281%[12]. - Net cash generated from operating activities was HKD 32,862,000, compared to HKD 10,456,000 in the previous year, indicating a year-over-year increase of about 214%[12]. - The net cash used in investing activities was HKD 458,042,000, a significant improvement from a net cash outflow of HKD 604,883,000 in the previous year[12]. - The company made investments in property, plant, and equipment amounting to HKD 57,003,000, compared to HKD 48,562,000 in the previous year, representing an increase of about 17%[12]. - The group held investments in listed bonds totaling HKD 1,153,500,000, an increase from HKD 956,366,000 as of December 31, 2018[42]. - The fair value of the investment in Evergrande Health is HKD 54,255,000, representing approximately 0.63% of the total holdings, with no dividends received during the period[41]. Dividends - The company declared dividends totaling HKD 22,361,000 for the current fiscal year[11]. - The interim dividend declared for the first quarter is HKD 0.06 per share, consistent with the previous year, totaling HKD 22,361,000[58]. - The second quarter interim dividend is also HKD 0.06 per share, amounting to HKD 22,361,000, bringing the total interim dividends to HKD 44,722,000[58]. - The final dividend for the previous fiscal year was approved and distributed at HKD 0.20 per share, totaling HKD 81,991,000, an increase from HKD 74,538,000 in the previous year[60]. Economic Environment and Future Outlook - The economic environment in Hong Kong showed signs of significant slowdown, with GDP growth dropping to 0.6% in the first quarter of 2019, the lowest in a decade[79]. - The unemployment rate remained stable at 2.8%, despite the economic downturn, and the property market reached new historical highs[79]. - The company anticipates potential risks in the future due to ongoing trade tensions and external uncertainties affecting short-term performance[79]. - The group plans to continue expanding its market presence and investing in new technologies to drive future growth[36]. Accounting Standards and Compliance - The company adopted the new financial reporting standard (IFRS 16) starting January 1, 2019, which impacted the financial statements but did not require restatement of comparative figures[9]. - The group capitalized all leases, including those previously classified as operating leases, except for short-term leases and low-value asset leases[20]. - The company has complied with the Corporate Governance Code during the reporting period, with some deviations noted[103]. - The company has maintained a standard code of conduct for securities trading among directors and relevant employees, confirming compliance during the period[104].

Financial Performance - The group's profit attributable to shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2018, was HKD 447.4 million, a decrease of 62.1% compared to HKD 1,180.0 million in 2017[5]. - Earnings per share for the year were HKD 1.20, down from HKD 3.17 in 2017[5]. - The company reported a net loss of HKD 161,114,000 for the year, compared to a profit of HKD 705,491,000 in the previous year[168]. - Total comprehensive income for the year was HKD 760,361,000, a decrease of 50.1% from HKD 1,523,438,000 in 2017[170]. - The company's profit before tax for the year ended December 31, 2018, was HKD 462,757,000, a decrease from HKD 1,315,124,000 in 2017, representing a decline of approximately 64.9%[175]. - Revenue for the group increased by HKD 179.3 million to HKD 640.9 million in 2018, representing a growth of 38.8% compared to HKD 461.6 million in 2017[41]. - The company reported a significant increase in other income to HKD 112,681,000 from HKD 17,359,000 in 2017[168]. Dividends and Shareholder Returns - The board has proposed a final dividend of HKD 0.22 per share, bringing the total dividend for the year to HKD 0.40, an increase of 5.3% from the previous year[6]. - The company reported a total dividend of HKD 149.1 million for the year, an increase from HKD 141.6 million in the previous year, with a final dividend of HKD 0.22 per share compared to HKD 0.20 per share in 2017[136]. - The company’s available reserves for distribution to equity shareholders amounted to HKD 3,865,970,000, up from HKD 3,249,636,000 in the previous year[139]. Economic and Market Conditions - The Hong Kong economy grew by only 3% for the year, despite a strong performance in the first half, due to external uncertainties and trade protectionism[7]. - The Hang Seng Index fell by 14% year-on-year, closing at 25,845 points, marking the worst performance in seven years[15]. - The company remains cautious about the investment outlook for the Greater China financial markets due to ongoing political and trade tensions[16]. Operational Developments - The AH Group successfully renewed the lease for the driving training site at Siu Lek Yuen until February 2023, and has also secured contracts for other training sites until mid-2020[8]. - The group plans to recruit more driving instructors and increase capital expenditures for vehicle purchases to support the new driving school in Kwun Tong, expected to start operations in the second half of 2019[9]. - The driving school segment experienced an 8% revenue growth due to a 4% increase in course demand and higher average hourly rates[19]. Traffic and Tolling Services - The average toll fee for the Western Harbour Tunnel increased from HKD 70.51 to HKD 73.48, resulting in a 2.2% increase in daily traffic volume to 69,081 vehicles[12]. - The daily average traffic volume for the Western Harbour Tunnel reached a record high of 91,662 vehicles in December 2018[12]. - The total number of users for the electronic toll collection system reached 342,346, a 3% increase from 332,600 in the previous year[23]. Investment Portfolio and Financial Assets - As of December 31, 2018, the total value of the investment portfolio held by the company was HKD 4,593.7 million, an increase from HKD 2,165.5 million in 2017[43]. - The investment portfolio included HKD 2,380.8 million in listed equity securities, HKD 956.3 million in listed bonds, HKD 1,056.3 million in non-listed fund investments, and HKD 200.3 million in interest-bearing instruments[43]. - The company recorded an unrealized fair value loss in its securities investment portfolio due to market volatility, contrasting with a fair value gain in 2017[15]. Risk Management and Corporate Governance - The company emphasizes strong corporate governance principles, focusing on effective board management and risk control systems to enhance performance rather than merely comply with regulations[59]. - The board is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Corporate Governance Code and has conducted annual reviews of governance policies and practices[60]. - The company has established risk management measures to mitigate operational disruptions caused by fire, natural disasters, terrorism, and power supply interruptions[54]. Environmental and Social Responsibility - The company is committed to sustainable development and reducing environmental impact through the 3R principles: Reduce, Recycle, and Reuse[105]. - The company actively participates in environmental initiatives, such as donating surplus items to support community recycling programs[105]. - The company encourages employee participation in volunteer and charitable activities to enhance social responsibility awareness[130]. Employee Relations and Workforce Management - The employee turnover rate increased to 15.7% from 9.7% in the previous year, primarily affecting frontline staff[21]. - The total employee cost for the year, excluding directors' remuneration, was HKD 202.6 million, with a workforce of 555 employees[52]. - Employee compensation is reviewed annually based on performance and market standards, ensuring alignment with shareholder interests[122].