Financial Performance - Total revenue for the year reached RMB 138,547 million, representing a significant increase compared to previous years[34] - The profit attributable to shareholders for the year was RMB 23,016 million, showing strong financial performance[34] - Earnings per share (basic) for the year was RMB 70.02, demonstrating robust profitability[34] - Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2021, was RMB 138,547 million, an increase from RMB 109,251 million in 2020, representing a growth of approximately 26.8%[37] - Profit for the year attributable to shareholders was RMB 26,337 million, significantly up from RMB 9,732 million in 2020, marking an increase of about 171.5%[37] - Core profit before income tax expense reached RMB 10,599 million, compared to RMB 7,562 million in the previous year, reflecting an increase of approximately 40.1%[37] - The net profit margin for 2021 was 5.69%, slightly up from 5.30% in 2020[38] - The adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) was RMB 15,476 million, up from RMB 12,342 million in 2020, representing a growth of approximately 25.0%[37] Natural Gas and LPG Sales - Cumulative users of the natural gas service reached 1,488,000, with 41,999 new users added during the year[9] - Natural gas sales volume was reported at 106,528 million cubic metres, contributing to the overall revenue growth[9] - The sales volume of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) was recorded at 658,000 tonnes, indicating a stable demand in the market[35] - For the year ended December 31, 2021, the sales volume of city gas reached 336 million cubic meters, an increase from 274 million cubic meters in 2020[40] - The sales volume of natural gas was 420 million cubic meters, up from 378 million cubic meters in 2020, reflecting a growth of approximately 11.1%[40] - The sales volume of LPG was 599,000 tonnes, compared to 521,000 tonnes in 2020, indicating a growth of about 15%[40] - The LNG gasification volume for 2021 was 153 million cubic meters, an increase from 113 million cubic meters in 2020[43] Market Expansion and Strategic Initiatives - The company aims to transform into an internationally renowned integrated green energy provider, focusing on green development strategies[7] - The company plans to expand its market reach and invest in new technologies to support its green energy initiatives[7] - The Group completed the acquisition of entire equity interests in 10 urban gas projects of Xinjiang Xintai Company, enhancing its market reach[68] - The Group plans to expand LNG transportation and develop onshore and offshore LNG refilling systems, including the offshore LNG refilling project in Shenzhen[77] - The Group aims to construct pilot "net zero emission" stations and participate in negative carbon projects to build a green corporate brand[79] Corporate Governance - The Company has complied with all Code Provisions of the Corporate Governance Code throughout the Year[136] - The Board is collectively responsible for promoting the success of the Company by directing and supervising its affairs[137] - The Company has adopted a Board Diversity Policy to align board diversity[145] - The day-to-day management is delegated to the Chief Executive Officer and senior management, with periodic reviews of delegated functions[140] - The Company has arranged appropriate insurance cover for Directors' and officers' liabilities[141] Dividends and Shareholder Returns - The special dividend declared was RMB 213.66 per share, reflecting the company's commitment to returning value to shareholders[33] - The proposed final dividend for 2021 is RMB20.78 cents per share, totaling approximately RMB1,799 million, with a payout ratio of approximately 35.00%[134] - The dividend policy allows for a minimum distribution of 25% of the group's annual consolidated profit attributable to shareholders, subject to various criteria[129][132] Operational Efficiency and Financial Health - Current liabilities decreased to RMB 34,219 million from RMB 44,593 million in 2020, indicating improved liquidity[37] - The company’s gearing ratio improved to 24.92% in 2021 from 25.11% in 2020, indicating a slight reduction in financial leverage[38] - The average finance cost was not specified but is a critical metric for assessing financial health[40] - The liabilities-to-adjusted EBITDA ratio and other financial ratios were not detailed but are essential for evaluating leverage and operational efficiency[40] ESG and Sustainability - The Group's ESG rating improved to BB, and it was selected for the "Central Enterprise ESG·Pioneer 50 Index" by MSCI[73] - The Group is committed to achieving the "dual carbon" goals while addressing cost pressures and market changes through lean management initiatives[76] Employee and Management Information - As of December 31, 2021, the company conducted a review of the Board's diversity in age, years of service, and title[148] - The company had approximately 32,136 employees globally, a decrease from 36,396 employees in 2020[126][127] - Employee compensation costs rose to approximately RMB5,485 million, an increase of 16.70% from RMB4,700 million last year, attributed to the cancellation of social insurance contribution waivers[112]