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贸易通(00536) - 2024 - 中期财报
2024-09-16 08:32
Financial Performance - Revenue for the first half of 2024 was HK$122.7 million, a decrease of 1.8% from HK$124.9 million in the same period of 2023[12]. - Profit from operations increased to HK$34.0 million, up from HK$33.4 million in the previous year, representing a growth of 1.8%[14]. - Profit for the period rose to HK$40.7 million, compared to HK$38.8 million in 2023, marking an increase of 4.9%[12]. - Basic earnings per share improved to 5.12 HK cents, up from 4.89 HK cents in the prior year, reflecting a growth of 4.7%[12]. - The interim dividend per share remained stable at 3.7 HK cents, consistent with the previous period[12]. - Total assets decreased to HK$534.5 million from HK$545.6 million, a decline of 2.0%[12]. - Net assets also saw a reduction, falling to HK$366.9 million from HK$376.2 million, a decrease of 2.3%[12]. Segment Performance - The E-Commerce segment performed better compared to the previous year, while the Identity Management and Other Services segments experienced some downward adjustments[14]. - Revenue from the Government Electronic Trading Services (GETS) sub-segment for the first half of 2024 was HK$74.6 million, up 6.6% year-on-year from HK$70.0 million in 2023[15]. - The Supply Chain Solutions (SCS) sub-segment recorded a growth of 17.9%, generating HK$10.6 million in the first half of 2024 compared to HK$9.0 million in 2023[15]. - Total turnover of the E-Commerce segment increased by 7.9% year-on-year to HK$85.2 million in the first half of 2024, up from HK$79.0 million in 2023[15]. - Segment profit for the E-Commerce segment surged 28.9% year-on-year to HK$27.1 million in the first half of 2024, compared to HK$21.1 million in 2023[15]. - The IDM segment experienced a 24.3% decline in turnover to HK$22.2 million in the first half of 2024, down from HK$29.4 million in 2023[16]. - Profit for the IDM segment dropped by 63.9% to HK$2.4 million in the first half of 2024, compared to HK$6.6 million in 2023[15]. - The Other Services segment's turnover decreased to HK$15.2 million in the first half of 2024, down 8.3% from HK$16.6 million in 2023[16]. Future Outlook - The company anticipates improvement in the IDM segment and SCS sub-segment performance in the second half of 2024, alongside continued momentum in GETS services[18]. - New products are expected to be launched later in the year to address emerging cybersecurity risks, potentially creating a new revenue stream for the IDM business[18]. - The company is optimistic about the performance of its SCS sub-segment, expecting revenue recognition from new orders in the second half of 2024[20]. - The GETS and GETS-related services business is expected to benefit from a stable competitive environment and increased trade activities in the second half of 2024[22]. - The company plans to launch new products in the identity management segment to address emerging cybersecurity risks, aiming to create new revenue sources[20]. Cash Flow and Investments - Cash and cash equivalents decreased to HK$166,796,000 from HK$276,335,000, reflecting a significant decline of 39.6%[113]. - Net cash used in investing activities increased significantly to HK$95,972,000 in 2024 compared to HK$13,887,000 in 2023, indicating a rise of 590.5%[123]. - The net decrease in cash and cash equivalents was HK$109,539,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to HK$35,640,000 in 2023, representing an increase of 207.5%[123]. Shareholder Information - The company declared an interim dividend of HK 3.7 cents per share for the six months ended 30 June 2024, the same as the 2023 interim dividend[37]. - The total number of shares available for issue under the Share Option Scheme 2014 is 43,525,000 shares, representing approximately 5.48% of the issued shares of the Company as of the report date[59]. - The total number of options granted reflects the company's strategy to incentivize employees and align their interests with shareholders[178]. Corporate Governance - The Company confirmed compliance with all applicable Code Provisions during the six months ended June 30, 2024[84]. - The Board consists of two Executive Directors, three Non-Executive Directors, and four Independent Non-Executive Directors[86]. - The Company is committed to high standards of corporate governance, ensuring effective management in the interests of stakeholders[84]. Employee and Operational Insights - The Group employed 233 staff as of 30 June 2024, with related staff costs amounting to HK$55.8 million[45]. - The company has implemented various commission, bonus, and incentive plans to encourage employee performance and growth[49]. - The company continues to manage its share option scheme actively, reflecting its commitment to employee engagement and performance[66].
贸易通(00536) - 2024 - 中期业绩
2024-08-28 12:12
Financial Performance - For the six months ended June 30, 2024, the company reported a profit of HKD 40,693,000, an increase of 4.4% compared to HKD 38,840,000 for the same period in 2023[4] - The company's revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was HKD 122,652,000, a slight decrease of 1.8% from HKD 124,920,000 in the previous year[3] - Basic earnings per share increased to HKD 5.12 for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to HKD 4.89 for the same period in 2023, reflecting a growth of 4.7%[3] - Total comprehensive income for the period was HKD 40,707,000, up from HKD 38,935,000 in the prior year, representing an increase of 2.0%[4] - The company's net income before tax for the reporting period was HKD 46,003,000, reflecting the overall profitability of the business[14] - The pre-tax profit for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was HKD 55,832,000, a decrease of 5.4% from HKD 58,852,000 in 2023[18] - The unaudited profit after tax for the first half of 2024 was HKD 40,700,000, an increase of 4.8% from HKD 38,800,000 in the same period last year[44] Assets and Liabilities - Non-current assets increased to HKD 42,539,000 as of June 30, 2024, compared to HKD 40,660,000 as of December 31, 2023, marking a growth of 4.6%[5] - Current assets decreased to HKD 491,952,000 as of June 30, 2024, down from HKD 504,921,000 at the end of 2023, a decline of 2.6%[5] - The company's total liabilities decreased to HKD 162,383,000 as of June 30, 2024, compared to HKD 164,477,000 at the end of 2023, a reduction of 1.3%[5] - The net asset value as of June 30, 2024, was HKD 366,887,000, down from HKD 376,204,000 at the end of 2023, indicating a decrease of 2.7%[5] - As of June 30, 2024, the total assets were HKD 534,500,000, down from HKD 545,600,000 at the end of 2023[47] - The cash and bank deposits totaled HKD 436,500,000, a slight decrease from HKD 444,700,000 at the end of 2023[46] - The company has no borrowings as of June 30, 2024, maintaining a debt-free status[47] - As of June 30, 2024, the capital and reserves attributable to shareholders amounted to HKD 366,900,000, a decrease of approximately HKD 9,300,000 from HKD 376,200,000 as of December 31, 2023[49] Revenue Segments - The electronic commerce segment generated revenue of HKD 85,211,000, while the identity management segment contributed HKD 26,157,000, and other services brought in HKD 18,454,000[14] - Total revenue for the e-commerce business increased by 7.9% year-on-year to HKD 85,200,000 in the first half of 2024, compared to HKD 79,000,000 in 2023[34] - Revenue from the GETS segment rose by 6.6% to HKD 74,600,000, up from HKD 70,000,000 in the previous year[34] - Revenue from the Supply Chain Solutions segment grew by 17.9% to HKD 10,600,000, compared to HKD 9,000,000 in 2023[34] - The identity management segment saw a decrease in revenue from HKD 29,388,000 in 2023 to HKD 22,242,000 in 2024[16] - The revenue for the other services segment in the first half of 2024 was HKD 15,200,000, a decrease of 8.4% compared to HKD 16,600,000 in 2023[41] Dividends and Shareholder Returns - The company declared dividends amounting to HKD 50,062,000 for the previous year, reflecting a significant return to shareholders[7] - The interim dividend declared was HKD 0.037 per share, consistent with the previous year's dividend[22] - The interim dividend declared for the six months ended June 30, 2024, is HKD 0.037 per share, consistent with the previous year, representing 72.3% of the profit attributable to shareholders for the period[57] Operational Strategies and Future Outlook - The company continues to explore new strategies for market expansion and product development to enhance future growth prospects[2] - The GETS business unit is expected to show positive development trends in the second half of 2024, driven by market expansion and increased overall business volume[36] - The identity management business is anticipated to significantly improve performance in the second half of 2024 due to rising market demand for compliance solutions[40] - The company is developing new products to address increasing cybersecurity threats and mobile security issues, with expectations to launch these products later in the year[40] - New orders have been successfully obtained in the supply chain application business, indicating a better outlook for the second half of 2024[37] - The company is confident in the overall outlook for the electronic commerce segment for the full year 2024, barring any major global economic disasters[37] Corporate Governance and Compliance - The company’s accounting policies remain consistent with those used in the annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023, with no significant impact from the new accounting standards adopted[10] - The company has not adopted any new accounting standards or interpretations that are not yet effective during the reporting period[10] - The company confirmed compliance with all applicable corporate governance codes during the reporting period[53] - The board of directors held four meetings during the six months ended June 30, 2024, with full attendance from the chairman and non-executive directors[55] Employee and Cost Management - Employee costs totaled HKD 54,267,000, down 4.7% from HKD 56,964,000 in the previous year[18] - The group employed 233 employees as of June 30, 2024, down from 244 employees as of June 30, 2023, with employee costs for the period totaling HKD 55,800,000, compared to HKD 58,900,000 in the previous year[52] Miscellaneous - The company issued 6,800,000 stock options under the 2014 Stock Option Plan at a price of HKD 1.00 each[33] - The group did not purchase, sell, or redeem any of its listed securities during the reporting period[58] - The external auditor reviewed the interim financial report, although it was not audited[57] - The mid-term report for the six months ending June 30, 2024, will be published within the regulatory deadline and available on the company's website and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange news site[60]
贸易通(00536) - 2023 - 年度财报
2024-04-15 08:28
Financial Performance - Revenue for 2023 increased by 3.0% to HK$266.6 million compared to HK$258.8 million in 2022[20] - Profit after tax for 2023 saw a significant increase of 92.3% to HK$100.6 million, up from HK$52.3 million in 2022[20] - Profit from operations for 2023 was HK$78.2 million, slightly down from HK$80.1 million in 2022[21] - Total assets as of December 31, 2023, amounted to HK$545.6 million, compared to HK$532.6 million in 2022[5] - Net assets increased to HK$376.2 million in 2023 from HK$364.4 million in 2022[5] - The net profit margin improved to 37.7% in 2023, up from 20.2% in 2022[5] - The effective tax rate decreased to 9.4% in 2023 from 11.4% in 2022[5] - Proposed final dividend for 2023 is HK$6.3 cents per share, compared to HK$4.67 cents in 2022[5] - The company realized a net gain of HK$32.2 million from various activities in 2023, a turnaround from a net loss of HK$20.4 million in 2022[23] - Current ratio remained stable at 3.07 in both 2023 and 2022[5] - The pre-tax profit for 2023 surged to HK$111,100,000, up from HK$59,100,000 in 2022, while the post-tax profit increased to HK$100,600,000 from HK$52,300,000[25] Segment Performance - The Identity Management (IDM) business generated revenue of HK$68.9 million in 2023, a 44.4% increase from HK$47.7 million in 2022, with segment profit rising to HK$16.2 million from HK$5.2 million[26] - The E-Commerce segment recorded total revenue of HK$163.7 million in 2023, down from HK$172.2 million in 2022, with segment profit decreasing to HK$50.2 million from HK$60.9 million[28] - The Government Electronic Trading Services (GETS) revenue slightly declined by 1.9% to HK$141.8 million in 2023, despite a 9.8% drop in the overall GETS market[28] - The Supply Chain Solutions (SCS) business saw a revenue drop to HK$21.9 million in 2023 from HK$27.6 million in 2022, reflecting ongoing challenges in attracting new projects[31] - The Other Services segment generated revenue of HK$34.0 million in 2023, down from HK$38.9 million in 2022, with segment profit decreasing to HK$20.7 million from HK$22.4 million[32] - The Smart Point-of-Sales (PoS) revenue decreased by 28.7% to HK$12.7 million in 2023, compared to HK$17.8 million in 2022, primarily due to the completion of a major project[32] Future Outlook - The global economic outlook for 2024 is expected to be challenging, with growth anticipated to be slower than in 2023 and higher downside risks due to elevated inflation and interest rates[36][39]. - The GETS business is expected to maintain a relatively stable performance in 2024, with cautious optimism for gradual recovery, supported by the extension of the GETS license until the end of 2027[38][47]. - The Smart PoS business outlook for 2024 remains under stress, with analysts predicting a high single-digit percentage decline in the Hong Kong retail market due to slow recovery in inbound tourism and increasing cross-border shopping trends[43][46]. - The company is cautiously optimistic about the E-Commerce business performance in 2024, expecting no significant further decline in the GETS market[67] - A strategic review and improvements for the SCS business sub-segment are anticipated to be completed by mid-2024, with expectations for better performance in 2024[71] Research and Development - The company’s investment in research and development in 2022 has yielded positive results, enhancing cost-efficiency and profit margins in the IDM business segment[26] - The company aims to continue investing in R&D to advance IDM-related products and solutions despite uncertainties in the global economy[83] Corporate Governance and Leadership - The company confirmed compliance with all applicable Code Provisions of the Corporate Governance Code during the year ended December 31, 2023[177] - The company has a strong leadership team with members holding advanced degrees from prestigious institutions, including a Doctorate from the University of Oxford and degrees from the University of Hong Kong[146][148] - The company is actively involved in various committees and advisory boards, enhancing its strategic positioning in the market[144] - The company has a strong focus on leveraging government funding for industry upgrades and fostering strategic collaborations with international research institutions[170] Risk Management - The Group has embedded appropriate risk management activities into business planning, project management, and organizational procedures[188] - The risk management framework is designed based on the principles outlined in the international standard ISO31000[196] - The effectiveness of risk management systems is reviewed annually, covering financial, operational, and compliance controls[195] Corporate Values and Culture - The mission of the company is to empower clients with business-enabled e-solutions, aiming to maximize digital efficiency for customers[179] - The vision is to promote a prosperous Hong Kong where companies and people can readily achieve and enjoy the benefits of digital efficiency[180] - The corporate culture focuses on promoting a supportive and motivating work environment to enhance productivity and reduce turnover[184] - Tradelink is committed to ethical business practices and transparency in its operations and communications[185]
贸易通(00536) - 2023 - 年度业绩
2024-03-22 14:50
Financial Performance - The total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023, was HKD 266,611,000, representing an increase from HKD 258,815,000 in 2022, which is a growth of approximately 3.1%[27] - The operating profit attributable to ordinary shareholders for the year was HKD 78,186,000, compared to HKD 80,094,000 in the previous year, indicating a decrease of about 2.4%[27] - The net profit for the year was HKD 100,639,000, significantly up from HKD 52,333,000 in 2022, marking an increase of approximately 92.2%[28] - The total comprehensive income for the year was HKD 99,816,000, compared to HKD 51,139,000 in the previous year, reflecting an increase of about 95.1%[28] - The basic earnings per share for the year was HKD 12.7, up from HKD 6.6 in 2022, representing an increase of approximately 92.4%[27] - The company reported a consolidated profit before tax of HKD 111,052,000 for the year, with segment profits of HKD 50,219,000 from e-commerce, HKD 16,232,000 from identity management, and HKD 20,660,000 from other services[62] - The group recorded a net other income of HKD 32,200,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to a net other loss of HKD 20,400,000 in 2022, primarily due to the absence of fair value losses on financial instruments in 2023[167] - The group's profit after tax for 2023 was HKD 100,600,000, an increase of HKD 48,300,000 or 92.3% compared to 2022[168] Dividends - The company plans to declare a final dividend of HKD 6.3 per share, compared to HKD 4.67 in the previous year, which is an increase of approximately 34.3%[27] - The company declared dividends totaling HKD 29,401,000 for the year, compared to HKD 14,542,000 in the previous year, reflecting a significant increase[39] - The board proposed a final dividend of HKD 0.063 per share for 2023, up from HKD 0.0467 per share in 2022, bringing the total dividend for 2023 to HKD 0.10 per share[169] Assets and Liabilities - As of December 31, 2023, the total assets amounted to HKD 545,581,000, up from HKD 532,561,000 in 2022, indicating a growth of about 2.4%[27] - The total liabilities decreased from HKD 168,148,000 in 2022 to HKD 169,377,000 in 2023, reflecting a slight increase of approximately 0.7%[27] - The company’s total equity increased to HKD 376,204,000 from HKD 364,413,000, representing a growth of 3.4%[30] - The total cash and bank deposits of the group amounted to HKD 444,700,000 as of December 31, 2023, compared to HKD 436,500,000 in 2022[195] Segment Performance - Total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023, was HKD 266,611,000, with a breakdown of HKD 163,697,000 from e-commerce, HKD 68,887,000 from identity management, and HKD 34,027,000 from other services[62] - The e-commerce segment generated revenue of HKD 128,520,000 from immediate recognition and HKD 35,177,000 from revenue recognized over time[62] - The identity management segment reported revenue of HKD 12,114,000 from immediate recognition and HKD 56,773,000 from revenue recognized over time[62] - The identity management business showed strong performance, with revenue increasing by 44.4% from HKD 47,700,000 in 2022 to HKD 68,900,000 in 2023, and segment profit rising approximately 3.1 times to HKD 16,200,000[138] - The GETS business demonstrated the ability to achieve substantial price increases to offset declines in business volume, allowing the company to outperform the market[135] Expenses and Costs - The total operating expenses for the year were HKD 31,611,000, slightly down from HKD 33,465,000 in 2022, indicating improved cost management[80] - Operating expenses before depreciation for 2023 were HKD 179,500,000, an increase of 5.4% from HKD 170,200,000 in 2022, primarily due to increased procurement costs[147] Taxation - The tax provision for the year 2023 was HKD 10,413,000, compared to HKD 6,749,000 in 2022, indicating an increase in tax obligations[77] - The tax expense for 2023 was HKD 10,400,000, an increase of HKD 3,700,000 from the previous fiscal year[148] Market Outlook - The company anticipates a cautious but optimistic outlook for the electronic commerce business in 2024, contingent on external economic conditions[135] - The company is optimistic about future opportunities in the digital signature market and plans to collaborate with strategic partners to offer comprehensive document management solutions[160] Employee and Operational Metrics - The group employed 242 employees as of December 31, 2023, a decrease from 255 employees in 2022, with 204 based in Hong Kong and 38 in Guangzhou[199] - Employee costs for the year amounted to HKD 120,100,000, up from HKD 118,600,000 in 2022[199] Strategic Initiatives - The company plans to maintain its focus on research and development, supported by government grants aimed at enhancing corporate research initiatives[81] - The group has established strategic partnerships to expand services beyond trade compliance operations, including banking and financial services[190]
贸易通(00536) - 2023 - 中期财报
2023-09-07 08:36
Financial Performance - Basic earnings per share for the first half of 2023 increased to HK$4.89, up from HK$1.83 in the same period last year, representing a growth of 167.8%[4] - Total revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2023, was HK$124.9 million, a slight decrease of 0.4% compared to HK$125.5 million in the same period of 2022[4] - Profit from operations decreased to HK$33.4 million, down 10.4% from HK$37.3 million in the first half of 2022[4] - Profit for the period surged to HK$38.8 million, compared to HK$14.6 million in the same period last year, marking a significant increase of 166.5%[4] - Profit before tax for the first half of 2023 was HK$44.2 million, an increase of HK$26.6 million from HK$17.6 million in the same period last year, while profit after tax was HK$38.8 million, more than 2.6 times the HK$14.6 million recorded last year[24][25] - For the first half of 2023, the Group's total profit was HK$38.8 million, with an interim dividend recommended at HK$3.7 cents per share, representing a payout ratio of 75.7%[62] Revenue Breakdown - The Identity Management (IDM) segment reported a revenue increase of 31.9% to HK$29.4 million, with segment profit surging more than 1.7 times to HK$6.6 million[14] - The E-Commerce business segment experienced a decline in both revenue and reportable segment profit during the reporting period[12] - Revenue from the Supply Chain Solutions business decreased by 24.5% to HK$9 million, down from HK$11.9 million last year, attributed to delays in project confirmations due to pending government funding approvals[30] - Total revenue from the combined E-Commerce business for the first half of 2023 was HK$79.0 million, representing a decrease of 7.8% compared to HK$85.6 million for the same period last year[53] - Segment profit for the E-Commerce business declined 29.4% year-on-year from HK$29.9 million last year to HK$21.1 million this year, attributed to additional corporate overheads and marketing expenses[53] Market Conditions - The GETS market contracted by 16.3% year-on-year, with revenue from the GETS business at HK$70 million, a slight decrease of 5.1% from HK$73.7 million last year[30] - The overall Government Electronic Trading Services (GETS) market contracted sharply by 16.3% year-on-year, with the company's GETS business in the E-Commerce segment recording a modest drop of 5.1% to HK$70.0 million in revenue for the first half of 2023[53] - The Group expects the GETS market to continue shrinking year-on-year for the remainder of 2023, but anticipates that actual business volumes in the second half will exceed those in the first half[69] Dividends and Shareholder Returns - The interim dividend per share was declared at HK$3.7 cents, up from HK$1.83 cents in the previous year, reflecting a payout ratio of approximately 75%[5] - The Board declared an interim dividend of HK$3.7 cents per share for the six months ended 30 June 2023, an increase of HK$1.87 cents per share compared to HK$1.83 cents in 2022[145] Assets and Liabilities - The Group's total assets as of June 30, 2023, were HK$510.6 million, down from HK$532.6 million as of December 31, 2022[21] - The net assets decreased to HK$344.6 million from HK$364.4 million at the end of 2022[21] - The Group had no borrowings as of 30 June 2023, consistent with the position at the end of 2022[147] Operational Insights - Employee costs for the first half of 2023 were HK$58.9 million, a slight decrease of 0.2% compared to the previous year[90] - Operating expenses before depreciation for the first half of 2023 were HK$87.2 million, up 3.9% from HK$83.9 million in the same period last year[117] - The Group's profit from operations for the review period was HK$33.4 million, a decrease of 10.6% compared to the same period in 2022[119] Future Outlook - The identity management business is expected to continue its strong performance into the second half of the year, driven by increased demand for digital signature solutions and electronic account opening solutions from banks[39] - The company expects the IDM business to continue its strong momentum into the second half of the year, driven by increasing demand for digital signature solutions and digital onboarding solutions from banks[60] - The outlook for the company's business remains uncertain due to continued pressure on Hong Kong's external trading environment, although there are hopes for recovery in the Mainland economy[57] Corporate Governance - The company confirmed compliance with all corporate governance code provisions as of June 30, 2023[191] - The company is committed to maintaining high standards of corporate governance practices[191]
贸易通(00536) - 2023 - 中期业绩
2023-08-22 12:14
Financial Summary [Consolidated Income Statement Summary](index=1&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Income%20Statement) The Group's revenue remained stable at HKD 124.9 million, while profit for the period surged to HKD 38.84 million, driven by improved investment performance and interest income Consolidated Income Statement Key Metrics (For the six months ended June 30) | Metric | 2023 (HKD thousands) | 2022 (HKD thousands) | Year-on-year Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Revenue | 124,920 | 125,459 | -0.4% | | Operating Profit | 33,361 | 37,308 | -10.6% | | Net Other Income/(Loss) | 10,823 | (19,696) | N/A | | Profit Before Tax | 44,184 | 17,574 | +151.4% | | Profit for the Period | 38,840 | 14,563 | +166.7% | | Basic Earnings Per Share (HK cents) | 4.89 | 1.83 | +167.2% | - Significant profit growth was primarily due to improved investment performance, with no fair value loss on financial investments in H1 2023 (compared to a loss of **HKD 25.9 million** in the prior period), and an **HKD 8.2 million** increase in interest income due to rising interest rates[131](index=131&type=chunk) [Consolidated Balance Sheet Summary](index=3&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Balance%20Sheet) As at June 30, 2023, the Group's total assets were HKD 510.6 million and net assets were HKD 344.6 million, with the decrease in net assets primarily due to dividend distribution, maintaining a strong financial position with no bank borrowings Consolidated Balance Sheet Summary | Metric | As at June 30, 2023 (HKD thousands) | As at December 31, 2022 (HKD thousands) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Non-current Assets | 34,417 | 30,869 | | Current Assets | 476,196 | 501,692 | | Current Liabilities | 161,113 | 164,142 | | Net Assets | 344,628 | 364,413 | | Total Equity | 344,628 | 364,413 | - The decrease in net assets was primarily due to the distribution of **HKD 59 million** in 2022 final and special dividends[163](index=163&type=chunk) - As at June 30, 2023, the Group had **no borrowings**[137](index=137&type=chunk) [Dividends](index=22&type=section&id=Dividends) The Board declared an interim dividend of **3.7 HK cents** per share for the six months ended June 30, 2023, a significant increase from the prior period, representing a payout ratio of approximately **75%** of profit for the period Interim Dividend Details | Item | 2023 Interim | 2022 Interim | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Dividend Per Share | 3.7 HK cents | 1.83 HK cents | | Total Amount (HKD thousands) | 29,401 | 14,542 | | Payout Ratio | Approx. 75.7% | - | - Dividends will be paid on or about October 6, 2023, to shareholders registered on September 25, 2023[140](index=140&type=chunk) Management Discussion & Analysis [Business Review](index=17&type=section&id=Business%20Review) In H1 2023, the Group's business segments showed mixed performance amid a contracting Hong Kong external trade environment, with strong growth in Identity Management driven by eKYC and PKI solutions, while e-Commerce declined and Other Services saw slight revenue decrease but profit growth [e-Commerce Business](index=17&type=section&id=e-Commerce%20Business) The e-Commerce business recorded total revenue of **HKD 79 million** in H1 2023, a **7.8%** year-on-year decrease, with GETS revenue slightly down **5.1%** to **HKD 70 million** and supply chain solutions revenue significantly declining **24.5%**, leading to a **29.4%** drop in segment profit to **HKD 21.1 million** e-Commerce Business Performance (H1 2023 vs H1 2022) | Business Sub-segment | H1 2023 Revenue (HKD millions) | H1 2022 Revenue (HKD millions) | Year-on-year Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Government Electronic Trading Services (GETS) | 70.0 | 73.7 | -5.1% | | Supply Chain Application Solutions | 9.0 | 11.9 | -24.5% | | **Total** | **79.0** | **85.6** | **-7.8%** | - Despite a **16.3%** contraction in overall GETS market transaction volume, the company's GETS business showed resilience, primarily due to successful price adjustments and a **23%** growth in air cargo electronic manifest services[80](index=80&type=chunk) - Looking ahead, GETS business performance will depend on Hong Kong's external trade environment, with market contraction expected to continue in H2, but the company is confident its full-year contraction will be significantly less than the market's[122](index=122&type=chunk) [Identity Management Business](index=19&type=section&id=Identity%20Management%20Business) The Identity Management business achieved impressive growth in H1 2023, with revenue increasing **31.9%** year-on-year to **HKD 29.4 million** and segment profit surging over **1.7 times** to **HKD 6.6 million**, driven by eKYC and PKI-related projects following 2022 R&D investments Identity Management Business Performance (H1 2023 vs H1 2022) | Metric | H1 2023 (HKD millions) | H1 2022 (HKD millions) | Year-on-year Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Revenue | 29.4 | 22.3 | +31.9% | | Segment Profit | 6.6 | 2.4 | +175% | - Project revenue reached **HKD 15.2 million**, with eKYC and PKI-related projects contributing approximately **45%** and **41%** respectively, and PKI project revenue surging over **3.5 times** year-on-year, primarily from new digital signature solution orders for private hospitals[108](index=108&type=chunk) - The company remains optimistic about H2 prospects, actively promoting digital signature solutions to the healthcare, government, and financial sectors, leveraging its unique position as Hong Kong's **sole recognized commercial certification authority**[125](index=125&type=chunk) [Other Services Business](index=20&type=section&id=Other%20Services%20Business) Other Services business recorded total revenue of **HKD 16.6 million** in H1 2023, a slight **5.6%** year-on-year decrease, yet segment profit grew **8.6%** to **HKD 10.1 million**, despite a **10.9%** revenue drop in smart POS business and a **3.0%** decline in GETS-related services Other Services Business Performance (H1 2023 vs H1 2022) | Metric | H1 2023 (HKD millions) | H1 2022 (HKD millions) | Year-on-year Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total Revenue | 16.6 | 17.6 | -5.6% | | Segment Profit | 10.1 | 9.3 | +8.6% | - The decline in smart POS business revenue was mainly due to reduced device orders from major banking clients, while GETS-related services benefited from the resumption of cross-border freight and securing a government Single Window telephone inquiry center service contract[111](index=111&type=chunk)[127](index=127&type=chunk) - The increase in segment profit was attributed to lower procurement and staff costs in the smart POS business following the completion of a large project last year[113](index=113&type=chunk) [Financial Review](index=21&type=section&id=Financial%20Review) The Group's total revenue for H1 2023 was **HKD 124.9 million**, a slight **0.4%** year-on-year decrease, with operating profit at **HKD 33.4 million**, down **10.6%**, but unaudited profit after tax surged to **HKD 38.8 million**, over **2.6 times** the prior period, due to significantly improved investment income - Operating profit decreased by **10.6%** to **HKD 33.4 million**[130](index=130&type=chunk) - Net other income of **HKD 10.8 million** was recorded, compared to a net other loss of **HKD 19.7 million** in the prior period, primarily due to no financial investment losses and a significant increase in interest income in H1[131](index=131&type=chunk) - Profit after tax was **HKD 38.8 million**, over **2.6 times** the **HKD 14.6 million** in the prior period, mainly due to a lower comparative base last year[132](index=132&type=chunk) [Liquidity and Financial Position](index=22&type=section&id=Liquidity%20and%20Financial%20Position) As at June 30, 2023, the Group maintained a strong financial position with total cash and bank balances of **HKD 417.3 million** and no bank borrowings, with net assets at **HKD 344.6 million** and capital commitments primarily for computer equipment totaling **HKD 3.2 million** Key Financial Position Data | Metric | As at June 30, 2023 | As at December 31, 2022 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total Cash and Bank Balances | HKD 417.3 million | HKD 436.5 million | | Total Assets | HKD 510.6 million | HKD 532.6 million | | Net Assets | HKD 344.6 million | HKD 364.4 million | | Bank Borrowings | None | None | - The Group provided two bank guarantees totaling **HKD 2.2 million** to the government, collateralized by equivalent deposits[165](index=165&type=chunk) Notes to Financial Statements [Basis of Preparation & Changes in Accounting Policies](index=6&type=section&id=Basis%20of%20Preparation%20%26%20Changes%20in%20Accounting%20Policies) This unaudited interim financial report, reviewed by KPMG, complies with HKAS 34, with consistent accounting policies and no significant impact from new HKFRS standards, while the company assesses the accounting implications of new MPF and long service payment offset mechanism guidelines - The interim financial report, though unaudited, has been reviewed by KPMG in accordance with Hong Kong Standard on Review Engagements 2410[13](index=13&type=chunk) - Revisions to HKAS 8, HKAS 12, and HKFRS 17 were adopted during the period, but these changes had no significant impact on the financial report[27](index=27&type=chunk)[29](index=29&type=chunk) - The Group is evaluating the accounting impact of new HKICPA guidelines regarding the abolition of the MPF and long service payment offset mechanism, with the impact currently not reasonably estimable[32](index=32&type=chunk)[33](index=33&type=chunk)[51](index=51&type=chunk) [Segment Reporting](index=9&type=section&id=Segment%20Reporting) The Group's operations are divided into three reportable segments: e-Commerce, Identity Management, and Other Services, with e-Commerce being the largest revenue contributor but experiencing a decline in segment profit, while Identity Management saw significant revenue and profit growth, and Other Services had a slight revenue decrease but increased profit Segment Results Summary (For the six months ended June 30, 2023) | Segment | External Revenue (HKD thousands) | Reportable Segment Profit (HKD thousands) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | e-Commerce | 78,960 | 21,063 | | Identity Management | 29,388 | 6,622 | | Other Services | 16,572 | 10,051 | | **Total** | **124,920** | **37,736** | Segment Results Summary (For the six months ended June 30, 2022) | Segment | External Revenue (HKD thousands) | Reportable Segment Profit (HKD thousands) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | e-Commerce | 85,627 | 29,855 | | Identity Management | 22,274 | 2,430 | | Other Services | 17,558 | 9,257 | | **Total** | **125,459** | **41,542** | [Taxation](index=12&type=section&id=Taxation) For the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Group's income tax expense was **HKD 5.34 million**, higher than **HKD 3.01 million** in the prior period, primarily due to increased current tax and a larger deferred tax credit in the comparative period Composition of Income Tax Expense | Item | For the six months ended June 30, 2023 (HKD thousands) | For the six months ended June 30, 2022 (HKD thousands) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Current Tax - Hong Kong Profits Tax | 5,264 | 6,414 | | Deferred Tax | 80 | (3,403) | | **Income Tax Expense** | **5,344** | **3,011** | - The Group's Hong Kong Profits Tax is calculated under a two-tiered tax rate system, with the first **HKD 2 million** of assessable profits taxed at **8.25%** and the remainder at **16.5%**[65](index=65&type=chunk)[90](index=90&type=chunk) [Earnings Per Share](index=13&type=section&id=Earnings%20Per%20Share) For the six months ended June 30, 2023, basic earnings per share was **4.89 HK cents**, higher than **1.83 HK cents** in the prior period, with diluted earnings per share being the same as basic earnings per share due to the absence of dilutive potential ordinary shares during the period - Basic earnings per share is calculated based on profit attributable to equity holders of the Company of **HKD 38,840,000** and the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding of **794,634,000**[66](index=66&type=chunk) - Diluted earnings per share calculation considers the potential dilutive effect of share option schemes, but it is the same as basic earnings per share due to no dilutive effect during the period[92](index=92&type=chunk)[161](index=161&type=chunk) Other Information [Corporate Governance](index=24&type=section&id=Corporate%20Governance) The company is committed to maintaining high corporate governance standards, complying with all code provisions of the Corporate Governance Code in Appendix 14 of the Listing Rules during the reporting period, with the interim results reviewed by external auditors and the audit committee, though unaudited - The company confirms continuous compliance with all code provisions of the Corporate Governance Code for the six months ended June 30, 2023[152](index=152&type=chunk) - All Directors complied with the Model Code for Securities Transactions by Directors of Listed Issuers during the period[157](index=157&type=chunk) - The interim financial report, though unaudited, has been reviewed by the company's external auditor, KPMG, and the company's Audit Committee[173](index=173&type=chunk) [Share-related Information](index=16&type=section&id=Share-related%20Information) During the reporting period, neither the company nor its subsidiaries purchased, sold, or redeemed any of the company's listed securities, while the company's 2014 share option scheme saw options granted during the period - For the six months ended June 30, 2023, neither the company nor any of its subsidiaries purchased, sold, or redeemed any of the company's listed securities[179](index=179&type=chunk) - The company adopted a share option scheme on May 9, 2014, and granted **6,800,000** share options to directors, senior management, and employees on April 21, 2023[79](index=79&type=chunk) - To qualify for the interim dividend, share transfers must be registered by 4:30 p.m. on September 22, 2023[133](index=133&type=chunk)
贸易通(00536) - 2022 - 年度财报
2023-04-11 08:37
Risk Management and Internal Controls - The Company conducted a gap analysis and evaluation of the effectiveness of its risk management system using ISO31000:2018 as a basis for comparison[13]. - The internal auditor performed audit tests to verify the effectiveness of the Company's internal controls, with no significant deficiencies identified during the year[13]. - The Audit Committee received a review report in 2022 regarding the effectiveness of the risk management and internal control systems, which was reported to the Board[9]. - The Company has assessed its internal control system with reference to the COSO internal control framework, focusing on five key elements[4]. - The Company has a structured approach to risk management and internal controls, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations[20]. - The Board acknowledges its overall responsibility for the Group's risk management and internal control systems, which are designed to manage rather than eliminate risks[86]. - The risk management framework is based on the principles outlined in the international standard ISO31000, integrating risk management activities into business planning and operations[88]. - The risk management process includes six steps: establishing scope, risk assessment, risk treatment, monitoring and review, recording and reporting, and communication and consultation[88]. - The Company has established a monitoring and reporting regime to ensure the effectiveness of risk treatments[82]. - The Board reviews the effectiveness of risk management systems annually, covering financial, operational, and compliance controls[86]. Corporate Governance - The Company has implemented internal policies to govern dealings in its shares by Directors and staff, ensuring compliance with inside information regulations[17]. - The external auditors communicated with the Audit Committee regarding significant audit findings and deficiencies identified during their audit[9]. - The Company confirmed compliance with all corporate governance code provisions during the year ended December 31, 2022[73]. - The Corporate Governance Committee consists of five Independent Non-executive Directors, ensuring good corporate governance functions[107]. - The Corporate Governance Committee's main responsibilities include upholding good corporate governance functions for the Company and its subsidiaries[107]. - The Company conducts an annual evaluation of board independence, ensuring that independent non-executive directors (INEDs) continue to provide independent judgments[95]. - The role of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer is separate, ensuring a balance of power and authority within the Board[95]. - The Company receives confirmations from all INEDs regarding their independence as per the Listing Rules[95]. - The Audit Committee met twice in 2022, with 100% attendance from all members[102]. - The Corporate Governance Committee held two meetings in 2022, with a 100% attendance rate from all members[110]. Board Composition and Diversity - As of December 31, 2022, the Board consists of three Executive Directors, four Non-executive Directors, and five Independent Non-executive Directors, meeting the requirement of at least one-third independent members[30]. - The diversity profile of the Board includes a mix of genders and age groups, contributing to a well-rounded governance structure[38]. - The Board currently has two female directors, representing 16.7% of the total board composition, aligning with the market average in Hong Kong[126]. - The gender ratio in the workforce for 2022 was documented, reflecting the company's commitment to diversity[129]. - The Nomination Committee adopted a new policy for board diversity, limiting the tenure of new Independent Non-executive Directors to a maximum of 9 years[125]. - The company plans to phase out existing Independent Non-executive Directors who have served for more than nine years[125]. - The gender ratio across the entire workforce is 1.26:1 (male to female), while senior management has a balanced ratio of 1:1[136]. Shareholder Communication - The Company has established a Shareholders Communication Policy to enhance communication with shareholders and investors[196]. - The Board reviewed the effectiveness of the Shareholders Communication Policy during the year and expressed satisfaction[196]. - Shareholders can choose to receive corporate communications either through the website or in printed form[196]. - Regular newsletters on the Company's latest business developments are published on the Company's website[196]. - A free subscription service is available for email notifications regarding major updates on investor information[196]. - Shareholders can submit inquiries regarding other matters as outlined in the Shareholders Communication Policy[198]. Financial Performance and Audit - The Company has arranged appropriate Directors' and Officers' liability insurance with coverage of HK$100 million during the year[95]. - The external auditors, KPMG, attended the 2022 AGM to confirm the audited financial statements and answer shareholder questions[89]. - The audit fee paid to KPMG in 2022 was HK$1.03 million, a slight decrease from HK$1.04 million in 2021[105]. - The non-audit related service fee paid to KPMG in 2022 was HK$0.08 million, down from HK$0.09 million in 2021[105]. - The Audit Committee reviewed the Group's financial statements for 2021 and interim financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2022[103]. - The Directors confirmed that appropriate accounting policies have been consistently applied in preparing the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022[89]. Company Mission and Vision - The mission of the company is to empower clients with business-enabled e-solutions for their commercial and financial activities[79]. - The vision of the company is to promote a prosperous Hong Kong where companies and people can readily achieve and enjoy the benefits of digital efficiency[79]. - Tradelink aims to continue serving Hong Kong's trading community by providing comprehensive, secure, and reliable e-commerce services[173]. Risk Management Initiatives - An emergency response team was established in February 2020 to develop a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) to mitigate risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic[9]. - The Company has continuously monitored the COVID-19 situation and made necessary adjustments to its BCP and policies[9]. - The Company is committed to continuous monitoring of risks and ensuring appropriate risk treatments are embedded into daily operations[82]. - The risk management activities are tailored to the specific needs of different business departments, acknowledging that the level of acceptable risk varies[84].
贸易通(00536) - 2022 - 年度业绩
2023-03-20 14:00
香港交易及結算所有限公司及香港聯合交易所有限公司對本公告的內容概不負責, 對其準確性或完整性亦不發表任何聲明,並明確表示,概不對因本公告全部或任 何部份內容而產生或因倚賴該等內容而引致的任何損失承擔任何責任。 Tradelink Electronic Commerce Limited 貿易通電子貿易有限公司 (於香港註冊成立之有限公司) (股份代號:536) 截至二零二二年十二月三十一日止年度 全年業績公告 貿易通電子貿易有限公司(「貿易通」或「本公司」)董事會(「董事會」)欣然公佈本 公司及其附屬公司(「本集團」)截至二零二二年十二月三十一日止年度的綜合業績。 財務概要 截至 截至 二零二二年 二零二一年 十二月三十一日 十二月三十一日 止年度 止年度 附註 (港幣千元) (港幣千元) 收益 3 258,815 273,825 經營溢利 80,094 90,986 本公司股權持有人應佔溢利 52,333 73,653 ...
贸易通(00536) - 2022 - 中期财报
2022-09-08 08:32
Financial Performance - The company recorded a revenue of HK$125.5 million for the first half of 2022, a decrease of 2.4% or HK$3.0 million compared to HK$128.5 million in the same period last year[24]. - Operating profit for the period was HK$37.3 million, down 3.4% or HK$1.3 million from HK$38.6 million in the previous year[24]. - Profit before tax decreased by 51.1% to HK$17.6 million, compared to HK$35.9 million in the first half of 2021[26]. - Profit for the period was HK$14.6 million, representing a decline of 51.5% or HK$15.4 million from HK$30.0 million in the same period last year[26]. - Basic earnings per share were HK$1.83, down from HK$3.78 in the previous year[18]. - The company declared an interim dividend of HK$1.83 per share, compared to HK$2.8 per share in the same period last year[19]. Segment Performance - The performance of the E-Commerce and Identity Management segments recorded negative results, while the Other Services segment saw an increase in revenue and profit[27]. - The E-Commerce segment's revenue decreased by 3.7% to HK$85.6 million, with a segment profit decline of 9.3% to HK$29.9 million[32]. - The IDM business revenue fell by 13.5% to HK$22.3 million, with a segment profit decrease of 14.8% to HK$2.4 million[33]. - The Other Services segment, including Smart PoS, reported a revenue increase of 26.9% to HK$17.6 million, with segment profit rising 32.3% to HK$9.3 million[34]. - The Supply Chain Solutions business saw a revenue increase of 71.8%, rising from HK$6.9 million to HK$11.9 million[32]. Asset and Liability Overview - Total assets as of June 30, 2022, were HK$524.6 million, down from HK$564.5 million at the end of 2021[20]. - Net assets decreased to HK$340.9 million from HK$378.6 million as of December 31, 2021[20]. - As of June 30, 2022, the Group had total cash and bank deposits of HK$199.0 million, down from HK$209.2 million as of 31 December 2021[94]. - The Group held investments in other financial assets with an aggregate carrying amount of HK$232.9 million as of 30 June 2022, down from HK$266.6 million as of 31 December 2021[94]. - The Group had no borrowings as of 30 June 2022, consistent with the position as of 31 December 2021[94]. Market Outlook - The outlook for the remainder of 2022 remains uncertain due to global economic tensions and the impact of the pandemic on supply chains[39]. - The GETS business outlook for the second half of 2022 is uncertain due to external factors such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, rising inflation, and new pandemic waves, which may negatively impact Hong Kong's economic performance[56]. - The company is cautiously optimistic about its three business segments, expecting improvements in Supply Chain Solutions and IDM for the remainder of the year[40]. - The anticipated shrinkage of the GETS business is expected to lead to a moderate drop in the overall E-Commerce business for 2022[62]. Investment Strategy - The Group's investment strategy has shifted to a prudent approach due to recent market volatility and global economic outlook[136]. - The Group's cash surplus reserves were parked in bank deposits and other financial assets to improve yield during volatile market conditions[134]. - The Group fully disposed of its investment in corporate bonds measured at fair value through other comprehensive income during the period[94]. Employee and Director Compensation - The Group's remuneration policy includes various commission, incentive, and bonus schemes to motivate staff performance[139]. - The Share Option Scheme 2014 allows the Board to grant options to employees and directors, with a limit of 1% of the company's issued shares to any one grantee in a 12-month period[147]. - The purpose of the Share Option Scheme 2014 is to attract and retain talent while providing incentives for employees and directors to promote the company's success[148]. Corporate Governance - The Company confirmed compliance with all provisions of the Corporate Governance Code during the six months ended 30 June 2022[187]. - All Directors attended the Board meetings held on 22 March 2022 and 21 June 2022, with a total of two meetings convened during the reporting period[190]. - The interim financial report for the six months ended 30 June 2022 was reviewed by the external auditor KPMG and the Audit Committee, although it was not audited[194].
贸易通(00536) - 2021 - 年度财报
2022-03-31 08:45
Financial Performance - Tradelink's revenue increased by 4.8% from HK$261.2 million in 2020 to HK$273.8 million in 2021[37] - Profit from operations decreased slightly from HK$92.7 million in 2020 to HK$87.1 million in 2021[15] - Profit attributable to equity shareholders was HK$72.8 million in 2021, down from HK$73.7 million in 2020[16] - The total assets of the company increased from HK$564.5 million in 2020 to HK$586.2 million in 2021[17] - The net profit margin for 2021 was 26.9%, a decrease from 27.9% in 2020[21] - The proposed final dividend for 2021 is HK$6.45 per share, compared to HK$7.25 in 2020[19] - The effective tax rate decreased from 14.6% in 2020 to 11.6% in 2021[21] - The total profit for 2021 was HK$73.7 million, with a recommended final dividend of HK 6.45 cents per share, resulting in a total dividend of HK 9.25 cents per share for the year, a 0.5% increase from 2020[63] - The Group's after-tax profit for 2021 was HK$73.7 million, a slight increase of HK$0.9 million or 1.2% compared to 2020[116] Revenue Breakdown - E-commerce services accounted for 69% of total revenue, while identity management and other services contributed 20% and 11% respectively[26] - E-Commerce business revenue in 2021 was HK$188.4 million, an increase of 8.3% from HK$174.0 million in 2020, with segment profit rising 26.0% to HK$74.4 million[46] - Revenue from the GETS business increased by 11.1% year-on-year from HK$150.7 million in 2020 to HK$167.5 million in 2021[46] - Supply Chain Solutions revenue decreased by 10.3% to HK$20.9 million in 2021 from HK$23.3 million in 2020[50] - Other Services revenue surged by 34.2% to HK$31.6 million in 2021, with segment profit increasing by 53.9% to HK$15.4 million[50] - GETS-related services revenue rose by 26.8% to approximately HK$24.1 million in 2021 from HK$19.0 million in 2020[53] - IDM business revenue fell by 15.4% to HK$53.8 million in 2021, with segment profit down 45.2% to HK$9.7 million[53] - Smart PoS business revenue increased by 65% to HK$7.6 million in 2021 compared to HK$4.6 million in 2020[50] Market Trends and Challenges - The GETS market experienced a year-on-year growth of 21% in 2021, achieving the highest transaction volume in the last two decades[46] - The GETS business under E-Commerce is facing challenges due to a shift in transactions from shipper customers to major courier customers, which affects pricing power[55] - Despite external challenges, the company remains cautiously optimistic about its GETS business outlook in 2022, supported by a stable competitive environment[55] - The ongoing geopolitical tensions and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine are expected to have ramifications for global economies[55] - The global economy is expected to grow by 5.5% in 2021, but enters 2022 in a weaker position due to the COVID-19 Omicron variant and economic disruptions[55] Strategic Initiatives and Future Outlook - The Supply Chain Solutions business is expected to see moderate growth in 2022, driven by increasing recurrent revenue and strong customer references[58] - The IDM business is anticipated to improve slightly in 2022 as businesses adapt to a hybrid work model[58] - The Smart PoS business outlook for 2022 is uncertain due to renewed mobility restrictions from the COVID-19 Omicron variant[60] - The company is exploring new partnerships and researching new technology to enhance its IDM products, particularly in the cybersecurity space[58] - The company is making efforts to shift some shipper customers back to using its services directly[55] Corporate Governance and Risk Management - The Company confirmed compliance with all code provisions in the Corporate Governance Code during the year ended December 31, 2021[174] - The Group's risk management framework is designed based on the principles outlined in the international standard ISO31000[179] - The Board acknowledges its overall responsibility for the Group's risk management and internal control systems[178] - An internal auditor conducted a gap analysis and evaluation of the effectiveness of the risk management system using ISO31000:2018 as a comparison basis[195] - The Audit Committee reviewed the effectiveness of the risk management and internal control systems, concluding that they are adequate and effective for the reporting year, with no significant control failings identified[195] Leadership and Workforce - The company employs approximately 20,000 employees, indicating a significant workforce size[1] - The company has a strong board with members possessing over 30 years of experience in financial management and planning[166] - The board includes professionals with backgrounds in major corporations like PepsiCo and ExxonMobil, indicating a wealth of industry knowledge[166] - The Group employed 267 staff as of December 31, 2021, with related staff costs amounting to HK$122.3 million, an increase from HK$120.8 million in 2020[146] Financial Assets and Investments - The Group held a diversified portfolio of investments in financial products with an aggregate carrying amount of HK$266.6 million as of December 31, 2021[118] - The Group's total financial assets measured at FVPL included listed debt and equity securities valued at HK$161.19 million[122] - The Group recorded interest income from listed debt securities measured at FVOCI of HK$2.8 million in 2021, down from HK$8.5 million in 2020[124] - The Group's investments in units in investment funds amounted to HK$95.98 million as of December 31, 2021[122]