Financial Performance - Revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2019, was HK$1,718,656,000, a decrease of 11.98% from HK$1,953,247,000 in the same period of 2018[9] - Gross profit for the period was HK$682,093,000, down 28.38% from HK$952,419,000 in the previous year[9] - Profit for the period attributable to owners of the Company was HK$401,180,000, a decrease of 26.39% compared to HK$545,354,000 in 2018[10] - Basic earnings per share for the period was 48.6 HK cents, down from 66.1 HK cents in the same period last year[10] - Total comprehensive income for the period attributable to owners of the Company was HK$392,015,000, compared to HK$534,754,000 in 2018, reflecting a decline of 26.67%[10] - The profit for the period was impacted by a decrease in directors' emoluments to HK$26,027 from HK$27,378, a reduction of 4.9%[43] - The Group's net profit for the same period was approximately HK$401 million, representing a decrease of 26.4% year-on-year[92] Income and Expenses - Other income increased to HK$85,426,000 from HK$44,797,000, representing an increase of 90.67% year-on-year[9] - Finance costs decreased to HK$41,027,000 from HK$45,279,000, indicating a reduction of 9.93%[9] - The Group's current tax expense for the period was HK$61,554, down 37.9% from HK$99,093 in the same period of 2018[42] - Total staff costs increased to HK$153,506 from HK$145,480, reflecting a rise of 5.5%[43] - Selling and distribution expenses were approximately HK$107 million, representing 6.2% of total revenue, an increase from 5.6% in the previous period[95] - General and administrative expenses decreased to approximately HK$84 million, representing 4.9% of total revenue, compared to 5.4% in the same period last year[96] Assets and Liabilities - As of June 30, 2019, total assets less current liabilities amounted to HK$4,652,309,000, an increase from HK$4,513,593,000 as of December 31, 2018, reflecting a growth of approximately 3.1%[12] - Net current assets decreased to HK$138,033,000 from HK$194,857,000, indicating a decline of about 29.2%[12] - The company's net assets increased to HK$3,763,196,000, up from HK$3,478,665,000, representing a growth of approximately 8.2%[12] - Bank borrowings due within one year rose to HK$1,045,963,000 from HK$926,519,000, an increase of about 12.9%[12] - Inventories decreased significantly to HK$414,003,000 from HK$585,919,000, a reduction of approximately 29.3%[12] - Total trade and other payables amounted to HK$393.41 million, a decrease from HK$425.46 million at the end of 2018[59] Cash Flow - Net cash from operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2019, was HK$538,230,000, an increase of 15.1% compared to HK$467,306,000 for the same period in 2018[14] - Net cash used in investing activities amounted to HK$352,052,000, up from HK$257,981,000 in the previous year, reflecting a significant increase in investment expenditures[14] - Net cash used in financing activities decreased to HK$185,782,000 from HK$317,382,000, indicating improved cash flow management in financing[14] - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period were HK$591,245,000, compared to HK$333,479,000 at the end of the same period last year, representing a substantial increase of 77.3%[14] - Dividends paid decreased to HK$123,750,000 from HK$165,000,000, reflecting a more conservative approach to cash distribution[14] Shareholder Information - As of June 30, 2019, Ms. Kwok Ching Yee Lorinda holds 495,000,000 shares, representing 60% of the issued share capital of the Company[115] - Dr. Lee Wan Keung Patrick holds 123,750,000 shares, representing 15% of the issued share capital of the Company[115] - The Company declared an interim dividend of HK$0.18 per share for the six months ended June 30, 2019, down from HK$0.23 per share in 2018, totaling HK$148.5 million compared to HK$189.75 million in the previous year[46] Compliance and Governance - The Company has complied with the Corporate Governance Code throughout the six months ended June 30, 2019[118] - All members of the Board confirmed compliance with the Model Code for Securities Transactions throughout the six months ended June 30, 2019[117] - The Audit Committee reviewed the Group's unaudited interim results for the six months ended June 30, 2019[119] - The Remuneration Committee and Nomination Committee have been established in compliance with the Code, consisting of independent non-executive directors[120][121] Strategic Initiatives - The Company continues to focus on enhancing its product offerings and market expansion strategies to drive future growth[8] - The Group plans to begin sales of commercialized hydrogen in the third quarter of 2019, contributing to the development of hydrogen fuel cells[87] - Trial production of internally-developed lithium battery electrolyte additives is expected to begin in December 2019[87] - The company continues to invest in production automation and intelligent management to counter rising human resource costs[88]

[Corporate Information](index=2&type=section&id=Corporate%20Information) [Board of Directors and Committees](index=3&type=section&id=Board%20of%20Directors%20and%20Committees) The report details the composition of the company's Board of Directors, Audit Committee, Remuneration Committee, and Nomination Committee, ensuring independent and professional corporate governance - The company's Board of Directors comprises **four executive and three independent non-executive directors**, with key committee chairs held by independent non-executive directors[3](index=3&type=chunk)[4](index=4&type=chunk) [Chairman's Statement](index=4&type=section&id=Chairman%27s%20Statement) [Business Review and Prospects](index=5&type=section&id=Business%20Review%20and%20Prospects) In 2018, the Group achieved double-digit growth in revenue and net profit driven by strong demand and high product prices, while managing costs and expanding into new energy products with intelligent management 2018 Key Financial Indicators | Metric | 2018 | YoY Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Revenue | HKD 3.877 billion | +30.4% | | Net Profit | HKD 872 million | +24.1% | | Gross Margin | 46.8% | -0.3 percentage points | | Net Profit Margin | 22.5% | -1.1 percentage points | - During the year, new production lines for styrene-acrylic sizing agent in Jiangsu and caustic soda and hydrogen peroxide in Jiangxi successfully commenced operations, capturing strong demand for downstream chemical products[11](index=11&type=chunk)[14](index=14&type=chunk) - The Group is constructing a new plant in Zhuhai for lithium-ion battery electrolyte additives, expected to commence production by **end of 2019**, marking expansion into new energy products[12](index=12&type=chunk)[15](index=15&type=chunk) - The company is progressively implementing intelligent management, integrating operational data via ERP systems to enhance efficiency, monitoring, and cost control[13](index=13&type=chunk)[15](index=15&type=chunk) [Management Discussion and Analysis](index=6&type=section&id=Management%20Discussion%20and%20Analysis) [Results of Operation](index=7&type=section&id=Results%20of%20Operation) In 2018, the Group achieved significant revenue and net profit growth driven by increased sales volumes and prices of key products, despite rising production costs and a **HKD 35 million** net exchange loss from RMB depreciation 2018 Performance Overview | Metric | 2018 | 2017 | YoY Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Revenue | HKD 3.877 billion | HKD 2.974 billion | +30.4% | | Profit Attributable to Shareholders | HKD 872 million | HKD 703 million | +24.1% | | Basic Earnings Per Share | 105.8 HK cents | 85.2 HK cents | +24.2% | Average Selling Price and Production Volume of Key Products | Product | Average Selling Price (RMB/ton) | YoY Change | 2018 Production Volume (tons) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Caustic Soda | Approx. 1,100 | -1% | Approx. 490,000 | | Dichloromethane | Approx. 3,600 | +27% | Approx. 310,000 (Chloromethane) | | Chloroform | Approx. 3,100 | +42% | Approx. 310,000 (Chloromethane) | | PTFE | Approx. 64,000 | +14% | Approx. 7,000 | | Hydrogen Peroxide | - | - | Approx. 220,000 | - Despite increased product selling prices, rising production costs led to a slight decrease in gross margin from **47.1% to 46.8%** and net margin from **23.6% to 22.5%**[26](index=26&type=chunk)[29](index=29&type=chunk) - Research and development costs amounted to **HKD 158 million**, representing approximately **4% of total revenue**, indicating continuous investment in new product development and process optimization[32](index=32&type=chunk)[36](index=36&type=chunk) [Liquidity, Financial Resources and Capital Structure](index=9&type=section&id=Liquidity%2C%20Financial%20Resources%20and%20Capital%20Structure) As of **end of 2018**, the Group maintained a robust financial position with total equity increasing to **HKD 3.479 billion**, a significantly improved net debt-to-equity ratio of **36.83%**, and strong liquidity despite a lower current ratio Capital Structure and Liquidity Ratios (As of Year-End) | Metric | 2018 | 2017 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total Equity Attributable to Shareholders | HKD 3.479 billion | HKD 3.094 billion | | Current Ratio | 1.13 | 1.36 | | Outstanding Bank Borrowings | HKD 1.874 billion | HKD 2.171 billion | | Bank Balances and Cash | HKD 593 million | HKD 468 million | | Net Debt-to-Equity Ratio | 36.83% | 55.04% | Working Capital Turnover Days | Metric | 2018 | 2017 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Inventory Turnover Days | 88 days | 76 days | | Accounts Receivable Turnover Days | 28 days | 37 days | | Accounts Payable Turnover Days | 27 days | 32 days | [Key Risks and Uncertainties](index=10&type=section&id=Key%20Risks%20and%20Uncertainties) The company addresses key risks including industry-specific safety, customer credit, liquidity, currency, and interest rate risks through robust management systems, credit control, and prudent financial monitoring - Industry Risk: The company's handling of hazardous chemicals poses risks of equipment damage or operational errors, mitigated by regular equipment maintenance, standardized safety management, and emergency drills[48](index=48&type=chunk)[52](index=52&type=chunk) - Credit Risk: To mitigate bad debt risk, the Group implements dedicated credit limit setting, approval, and monitoring procedures, alongside regular reviews of accounts receivable recoverability[49](index=49&type=chunk)[53](index=53&type=chunk) - Liquidity, Currency, and Interest Rate Risks: The Group manages these financial risks by monitoring cash levels, closely overseeing borrowing utilization, and considering hedging when necessary[54](index=54&type=chunk)[55](index=55&type=chunk) [Corporate Governance Report](index=11&type=section&id=Corporate%20Governance%20Report) [Board and Committee Structure](index=13&type=section&id=Board%20and%20Committee%20Structure) The company's Board comprises four executive and three independent non-executive directors, exceeding the one-third independent director requirement, with key committees ensuring independent and effective governance - The Board of Directors consists of **four executive directors and three independent non-executive directors**, with independent directors comprising over one-third and possessing expertise in law, accounting, and financial management[65](index=65&type=chunk)[66](index=66&type=chunk) - The Audit Committee, composed of three independent non-executive directors, reviews financial reporting, internal controls, and risk management systems, holding **three meetings** during the year with full attendance[77](index=77&type=chunk)[79](index=79&type=chunk)[81](index=81&type=chunk) - The Remuneration Committee, entirely composed of independent non-executive directors, advises the Board on director and senior management remuneration policies, with all members attending meetings held during the year[82](index=82&type=chunk)[84](index=84&type=chunk) - The Nomination Committee, comprising the Chairman and three independent non-executive directors, reviews Board composition, nominates directors, and assesses independence, holding **one meeting** during the year with full attendance[87](index=87&type=chunk)[88](index=88&type=chunk) [Risk Management and Internal Control](index=21&type=section&id=Risk%20Management%20and%20Internal%20Control) The Group maintains a three-tiered risk management framework, supported by external internal audit services, with the Board annually reviewing and confirming the effectiveness of its risk management and internal control systems - The Group has established a three-tiered risk management framework: the Board (overall responsibility), the Audit Committee, and the Risk Management Team (senior management)[103](index=103&type=chunk)[108](index=108&type=chunk) - The Group engages independent professional firms to provide internal audit services, assisting the Board and Audit Committee in continuous oversight of risk management and internal control systems[105](index=105&type=chunk)[108](index=108&type=chunk) - The Board has conducted an annual review of the **2018** risk management and internal control systems, confirming their effectiveness[106](index=106&type=chunk)[109](index=109&type=chunk) [Investor Relations and Communication](index=23&type=section&id=Investor%20Relations%20and%20Communication) The company prioritizes timely information disclosure and shareholder engagement through AGMs, implementing a clear dividend policy to provide stable and sustainable returns based on financial performance and future plans - The company adopted a dividend policy on **January 1, 2019**, aiming to pay stable dividends, with decisions considering financial performance, cash flow, business conditions, future development plans, and overall shareholder interests[120](index=120&type=chunk)[124](index=124&type=chunk)[125](index=125&type=chunk) [Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report](index=24&type=section&id=Environmental%2C%20Social%20and%20Governance%20%28ESG%29%20Report) [A. Environmental Protection](index=27&type=section&id=A.%20Environmental%20Protection) The Group prioritizes environmental protection, significantly reducing emissions through technological upgrades, achieving energy efficiency leadership, and implementing water conservation and noise control measures 2018 Key Emission Indicators | Pollutant | 2018 (tons) | 2017 (tons) | Reason for Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) | 430.3 | 477.8 | - | | Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) | 128.2 | 348.4 | Jiangxi power plant desulfurization tower ultra-low emission upgrade completed and operational | | Particulate Matter (Dust) | 57.5 | 124.7 | Jiangxi power plant desulfurization tower ultra-low emission upgrade completed and operational | | Hazardous Waste | 2,341.4 | 1,565.1 | Increase in waste activated alumina after capacity expansion | - Through technological innovation, the company's unit energy consumption for key products, chloromethane and caustic soda, surpasses national advanced and industry average levels, earning recognition as a **Jiangsu Province Energy Efficiency Leader**[141](index=141&type=chunk)[142](index=142&type=chunk) - By enhancing wastewater recycling, the Jiangsu plant achieved a **98.62%** water reuse rate for the entire facility, earning the title of **"Jiangsu Province Water-Saving Enterprise"**[163](index=163&type=chunk)[165](index=165&type=chunk) [B. Social Responsibility](index=36&type=section&id=B.%20Social%20Responsibility) The Group emphasizes talent development, employee well-being, and robust health and safety management, while actively engaging in community investment and upholding strict standards in supply chain, product responsibility, and anti-corruption - As of **end of 2018**, the Group employed approximately **1,950 staff**, with management, R&D, and technical personnel accounting for about **80%** of the total, and employees under **30 years old comprising over 60%**[174](index=174&type=chunk)[176](index=176&type=chunk)[178](index=178&type=chunk) 2018 Health and Safety Performance | Metric | 2018 | 2017 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Fatalities | 0 | 1 | | Work-related Injuries | 1 case | 5 cases | | Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) | 0.36 | 1.26 | - The Group provides systematic training to employees, with an average of **74 training hours per person in 2018**, covering production skills, safety regulations, and management knowledge[195](index=195&type=chunk)[196](index=196&type=chunk) - The company actively fulfills its community responsibilities through diverse community investment activities, including public safety campaigns, establishing high school student internship bases, sponsoring international half marathons, and supporting local poverty alleviation projects[205](index=205&type=chunk)[206](index=206&type=chunk)[209](index=209&type=chunk)[211](index=211&type=chunk) [Directors' Report](index=54&type=section&id=Directors%27%20Report) [Results and Appropriations](index=55&type=section&id=Results%20and%20Appropriations) During the reporting period, the company paid an interim dividend of **HKD 0.23 per share** and proposed a final dividend of **HKD 0.15 per share**, totaling **HKD 0.38 per share** for the full year 2018 Dividend Distribution | Dividend Type | Amount (Per Share) | Total Amount (HKD) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Interim Dividend Paid | 23 HK cents | 189,750,000 | | Proposed Final Dividend | 15 HK cents | 123,750,000 | [Connected Transactions](index=59&type=section&id=Connected%20Transactions) The Group engaged in ongoing connected transactions with LMP Group for steam, electricity, property leasing, and chemical product sales, all within annual caps and confirmed to be on normal commercial terms, fair, and reasonable 2018 Overview of Major Continuing Connected Transactions | Transaction Type | Counterparty | 2018 Annual Cap (RMB) | 2018 Actual Amount (HKD) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Supply of Steam and Electricity | Jiangsu Paper (LMP) | 80,000,000 | 74,997,000 | | Purchase of Steam and Electricity | Jiangxi Chemical (The Group) | 90,000,000 | 72,247,000 | | Lease of Property (Lessee) | Jiangsu Paper (LMP) | 5,000,000 | 1,939,000 | | Lease of Property (Lessor) | Jiangxi Chemical (The Group) | 5,000,000 | 2,524,000 | | Sale of Chemical Products | The Group | 110,000,000 | 108,796,000 | [Major Customers and Suppliers](index=67&type=section&id=Major%20Customers%20and%20Suppliers) The Group maintains a diversified customer base with low concentration, while its supplier base is more concentrated, with the top five suppliers accounting for **48%** of total purchases - Low Customer Concentration: Sales to the **top five customers accounted for less than 20%** of total revenue[285](index=285&type=chunk)[291](index=291&type=chunk) - High Supplier Concentration: Purchases from the **top five suppliers accounted for approximately 48%** of total purchases, with the largest supplier representing approximately **23%**[285](index=285&type=chunk)[289](index=289&type=chunk) [Financial Statements and Summary](index=73&type=section&id=Financial%20Statements%20and%20Summary) [Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive Income](index=73&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Statement%20of%20Profit%20or%20Loss%20and%20Other%20Comprehensive%20Income) For FY2018, the Group reported **HKD 3.877 billion** in revenue, a **30.4% increase**, with net profit rising **24.1% to HKD 872 million**, despite a slight decline in gross and net margins 2018 Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss Key Data (HKD Thousands) | Item | 2018 | 2017 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Revenue | 3,876,777 | 2,973,747 | | Gross Profit | 1,815,226 | 1,399,177 | | Profit Before Tax | 1,156,933 | 930,961 | | Profit for the Year | 872,375 | 703,021 | | **Profit Attributable to Owners of the Company** | **872,641** | **703,053** | | Basic Earnings Per Share (HK cents) | 105.8 | 85.2 | [Consolidated Statement of Financial Position](index=74&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Statement%20of%20Financial%20Position) As of **end of 2018**, the Group's total assets reached **HKD 6.055 billion**, with total equity increasing to **HKD 3.479 billion**, reflecting a strengthened capital structure and improved liquidity despite a lower current ratio 2018 Consolidated Statement of Financial Position Key Data (HKD Thousands) | Item | 2018 | 2017 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Assets** | | | | Non-current Assets | 4,318,736 | 4,325,914 | | Current Assets | 1,735,844 | 1,529,561 | | **Total Assets** | **6,054,580** | **5,855,475** | | **Liabilities and Equity** | | | | Current Liabilities | 1,540,987 | 1,121,131 | | Non-current Liabilities | 1,034,928 | 1,639,910 | | **Total Liabilities** | **2,575,915** | **2,761,041** | | **Total Equity** | **3,478,665** | **3,094,434** | [Financial Summary](index=187&type=section&id=Financial%20Summary) The five-year financial summary highlights the Group's significant revenue and profit growth in **2018**, reaching a five-year high, alongside steady asset growth and declining liabilities, indicating a robust and optimizing financial structure Five-Year Financial Summary (HKD Millions) | Item | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Revenue | 1,560 | 1,706 | 1,814 | 2,974 | 3,877 | | Profit for the Year | 330 | 270 | 216 | 703 | 872 | | Total Assets | 4,714 | 4,622 | 4,752 | 5,855 | 6,055 | | Total Liabilities | 2,416 | 2,276 | 2,410 | 2,761 | 2,576 | | Total Equity | 2,298 | 2,346 | 2,342 | 3,094 | 3,479 |