Financial Performance - Total gas sales volume reached 1.082 billion cubic meters, an increase of 11.8% compared to 0.968 billion cubic meters in the same period last year[3]. - Revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2023, was RMB 3.967 billion, up 5.9% from RMB 3.445 billion in the same period last year[4]. - Core profit for the half-year was RMB 223 million, a decrease of 8.0% from RMB 243 million in the same period last year; excluding the impact of gasification rural business, core profit increased by 24.2% to RMB 221 million from RMB 178 million[3]. - Operating profit was RMB 452 million, an increase from RMB 401 million in the previous year[4]. - The net profit for the period was RMB 197,630,000, up from RMB 186,279,000 in the previous year, indicating a growth of 6.8%[14]. - The company's gross profit for the same period was RMB 622,106,000, up 2.7% from RMB 605,712,000 year-on-year[49]. - Net profit attributable to the owners of the company reached RMB 186,651,000, reflecting a 9.1% increase from RMB 171,111,000 in the previous year[49]. - The company's gross profit margin improved to 12.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to 11.0% in the previous year[14]. Dividends - The board declared an interim dividend of RMB 0.0682 per share[3]. - The interim dividend for the six months ended June 30, 2023, is set at RMB 0.0682 per share, totaling RMB 66,965,000, compared to RMB 75,050,000 for the same period in 2022[43]. - The company declared a final dividend of RMB 0.11 per share for the year ended December 31, 2022, totaling approximately RMB 89,179,000, which is lower than the previous year's dividend of RMB 0.1457 per share[43]. Assets and Liabilities - Total assets as of June 30, 2023, amounted to RMB 16.145 billion, compared to RMB 15.959 billion as of December 31, 2022[6]. - Non-current assets totaled RMB 10.089 billion, an increase from RMB 9.977 billion at the end of 2022[6]. - Current assets reached RMB 6.056 billion, compared to RMB 5.982 billion at the end of 2022[6]. - Total equity increased to RMB 6.011 billion from RMB 5.823 billion at the end of 2022[7]. - The total borrowings as of June 30, 2023, amounted to RMB 7,491,225,000, an increase from RMB 7,203,064,000 as of December 31, 2022, reflecting a growth of approximately 4.0%[36]. - The accounts payable as of June 30, 2023, totaled RMB 890,660,000, a decrease from RMB 1,161,991,000 as of December 31, 2022, representing a decline of approximately 23.3%[40]. Revenue Breakdown - Retail business revenue was RMB 2,581,431,000, accounting for 65.0% of total revenue, while wholesale business revenue was RMB 620,902,000, contributing 15.7%[13]. - Wholesale business revenue surged by 50.4% to RMB 621 million, compared to RMB 413 million in the previous year[54]. - The company's value-added services revenue reached RMB 153 million, an 11.3% increase from RMB 137 million in the same period last year[51]. - The gross profit from value-added services was RMB 76 million, up 24.7% from RMB 61 million year-on-year[51]. Costs and Expenses - The total cost of materials used was RMB 2,861,377,000, an increase from RMB 2,691,555,000 in the prior year, reflecting a rise of 6.3%[17]. - The company incurred financial costs of RMB (191,302,000) for the period, compared to RMB (137,210,000) in the same period last year, indicating an increase in financial expenses[14]. - Interest expenses on borrowings increased by 36.4% to RMB 203 million compared to the same period last year[62]. - Financial expenses netted to RMB 196,719 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2023, up from RMB 142,574 thousand in the same period of 2022, representing an increase of about 38%[19]. Customer and Market Insights - Revenue from a single external customer was approximately RMB 243,213,000, representing 6.1% of total revenue, down from 11.4% in the previous year[15]. - The total number of new pipeline gas users added was 148,894, a decrease of 22.4% compared to 191,986 in the same period last year[49]. - The cumulative number of pipeline gas users reached 5,443,209, which is a 6.1% increase from 5,130,628 users year-on-year[49]. Future Outlook and Strategy - The company plans to enhance its core competitiveness and market visibility by expanding value-added services and improving product quality[64]. - The outlook for the second half of 2023 anticipates stable recovery in natural gas demand driven by economic recovery and favorable energy policies[63]. - The company is focused on optimizing gas sources and improving emergency supply capabilities to ensure stable gas supply amid rising domestic demand[50]. Corporate Governance - The company has adopted the corporate governance code as per the listing rules during the reporting period[70]. - The audit committee, consisting of three independent non-executive directors, reviewed the announcement and the unaudited consolidated financial statements for the reporting period[70]. - The mid-term report will be published on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the company's website in due course[71].

Share Incentive Plan - The total number of shares allocated under the share incentive plan is 37,683,855 shares, accounting for approximately 3.73% of the company's issued share capital as of the annual report date [4]. - As of the announcement date, 12,817,500 shares have been acquired by an independent trustee under the share incentive plan [4]. - No share incentives have been granted under the share incentive plan from December 31, 2022, to the announcement date [4]. - The maximum number of shares that can be granted to selected participants under the share incentive plan cannot exceed 1% of the company's issued share capital in any 12-month period [4]. - The share incentive plan will remain valid and effective until the tenth anniversary of the adoption date, which is approximately eight years remaining [4].

Financial Performance - Tian Lun Gas Holdings Limited reported a revenue increase of 15% year-over-year, reaching HKD 1.2 billion for the fiscal year 2022[8]. - The company achieved a net profit of HKD 300 million, representing a 10% increase compared to the previous year[8]. - Total revenue for 2022 was RMB 7,542,859, a slight decrease from RMB 7,650,345 in 2021[31]. - Profit before income tax for 2022 was RMB 670,124, down from RMB 1,362,804 in 2021, with net profit for the year at RMB 469,272 compared to RMB 1,028,114 in 2021[31]. - The gross profit margin for 2022 was 18.5%, a decrease from 23.3% in 2021, while the net profit margin was 6.2% compared to 13.4% in 2021[34]. - For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Group recorded operating revenue of RMB 7,543 million, which was basically equal to the same period of last year[51]. - Revenue from gas retail business increased by 18.3% to RMB4,905 million, up from RMB4,146 million in the previous year[68]. - Revenue from engineering construction services decreased by 36.6% to RMB1,409 million, down from RMB2,222 million in the previous year[69]. - Revenue from gas wholesale business decreased by 14.9% to RMB826 million, down from RMB971 million in the previous year[69]. - The Group's revenue from other businesses, primarily from value-added services, increased by 29.2% to RMB403 million[74]. - The total dividend for the year ended 31 December 2022 amounts to RMB18.35 cents per share, which includes an interim dividend of RMB7.35 cents per share[147]. Market Expansion and Strategy - The company plans to expand its market presence in the Greater Bay Area, targeting a 25% increase in market share by 2025[8]. - The company plans to expand its market presence and enhance its service offerings in the coming years[35]. - The company is exploring potential acquisitions in the renewable energy sector to diversify its portfolio[8]. - The Group aims to achieve business growth through internal growth, strategic investments, and acquisitions, with potential adjustments to strategies based on market conditions[134]. - The Group plans to enhance cooperation with government platforms and large state-owned enterprises to expand clean energy operations in rural areas[58]. - The Group aims to focus on low-carbon energy business as a strategic direction in response to national energy transformation trends[58]. Customer and User Growth - User data showed a growth in customer base by 20%, with total users reaching 1.5 million[8]. - The Group added 350,737 residential users for the year ended 31 December 2022, bringing the cumulative number of residential users to 5,252,003 households[54]. - The total number of pipeline gas users increased to 5,294,315, representing a 7.2% growth compared to the previous year[61]. - The number of township residential users reached 1,942,692, showing a 3.6% increase year-on-year[61]. Environmental and Safety Initiatives - The company has outlined a strategic goal to achieve a 30% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030[8]. - The company established an ESG Committee in 2022 to improve governance structure and integrate ESG concepts into operational strategies[40]. - The Group has been actively promoting green measures and improving employees' awareness of environmental protection[138]. - The Group has adopted relevant environmental protection standards and measures to comply with laws and regulations related to environmental protection[137]. - The Group's urban gas operation and transmission business distributed a total of 2,671 million m³ of natural gas in 2022, helping to reduce emissions from approximately 4.452 million tons of coal[137]. Financial Health and Assets - Total assets increased to RMB 9,976,642 in 2022 from RMB 9,889,619 in 2021, with current assets rising to RMB 5,982,092[31]. - The current ratio improved to 117.7% in 2022 from 114.5% in 2021, indicating better short-term financial health[34]. - The company’s equity attributable to owners increased to RMB 5,507,945 in 2022 from RMB 5,218,179 in 2021[31]. - The Group's total borrowings as of 31 December 2022 amounted to RMB7,203 million, with a gearing ratio of 63.5%[80]. Governance and Management - The Company has adopted and complied with all code provisions of the Corporate Governance Code for the period from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2022[98]. - The audit committee reviewed and discussed the annual consolidated results and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2022[99]. - The external auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers, issued an unqualified opinion on the consolidated financial statements[100]. - The Group's strategic planning is led by Mr. Zhang Yingcen, who has over 26 years of management experience in the gas industry[102]. - The Group aims to enhance its organizational structure and promote refined management to improve leadership capabilities[44]. Shareholder Information - The final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2022 is recommended at RMB11.00 cents per share, down from RMB14.57 cents per share in 2021, with a total dividend of RMB18.35 cents per share including the interim dividend[89]. - The controlling shareholder agreed to withhold the undistributed final dividend of RMB18,829 thousand to support the Company's development[149]. - The Company has maintained a public float of not less than 25% as required by the Listing Rules[195]. - The Company has complied with the Corporate Governance Code throughout the year ended December 31, 2022[197]. Risks and Challenges - The Group is exposed to financial risks including foreign currency risk, interest rate risk, and liquidity risk, which are monitored by management[129]. - The Group's performance is influenced by various factors, including overall market and economic conditions, and will adjust development plans accordingly[133]. - The Group's management will consider delaying, revising, or abandoning growth strategies if market conditions change or insufficient funds are generated[134].

Dividends - The proposed final dividend for the year 2022 is RMB 0.11 per share, with total dividends for 2022 amounting to RMB 0.1835 per share[3] - The announcement clarifies a correction regarding the cumulative dividend per share for 2022, which was previously misstated[3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported its annual performance for 2022 during the earnings call, indicating a focus on financial results and key metrics [1] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Specific details regarding changes in various business lines were not provided in the document [1] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The document did not include information on market data or key metrics changes [1] Company Strategy and Development Direction and Industry Competition - The management team, including the Executive Director and CEO, participated in the earnings call, suggesting a commitment to discussing the company's strategic direction and competitive landscape [1] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management's insights on the operating environment and future prospects were not detailed in the document [1] Other Important Information - The earnings call was conducted online, emphasizing the company's adaptability in communication with investors and analysts [1] Q&A Session All Questions and Answers - The document does not contain any specific questions or answers from the Q&A session [1]

Financial Performance - Total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022, was RMB 7.543 billion, approximately flat compared to RMB 7.650 billion in the previous year[3] - The company's operating profit for the year was RMB 937 million, down from RMB 1.601 billion in the previous year[13] - The net profit attributable to the company's owners for the year was RMB 469 million, a decrease from RMB 1.028 billion in the previous year[15] - The company reported a net profit of RMB 469,272 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to RMB 1,028,114 thousand in 2021, indicating a significant decrease of approximately 54.4%[27] - Basic earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2022, was RMB 0.45, down 55% from RMB 1.00 in 2021[33] - The gross profit for the year was RMB 1.393 billion, a decrease of 21.7%, with an overall gross margin of 18.5%, down 4.8 percentage points[48] Revenue Breakdown - Gas sales revenue increased by 12.0% to RMB 5.731 billion, while value-added business revenue grew by 24.1% to RMB 333 million[3] - Retail gas sales volume reached 1.666 billion cubic meters, up 4.8% from 1.590 billion cubic meters in the same period last year[3] - Value-added business revenue reached RMB 333 million, a growth of 24.1% compared to RMB 268 million in the previous year[11] - Gas retail business revenue reached RMB 4.905 billion, an increase of 18.3% from RMB 4.146 billion in the previous year[45] - The revenue from other businesses, primarily value-added services, increased by 29.2% to RMB 403 million[47] User Growth and Engagement - The company added over 350,000 residential management users, bringing the total to over 5.25 million[3] - The total number of residential users increased by 350,737, bringing the cumulative number to 5,252,003 users[10] - The cumulative number of pipeline gas users increased by 7.2% to 5,294,315, with urban residential users growing by 9.3%[42] - The number of new pipeline gas users decreased by 44.7% to 355,673, with a significant drop in rural residential users by 80.4%[42] Strategic Initiatives - The company aims to enhance gas supply security through optimized gas network layout and interconnection with nearby gas companies[4] - In 2023, the company plans to focus on expanding green energy business and enhancing value-added services while ensuring stable gas supply[6] - The company aims to expand its low-carbon energy business as a key strategic direction, responding to national low-carbon development strategies[12] - The company plans to leverage government cooperation and enhance its clean energy operations in rural areas to support rural revitalization[12] - The company plans to upgrade its rural coal-to-gas projects to rural energy projects, focusing on low-carbon energy construction in rural areas[43] Financial Position - Total assets increased to RMB 15,958,734 thousand in 2022, up from RMB 15,104,836 thousand in 2021, representing a growth of 5.65%[17] - Total liabilities increased to RMB 10,136,064 thousand in 2022, up from RMB 9,576,462 thousand in 2021, which is an increase of 5.85%[19] - Total equity attributable to owners increased to RMB 5,507,945 thousand in 2022, from RMB 5,218,179 thousand in 2021, marking a rise of 5.56%[18] - Cash and cash equivalents reached RMB 1,340,135 thousand in 2022, compared to RMB 1,014,978 thousand in 2021, showing a significant increase of 32.06%[17] - The company’s borrowings increased to RMB 4,287,778 thousand in 2022, compared to RMB 4,247,647 thousand in 2021, reflecting a growth of 0.94%[19] - The group maintained a debt-to-asset ratio of 63.5% as of December 31, 2022[52] Expenses and Costs - The cost of materials and consumables used increased to RMB 5,278,145 thousand in 2022 from RMB 4,668,463 thousand in 2021, reflecting an increase of about 13%[28] - The company incurred financial expenses of RMB 313,414 thousand in 2022, compared to RMB 228,053 thousand in 2021, representing an increase of about 37.5%[29] - The company’s total expenses for sales, distribution, and administrative costs amounted to RMB 6,460,776 thousand in 2022, compared to RMB 6,146,099 thousand in 2021, reflecting an increase of approximately 5.1%[28] Corporate Governance and ESG - The company established an ESG committee in 2022 to integrate ESG principles into operational strategies[5] - The board of directors has adopted all provisions of the corporate governance code during the reporting period[61] Dividend and Shareholder Returns - Proposed final dividend for 2022 is RMB 0.11 per share, with total dividends for the year amounting to RMB 0.1856 per share[3] - The proposed final dividend for the year ended December 31, 2022, is RMB 0.11 per share, down from RMB 0.1457 per share in the previous year[58]

Financial Performance - Revenue for the first half of 2022 was RMB 3,744.71 million, a 4.0% increase from RMB 3,599.40 million in 2021, while gross profit decreased by 30.3% to RMB 605.71 million[16]. - Profit attributable to owners of the Company fell by 66.8% to RMB 171.11 million compared to RMB 515.36 million in the previous year[16]. - Gross profit for the same period was RMB 606 million, reflecting a decrease of 30.3% from RMB 869 million in the previous year, with an overall gross profit margin of 16.2%[27]. - Revenue from engineering construction services decreased by 37.4% to RMB 734 million, down from RMB 1,172 million in the previous year[29]. - Revenue from the retail business increased by 25.7% to RMB 2,420 million, compared to RMB 1,926 million for the same period last year[30]. - The profit for the period attributable to owners of the Company was RMB 171,111, a significant drop from RMB 515,355, representing a decline of around 66.9%[85]. - The company reported a profit for the period of RMB 186,279,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2022, compared to RMB 531,302,000 for the same period in 2021[101][105]. Customer and Sales Growth - The total number of pipeline gas customers increased by 12.0% to 5,130,628, with residential customers growing by 9.7% to 3,158,950[16]. - Natural gas sales volume reached 968 million m³, up 4.2% year-on-year, with retail sales volume increasing by 9.7% to 835 million m³[20]. - The sales volume to industrial and commercial customers increased by 8.1%, while sales to residential customers surged by 18.4%[20]. - The Group connected 190,417 new residential customers, bringing the total to 5,091,683, representing a 12.0% increase[19]. Strategic Initiatives and Industry Trends - The natural gas industry is experiencing transformation opportunities due to national oil and gas system reforms and dual-carbon target strategies[10]. - The integrated development of natural gas and new energy is recognized as a trend, with several provinces issuing relevant policies[13]. - The Henan Province's "14th Five-Year Plan" promotes the integration of gas, electricity, and new energy power generation[13]. - The Group aims to become a top-tier green and low-carbon energy supply and service provider in China, focusing on clean energy and low-carbon business development[37]. - The Group is transitioning to an integrated energy business focusing on rooftop photovoltaics, moving away from a single gas development model[46]. Financial Position and Capital Management - As at 30 June 2022, the Group held cash and cash equivalents totaling RMB 1,170 million, with 93.9% in RMB, 2.1% in HKD, and 4.0% in USD[32]. - The Group's total borrowings as of 30 June 2022 amounted to RMB 7,210 million, with 73.9% classified as non-current liabilities and a gearing ratio of 63.8%[32]. - The interest expense on borrowings for the six months ended 30 June 2022 was RMB 149 million, representing a 23.8% increase compared to the same period last year[32]. - The company reported a net finance expense of RMB 137,210 for the period, compared to RMB 110,833 in the previous year, reflecting an increase of about 23.8%[85]. - The company's total liabilities increased to RMB 10,048,348 as of June 30, 2022, compared to RMB 9,576,462 as of December 31, 2021, reflecting a rise of 4.93%[88]. Governance and Sustainability - The Group established an ESG Committee in May 2022 to enhance governance structure and support sustainable development goals[34]. - The Group is committed to green, low-carbon, and sustainable development while focusing on both gas and photovoltaic business[40]. - The company has adopted and complied with the Corporate Governance Code during the Reporting Period[81]. Shareholder and Capital Structure - A total of 24,916,000 shares were repurchased in January 2022 at prices ranging from HK$8.15 to HK$9.15, totaling HK$213,911,210.34[45]. - The net proceeds from the Subscription amounted to approximately HK$414 million, with the number of issued shares increasing to 1,010,027,108[55]. - The total number of shares issued and to be issued upon exercise of options granted under the New Scheme must not exceed 1% of the shares in issue within any 12-month period[77]. - The Company has established a long-term steady dividend policy, recommending an interim dividend of RMB 7.35 cents per share for the six months ended June 30, 2022, subject to shareholder approval[77]. Operational Efficiency and Safety - The Group emphasizes safety in operations, aiming for zero major safety incidents throughout the year[44]. - The Group has established a sound trio-management structure for safety production, enhancing emergency response capabilities and ensuring operational efficiency[38]. - In 2021, Tian Lun Gas carried out 356 safety emergency drills, with no major safety accidents occurring during the year, and the annual investment in safety production reached RMB29.75 million[38].

Financial Performance - The company reported a revenue increase of 15% year-over-year, reaching approximately $1.2 billion for the fiscal year 2021[3]. - Profit for the year decreased slightly to 1,028,114 thousand RMB in 2021 from 1,063,673 thousand RMB in 2020, reflecting a decline of approximately 3.3%[39]. - The basic earnings per share for 2021 was 1.00 RMB, a slight decrease from 1.04 RMB in 2020[39]. - Annual core profit amounted to RMB 915 million, reflecting a growth of approximately 2.2% compared to 2020[45]. - Net profit for the year was RMB 1,028 million, a decrease of 3.3% compared to the previous year[130]. - The Group's core profit for the year was RMB 915,343, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 2.2% from RMB 895,213 in 2020[85]. - Revenue from gas retail business reached RMB4,090 million, a year-on-year increase of 33.6% from RMB3,061 million[114][118]. - Revenue from gas wholesale business amounted to RMB1,027 million, reflecting a significant increase of 52.4% compared to RMB674 million in the previous year[115][119]. - Revenue from value-added business achieved RMB268 million, representing a substantial increase of 94.6% compared to RMB138 million for the corresponding period of last year[110][130]. User Growth and Market Expansion - User data showed a growth in active users by 20%, totaling 5 million users by the end of the fiscal year[3]. - The total number of connection users increased to 4,938,642 in 2021, up from 4,204,256 in 2020, indicating a growth of about 17.4%[28]. - The total number of pipeline gas users increased to 4,938,642, a growth of 17.5% from 4,204,256 in 2020[85]. - The total number of industrial and commercial users served by the Group increased to 37,376, reflecting a growth of 32.0% year-over-year[94]. - The company is expanding its market presence in the Guangdong and Shandong regions, targeting a 25% increase in market share[3]. Revenue Sources - Revenue from gas sales accounted for approximately 66.9% of total revenue, while engineering construction services contributed 29.0%[41]. - The revenue from residential users accounted for 19.8% of total gas sales revenue, while industrial and commercial users contributed 53.6%[31]. - The Group's natural gas sales volume reached 1,942 million m³, an increase of 28.2% compared to the previous year, with retail sales accounting for 1,566 million m³, up 28.6%[95]. Investment and Development - Investment in new technology development increased by 30%, totaling $50 million for the year[3]. - The company plans to enhance its customer service infrastructure, with an investment of $20 million allocated for this initiative[3]. - The company completed a strategic acquisition of a local competitor, enhancing its service capabilities and expected to generate $30 million in synergies[3]. - The company raised a net startup capital of HK$414 million by issuing 50 million shares at HK$8.40 per share, with 70% allocated for low-carbon energy development projects[169][171]. Sustainability and ESG Initiatives - The management emphasized a focus on sustainable practices, aiming for a 40% reduction in carbon emissions by 2025[3]. - The Group has established a comprehensive ESG governance structure to integrate sustainable development into corporate culture and operations[150]. - The company is committed to aligning with China's carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals, contributing to the modern energy system[186]. - Tian Lun Gas maintained a record of zero safety incidents and zero occupational disease cases in 2021, emphasizing its commitment to safety production and occupational health[161]. Future Outlook - The company provided a positive outlook for the next fiscal year, projecting a revenue growth of 10-12%[3]. - By 2024, the proportion of innovative business revenue is expected to reach 10% of overall revenue[58]. - The company aims for a compound annual growth rate of not less than 25% in overall gas retail sales volume by 2024, with innovative business revenue targeting 10% of total revenue[189]. - The company is committed to transforming into a comprehensive energy service provider, integrating natural gas with renewable energy sources[183]. Operational Efficiency - The Group has implemented a bidding and procurement system for online management of various procurement models, enhancing operational efficiency[149]. - The Group optimized its gas source structure and procurement strategy in response to fluctuating energy prices, enhancing supply security and resource control capabilities[104]. - The company launched a new customer service system and after-sale service platform, enhancing customer satisfaction and service efficiency[165].

Natural Gas Production and Consumption - In the first half of 2021, natural gas production in China reached 104.5 billion m³, a year-on-year increase of 10.9%[9] - Total natural gas imports amounted to 59.82 million tons, representing a year-on-year increase of 23.8%[9] - Apparent consumption of natural gas was 182.7 billion m³, with a growth rate of 17.4%[9] Company Strategy and Development - The Group's development strategy focuses on expanding its scale while leveraging the gas industry, exploring market potential, and new energy applications[13] - The Group is actively exploring industrial cooperation opportunities in various new energy sectors to support long-term sustainable development[13] - The Group aims to optimize its energy structure by coordinating the development of wind power, photovoltaics, hydrogen energy, and energy storage[11] Financial Performance - Revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2021, was RMB 3,599,400,000, representing a 20.2% increase from RMB 2,995,535,000 in the same period of 2020[15] - Gross profit for the same period was RMB 868,728,000, a 3.9% increase from RMB 836,494,000 year-over-year[15] - Profit attributable to owners of the Company was RMB 515 million, up 37.4% from RMB 375 million year-on-year[35] Customer Growth and Sales Volume - The total number of pipeline gas customers reached 4,581,971, marking a 22.6% increase from 3,736,418 customers in the previous year[15] - Natural gas sales volume increased to 929 million m³, a 30.0% rise compared to 715 million m³ in the same period last year[20] - The number of industrial and commercial customers grew to 34,207, reflecting a significant increase of 36.3% compared to the previous year[19] Infrastructure Development - The total length of medium and high-pressure pipelines reached 8,295 kilometers, with four long-haul pipelines operational[24] - The company added 145,130 new city gas residential customers, bringing the total to 2,880,326[18] - As of June 30, 2021, the Group has a total of 69 urban gas projects across 16 provinces in China[25] Investment and Acquisitions - The Group completed the acquisition of urban gas projects in Mianzhu City, Sichuan Province, and Wangqing County, Jilin Province, enhancing its market presence[28][29] - The Mianzhu project includes 80.6 kilometers of high-pressure pipelines and 262.3 kilometers of medium-pressure pipelines, indicating strong infrastructure development[27] Environmental and Social Responsibility - The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China emphasized the importance of achieving carbon neutrality and enhancing energy supply capacity through diversified energy sources[11] - The Group aims to enhance ESG management while pursuing economic growth, integrating sustainable development into its operations and management[67] - The Group donated RMB 10 million to support frontline efforts against the pandemic in 2020[61] Shareholder Information - As of June 30, 2021, Mr. Zhang Yingcen holds 181,689,608 shares, representing approximately 18.10% of the total issued share capital of the company[82] - The board of directors now consists of ten members, with 50% being independent non-executive directors and 40% being female directors[79] - The company has established a long-term steady dividend policy, reaffirming its commitment to shareholder returns[111] Cash Flow and Financial Position - Total assets increased to RMB 14,555,302, up from RMB 12,918,138 as of December 31, 2020, representing a growth of approximately 12.7%[121] - Total liabilities rose to RMB 9,197,888, compared to RMB 7,937,851 at the end of 2020, indicating an increase of approximately 15.9%[123] - The company reported a profit for the period of RMB 515,355 for the six months ended June 30, 2021[125] Future Outlook and Strategic Focus - The Group plans to focus on green low-carbon development and strengthen investments in clean energy, aligning with China's long-term goals[66] - The Group will continue to focus on urban gas projects, targeting key gas sales projects and large-scale users to expand business scale[70] - The "selective mergers and acquisitions" strategy will be employed to strengthen synergy among existing projects and resources in urban gas terminals[70]