E-HOUSE ENT(02048)

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易居企业控股(02048) - 2020 - 年度财报
2021-04-27 08:30
Financial Performance - Total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2020, was RMB8,051.5 million, a decrease of 11.5% from RMB9,094.7 million in 2019[54][62]. - Profit for the year decreased by 54.8% from RMB970.7 million in 2019 to RMB439.2 million in 2020[100]. - Total comprehensive income for the year fell by 52.7% from RMB970.7 million in 2019 to RMB458.7 million in 2020[101]. - Operating profit decreased by 24.4% from RMB1,263.1 million in 2019 to RMB955.5 million in 2020, with the operating profit margin declining from 13.9% to 11.9%[104]. - EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2020, was RMB1,384.1 million, a decrease of 17.2% from RMB1,672.3 million in 2019[105]. - Core net profit attributable to owners of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2020 was RMB357.4 million, a decrease of 64.2% from RMB997.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019[114]. Revenue Breakdown - Revenue from real estate agency services decreased by 29.8% to RMB3,203.5 million, primarily due to COVID-19 disruptions[54][63]. - Revenue from real estate brokerage network services decreased by 23.1% to RMB2,732.3 million, also impacted by COVID-19[54][64]. - Revenue from real estate data and consulting services increased by 1.0% to RMB987.0 million, driven by growth in rating and ranking services[54][65]. - Digital marketing services revenue post-acquisition of Leju amounted to RMB1,128.7 million[54][65]. Operational Highlights - The Group's EBITDA increased by 35% in the second half of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019[31]. - The Group's operational recovery has returned to normal levels by the second half of 2020[31]. - The impact of COVID-19 on the Company's operations has been largely mitigated by the second half of 2020[31]. - The Company achieved positive operating cash flows for the first time since its listing on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited[31]. Strategic Initiatives - The Company has shifted towards high-quality growth by consolidating premium resources and projects in its real estate agency services[32]. - The strategic partnership with Alibaba, announced in July 2020, focuses on online and offline real estate transactions and digital marketing[47]. - The company plans to enhance its digital marketing capabilities and expand its business scale while maintaining its traditional marketing advantages[43]. - Future strategies include building a data asset platform ecosystem and promoting the sharing and application of data assets across the real estate sector[42]. Acquisitions and Investments - The acquisition of control of Leju in November 2020 aims to enhance the company's media influence and create a new ecosystem for real estate transactions[47]. - The company agreed to acquire a total of 56.19% interest in Leju's issued share capital, or 51.40% on a fully diluted basis[152]. - The total consideration for the acquisition from SINA Parties is USD 93,600,000 (approximately HKD 725,400,000), satisfied by issuing 78,676,790 shares at HKD 9.22 each[153]. - The company conditionally agreed to purchase the entire equity interest in the Target Company for a total consideration of RMB600.0 million[146]. Cash Flow and Financial Position - Cash and cash equivalents increased from RMB2,294.4 million as of 31 December 2019 to RMB7,515.8 million as of 31 December 2020[115]. - Net cash from operating activities amounted to RMB587.8 million in 2020, influenced by operating cash flows before movements in working capital of RMB1,261.6 million[127]. - Net cash used in investing activities was RMB1,585.0 million in 2020, primarily due to proceeds from the disposal of financial assets of RMB1,610.3 million and net cash inflow from the acquisition of subsidiaries of RMB1,919.3 million[133]. - The gearing ratio as of 31 December 2020 was 64.1%, a decrease of 1.1 percentage points from 65.2% as of 31 December 2019, primarily due to the increase in cash and cash equivalents[124]. Cost Management - Staff costs decreased by 18.2% to RMB2,734.3 million, with staff costs as a percentage of revenue dropping from 36.7% to 34.0%[60][66]. - Advertising and promotion expenses increased by 141.2% to RMB946.8 million, largely due to Leju's marketing costs post-acquisition[61][67]. - Depreciation and amortisation expenses rose by 131.7% to RMB210.6 million, attributed to increased intangible asset amortisation from acquisitions[71][75]. - Distribution expenses decreased by 23.1% to RMB2,395.8 million, mainly due to reduced revenue from real estate brokerage network services[80]. Leadership and Management - Mr. Zhou Xin, the founder and executive director, has over 22 years of experience in China's real estate industry[180]. - The Company has a strong leadership team with extensive experience in real estate and financial analysis, enhancing its strategic capabilities[195]. - Dr. Cheng Li-Lan has served as chief financial officer of E-House (China) Holdings from 2006 to 2012 and as chief operating officer since 2012[198]. - The management team has a combined experience in various roles within the real estate sector, indicating a robust understanding of market dynamics[194].
易居企业控股(02048) - 2020 - 中期财报
2020-09-28 08:35
Financial Performance - Total revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2020, amounted to RMB2,845.0 million[27]. - Profit and total comprehensive income for the period was RMB104.7 million[27]. - EBITDA for the six months ended June 30, 2020, was RMB436.2 million[27]. - The company recorded a total sales amount of RMB43.3 billion for the first half of 2020, with 32,122 units sold, realizing a profit of RMB37.5 million[17]. - Revenue decreased by 34.3% from RMB4,330.4 million in the six months ended 30 June 2019 to RMB2,845.0 million in the six months ended 30 June 2020, primarily due to COVID-19 and government measures[33]. - Profit and total comprehensive income for the period decreased by 84.0% from RMB654.1 million in the six months ended June 30, 2019, to RMB104.7 million in the six months ended June 30, 2020[73]. - Operating profit decreased by 65.6% from RMB784.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019, to RMB269.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020, with the operating profit margin decreasing from 18.1% to 9.5%[76]. - Core net profit attributable to owners decreased by 89.7% from RMB667.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019, to RMB68.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020[78]. Cash Flow and Financial Position - In the first half of 2020, the operating cash flow turned from negative to positive, with net cash from operating activities reaching RMB 833.2 million, compared to a net cash outflow of RMB 244.7 million in the same period last year[12]. - As of June 30, 2020, cash and cash equivalents were RMB2,413.1 million, an increase from RMB2,294.4 million as of 31 December 2019[81]. - Net cash from operating activities amounted to RMB833.2 million for the six months ended 30 June 2020, primarily due to a decrease in accounts receivables and bills receivables[94]. - Net cash used in investing activities was RMB618.1 million, primarily due to the purchase of financial assets measured at FVTPL of RMB615.3 million[95]. - The gearing ratio as of 30 June 2020 was 70.7%, an increase of 5.5 percentage points from 65.2% as of 31 December 2019, primarily due to new bank borrowings[93]. - Net cash used in financing activities was RMB115.3 million, primarily due to new bank borrowings of RMB1,101.8 million, offset by repayments of bank borrowings of RMB848.0 million[98]. Revenue Breakdown - Total sales of real estate agency services and real estate brokerage network services reached RMB190.8 billion during the same period[27]. - Revenue from real estate agency services in the primary market decreased by 50.8% from RMB2,577.6 million to RMB1,267.0 million during the same period, mainly due to the suspension of operations of real estate sales centers[34]. - Revenue from real estate brokerage network services decreased by 15.9% from RMB1,310.1 million to RMB1,102.2 million, attributed to the suspension of sales by real estate developers[35]. - Revenue from real estate data and consulting services increased by 7.4% from RMB442.7 million to RMB475.7 million, driven by higher income from rating and ranking services[36]. Cost Management - Staff costs decreased by 35.1% from RMB1,824.9 million to RMB1,183.9 million, with staff costs as a percentage of revenue slightly decreasing from 42.1% to 41.6%[37]. - Advertising and promotion expenses decreased by 26.9% from RMB140.4 million to RMB102.6 million, mainly due to reduced revenue from real estate agency services[38]. - Consultancy expenses decreased by 15.3% from RMB93.7 million to RMB79.3 million, primarily due to a decrease in project consultation[57]. - Distribution expenses decreased by 16.6% from RMB1,160.5 million to RMB968.4 million, reflecting a decrease in revenue from real estate brokerage network services[58]. - Other operating costs decreased by 46.0% from RMB181.5 million to RMB98.0 million, attributed to improved operational efficiency and cost control[59]. Strategic Initiatives - The company has shifted its focus towards high-quality growth in real estate agency services by consolidating premium resources and projects[16]. - The management is optimistic about the recovery of agency income in the second half of the year due to the substantial reserve projects[15]. - A strategic partnership with Alibaba was announced to enhance digitalization in real estate services[20]. - The company aims to shift from high-speed growth to high-quality growth in real estate agency services[20]. - The company plans to expand its market share in real estate transaction services rapidly[24]. - The company will continue to focus on real estate big data to empower the wider real estate industry[20]. Acquisitions and Investments - Significant acquisitions included the transfer of equity interests in Shanghai Fangjiao Information Technology Co., Ltd. for RMB51 million and an 80% equity interest in Yijin Culture for nil consideration[104]. - E-House Management agreed to transfer the entire equity interest in Shanghai Shanglin Property Management for a total consideration of RMB84,920,000[108]. - The total consideration for the acquisition of the entire partnership interest in Shanghai Wanju Investment Partnership Enterprise is RMB660.0 million[110]. - The company conditionally agreed to purchase 49,686,192 ordinary shares and 2,239,804 ADSs of Leju for a total consideration of US$198,579,099 (approximately HK$1,538,988,015), issuing 166,918,440 consideration shares at HK$9.22 each[129]. Corporate Governance - The company established a nomination committee and a remuneration committee in addition to the Audit Committee[152]. - The report emphasizes the importance of corporate governance and transparency in the ownership structure of the companies involved[197]. - The company continues to maintain compliance with the Securities and Futures Ordinance regarding disclosures of interests[185].
易居企业控股(02048) - 2019 - 年度财报
2020-04-27 12:09
Real Estate Market Performance - In 2019, the total sales area of real estate agency services in the primary market reached 43.33 million square meters, a year-on-year increase of 4.9%, with total sales amounting to RMB 532.4 billion[23][26]. - The amount of signed and unsold reserve projects was 288.1 million square meters, ensuring stable future development of the primary market real estate agency services[23][26]. - The real estate industry in China faced significant pressures and challenges in 2019, yet the company delivered satisfactory results through employee efforts[22][25]. - The company’s performance in the primary market was characterized by stability amidst market volatility, contributing to an increase in market scale and share[22][25]. Brokerage Network Services - The brokerage network services recorded a total sales amount of RMB 138.2 billion in 2019, with 105,433 units sold, representing increases of 298.1% and 408.7% year-on-year, respectively[24][27]. - The brokerage network services segment achieved a profit of RMB 57.9 million for the full year, following a turnaround to profitability in the first half of 2019[24][27]. - The company maintained its industry-leading position in the brokerage network services business, significantly increasing brand awareness and industry influence[24][27]. - The company’s strategic focus on developing the distribution business and empowering brokers has proven effective, leading to substantial revenue growth in the brokerage network services[24][27]. Financial Performance - The company achieved a total revenue of RMB 9,094.7 million in 2019, representing a year-on-year increase of 52.9% compared to 2018[45]. - Revenue from real estate agency services and brokerage network services amounted to RMB 670.6 billion, an increase of 18.4% year-on-year[46]. - Profit and total comprehensive income for the period was RMB 970.7 million, a decrease of 10.3% compared to the previous year[46]. - EBITDA for 2019 was RMB 1,672.3 million, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 9.7%[47]. - Revenue from real estate data and consulting services rose to RMB 977.7 million, a 26.4% increase from RMB 773.3 million in 2018[50]. Cost and Expense Management - Employee costs increased by 11.6% to RMB 3,342.1 million in 2019, but the proportion of employee costs to revenue decreased from 50.3% in 2018 to 36.7% in 2019[51]. - Distribution expenses skyrocketed by 840.0% from RMB 331.5 million in 2018 to RMB 3,116.2 million in 2019, reflecting significant growth in the real estate brokerage network services segment[79]. - Other operating costs decreased by 11.9% from RMB 368.7 million in 2018 to RMB 324.9 million in 2019, due to improved operational efficiency[80]. - Financing costs surged by 981.2% from RMB 25.2 million in 2018 to RMB 272.2 million in 2019, mainly due to costs associated with the issuance of USD 500 million senior notes[85]. Leadership and Management - Mr. Zhou Xin, the founder and executive director, has over 21 years of experience in China's real estate industry[149]. - The company has a strong leadership team with extensive experience in real estate and financial analysis[171]. - The management team includes individuals with extensive backgrounds in finance and real estate, contributing to the company's growth and market strategies[192]. - The company focuses on strategic development and management oversight under the leadership of its executive directors[159]. Future Outlook and Strategic Initiatives - In 2020, the company aims to shift from high-speed growth to high-quality growth in its real estate agency services[41]. - The company plans to enhance technology-driven management to expand market share in real estate brokerage network services[41]. - The company is investing in new technology development, with a budget allocation of $DD million aimed at enhancing its service offerings[200]. - E-House is pursuing market expansion strategies, targeting new regions with an expected increase in market share of EE% over the next two years[200].
易居企业控股(02048) - 2019 - 年度财报
2020-04-26 11:52
Real Estate Market Performance - In 2019, the total sales area of real estate agency services in the primary market reached 43.33 million square meters, representing a year-on-year increase of 4.9%[26]. - The total sales amount for real estate agency services was RMB 532.4 billion, demonstrating steady growth during the year[26]. - The amount of signed and unsold reserve projects was 288.1 million square meters, ensuring future stability in the primary market[26]. - The total sales amount in the real estate brokerage network services business saw nearly eight times growth in revenue[27]. - Revenue from real estate brokerage network services surged by 742.5% to RMB 3,550.8 million in 2019, driven by increased commissions from new property buyers[49]. - Revenue increased by 52.9% from RMB 5,948.2 million in 2018 to RMB 9,094.7 million in 2019, primarily due to the growth of real estate brokerage network services[52]. Financial Performance - The company achieved a record high revenue of RMB 977.7 million in 2019, representing a year-on-year increase of 26.4%, and a profit of RMB 231.7 million, up 7.8% year-on-year[31][33]. - The total revenue for the year amounted to RMB 9,094.7 million, an increase of 52.9% compared to the year ended December 31, 2018[44][45]. - Profit and total comprehensive income decreased by 10.3% from RMB 1,081.7 million in 2018 to RMB 970.7 million in 2019, influenced by various factors[88]. - Core net profit attributable to owners of the Company for 2019 was RMB 997.9 million, a decrease of 12.8% compared to RMB 1,144.6 million in 2018[105]. - Operating profit decreased by 10.7% from RMB 1,414.3 million in 2018 to RMB 1,263.1 million in 2019, with the operating profit margin dropping from 23.8% to 13.9%[99]. Cost and Expense Management - Employee costs rose by 11.6% to RMB 3,342.1 million in 2019, but the proportion of employee costs to revenue decreased from 50.3% in 2018 to 36.7% in 2019[49]. - Distribution expenses skyrocketed by 840.0% from RMB 331.5 million in 2018 to RMB 3,116.2 million in 2019, reflecting significant growth in the real estate brokerage network services segment[78]. - Finance costs increased dramatically by 981.2% from RMB 25.2 million in 2018 to RMB 272.2 million in 2019, mainly due to costs associated with the issuance of USD 500 million senior notes[86]. - Depreciation and amortization expenses surged by 247.2% from RMB 26.2 million in 2018 to RMB 90.9 million in 2019, attributed to additional depreciation from right-of-use assets[68]. Strategic Initiatives and Innovations - The company launched several new products in 2019, including You Fang Multiple Listing Service Platform and Fangyou Management System 2.0, to enhance its service offerings[27]. - The company launched several innovative products during the reporting period, including CAIC Asset Management Cloud and CAIC Investment Management Cloud, expanding its service offerings[31][33]. - The company plans to shift focus from high-speed growth to high-quality growth in real estate agency services, concentrating resources on premium projects[41][42]. - The company aims to enhance technology-driven management in its real estate brokerage network services to expand market share[41][42]. Leadership and Governance - The board currently consists of 12 directors, including 4 executive directors, 4 non-executive directors, and 4 independent non-executive directors[143]. - The company has a strong leadership team with extensive experience in the real estate sector, enhancing its strategic capabilities[156]. - The executive team is focused on strategic development and management oversight to drive the company's growth[158]. - The company has a diverse board composition, which may contribute to a balanced decision-making process[143]. Market Challenges and Responses - The company’s efforts in the real estate sector were recognized despite market pressures and challenges faced in 2019[25]. - In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the company established an emergency response taskforce and introduced a blockchain-driven "sales center smart control" system[34][34]. - The company reported a decrease in profit and total comprehensive income for the period, amounting to RMB 970.7 million, down 10.3% compared to the previous year[44][45].
易居企业控股(02048) - 2019 - 中期财报
2019-09-20 08:47
Financial Performance - E-House reported a revenue of RMB 1.2 billion for the first half of 2019, representing a year-over-year increase of 15%[2]. - The company achieved a net profit of RMB 200 million, up 10% compared to the same period last year[2]. - In the first half of 2019, the Company achieved revenue of RMB 4,330.4 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 55.8%, and profit of RMB 654.1 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 16.1%[12]. - Total revenue amounted to RMB 4,330.4 million, increased by 55.8% compared to RMB 2,779.8 million for the six months ended 30 June 2018[30]. - Profit and total comprehensive income for the period amounted to RMB 654.1 million, increased by 16.1% compared to the same period in 2018[31]. - Core net profit attributable to owners of the Company amounted to RMB 667.0 million, increased by 22.4% compared to RMB 545.5 million for the six months ended 30 June 2018[31]. - Profit before taxation for the period was RMB 834,017,000, with an income tax expense of RMB 179,958,000, compared to RMB 768,181,000 and RMB 204,710,000 respectively in 2018[184]. - For the six months ended June 30, 2019, the profit and total comprehensive income attributable to owners of the Company was RMB 467,525,000[198]. User Growth and Market Expansion - User data indicated a 20% increase in active users on the platform, reaching 1.5 million users[2]. - E-House plans to expand its market presence in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, targeting a 25% growth in these regions by the end of 2020[2]. - The Company plans to implement a "30,000+" strategy, aiming for 10,000+ stores, 10,000+ channels, and 10,000+ communities to enhance its brokerage service platform[19]. Investment and Development - The company is investing RMB 300 million in new technology development, focusing on AI and big data analytics to enhance service offerings[2]. - E-House aims to launch three new products in the next quarter, including a mobile app for real estate transactions[2]. - The Company will continue to develop a Primary Multiple Listing Service (PMLS) platform to address core pain points for developers and distributors[25]. - The Company aims to improve its big data application service platform across six major business segments to consolidate its leading position in the industry[26]. Financial Position and Cash Flow - E-House's cash flow from operations improved by 30%, totaling RMB 400 million in the first half of 2019[2]. - Cash and cash equivalents increased from RMB 2,280.2 million as of 31 December 2018 to RMB 3,024.7 million as of 30 June 2019[89]. - Net cash used in operating activities amounted to RMB 244.7 million for the six months ended 30 June 2019, primarily due to a net increase in cash used in operations and income tax paid[103]. - Net cash used in investing activities was RMB 526.7 million, mainly due to the purchase of financial assets of RMB 481.2 million and property and equipment of RMB 109.0 million[104]. - Net cash generated from financing activities was RMB 1,473.8 million, primarily from the issue of senior notes due 2021 amounting to RMB 2,014.7 million[105]. Corporate Governance and Compliance - The company emphasized its commitment to corporate governance and transparency in its operations[2]. - The Audit Committee reviewed the unaudited interim results of the Group for the six months ended June 30, 2019, and discussed accounting policies and internal controls with senior management and the auditor[115]. - The Company is committed to maintaining stringent corporate governance and has complied with all code provisions as set out in the Corporate Governance Code during the reporting period[115]. Shareholder Structure and Equity - As of June 30, 2019, the total number of shares issued was 1,470,254,200[139]. - Mr. Zhou Xin holds 307,730,975 shares, representing approximately 20.93% of the total shares[136]. - The beneficial ownership of shares is concentrated among a few major shareholders, indicating potential influence over company decisions[146]. - The company has pledged 228,920,000 shares as collateral for a loan from SPD Bank[140]. Expenses and Cost Management - Staff costs increased by 35.7% to RMB 1,824.9 million compared to RMB 1,345.2 million for the six months ended 30 June 2018, while the percentage of staff costs to revenue decreased from 48.4% to 42.1%[42]. - Distribution expenses surged by 757.9% from RMB 135.3 million in the six months ended 30 June 2018 to RMB 1,160.5 million in the six months ended 30 June 2019, driven by significant growth in the real estate brokerage network services segment[63]. - Other operating costs rose by 25.9% from RMB 148.1 million in the six months ended 30 June 2018 to RMB 186.5 million in the six months ended 30 June 2019, mainly due to increased travelling and business entertainment expenses[64]. Future Outlook - The management provided an optimistic outlook, projecting a revenue growth of 20% for the full year 2019[2]. - The Company will focus on enhancing customer relationships and execution capabilities to maintain growth in a deteriorating market environment[19]. - The Company will continue to innovate in real estate data and consulting services to tap new growth points and strengthen its overall service capabilities[14].
易居企业控股(02048) - 2018 - 年度财报
2019-04-26 08:39
Financial Performance - In 2018, the company's revenue was RMB 5.95 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 28.4%[25] - The net profit for 2018 was RMB 1.08 billion, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 41.3%[25] - The core net profit attributable to owners of the company was RMB 1.14 billion, with a year-on-year growth of 63.0%[25] - Operating profit increased by 47.3% to RMB1,414.3 million, indicating strong operational performance[42] - Core net profit attributable to owners of the company rose by 41.3% to RMB1,081.7 million[42] - Revenue increased by 28.4% from RMB4,633.4 million in 2017 to RMB5,948.2 million in 2018, driven by growth in real estate agency services and brokerage network services[52] - Profit and total comprehensive income for the year increased by 41.3% from RMB765.3 million in 2017 to RMB1,081.7 million in 2018[77] Real Estate Agency Business - The total sales in the primary real estate agency business amounted to RMB 531.55 billion, marking a year-on-year increase of 22.8%[28] - Revenue from primary property agency services increased by 21.1% to RMB4,753.4 million, driven by higher total sales value of new properties[48] - The total sales of new houses for developers reached RMB34.72 billion, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 890.3%[33] Market Expansion and Strategy - The company plans to implement the "30,000+" strategy, targeting over 10,000 stores, channels, and communities to enhance its distribution network[35] - The China Asset Information Circle (CAIC) is set to launch in 2019, utilizing big data and blockchain technology to provide comprehensive services[40] - The company is expanding its market presence in Southeast Asia, targeting a 20% market share within the next two years[120] - A strategic acquisition of a local competitor was completed for $200 million, enhancing the company's service offerings and user base[121] Operational Efficiency - Continuous upgrades to the data system improved data analysis and research capabilities, supporting stable business growth[26] - Employee costs increased by 14.1% to RMB2,993.8 million, but the proportion of employee costs to revenue decreased from 56.6% to 50.3%[49] - Distribution expenses surged by 541.2% from RMB51.7 million in 2017 to RMB331.5 million in 2018, driven by significant growth in the real estate brokerage network services segment[61] Cash Flow and Investments - Cash and cash equivalents increased from RMB1,791.3 million as of 31 December 2017 to RMB2,692.0 million as of 31 December 2018[86] - Net cash used in operating activities amounted to RMB2,243.5 million in 2018, primarily due to income tax paid of RMB267.7 million and a net increase in working capital of RMB3,778.4 million[95] - Net cash used in investing activities was RMB542.9 million in 2018, primarily due to the purchase of property and equipment of RMB354.9 million and financial assets of RMB267.0 million[103] Leadership and Management - Dr. Ding Zuyu is the CEO and executive director, overseeing management and strategic development since August 2016[134] - The company has expanded its leadership team with experienced professionals from various sectors, enhancing its strategic capabilities[139] - The management team includes professionals with advanced degrees in economics and engineering, enhancing strategic decision-making capabilities[153][160] Sustainability and Corporate Governance - The board of directors emphasized a commitment to sustainability initiatives, aiming for a 40% reduction in carbon footprint by 2025[117] - The board's composition reflects a commitment to corporate governance and financial oversight[155] User Engagement and Product Development - User data showed a total of 5 million active users on the platform, an increase of 25% compared to the previous year[117] - New product launches included a premium service tier, expected to contribute an additional $100 million in revenue over the next year[119] - Research and development investments increased by 30%, focusing on innovative technologies to improve user experience[122]