Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the company and raises the target price to HKD 7.88, indicating a potential upside of 46% from the current price of HKD 5.40 [2][10]. Core Insights - The company achieved a revenue of RMB 7.252 billion in 2023, a year-on-year increase of 24%, with a net profit of RMB 521 million, reflecting a significant growth of 61% compared to the previous year [5][8]. - The company plans to increase capital expenditures to approximately RMB 670 million in 2024, focusing on expanding its AMI business in Mexico and Hungary [5][8]. - The backlog of orders stood at RMB 7.9 billion at the end of 2023, a 30% increase from the end of 2022, with 80% expected to be delivered within a year [6][9]. - The company anticipates continued high growth in overseas markets, particularly in Mexico, with expected revenue growth of over 30% in 2024 [6][9]. - The company's net profit margin improved to 10.5% in 2023, and return on equity (ROE) increased to 14.7%, indicating enhanced profitability [10]. Financial Summary - In 2023, the company reported earnings per share (EPS) of 52.7 cents and a dividend of HKD 0.28, with a payout ratio of approximately 49% [5][8]. - Revenue projections for the next few years are as follows: RMB 9.561 billion in 2024, RMB 12.214 billion in 2025, and RMB 15.325 billion in 2026, with corresponding net profit estimates of RMB 699 million, RMB 949 million, and RMB 1.225 billion respectively [7][13]. - The company’s price-to-earnings (PE) ratio at the current price is 14.9, with projections of 9.3 for 2024 and 6.9 for 2025, indicating a favorable valuation [10][13].

Revenue Growth - Revenue for the year reached RMB 7,252.27 million, a 23.8% increase compared to RMB 5,855.84 million in 2022[2] - Electric AMI business revenue grew by 29% to RMB 2,650.36 million[2] - Communication and fluid AMI business revenue increased by 11% to RMB 2,116.98 million[2] - ADO business revenue rose by 31% to RMB 2,484.93 million[2] - Revenue from the Communication and Fluid Intelligent Metering Solutions segment increased to RMB 2,670,557 thousand in 2023, up from RMB 1,993,578 thousand in 2022[14][15] - The Electric Intelligent Metering Solutions segment's revenue grew to RMB 2,214,770 thousand in 2023, compared to RMB 2,086,189 thousand in 2022[14][15] - Revenue from the Intelligent Power Distribution Systems and Solutions segment rose to RMB 2,484,937 thousand in 2023, up from RMB 1,894,971 thousand in 2022[14][15] - Total revenue for the company reached RMB 7,252,272 thousand in 2023, a significant increase from RMB 5,855,844 thousand in 2022[14][15] - Revenue from China increased to RMB 5,653,017 thousand in 2023, up from RMB 4,621,154 thousand in 2022[15] - Revenue from the Americas grew to RMB 1,024,268 thousand in 2023, compared to RMB 671,957 thousand in 2022[15] - Revenue increased by 24% to RMB 7,252.27 million in 2023 (2022: RMB 5,855.84 million)[72] Profitability and Earnings - Net profit attributable to owners of the company surged by 61% to RMB 521.23 million[2] - Basic earnings per share increased to RMB 52.7 cents from RMB 32.9 cents in 2022[2] - The board proposed a final dividend of RMB 0.258 per share[2] - The company's pre-tax profit for 2023 was RMB 860,732 thousand, compared to RMB 582,434 thousand in 2022[14][15] - Pre-tax profit for 2023 was RMB 681,375 thousand, compared to RMB 577,443 thousand in 2022, reflecting a growth of 18%[21] - Basic earnings per share for 2023 were RMB 521,233 thousand, a significant increase from RMB 323,797 thousand in 2022[27] - The group's net profit attributable to owners was RMB 5,212.3 million, a 61% year-on-year increase[38] - Net profit attributable to equity holders increased by 61% to RMB 521.23 million in 2023 (2022: RMB 323.80 million)[73] Gross Profit and Margin - Gross profit margin improved to RMB 2,580.75 million from RMB 1,929.22 million in 2022[4] - The group's total revenue for the year reached RMB 72,522.7 million, a 24% year-on-year increase, with a gross profit of RMB 25,807.5 million, up 34% year-on-year, and a gross margin of 36%, up 3 percentage points[38] - Gross profit increased by 34% to RMB 2,580.75 million in 2023 (2022: RMB 1,929.22 million), with a gross margin of 36% (2022: 33%)[72] Research and Development - Research and development expenses increased to RMB 681.38 million from RMB 577.44 million in 2022[4] - R&D expenses increased to RMB 640,012 thousand in 2023, up 16% from RMB 551,601 thousand in 2022[21] - The company's WTZ30 dual-mode communication chip, designed for smart meters and power IoT, was recognized in the 2023 Hunan Provincial Key R&D Program[67] - The company's WFMB250-M4 photovoltaic grid-connected smart circuit breaker enables intelligent management of distributed photovoltaic systems, supporting the construction of new power systems[67] - The company's "NB-IoT Smart Water Meter Software V1.0" was selected for the 2023 Hunan Provincial First Edition Software Product List and received funding support[67] Financial Position and Assets - Total assets increased to RMB 10,489.50 million from RMB 9,796.28 million in 2022[7] - Accounts receivable increased to RMB 4,644,367 thousand in 2023, up 9% from RMB 4,258,163 thousand in 2022[28] - Accounts receivable aged 0-90 days increased to RMB 1,892,469 thousand in 2023, up 5% from RMB 1,805,130 thousand in 2022[30] - Contract assets increased to RMB 404,953 thousand in 2023, up from RMB 408,494 thousand in 2022, with a provision for impairment losses of RMB 3,541 thousand[31] - Accounts payable and notes payable totaled RMB 3,938,543 thousand in 2023, compared to RMB 3,641,627 thousand in 2022, with 57.6% of payables due within 90 days[32][33] - Cash and cash equivalents increased to RMB 2,644.90 million in 2023 (2022: RMB 2,027.93 million)[73] - Total liabilities decreased by 2% to 18% in 2023 (2022: 20%)[74] Dividends and Shareholder Returns - The board proposed a final dividend of RMB 0.258 per share[2] - The company proposed a final dividend of 28 HK cents per share for 2023, up from 23 HK cents per share in 2022[25] Government Grants and Tax - The company received RMB 68,504 thousand in VAT refunds in 2023, up from RMB 59,755 thousand in 2022[20] - Government grants increased to RMB 52,120 thousand in 2023, compared to RMB 30,989 thousand in 2022[20] - The company's effective tax rate in China remained at 25%, with certain subsidiaries benefiting from a reduced rate of 15% due to high-tech enterprise status[23] - The company's total tax expense for 2023 was RMB 100,139 thousand, a 40% increase from RMB 71,274 thousand in 2022[24] Market and Industry Trends - China's GDP grew by 5.2% in 2023, reaching RMB 126,058.2 billion, with new energy vehicle sales increasing by 37.9% and public charging piles growing by 43%[34] - China's total electricity consumption reached 9,224.1 billion kWh in 2023, a 6.7% year-on-year increase, with green electricity transactions in the Southern Grid region surging 120% to 8.12 billion kWh[35] - National Grid's smart meter bidding amounted to RMB 23.29 billion in 2023, a 9.2% decrease, but 2024 is expected to see a significant increase in bidding volume and total amount[35] - National Grid released the "Green Procurement Guide" in June 2023, promoting environmental protection, resource conservation, and low-carbon practices[36] - The world's first megawatt-level floating wave energy power generation device, "Nan Kun," developed by Southern Power Grid, was put into trial operation in June, with leading global indicators in installed capacity, power generation, and extreme sea condition resistance[37] - Southern Power Grid released the first domestic power IoT operating system, "Power Harmony," and developed the power industry's first independently controllable large power model, "Da Watt," accelerating the construction of a new power system[37] - State Grid has become the world's largest grid in terms of transmission capacity and renewable energy integration, with over 3.5 million renewable energy stations connected and a utilization rate exceeding 97%[37] - Southern Power Grid's renewable energy installed capacity in five southern provinces exceeded 120 million kilowatts, with non-fossil energy accounting for over 60% of total installed capacity[37] - The global smart grid market is projected to grow from USD 53.2 billion in 2022 to USD 149.2 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 18.58%[59] - The global smart meter market is expected to grow from USD 22.8 billion in 2022 to USD 37.9 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 8.84%[59] - The global energy storage market is expected to grow significantly, with investments projected to increase sixfold to USD 8.2 billion by 2024 compared to 2016[56] Business Segments and Operations - The group's electric AMI business recorded revenue of RMB 26,503.6 million, a 29% year-on-year increase, accounting for 37% of total revenue, with a gross margin of 43%[39] - The group secured domestic orders worth RMB 1,672 million for the electric AMI business, a 9% year-on-year decrease, with orders from grid customers down 15% to RMB 1,206 million[40] - The group's large-scale complete plant business grew by 38% year-on-year, driven by rising market demand on the renewable energy generation side[41] - The group successfully developed a dedicated carbon measurement meter and maintained good cooperation with provincial branches of State Grid and Southern Power Grid[42] - The company expects stable demand for electricity meters from State Grid and Southern Grid this year, with increased demand for high-end products due to policies supporting new energy and domestic substitution[43] - The demand for IoT electricity meters is expected to rise further in 2024, driven by the construction of new power systems and increased localization requirements for key metering equipment[43] - The company's communication and fluid AMI business recorded revenue of RMB 2,116.98 million in 2023, an 11% increase year-over-year, with a gross margin of 41%[46] - The communication and fluid AMI business had a total contract value of RMB 3,483 million as of December 31, 2023, a 38% increase year-over-year[46] - The company's grid and non-grid customers accounted for 57% and 43% of revenue, respectively, in 2023[46] - The group's ADO business achieved revenue of RMB 2,484.93 million, a 31% YoY increase, accounting for 34% of total group revenue[52] - ADO business orders reached RMB 3,539 million, a 12% YoY increase, with grid market orders exceeding RMB 1,544 million, up 9% YoY[53] - Non-grid market orders exceeded RMB 1,995 million, a 15% YoY increase, driven by a 521% YoY growth in overseas market orders[53] - The group's gross margin for ADO business improved to 24%, up from 22% in the previous year[52] - Revenue from grid customers accounted for 31% of ADO business, while non-grid customers (including overseas) contributed 69%[52] - The group's AIoT smart fire protection platform has successfully entered market applications and continues to expand in the financial industry[48] - The group provided complete AMI system solutions to Southeast Asian countries like Laos and Myanmar, with plans to expand further in the region[48] - The group is focusing on energy IoT, chip design, and AI technologies to provide comprehensive solutions for various power scenarios[50] - The group is actively participating in overseas energy IoT construction, targeting regions like Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa[50] - The company secured a bid amount of RMB 208 million in the Southern Power Grid distribution network centralized procurement tender, ranking first in the smart switch category[54] - The company's overseas market presence has been enhanced with key demonstration projects in the Americas, and its energy storage products have obtained certifications from UL and CE[55] - The State Grid plans to increase its grid investment to over RMB 500 billion in 2024, maintaining a high-growth cycle in grid investment[56] - The company aims to expand its business in the grid market, focusing on integrated switchgear, high and low voltage switchgear, and substation products, while exploring new opportunities in the power system[57] - The company plans to deepen cooperation with central state-owned enterprises in the new energy sector and develop microgrid applications in industrial parks and areas with power shortages[57] - The company will continue to follow the "Belt and Road" policy, targeting key international markets to achieve significant growth in overseas business[58] - The company has successfully expanded its data center industry clients, including Alibaba and ByteDance, and is actively exploring overseas markets through joint ventures with domestic clients[54] - Overseas revenue reached RMB 1,599.26 million, a 30% increase year-over-year[60] - Overseas order amount reached RMB 2,758 million, a 38% increase year-over-year[60] - Completed RMB 180 million in smart meter deliveries in Tanzania[61] - Brazil subsidiary achieved RMB 140 million in new energy product deliveries[61] - North America market completed over RMB 800 million in meter order deliveries[61] - Europe market completed over RMB 45 million in meter order deliveries with Siemens in Austria[62] Innovation and Technology - The company's project "Key Technologies for Reliable Operation and Collaborative Optimization of Complex Power Grids" won the Gold Medal at the 48th Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions[66] - The company's project "Key Technologies for Terminal Security Protection in Power Systems Based on Domestic Power-Specific Chips" won the First Prize in China's Power Technology Innovation[66] - The company's WTZ30 dual-mode communication chip, designed for smart meters and power IoT, was recognized in the 2023 Hunan Provincial Key R&D Program[67] - The company's WFMB250-M4 photovoltaic grid-connected smart circuit breaker enables intelligent management of distributed photovoltaic systems, supporting the construction of new power systems[67] - The company's "NB-IoT Smart Water Meter Software V1.0" was selected for the 2023 Hunan Provincial First Edition Software Product List and received funding support[67] - The company's full suite of AMI solutions (HES, MDMS, CIS, and Billing) was successfully implemented in Laos, enhancing local power management capabilities[67] - The company developed a new generation of environmentally friendly gas-insulated ring main units and compact smart transformers, improving distribution network reliability and efficiency[69] - The company's digitalized transformer station solution, centered on "smart gateway + smart metering" circuit breakers, addresses challenges in large-scale distributed renewable energy integration[69] - The company's energy storage business offers a range of products, including battery packs, battery cabins, BMS, PCS, and EMS, applied in multiple domestic and international projects[69] - The company's self-developed EMS management system supports local, cloud, and mobile platforms, expanding into the commercial and industrial energy storage market[69] - The company completed the development of the Suite1 security suite based on DLMS/COSEM, successfully applied in smart meters in Brazil and the EU[71] - The company developed over 80 automated test scripts, improving testing efficiency by 22%[71] Financial Instruments and Risk Management - The company entered into a forward foreign exchange contract with a face value of USD 52.50 million to mitigate currency risk[75] - Capital commitments for the acquisition of property, plant, and equipment amounted to RMB 113.45 million, an increase from RMB 63.37 million in 2022[77] - Capital commitments for investment in financial instruments were RMB 64.00 million, a decrease from RMB 74.40 million in 2022[77] - The group had no significant contingent liabilities as of December 31, 2023[77] IPO and Capital Allocation - The net proceeds from the IPO of Wasion Information Technology on the STAR Market were RMB 610.83 million, with specific allocations detailed for various IoT projects[78] - The IoT perception layer monitoring equipment expansion and technical transformation project utilized RMB 60.29 million[79] - The IoT perception layer fluid sensing equipment expansion and technical transformation project utilized RMB 62.94 million[79] - The IoT network layer product expansion and technical transformation project utilized RMB 204.87 million[79] - The IoT comprehensive R&D center project utilized RMB 146.95 million[79] - The remaining net proceeds of RMB 79.90 million were used to permanently supplement working capital[79] Human Resources - The company had 4,929 employees as of December 31, 2023, an increase from 4,521 in 2022[80] Audit and Financial Reporting - The Audit Committee has reviewed the company's full-year performance for the year ended December 31, 2023[86] - The company's preliminary financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023 have been agreed upon by the auditor[86] - The auditor's work on the preliminary financial statements does not constitute an audit, review, or assurance service under Hong Kong standards[86] - The company's annual report for the year ended December 31, 2023 will be published on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the company's website[87] - The company's board of directors includes executive directors and independent non-executive directors as of the announcement date[88]

Financial Performance - Revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2023, was RMB 3,225,682 thousand, representing an increase of 26.4% from RMB 2,552,743 thousand in 2022[8]. - Gross profit for the same period was RMB 1,176,729 thousand, up 35.5% from RMB 867,934 thousand in 2022[8]. - Operating profit increased to RMB 434,389 thousand, a rise of 31.3% compared to RMB 330,951 thousand in the previous year[8]. - Net profit attributable to shareholders was RMB 213,815 thousand, reflecting a growth of 49.0% from RMB 143,315 thousand in 2022[8]. - Total assets reached RMB 13,391,901 thousand, compared to RMB 12,665,854 thousand in 2022, indicating a growth of 5.7%[8]. - Equity attributable to shareholders increased to RMB 4,817,438 thousand from RMB 4,504,367 thousand, marking a rise of 6.9%[8]. - Basic and diluted earnings per share were both RMB 21.7, up from RMB 14.6 in the previous year[8]. - Profit before tax increased to RMB 371,972 thousand, representing a 33.3% rise from RMB 279,110 thousand in the previous year[81]. - Net profit for the period was RMB 315,143 thousand, a 32.7% increase compared to RMB 237,465 thousand in 2022[81]. - The company reported a total comprehensive income of RMB 334,192 thousand for the period, compared to RMB 217,274 thousand in 2022[83]. Market Position and Strategy - The company aims to become a leading supplier in the smart grid and energy measurement sectors, focusing on continuous innovation and market expansion[7]. - The company is committed to addressing the significant demand for energy efficiency and management solutions driven by carbon neutrality goals[7]. - The company has a market share of over 20% in high-end metering products in the domestic market, positioning itself as a leader in the industry[6]. - The group is focusing on expanding its market presence in the communication, high-energy consumption, and large property sectors, which are showing stable growth[38]. - National policies are expected to stimulate demand for metering products, benefiting the group's sales and business development[38]. - The group plans to leverage the "Belt and Road" initiative to enhance its international market presence and expand its product offerings[46]. - The group is focusing on the energy storage and renewable energy markets as key development areas for the second half of the year and beyond[51]. Operational Highlights - Operating expenses for the first half of 2023 were RMB 746.54 million, representing 23% of total revenue, consistent with the same period in 2022[13]. - Financing costs increased to RMB 62.42 million due to rising bank borrowing rates, compared to RMB 51.84 million in the previous year[14]. - The company’s debt ratio (total borrowings to total assets) improved to 22% from 24% in the previous year[17]. - The average number of employees decreased to 4,448 from 4,521 at the end of 2022, with total employee costs rising to RMB 413.87 million from RMB 296.70 million[19]. - The company entered into forward foreign exchange contracts valued at USD 105.85 million to mitigate currency risk from foreign currency transactions[18]. Research and Development - Research and development expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2023, amounted to RMB 274,769,000, compared to RMB 241,599,000 in 2022, reflecting an increase of about 13.7%[104]. - The company plans to enhance product R&D to align with the trends of energy digitalization and intelligence, targeting the development of 2 to 3 hot-selling products[51]. - The group achieved breakthroughs in smart cloud platform technology development, focusing on embedded software real-time operating systems and edge computing for new intelligent communication gateways[59]. International Expansion - The company is actively participating in overseas project bidding, successfully winning projects in Malaysia, marking the start of its international expansion[50]. - The overseas revenue amounted to RMB 771.86 million, a 50% increase from RMB 514.98 million in the same period last year[53]. - In the Asia market, the group maintained its position as a key supplier in Bangladesh and continued significant deliveries in Indonesia, with over USD 10 million in orders signed with China Electric Power Equipment Co., Ltd.[54]. - In Africa, the group delivered over RMB 100 million worth of electric meters in Tanzania and is expanding its business in East Africa, while also maintaining a stable supply in the Ivory Coast[54]. - The group achieved electric meter delivery amounts exceeding RMB 120 million in Brazil and RMB 15 million in Ecuador during the review period[55]. Shareholder Information - As of June 30, 2023, the major shareholder, Mr. Ji Wei, holds 533,266,888 shares, representing 53.55% of the company's issued share capital[69]. - The company declared a final dividend of HKD 0.23 per share for the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to HKD 0.20 per share in the previous year, which is an increase of 15.0%[107]. - No interim dividend was declared for the six months ended June 30, 2023, consistent with the same period in 2022[67]. Compliance and Governance - The company has maintained compliance with the corporate governance code as per the Hong Kong Stock Exchange rules during the reporting period[73]. - The audit committee, composed entirely of independent non-executive directors, has reviewed the interim results for the six months ended June 30, 2023[72]. - The company confirmed adherence to the securities trading standard code throughout the reporting period[75]. Financial Position - Current liabilities were RMB 6,524,315 thousand, an increase from RMB 5,912,702 thousand at the end of 2022[85]. - Non-current liabilities decreased to RMB 545,491 thousand from RMB 984,877 thousand at the end of 2022[85]. - Cash and bank balances stood at RMB 2,077,253 thousand, slightly up from RMB 2,027,928 thousand at the end of 2022[84]. - The company incurred a net cash outflow from investing activities of RMB 304,032,000, compared to RMB 203,640,000 in the prior year[89]. - The company's cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period stood at RMB 1,677,253,000, slightly down from RMB 1,706,113,000 at the end of the previous year[89].

Share Incentive Plan - The company granted a total of 1,200,000 shares to 4 selected participants under the share incentive plan as of December 31, 2022[2] - The fair value of the granted shares on the grant date was approximately HKD 2,460,000, calculated based on the closing price of HKD 2.05 per share[3] - The total number of shares available for issuance under the share incentive plan after the grant is 97,388,168 shares, representing about 9.78% of the total issued shares as of the report date[4]

Financial Performance - Revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2023, was RMB 3,225.68 million, an increase of 26% compared to RMB 2,552.74 million in the same period of 2022[3] - Net profit attributable to the company's owners increased by 49% to RMB 213.82 million, compared to RMB 143.32 million in the same period of 2022[3] - Basic earnings per share for the period were RMB 21.7 cents, up from RMB 14.6 cents in the same period of 2022[3] - Total comprehensive income for the period was RMB 334.19 million, compared to RMB 217.27 million in the same period of 2022[6] - The company reported an adjusted profit before tax of RMB 371,972,000 for the period, after accounting for interest income of RMB 40,493,000 and financing costs of RMB 62,076,000[15] - The company reported a pre-tax profit of RMB 279,110 thousand for the six months ended June 30, 2023, compared to RMB 298,445 thousand for the same period in 2022[21] - The total expenses amounted to RMB 69,455,000, an increase of 33.5% compared to RMB 52,067,000 for the same period in 2022[23] - The total tax expense for the current period was RMB 56,829,000, up from RMB 41,645,000 in the previous year, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 36.5%[23] Revenue Breakdown - AMI business revenue rose to RMB 1,133.61 million, up 22% year-on-year[3] - ADO business revenue increased to RMB 1,112.52 million, reflecting a significant growth of 53% compared to the same period last year[3] - The revenue breakdown includes RMB 1,133,613,000 from intelligent metering solutions, RMB 979,546,000 from communication and fluid metering solutions, and RMB 1,112,523,000 from system and solution offerings[15] - The group recorded a revenue of RMB 979.55 million in the communication and fluid AMI business, representing a 9% increase year-on-year, accounting for 30% of total revenue[46] Assets and Liabilities - Non-current assets increased to RMB 3,231.29 million as of June 30, 2023, compared to RMB 3,229.77 million as of December 31, 2022[7] - Current liabilities totaled RMB 6,524.32 million, an increase from RMB 5,912.70 million as of December 31, 2022[8] - The company's total equity as of June 30, 2023, was RMB 6,322.10 million, compared to RMB 6,128.48 million at the end of 2022[8] - The accounts receivable as of June 30, 2023, stood at RMB 4,819,806,000, an increase of 13.1% from RMB 4,258,163,000 at the end of 2022[27] - The total accounts payable as of June 30, 2023, was RMB 3,485,631,000, a decrease of 4.3% from RMB 3,641,627,000 at the end of 2022[31] Dividends - The company did not recommend the payment of an interim dividend for the six months ended June 30, 2023[3] - The company declared a final dividend of HKD 0.23 per ordinary share for 2023, compared to HKD 0.20 per share in 2022, representing a 15% increase[24] Research and Development - Research and development expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2023, amounted to RMB 274,769 thousand, an increase from RMB 241,599 thousand in the previous year[21] - The company developed new generation environmentally friendly gas-insulated switchgear and smart transformers for medium voltage distribution networks[66] - The company launched a range of energy storage products, including 1000V and 1500V battery cabinets, applicable in various domestic and international projects[67] - The group is focusing on the development of new energy systems and smart management solutions, including comprehensive energy management systems and smart city applications[48] Market Expansion - The group is actively participating in the "Belt and Road" initiative, expanding its overseas sales network to cover Asia, Africa, and South America[49] - The group has successfully bid for projects in Malaysia, marking the beginning of its overseas expansion plans[55] - The overseas revenue for the review period reached RMB 771.86 million, a 50% increase compared to RMB 514.98 million in the same period last year[58] - The group aims to enhance the quality of its products and services while broadening the range of its overseas business and product offerings[50] Operational Efficiency - Operating expenses for the first half of 2023 were RMB 746.54 million, maintaining 23% of total revenue, consistent with the previous year[69] - Operating profit before financing costs and taxes increased by 31% to RMB 434.39 million from RMB 330.95 million in the same period last year[69] - The group has achieved the highest level ML5 certification in the global software capability maturity model (CMMI), providing technical support for overseas market expansion[65] Strategic Focus - The group is focusing on expanding its market presence in Southeast Asia, with Indonesia as the central hub, and plans to penetrate surrounding countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines[61] - The group is actively exploring new market opportunities in North America, with its Mexican subsidiary completing meter deliveries exceeding RMB 450 million during the review period[59] - The group aims to enhance its market share in high-end meters by leveraging advanced product technology and brand recognition in the traditional complete set factory sector[44]

Company Overview - Wasion Holdings Limited is a leading provider of smart metering, smart power distribution, and energy efficiency management solutions in China, with over 20% market share in high-end metering products domestically[5]. - The company focuses on the development, production, and sales of energy metering and efficiency management solutions, applicable across various sectors including electricity, water, gas, and heat supply[5]. - Wasion's subsidiary, Wasion Information Technology Co., Ltd., became the first Hunan Province enterprise listed on the Sci-Tech Innovation Board in January 2020, holding a 59.51% stake[6]. - The company operates primarily in Hong Kong and has a registered office in the Cayman Islands, reflecting its international business strategy[4]. - Wasion Holdings Limited is a leading IoT solution provider in smart energy metering and efficiency management, listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since 2005[79]. Financial Performance - The group's revenue for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, was approximately RMB 5.856 billion, representing a 28% increase year-on-year[17]. - Net profit for the year was approximately RMB 324 million, a year-on-year increase of 21%[17]. - The basic earnings per share were RMB 0.329, reflecting a 21% increase compared to the previous year[17]. - The company's revenue increased by 28% to RMB 5,855.84 million in 2022, compared to RMB 4,590.76 million in 2021[24]. - Gross profit rose by 29% to RMB 1,929.22 million in 2022, maintaining a gross margin of 33%[24]. - Profit attributable to equity holders increased by 21% to RMB 323.80 million in 2022, up from RMB 268.08 million in 2021[29]. - Total assets reached RMB 13,026.06 million in 2022, compared to RMB 12,672.14 million in 2021[20]. - The company's debt ratio decreased from 22% in 2021 to 20% in 2022[31]. - Operating expenses accounted for 22% of total revenue in 2022, down from 23% in 2021[26]. Business Growth and Strategy - The company aims to become a leading supplier in the smart grid and smart metering sectors, driven by the global shift towards carbon neutrality and energy efficiency[7]. - Wasion's future strategy includes expanding its market presence and enhancing its technological capabilities to meet the growing demand for energy management solutions[7]. - The group aims to develop new energy and energy storage products in line with carbon neutrality trends[18]. - The company plans to expand its international market presence and enhance product quality and service levels[18]. - The company plans to actively participate in the construction of the energy internet in "Belt and Road" countries, increasing overseas R&D and sales expenses[52]. - The company aims to establish a multi-energy, multi-level energy IoT platform, enhancing its capabilities across various sectors including water, electricity, gas, and heat[52]. Innovation and Technology - Wasion has received several awards, including the first-class award for technological progress from the China Instrument and Meter Society for its smart energy meter project[8]. - The group developed a new chip and smart measurement switch to meet the application needs of smart grids and the Internet of Things[17]. - The company is focusing on technological innovation, having developed a new power load management system that supports high-efficiency interactions between power sources and loads[67]. - The company has made significant breakthroughs in various sectors, including distributed photovoltaic systems and wastewater treatment plants[57]. - The company has established a professional team to develop industrial control chip security protection technology and a new software architecture for power measurement equipment[132]. Market Expansion - The company achieved over RMB 5 billion in new energy storage contracts during the year, marking a significant milestone[55]. - The company secured over RMB 200 million in contracts for smart AMI meters in Brazil, delivering over 2 million units during the year[63]. - In Mexico, the company produced and delivered over 1.8 million smart meters, achieving a revenue exceeding RMB 500 million, becoming the leading supplier in the high-end meter market[63]. - The company is expanding its market presence in Southeast Asia, focusing on Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines[64]. - In Africa, the company is enhancing its operations in Tanzania and has completed bulk deliveries in Uganda, while maintaining its position as a major supplier in Egypt and West Africa[64]. Sustainability and ESG Initiatives - Wasion emphasizes sustainable development as a core principle, integrating social responsibility into its corporate culture to drive high-quality growth[80]. - The company is actively responding to China's dual carbon goals, aiming for carbon peak and neutrality, and has established clear green development objectives[84]. - The company has implemented various ISO standards, including ISO9001, ISO14001, and ISO45001, across its subsidiaries[88]. - The company has established energy-saving and emission reduction management goals for 2022, with a downward trend in energy consumption and emissions compared to the previous year[95]. - The company actively responds to the requirements of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange's ESG reporting guidelines, focusing on key performance indicators in environmental, social, and governance areas[94]. Employee Engagement and Welfare - The company has been recognized as a "Best Employer" for twelve consecutive years and received multiple honors for creating harmonious labor relations and maintaining legal compliance[166]. - The company has implemented various management systems to enhance employee satisfaction, including collective negotiation procedures and communication control procedures[168]. - The company emphasizes employee welfare, providing various benefits such as insurance, free meals, and transportation, enhancing employee satisfaction and sense of belonging[169]. - The company has established sports and recreational facilities, including a football field and gym, to promote employee health and well-being[171]. - The company has a systematic training mechanism for its technical service engineers, ensuring continuous knowledge updates and high-quality service delivery[157]. Leadership and Governance - The company was founded in 2000 and has since established a strong leadership team with extensive experience in various sectors[194]. - The current CEO, Mr. Ji Zhe, has been with the company since 2007 and has a background in capital markets, enhancing the company's strategic direction[194]. - The independent directors bring a wealth of experience in finance and engineering, ensuring strong oversight and governance[197]. - The company has been recognized as a leading enterprise in the electronics industry, reflecting its market position and operational success[195]. - The leadership team has been awarded numerous accolades, reinforcing the company's reputation as a leader in innovation and corporate responsibility[195]. Risk Management and Compliance - The management discussion and analysis section includes a discussion of major risks and uncertainties faced by the group, as well as future development forecasts[200]. - The company has established a risk control center to enhance prevention and monitoring of corruption and bribery[193]. - The company has implemented a zero-tolerance policy towards forced labor and child labor, with no incidents reported[191]. - The company has not encountered any corruption lawsuits against it or its employees[193]. - The company has established a mandatory provident fund scheme for employees in Hong Kong, ensuring compliance with local employment laws[32].

Financial Performance - Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2022, was RMB 5,855.84 million, an increase of 27.6% from RMB 4,590.76 million in 2021[2] - The AMI business revenue was RMB 2,059.25 million, up 20% compared to 2021[2] - The ADO business revenue increased by 64% to RMB 1,894.74 million from RMB 1,154.36 million in 2021[2] - Net profit attributable to shareholders increased by 21% to RMB 323.80 million from RMB 268.08 million in 2021[2] - Basic earnings per share for the year were RMB 32.9 cents, compared to RMB 27.2 cents in 2021[2] - The adjusted profit before tax for the group was RMB 582,434 thousand, reflecting a significant increase compared to RMB 472,733 thousand in the previous year[23] - Gross profit amounted to RMB 1,929.22 million, up 29% from RMB 1,498.77 million in 2021, maintaining a gross margin of 33%[42] - Profit attributable to equity holders increased by 21% to RMB 323.80 million, up from RMB 268.08 million in 2021[79] Dividends and Shareholder Returns - The board proposed a final dividend of RMB 0.23 per share, up from RMB 0.202 per share in the previous year[2] - The company proposed a final dividend of HKD 0.23 per share for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to HKD 0.20 per share in 2021, totaling RMB 201,337,000[31] Assets and Liabilities - Total assets as of December 31, 2022, were RMB 9,796.28 million, compared to RMB 9,588.34 million in 2021[7] - Current liabilities increased to RMB 5,912.70 million from RMB 5,758.58 million in 2021[8] - Non-current liabilities totaled RMB 984.88 million, up from RMB 833.70 million in 2021[8] - The company's equity attributable to shareholders was RMB 4,655.90 million, compared to RMB 4,631.93 million in 2021[8] Research and Development - Research and development expenses for 2022 amounted to RMB 551,601, up 23.1% from RMB 448,371 in 2021, with capitalized development costs decreasing to RMB 123,760 from RMB 147,598[28] - The group is actively engaged in research and development related to source-network-load-storage interaction technologies, aligning with the dual carbon policy[50] - The group is committed to R&D-driven innovation, aligning with national dual carbon development policies and advancing smart city and new energy businesses[71] Market and Industry Trends - In 2022, China's GDP grew by 3% year-on-year, with a total value of RMB 1,210,207 billion, despite challenges from inflation and supply chain disruptions[39] - The number of new energy vehicles in China reached 13.1 million in 2022, marking a significant year-on-year growth of 67.13%[39] - The global smart meter market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.71% from 2022 to 2027, with the software and services segment expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.41%[64] International Expansion - The company is positioned to benefit from international cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, with over 200 cooperation documents signed with 149 countries[53] - The overseas revenue for the year reached RMB 1,234.69 million, a 73% increase compared to RMB 712.45 million in the previous year[65] - The group secured overseas orders amounting to approximately RMB 2,003.37 million, representing a 74% year-on-year growth[65] Operational Efficiency - Operating expenses amounted to RMB 1,306.01 million, representing 22% of total revenue, a decrease from 23% in the previous year[78] - The company has adhered to the corporate governance code, except for the absence of an independent non-executive director at the annual general meeting held on June 1, 2022[88] - The audit committee is responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of the group's financial reporting, internal controls, and risk management systems[89] Employee and Governance - The company employed 4,521 staff as of December 31, 2022, an increase from 3,578 in the previous year[84] - The board of directors includes both executive and independent non-executive members, ensuring a diverse governance structure[91] - The chairman of the board is Ji Wei, with a team of directors overseeing the company's operations and governance[91]

年 報 2021 年報 www.wasion.com 香港上環干諾道中168 - 200號信德中心西座26樓2605室 C127090 | 公司資料 | 2 | | --- | --- | | 公司簡介 | 4 | | 資格、獎項及里程碑 | 6 | | 主席報告書 | 10 | | 管理層討論與分析 | 14 | | 環境、社會及管治報告 | 31 | | 董事及高級管理層履歷 | 78 | | 董事會報告書 | 81 | | 企業管治報告書 | 89 | | 獨立核數師報告書 | 111 | | --- | --- | | 綜合損益及其他全面利潤表 | 116 | | 綜合財務狀況表 | 117 | | 綜合權益變動表 | 119 | | 綜合現金流量表 | 121 | | 財務報表附註 | 124 | | 財務概要 | 220 | 目錄 2 公司資料 執行董事 吉為先生 （主席） 曹朝輝女士 李鴻女士 鄭小平女士 田仲平先生 非執行董事 吉喆先生 獨立非執行董事 陳昌達先生 欒文鵬先生 程時杰先生 王耀南先生 公司秘書 蔡偉龍先生 FCCA, FCPA 法定代表 吉為先生 蔡偉龍先生 FCCA, FCP ...

Market Position and Product Development - The company achieved a market share of over 20% in the domestic high-end metering products sector, establishing itself as a leader in energy measurement and efficiency management solutions [9]. - The subsidiary, Wasion Information Technology Co., Ltd., which holds 58.5% ownership, became the first Hunan Province enterprise to be listed on the Sci-Tech Innovation Board in January 2020 [11]. - The company developed a new generation of smart prepaid products based on the FM33A0 platform, successfully promoting them in markets such as South Africa, Ivory Coast, Madagascar, Uganda, Egypt, Nigeria, Uruguay, and Russia [13]. - The company is committed to independent chip research and development, enhancing its core competitiveness, and has passed the National Grid Measurement Center inspection for its fifth-generation high-speed power line carrier chip WTZ13 [13]. - The company aims to become a leading supplier in the international smart grid and smart metering sectors, driven by the goals of "carbon neutrality" and "carbon peak" in China and globally [14]. - The company focuses on providing comprehensive solutions for energy management using IoT technology, covering data perception, network transmission, and application management [11]. - The company has established a solid foundation for breakthroughs in anti-theft technology in future metering markets by developing enterprise functional specifications based on IEC62056 standards [13]. - The company emphasizes continuous innovation and aims to build the Wasion brand into a globally recognized name in the smart metering field [14]. - The company’s products and services are expected to benefit every city, enterprise, and household in the future [15]. - The company is dedicated to becoming a major supplier in the international smart grid and metering sectors, aligning with its mission as an "energy measurement and efficiency management expert" [14]. Financial Performance - The group's operating revenue for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, was RMB 3,949 million, an increase of 8.0% compared to the previous year [35]. - Net profit attributable to the parent company was RMB 231 million, a decrease of 17.6% year-on-year, with earnings per share at RMB 0.235 [35]. - The AMI business revenue declined by 4.7% year-on-year, with a significant drop of 27.9% in the first half, but a recovery of 26.8% in the second half [35]. - New contract value for communication and fluid AMI business increased by 14% year-on-year [35]. - The ADO business achieved a breakthrough in the Southern Power Grid market, with a contract value of approximately RMB 350 million, an increase of over 2.4 times compared to 2019 [35]. - International market expansion led to overseas revenue of RMB 381 million, a significant increase of 81.4% despite the global pandemic [35]. - Revenue increased by 8% to RMB 3,948.75 million in 2020, compared to RMB 3,655.65 million in 2019 [52]. - Gross profit rose by 9% to RMB 1,246.57 million in 2020, with a gross margin of 32%, up from 31% in 2019 [53]. - Profit attributable to equity holders decreased by 18% to RMB 231.19 million in 2020, down from RMB 280.57 million in 2019 [59]. - Operating expenses increased to RMB 864.86 million, accounting for 22% of total revenue, up from 21% in 2019 [56]. - Total assets grew to RMB 11,270.08 million in 2020, compared to RMB 10,096.77 million in 2019 [43]. - The current ratio improved to 1.69 in 2020, up from 1.54 in 2019 [44]. - The debt ratio decreased to 20% in 2020, down from 21% in 2019 [62]. - Other income increased to RMB 166.81 million in 2020, compared to RMB 130.55 million in 2019 [54]. Market Expansion and Strategic Initiatives - The company plans to expand into non-grid markets such as rail transportation and charging stations, focusing on technological innovation [39]. - The company aims to enhance its market share by developing high-standard, high-tech products for both domestic and international customers [40]. - The group launched a new generation of IoT smart energy meters, which is the first in the country to pass national standards and market supervision approvals [28]. - The group established a data center division to explore new industry opportunities driven by the demand from new infrastructure, including 5G and data centers [36]. - The group aims to develop "new energy +" solutions, integrating renewable energy with storage and electric transportation [36]. - The national grid plans to invest over USD 70 billion annually over the next five years to upgrade the grid towards an energy internet [37]. - The group is focusing on the development of new products such as NB-IoT metering solutions and smart sockets to capitalize on the new infrastructure market opportunities [80]. - The group plans to leverage its technological advantages in the power IoT sector to expand into smart city IoT solutions, providing integrated energy solutions across various industries [89]. - The group anticipates that investments in the power grid and related industries will exceed RMB 60 trillion during the 14th Five-Year Plan period [88]. - The group aims to maintain its leading market share in the State Grid and Southern Power Grid by enhancing its product structure and optimizing technology development [89]. International Business and Collaborations - The overseas business revenue reached RMB 381.97 million, an 81% year-on-year growth [101]. - The group secured overseas orders amounting to approximately RMB 1,040 million, reflecting a 93% year-on-year increase [103]. - The global smart meter market is projected to grow from USD 20.7 billion in 2020 to USD 28.6 billion by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.7% [100]. - The group successfully entered the Indonesian single-phase electricity meter supplier list and received procurement orders for three-phase industrial smart metering equipment [104]. - In the African market, the group achieved grid operation for its first power AMI project in Egypt and secured contracts for smart water meters, marking a breakthrough in the Egyptian water meter business [104]. - The group has established a strategic partnership with Trilliant to further develop the South American market, particularly in Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, and Peru [105]. - The group successfully delivered the second phase of the smart meter order for TNB in Malaysia, enhancing its position in the local market [104]. - The group is expanding its international market presence by establishing factories in Brazil and Mexico, targeting surrounding markets like Ecuador and Colombia [107]. - The group’s new anti-theft technology has achieved breakthroughs in the electricity meter markets of India and Indonesia, enhancing its competitive edge [113]. Initial Public Offering (IPO) and Financial Strategy - Wasion Technology Co., Ltd. completed its IPO on the STAR Market on January 21, 2020, issuing 50 million A-shares at a price of RMB 13.78 per share, raising approximately RMB 610.83 million after expenses [117]. - The net proceeds from the IPO are allocated to various projects, including RMB 60.29 million for IoT sensing layer monitoring equipment expansion and RMB 204.87 million for IoT network layer product expansion, with a total of RMB 610.83 million earmarked for these initiatives [117]. - Post-IPO, Wasion's ownership in Wasion Technology decreased to approximately 58.5%, allowing for better resource allocation and strategic planning across different business segments [115]. - The IPO is expected to enhance Wasion Technology's reputation and position in negotiations for new business, benefiting Wasion Holdings through equity growth [115]. - Wasion Technology aims to leverage its independent listing to access capital markets for equity and/or debt financing, facilitating operational expansion and improving financial performance [115]. - The total net proceeds from the IPO will be utilized for various projects, with RMB 417.71 million remaining after initial allocations [117]. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Commitment - The company emphasizes its commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) responsibilities, integrating these into its long-term development strategy [129]. - The company has established a social responsibility management framework driven by the board, ensuring regular reporting and oversight of ESG-related matters [129]. - Continuous improvement in social responsibility practices is being pursued through regular internal supervision and third-party assessments [154]. - The company is committed to sustainable development by integrating stakeholder expectations into its mid-to-long-term strategic planning [160]. - The company has established key performance indicators for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects in line with regulatory guidelines [157]. - The company aims to control hazardous waste emissions to below 0.003 tons per million revenue and non-hazardous waste to below 0.5 tons per million revenue [161]. - The target for greenhouse gas emissions is set to be below 4.2 tons per million revenue, while water usage is aimed to be controlled at 146 tons per million revenue [161]. - The company has committed to improving resource utilization and reducing energy consumption as part of its environmental management policy [165]. - No violations of environmental laws and regulations were reported during the reporting period [164]. - The company emphasizes the importance of stakeholder communication and has established diverse channels for engagement [153]. - The strategic focus includes low-carbon development, circular economy, and green development in response to post-pandemic challenges [162]. - The company has identified eight key stakeholders to enhance its strategic and business development [152]. Employee Development and Safety - Continuous improvement in employee well-being and talent management is a priority for the company, fostering a positive work environment [179]. - As of December 31, 2020, Wasion Holdings Limited had approximately 3,100 employees, with a turnover rate of 7.7% for male employees and 6.7% for female employees [185]. - The company reported zero work-related injuries and fatalities over the past three years, maintaining a strong focus on employee safety and health [188]. - In 2020, Wasion received 220 applications for various innovation funds, winning 196 awards, resulting in an award rate of 89% and a total fund disbursement of 1.141 million yuan [198]. - The average training hours for male employees were 163.3 hours, while female employees averaged 164.0 hours, indicating a strong commitment to employee development [191]. - The company has established a rigorous onboarding process to prevent child labor, ensuring compliance with relevant labor laws and regulations [184]. - Wasion has been awarded the title of "Top 100 Manufacturing Enterprises in Hunan Province" for 2020, highlighting its industry leadership [199]. - The company has implemented a comprehensive training system, with 76% of general employees and 82% of middle management participating in training programs [191].

Revenue and Profitability - Revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2020, was RMB 1,687,701 thousand, a decrease of 12.2% compared to RMB 1,923,930 thousand in 2019[9]. - Net profit attributable to shareholders was RMB 116,264 thousand, down 31.8% from RMB 170,294 thousand in 2019, with a net profit margin of 7%[9][10]. - Gross profit for the same period was RMB 542,686 thousand, resulting in a gross margin of 32%, up from 30% in 2019[10]. - Operating profit before financing costs and taxes decreased by 7% to RMB 258.99 million from RMB 278.44 million[16]. - Profit before tax decreased to RMB 209,556 thousand, a decline of 12.9% from RMB 240,436 thousand in the previous year[72]. - The group’s net profit attributable to shareholders was RMB 116.26 million, a decrease of 32% from RMB 170.29 million in the first half of 2019[29]. - The total comprehensive income for the period was RMB 151,039 thousand, a decrease of 30.3% from RMB 216,508 thousand in 2019[73]. Assets and Liabilities - Total assets increased to RMB 10,980,116 thousand from RMB 9,426,362 thousand in 2019, reflecting a growth of 16.5%[9]. - Current assets as of June 30, 2020, were approximately RMB 8,411.10 million, up from RMB 7,338.16 million at the end of 2019[18]. - Total liabilities increased to RMB 5,442,990 thousand from RMB 4,774,729 thousand, primarily due to an increase in interest-bearing bank and other borrowings[75]. - The company's equity attributable to shareholders rose to RMB 4,364,303 thousand, compared to RMB 4,175,213 thousand in 2019[9]. - The company's net asset value rose to RMB 5,377,327 thousand, compared to RMB 4,846,400 thousand at the end of 2019[75]. Cash Flow and Financing - Cash flow from financing activities resulted in a net inflow of RMB 722,301 million, including new bank loans of RMB 991,926 million and repayment of bank loans of (RMB 777,724) million[79]. - The group’s financial liabilities, including interest-bearing bank and other borrowings, amounted to RMB 2,346,981,000 as of June 30, 2020, compared to RMB 2,073,869,000 as of December 31, 2019, reflecting an increase of approximately 13.2%[130]. - The company reported cash and bank balances of RMB 1,488,927 million, with fixed deposits of RMB 171,003 million[79]. Operational Performance - The accounts receivable turnover period increased to 442 days from 331 days in 2019, indicating a longer collection period[10]. - Inventory turnover period increased to 92 days from 69 days in 2019, suggesting slower inventory movement[10]. - Operating expenses rose to RMB 361.12 million, accounting for 21% of total revenue, up from 18% in the previous year[14]. - The group secured new contracts worth approximately RMB 1,089.75 million during the period, reflecting a 4% year-on-year growth[37]. Market and Business Development - The company aims to continue innovating and expanding its market presence in the energy measurement and efficiency management sector[7][8]. - The group aims to enhance its market share in the power grid sector, driven by successful expansion in the southern power grid market and improved competitiveness in integrated products[45]. - The group is actively developing "new energy +" solutions, integrating renewable energy with storage, 5G, and other applications to enhance business value[45]. - The group has established a new division focused on 5G construction and applications to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the market[44]. Research and Development - Research and development costs for the period were RMB 126,967,000, an increase of 9.1% from RMB 115,920,000 in 2019[97]. - The group plans to continue developing its proprietary chips to enhance its core competitiveness in the IoT sector[37]. Corporate Governance and Shareholder Information - The company does not recommend an interim dividend for the six months ended June 30, 2020, compared to 6 HK cents per share for the same period in 2019[60]. - The major shareholder, Ji Wei, holds 530,286,888 shares, representing 53.25% of the issued share capital[63]. - Ernst & Young has been appointed as the auditor following the resignation of Deloitte due to a disagreement over audit fees[59]. International Operations - The group’s international market revenue was RMB 93.14 million, a decline of 53% year-on-year, primarily due to production halts caused by the pandemic[47]. - The group secured overseas orders amounting to approximately RMB 648.68 million, representing a year-on-year growth of 110%[48]. - The group achieved successful grid operation for its first AMI project in Egypt and obtained contracts for smart water meters, marking a breakthrough in the Egyptian market[48]. Financial Reporting and Compliance - The company has adopted revised Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards, which did not impact its financial position or performance[81]. - The company has complied with the corporate governance code as per the listing rules, except for one instance regarding attendance at the annual general meeting[65].