Group 1: Market Developments - Hong Kong Stock Exchange will lower the minimum price fluctuation for stocks starting August 4, 2025, following successful market rehearsals and regulatory approvals [1] - The Hang Seng Index's ADR closed at 24,987.99 points, down 6.15 points or 0.02% [3] Group 2: Index Adjustments - The Hang Seng Index announced changes to the calculation method of the Hang Seng Hong Kong Stock Connect Innovative Drug Selection Index, effective from the index review on June 30, 2025 [2] Group 3: Company Earnings - Cathay Pacific reported a 23.3% year-on-year increase in passenger numbers, carrying approximately 2.9 million passengers in June 2025 [8] - China Longgong expects a significant increase in net profit for the first half of 2025, estimated between RMB 590 million and RMB 665 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 29% to 45% [11] - Meitu Company anticipates a 65% to 72% year-on-year growth in adjusted net profit for the first half of 2025 [10] - Hengtou Securities expects a net profit of approximately RMB 239 million for the first half of 2025, a significant increase from RMB 53.87 million in the same period last year [14] - Huiri Group forecasts a consolidated profit of approximately HKD 250 million for the first half of 2025, up from HKD 37 million in the previous year [15] - Harbin Electric anticipates a net profit of approximately RMB 1.02 billion for the first half of 2025, a substantial increase from RMB 523 million in the same period last year [21] Group 4: Strategic Initiatives - Multiple departments released implementation details for cross-border asset management pilot business in Hainan Free Trade Port, allowing foreign investors to invest in various financial products [6] - Dongyangguang Jiangsu Pharmaceutical and Dongyangguang Pharmaceutical's merger agreement was approved by shareholders, with the new entity expected to be listed on August 7, 2025 [13] - Global New Materials International's acquisition of Merck's surface solutions business was approved by a special shareholder meeting, with a transaction value of EUR 665 million [17] Group 5: Industry Trends - GGII reported that China's power battery installation capacity reached approximately 288.1 GWh in the first half of 2025, a year-on-year increase of 44% [5] - The key product DB-1310 from InnoCare Pharma has received fast track designation from the FDA for treating advanced non-small cell lung cancer [20]

Group 1 - The core announcement involves a bondholder, Mr. Duan Chuanliang, exchanging convertible bonds for 547 million shares of Kangda Environmental, representing approximately 25.55% of the company's total issued share capital as of the announcement date [1] - Following the exchange, Mr. Duan and Sharp Profit will collectively hold rights to 1.156 billion shares, amounting to about 54.01% of the total issued share capital [1] - Sharp Profit, a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Water Affairs, is a major shareholder with approximately 28.46% of the company's issued share capital as of the announcement date [1] Group 2 - The company has 214 million stock options that have vested, allowing option holders to subscribe for shares at an exercise price of HKD 0.30 per share [2] - According to takeover rules, Mr. Duan must make an appropriate offer to option holders for all unexercised options [2] - The offer price for the shares is set at HKD 0.348 per share, which is higher than the conversion price of HKD 0.25 per share under the convertible bonds [2]

Group 1 - The core announcement involves the exchange of convertible bonds by Kanda Environmental, allowing bondholders to convert their bonds into 546,728,004 shares, representing approximately 25.55% of the company's total issued share capital at an exchange price of HKD 0.25 per share [1] - Following the completion of the exchange on July 21, 2025, the combined ownership of Duan Chuanliang and Sharp Profit will amount to 1,155,718,004 shares, which is about 54.01% of the total issued share capital of the company [1] - Sharp Profit, a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Water, is a major shareholder, holding approximately 28.46% of the company's total issued share capital as of the date of the announcement [1] Group 2 - Due to the bond exchange, Duan Chuanliang is required to make a mandatory unconditional cash offer for all shares, excluding those already owned or agreed to be acquired by him and Sharp Profit [2] - Duan and Sharp Profit will act as joint offerors for the share offer, with an expected acquisition distribution of approximately 93.00% and 7.00% respectively [2] - China Water, through its subsidiary Sharp Profit, is positioned to maintain or increase its strategic investment in the company, which is primarily engaged in urban water supply, wastewater treatment, and environmental services [2]

Core Viewpoint - The company has announced a share transfer agreement where it will sell 100% equity of a target company for a total consideration of RMB 80 million, resulting in an expected loss of approximately RMB 46.2 million [1] Group 1: Transaction Details - The seller is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the company, and the buyer is a limited liability company established in China, primarily engaged in water supply and sewage treatment [1] - The transaction price was determined through fair negotiation between the seller and buyer, considering the target company's audited net asset value of approximately RMB 126 million as of December 31, 2024 [1] - The net proceeds from the sale are expected to be approximately RMB 79.9 million, which will be used for the company's general working capital [1]

Financial Performance - The Group's net profit for the year increased by 31.2% to RMB170.9 million compared to last year[11]. - Total revenue for the year was RMB2,261.3 million, representing an increase of 2.0% year-on-year, with urban water treatment operations accounting for 95.5% of the total[12]. - Revenue from construction services increased by 53.2% to RMB266.0 million compared to last year due to the completion of certain construction-in-progress projects[12]. - The actual wastewater treatment volume reached 1,278.4 million tonnes, representing a slight increase of 1% compared with last year[12]. - The overall gross profit margin for the year stood at 48.2%, remaining largely flat compared to 48.5% for the same period last year[12]. - Total operating revenue for the Group's Urban Water Treatment services was RMB1,176.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, a decrease of approximately 7% from RMB1,265.3 million in 2023[39]. - The Group's gross profit margin for the year remained stable at 48.2%, compared to 48.5% in the previous corresponding period[55]. - The Group's cost of sales for the year was RMB1,172.3 million, representing an increase of approximately 3% from RMB1,140.4 million in the previous period[51]. Cash Flow and Financing - Net operating cash inflow of RMB403.1 million was recorded for the year, which had remained positive since 2019[16]. - The average borrowing interest rate for the year decreased by 0.44 percentage points to 5.51% compared with last year[17]. - Finance costs amounted to approximately RMB544.2 million, representing a decrease of 6.0% compared with last year[17]. - The Group recorded an operating cash inflow of RMB 403.1 million for the year, maintaining positive cash flow since 2019[19]. - As of December 31, 2024, the Group's debt-to-asset ratio improved to 68.6% from 69.6% in the previous year, while the current ratio increased to 1.32 from 1.15[19]. - The average borrowing rate decreased by 0.44 percentage points to 5.51%, resulting in financing costs of approximately RMB 544.2 million, a reduction of 6.0% year-on-year[19]. - The Group's total interest-bearing debts decreased to RMB 9,854.0 million as of December 31, 2024, from RMB 9,917.0 million as of December 31, 2023, with 69.4% classified as long-term[94]. - The gearing ratio decreased to 68.6% as of December 31, 2024, compared to 69.6% in the previous year[95]. Operational Capacity and Projects - The Group operated 105 service concession arrangement projects with a total operational treatment capacity exceeding 4 million tons per day as of December 31, 2024[27]. - The total daily treatment capacity for wastewater, reclaimed water, and sludge treatment plants in operation reached 4,089,500 tonnes, 65,000 tonnes, and 550 tonnes respectively, showing an increase from 4,024,500 tonnes in 2023 for wastewater treatment[38]. - The actual aggregate processing volume for the year ended December 31, 2024, was 1,278.4 million tonnes, representing a minor increase compared to 1,265.7 million tonnes in 2023[38]. - The Group had 100 wastewater treatment projects, 2 reclaimed water treatment projects, and 3 sludge treatment projects in operation as of December 31, 2024[38]. - The total daily treatment capacity of service concession arrangements still in the construction stage was 50,500 tonnes as of December 31, 2024[44]. Strategic Initiatives and Future Plans - The Group plans to seek reasonable adjustments to wastewater treatment prices to offset rising operational costs and enhance profitability[21]. - The Group aims to optimize its debt structure during the interest rate cut cycle to further reduce financing costs[21]. - The Group is focused on expanding its Urban Water Treatment chain to improve profitability and competitiveness[33]. - The Group is confident in the sustainable development of the wastewater treatment industry, supported by national policies promoting private enterprises[20]. - The Group will enhance energy-saving and cost-reduction measures to improve operational efficiency and gross margins[21]. - The Group is focusing on integrating resources to execute Water Environment Comprehensive Remediation projects under EPC and O&M contracts[45]. - The company aims to expand its market presence and enhance its operational efficiency through strategic investments and management practices[116]. Governance and Management - The Group has complied with all applicable provisions of the Corporate Governance Code during the year ended December 31, 2024[133]. - The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the Group's businesses, strategic decisions, and performance, with authority delegated to the CEO and senior management for day-to-day operations[147]. - The Company has established a corporate governance framework, ensuring compliance with the Listing Rules, including the appointment of at least three independent non-executive Directors[153]. - The Board is collectively responsible for corporate governance duties and has reviewed the Company's policies and practices on compliance with legal and regulatory requirements[169]. - The Company is committed to developing and monitoring policies on corporate governance, compliance, and ethical conduct[172]. - The Board has established three committees: the nomination committee, the remuneration committee, and the audit committee[190]. - The Nomination Committee is tasked with reviewing Board composition and assessing the independence of independent non-executive Directors[168]. - The Company ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations through the Board's oversight and independent professional advice[195]. Human Resources - The Group had 2,285 employees as of December 31, 2024, with remuneration packages determined based on market conditions and individual performance[101]. - The attendance record for Board meetings shows full participation from most Directors, with Li Zhong, Liu Yujie, and Duan Jerry Linnan attending all 9 meetings[186]. - All Directors participated in continuous professional development, including updates on rules and regulations[180]. Environmental Commitment - The Group actively promotes a green and low-carbon culture by developing and applying new technologies in sewage treatment projects to improve energy efficiency[141]. - The Group organized a "Public Open Day for Environmental Protection Facilities" to raise public awareness of ecological environment protection and water conservation[144]. - The Group aims to achieve harmonious development of people, nature, and the environment by focusing on building an environment-friendly and resource-saving enterprise[145].

Financial Performance - Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024, was approximately RMB 2,261.3 million, an increase of about 2.0% compared to the previous year, driven by growth in construction services revenue[3] - Gross profit amounted to RMB 1,089.0 million, reflecting a 1.2% increase, with a stable gross margin of 48.2% compared to 48.5% in the previous year[3] - Net profit attributable to the parent company was approximately RMB 168.0 million, representing a significant increase of about 34.6% due to reduced financing costs and income tax expenses[3] - Basic and diluted earnings per share for ordinary shareholders were RMB 7.85, up approximately 34.6% from RMB 5.83 in the previous year[3] - The total revenue for the Urban Water Division reached RMB 2,160,205,000, while the total revenue for the Water Environment Comprehensive Management Division was RMB 22,133,000, and the Rural Wastewater Management Division generated RMB 78,944,000, leading to a combined total revenue of RMB 2,261,282,000[24] - The adjusted profit before tax for the Urban Water Division was RMB 460,393,000, the Water Environment Comprehensive Management Division reported RMB 25,182,000, and the Rural Wastewater Management Division had RMB 21,969,000, resulting in a total adjusted profit before tax of RMB 507,544,000[24] - The company reported a total segment profit of RMB 484,721,000 for the year, down from RMB 512,121,000 in the previous year, indicating a decrease of approximately 5.4%[27] - The group reported a decrease in trade receivables from joint ventures to RMB 99,297,000 in 2024, down from RMB 108,664,000 in 2023, representing a decline of about 12.63%[62] Cash Flow and Liquidity - Net cash inflow from operating activities was RMB 403.1 million, an increase of 37.6% compared to the previous year[3] - The net cash flow from operating activities was RMB 403.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to RMB 292.9 million for the previous year[102] - The net cash flow from investing activities was RMB 151.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to RMB 12.8 million for the previous year[102] - The group’s cash flow from financing activities showed a net outflow of RMB 626.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to a net outflow of RMB 257.1 million for the previous year[102] - As of December 31, 2024, the group's cash and cash equivalents amounted to RMB 177.1 million, a decrease of approximately RMB 71.3 million from RMB 248.4 million on December 31, 2023[106] Assets and Liabilities - Total non-current assets increased from 12,139,651 thousand RMB in 2023 to 12,615,934 thousand RMB in 2024, reflecting a growth of approximately 3.9%[8] - Current assets rose from 6,657,776 thousand RMB in 2023 to 6,611,428 thousand RMB in 2024, indicating a slight decrease of about 0.7%[8] - Total liabilities decreased from 5,771,449 thousand RMB in 2023 to 5,302,629 thousand RMB in 2024, representing a reduction of approximately 8.1%[10] - The total assets decreased from 13,455,913 thousand RMB in 2023 to 13,851,297 thousand RMB in 2024, reflecting a decline of approximately 2.9%[10] - The total interest-bearing debt decreased to RMB 9,854.0 million as of December 31, 2024, down from RMB 9,917.0 million on December 31, 2023, with 69.4% classified as long-term debt[107] - The group's asset-liability ratio improved to 68.6% as of December 31, 2024, compared to 69.6% in the same period last year[108] Capital Expenditures and Investments - Capital expenditures for the year totaled RMB 34,761,000, which includes investments in property, plant, and equipment[29] - The group invested RMB 165.1 million and RMB 258.4 million in BOT/TOT and PPP projects, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023[102] - The group aims to focus on stable cash flow from urban water services while selectively investing in value-added areas along the water industry chain[76] Financing and Costs - Total financing costs amounted to RMB 544.211 million in 2024, down from RMB 578.719 million in 2023, reflecting a reduction of approximately 6%[45] - The total service costs for construction services in 2024 are RMB 208,253,000, slightly increasing from RMB 206,487,000 in 2023[46] - The total service costs for operating services in 2024 are RMB 964,015,000, compared to RMB 933,900,000 in 2023, reflecting an increase of approximately 3.3%[46] - Other expenses increased by approximately 103% to RMB 88.3 million, compared to RMB 43.4 million in the previous year, mainly due to increased foreign exchange losses[92] Shareholder Information - The board of directors does not recommend the payment of a final dividend for the year ended December 31, 2024, similar to the previous year[115] - The weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding remains constant at 2,139,735,000 for both 2024 and 2023[53] - The group has maintained at least 25% of its issued share capital held by the public as of December 31, 2024, in compliance with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange regulations[117] Compliance and Governance - The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and are presented in Renminbi (RMB) rounded to the nearest thousand[11] - The Audit Committee, consisting of three independent non-executive directors, has reviewed and approved the financial performance for the year ending December 31, 2024[119] - The company has confirmed compliance with the Standards of Conduct for Directors in Securities Transactions as of December 31, 2024[121] Operational Highlights - The group has established 110 service concession projects, including 104 wastewater treatment plants, 1 water supply plant, 3 sludge treatment plants, and 2 recycled water treatment plants as of December 31, 2024[77] - The operational capacity for wastewater treatment is 4,089,500 tons per day, with a total processing capacity of 4,325,550 tons per day including water supply and recycled water[78] - The group has 100 operational wastewater treatment projects, 2 reclaimed water treatment projects, and 3 sludge treatment projects as of December 31, 2024[81]

Financial Performance - The company reported a significant increase in revenue, achieving a total of $150 million for the first half of 2024, representing a 25% growth compared to the same period last year[6]. - For the six months ended June 30, 2024, revenue increased by approximately 2.0% to RMB1,115.5 million, primarily driven by new and expanded wastewater treatment facilities[7]. - Profit attributable to owners of the parent increased significantly by 32.8% over the corresponding period last year, amounting to RMB108.6 million[7]. - Profit before tax increased to RMB 153,297,000, representing a 16.7% growth compared to RMB 131,328,000 in 2023[89]. - The profit for the period ended June 30, 2024, was RMB 108,597,000, compared to RMB 81,801,000 for the same period in 2023, indicating a year-over-year increase of approximately 32.7%[97]. Operational Highlights - User data showed an increase in active users, reaching 1.2 million, which is a 15% increase year-over-year[6]. - The actual wastewater treatment volume for the Current Period reached 624.1 million tonnes, representing an increase of approximately 2.6% compared to the same period last year, with a utilization rate of 84%[7]. - The Group's operational treatment capacity reached over 4.36 million tons per day, with 4,265,000 tons for wastewater treatment and 30,000 tons for water distribution[14]. - The Group's wastewater treatment services in Shandong processed 1,270,000 tons, while Henan processed 1,060,000 tons during the six months ended June 30, 2024[16]. Market Expansion and Strategy - The company provided a positive outlook for the next quarter, projecting a revenue growth of 20% driven by new product launches and market expansion strategies[6]. - The company is planning to expand its market presence in Southeast Asia, targeting a 10% market share within the next two years[6]. - A strategic acquisition of a local competitor is expected to enhance operational capabilities and increase market penetration by 15%[6]. - The Group plans to actively revitalize existing assets through the REITs mechanism and enhance profitability through upgrades and expansion of wastewater treatment projects[9]. Financial Management and Cost Control - The gross profit margin improved to 40%, up from 35% in the previous year, indicating better cost management and pricing strategies[6]. - The company aims to reduce operational costs by 10% through efficiency improvements and technology integration[6]. - The average interest rate for the Current Period was 5.53%, a decrease of 0.53 percentage points over the same period last year, resulting in a reduction of approximately 6.3% in financing costs to RMB274.2 million[7]. - The Group will continue to deepen energy-saving and consumption-reduction measures while strictly controlling operational costs to improve operational efficiency and shareholder returns[9]. Sustainability and Future Commitments - Future guidance includes a commitment to sustainability, with plans to invest 20% of profits into green initiatives[6]. - The Group expects steady growth in the domestic environmental protection industry, with anticipated normalization of price adjustments to reasonably offset rising costs[9]. - The Group's future strategy includes continuous investment in water environment facilities to improve rural living conditions[12]. Shareholder Information and Governance - The Board did not recommend the payment of an interim dividend for the six months ended June 30, 2024, which was also nil for the same period in 2023[53]. - The Group has adopted the Corporate Governance Code and has complied with its provisions without deviation as of June 30, 2024[53]. - The interests of Directors and the chief executive in shares and debentures were disclosed in accordance with the Securities and Futures Ordinance[55]. - The Company continues to monitor and report on the interests of substantial shareholders as part of its governance practices[60]. Share Options and Employee Compensation - The Company adopted a Share Option Scheme on June 14, 2014, with a term of 10 years[68]. - As of June 30, 2024, 16,000,000 share options were granted to various directors at an exercise price of HK$0.3 per share[70]. - The estimated fair value of share options granted during the six months ended June 30, 2024, was HK$0.045 per share option[76]. - Employees receive remuneration in the form of share-based payments, which are measured at fair value at the grant date[76]. Financial Position and Assets - Total assets as of June 30, 2024, amounted to RMB 19,212,622, compared to RMB 18,401,530 as of December 31, 2023, reflecting an increase of approximately 4.4%[127]. - Non-current assets totaled RMB 12,512,185,000 as of June 30, 2024, compared to RMB 12,615,934,000 at the end of 2023[93]. - The total daily treatment capacity reached 4,074,500 tonnes for wastewater treatment, 65,000 tonnes for reclaimed water, and 550 tonnes for sludge treatment, with an annualized utilization rate of approximately 84%[18]. Debt and Financing - The total amount of pledged assets for the Group's borrowings was RMB 11,360.5 million, which includes financial receivables and service concession intangible assets[48]. - The Group's total interest-bearing debts increased slightly to RMB 9,921.3 million as of June 30, 2024, compared to RMB 9,917.0 million on December 31, 2023, with 65.2% classified as long-term[47]. - The Group's borrowings amounted to RMB3,803,761,000 as of June 30, 2024, a slight decrease from RMB3,827,272,000 on December 31, 2023[181]. Taxation and Compliance - Income tax expense for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was RMB47.2 million, with an effective tax rate of approximately 31%, a decrease of 4 percentage points from 35% in the previous period[31]. - The group was not subject to any income tax in the Cayman Islands and British Virgin Islands, and no provision for Hong Kong profits tax was made as there were no assessable profits derived from Hong Kong for the six months ended June 30, 2024[156].

Financial Performance - Revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was approximately RMB 1,115.5 million, an increase of 2.0% compared to the same period last year, primarily due to increased operating service revenue[1] - Gross profit was RMB 544.5 million, slightly down from RMB 544.8 million in the same period last year, with a gross profit margin decreasing by 1 percentage point to 48.8% due to increased operating costs[1] - Profit attributable to equity holders of the parent company was RMB 108.6 million, a significant increase of 32.8% compared to RMB 81.8 million in the same period last year, mainly due to reduced financing costs and administrative expenses[1] - Basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent company were RMB 5.08, a substantial increase of 33.0% from RMB 3.82 in the same period last year[1] - Total revenue for the first half of 2024 reached RMB 1,115,511,000, an increase from RMB 1,093,082,000 in the same period of 2023, representing a growth of approximately 2.05%[13] - The operating profit for the first half of 2024 was RMB 153,297,000, compared to RMB 131,328,000 in the first half of 2023, indicating a year-over-year increase of about 16.7%[15] - The pre-tax profit for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was RMB 108,597,000, compared to RMB 81,801,000 in 2023, reflecting an increase of approximately 32.7%[24] - The income tax expense for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was RMB 47,198,000, slightly up from RMB 46,610,000 in 2023, indicating an increase of about 1.3%[23] - The company reported a total operating cost of RMB 571,040,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to RMB 548,257,000 in 2023, which is an increase of approximately 4.1%[22] Cash Flow and Liquidity - Net cash inflow from operating activities reached RMB 160.9 million, an increase from RMB 150.9 million in the same period last year, marking the highest mid-year level since 2017[1] - Operating cash flow recorded a net inflow of RMB 160.9 million, the highest mid-year level since 2017[32] - The group reported a net cash inflow from investment activities of RMB 178.8 million[57] - The net cash inflow from operating activities was RMB 160.9 million, while the net cash outflow from financing activities was RMB 287.6 million[57] - The increase in cash and cash equivalents was primarily due to higher cash inflows from operating and investment activities[56] Assets and Liabilities - As of June 30, 2024, the total value of non-current assets is CNY 12,512,185, a decrease from CNY 12,615,934 as of December 31, 2023, representing a decline of approximately 0.82%[4] - Current assets total CNY 6,700,437, an increase from CNY 6,611,428 as of December 31, 2023, reflecting a growth of about 1.35%[5] - The total liabilities amount to CNY 13,587,384, which is an increase from CNY 13,455,913 as of December 31, 2023, indicating a rise of approximately 0.98%[5] - The total equity attributable to the parent company is CNY 5,831,204, compared to CNY 5,711,789 as of December 31, 2023, marking an increase of about 2.10%[5] - The total assets as of June 30, 2024, amounted to RMB 19,212,622,000, up from RMB 19,227,362,000 as of December 31, 2023, showing a slight decrease of 0.08%[14] - The total liabilities for the company were RMB 13,301,916,000 as of June 30, 2024, compared to RMB 13,377,330,000 at the end of 2023, reflecting a reduction of approximately 0.56%[16] Segment Performance - The group operates through three main business segments: Urban Water Services, Water Environment Integrated Management, and Rural Wastewater Management, each representing a strategic business unit[11] - The company reported a segment profit of RMB 279,804,000 for the first half of 2024, compared to RMB 255,044,000 in the same period of 2023, marking an increase of approximately 9.7%[15] - The total revenue from external customers in the urban water segment was RMB 1,077,593,000 for the first half of 2024, compared to RMB 1,036,083,000 in the same period of 2023, reflecting an increase of approximately 4%[15] - The total operating revenue for urban water services for the six-month period was RMB 621.7 million, a 4% increase from RMB 599.3 million in the same period last year, primarily due to increased wastewater treatment capacity and operational projects[39] Governance and Compliance - The board of directors does not recommend the payment of an interim dividend for the six months ended June 30, 2024[1] - The audit committee reviewed the group's unaudited interim results for the six months ended June 30, 2024[69] - The company has adhered to corporate governance principles and standards, enhancing budget, risk, performance, and accountability controls[67] - The company emphasizes transparency by making financial documents accessible to the public[72] - The announcement reflects the company's ongoing efforts to engage with investors and maintain corporate governance standards[72] Future Outlook - The group plans to enhance profitability through further expansion of the urban water treatment industry chain[36] - The group is committed to improving operational efficiency while controlling operational costs to contribute to the national ecological environment quality[34] - The group will actively seek diverse solutions to strengthen cash flow from operations, particularly focusing on accounts receivable[34] - The group is optimistic about the future profitability and aims to enhance its profitability and efficiency further[35]

Corporate Governance and Compliance - The company has established a system for managing inside information and disclosure, ensuring compliance with the "Guidelines on Disclosure of Inside Information" issued by the Securities and Futures Commission[6] - The company amended its Memorandum and Articles of Association to permit hybrid and electronic general meetings, aligning with relevant legal and Listing Rules requirements[24] - The company's Audit Committee confirmed that non-audit services, including tax advisory and environmental, social, and governance advisory services, did not affect the independence of the external auditor[8][9] - The company has implemented anti-corruption and anti-bribery policies, providing training to employees and Directors to enhance integrity and awareness of malpractice[37] - The company's Internal Audit and Inspection Department accepts reports of suspected misconduct and violations from employees and stakeholders, with no serious fraud or misconduct incidents reported during the year[37] - The Board is responsible for determining the overall objective, risk appetites, and risk tolerance for corporate risk management, and approves risk management strategies and major risk mitigation solutions[40] - The company has complied with all applicable provisions of the Corporate Governance Code as set out in Appendix C1 to the Listing Rules of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited[194] - The company has adopted the Model Code for Securities Transactions by Directors as set out in Appendix C3 of the Listing Rules, and all Directors confirmed compliance with the required standards during the year ended 31 December 2023[196] - The Board is responsible for leadership and control of the company, overseeing the Group's businesses, strategic decisions, and performance, with day-to-day management delegated to the CEO and senior management[196] - The Board composition as of 31 December 2023 includes Executive Directors Zhao Juanxian, Li Zhong, Liu Yujie, and Duan Jerry Linnan, and Independent Non-Executive Directors Chau Kam Wing, Chang Qing, and Peng Yongzhen[196] - The Board complied with the Listing Rules requirement to appoint at least three independent non-executive Directors, with at least one possessing appropriate professional qualifications or accounting expertise[196] - Directors are required to disclose their commitments to the company, including the number and nature of offices held in public companies or organizations[198] - The roles and duties of the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer are clearly defined and carried out by different individuals to preserve independence and balance of views[198] Risk Management - The company has established a comprehensive risk management process, ensuring timely, accurate, and complete information sharing across departments and business units, laying the foundation for supervision and enhancement of risk management[35] - The senior management focuses on major risks, events, and decisions, supervising the collection of firsthand information, risk assessment, management strategies, and implementation of risk management solutions[35] - The internal audit department conducts annual reviews of risk management implementation across departments and business units, evaluating strategies and proposing adjustments or improvements[35] - Key risks identified in 2023 include government breach of agreement, delayed collection, accounts receivable management, litigation disputes, and liability for breach of agreement[35] - Measures to address government breach risks include establishing a feedback mechanism and actively communicating with local governments to formulate solutions[35] - Delayed collection risks are mitigated by maintaining good communication with the government and making collection efforts[35] - The company's leading risk management and supporting organization is responsible for establishing and amending risk management policies and mechanisms, and formulating annual risk management work plans[42] - The company's risk management organization regularly collects first-hand information regarding risk management, carries out risk assessments, and discusses major risks faced by the company[42] - The company's risk management organization assesses the soundness, reasonability, and effectiveness of the risk management system and reviews the annual comprehensive risk management report[42] - The company's risk management organization accepts reports from employees and cooperating organizations, organizes investigations, and provides handling advice for violations of company and legal regulations[42] - The company's risk management organization assists in carrying out risk management work and formulates internal auditing plans based on risk assessment results[42] - The company has established a comprehensive risk management program led by the Internal Audit and Inspection Department, which includes collecting first-hand information, analyzing and assessing risks, proposing risk management strategies, and supervising the implementation of risk management works[44] Financial Performance and Reporting - The company paid RMB thousands in remuneration to its independent auditor, Ernst & Young, for the year ended 31 December 2023[7][10] - Construction services revenue decreased by RMB 719.5 million (approximately 81%) to RMB 173.6 million, with its share of total revenue dropping from 31% to less than 8%[75] - Total revenue for the year decreased by 23.5% year-on-year to RMB 2,216.4 million[75] - Actual wastewater treatment volume reached 1,265.7 million tonnes, representing a 3.2% increase compared to the previous year[75] - Utilization rate of wastewater treatment plants and reclaimed water plants increased from 82% to 85%[75] - Overall gross profit margin increased by 4.7 percentage points to 48.5% due to a decrease in lower-margin construction services revenue[75] - Gross profit and profit attributable to owners of the parent decreased by 15.2% and 47.1% to RMB 1,076.0 million and RMB 124.8 million, respectively[75] - Capital expenditure for the year was RMB 127.1 million, a 75% decrease year-on-year[75] - Net operating cash inflow was RMB 292.9 million, marking the fifth consecutive year of positive cash flow since 2019[75] - The gearing ratio and current ratio as of December 31, 2023, were 69.6% and 1.15, respectively[75] - The average borrowing interest rate for the year was 5.95%, down 0.01 percentage points from the previous year[75] - The Group had 103 service concession arrangement projects in operation with a treatment capacity of over 4 million tons per day as of 31 December 2023[82] - The Group entered into a total of 112 service concession arrangements, including 106 wastewater treatment plants, 1 water distribution plant, 3 sludge treatment plants, and 2 reclaimed water treatment plants as of 31 December 2023[86] - The Group's operational treatment capacity was 4,024,500 tons per day, with an additional 240,500 tons per day not yet in operation or transferred[88] - Construction revenue for the year ended 31 December 2023 was RMB121.0 million, representing an 84% year-on-year decrease compared to RMB753.0 million in 2022, primarily due to a decrease in the number of projects during the main construction period[93] - Total daily treatment capacity of service concession arrangement plants under construction as of 31 December 2023 was 100,500 tonnes, including 70,500 tonnes for wastewater treatment plants and 30,000 tonnes for water distribution plants[93] - Revenue from Water Environment Comprehensive Remediation projects for the year ended 31 December 2023 was RMB43.4 million, a 62% decrease compared to RMB114.4 million in 2022, mainly due to the completion of most existing EPC projects[95] - Revenue from Rural Water Improvement projects for the year ended 31 December 2023 was RMB49.9 million, a 16% year-on-year decrease compared to RMB59.1 million in 2022, primarily due to a net impact of decreased construction revenue and increased operation revenue from project commencement[95] - Total revenue for the year ended 31 December 2023 was RMB2,216.4 million, a decrease of RMB680.2 million compared to RMB2,896.6 million in 2022, mainly due to a RMB719.6 million decrease in construction revenue[97] - Operation revenue increased by RMB28.5 million in 2023, primarily due to the commencement of new BOT and upgrade projects in Urban Water Treatment[97] - Financial income from service concession arrangements increased by RMB10.9 million in 2023, mainly due to an increase in financial assets[97] - Cost of sales for the year ended 31 December 2023 was RMB1,140.4 million, a 30% decrease compared to RMB1,627.9 million in 2022, driven by a RMB551.5 million decrease in construction costs[98] - Operation costs increased by RMB64.0 million in 2023, mainly due to increased operation numbers of upgrade projects and higher costs of wastewater treatment chemicals[98] - The Group recorded other income and gains of RMB59.8 million for the year ended 31 December 2023, an increase of approximately 11% compared to RMB53.9 million in the previous corresponding period[100] - Administrative expenses for the year ended 31 December 2023 were RMB283.1 million, an increase of approximately 3% compared to RMB274.1 million in the previous corresponding period, mainly due to higher professional fees[100] - Other expenses for the year ended 31 December 2023 were RMB43.4 million, a decrease of approximately 59% compared to RMB105.9 million in the previous corresponding period, primarily due to reduced foreign exchange losses, non-operating expenses, and impairment losses[100] - Receivables for service concession arrangements as of 31 December 2023 were RMB11,592,250 thousand, with a current portion of RMB2,079,291 thousand and a non-current portion of RMB9,512,959 thousand[102] - Contract assets as of 31 December 2023 were RMB1,255.0 million, a decrease of RMB451.9 million compared to RMB1,706.9 million as of 31 December 2022, mainly due to reclassification to financial receivables and increased construction from BOT, PPP, and EPC projects[104] - The Group's wastewater treatment capacity as of 31 December 2023 was 4,265,000 tonnes/day, with an actual treatment volume of 1,261.1 million tonnes for the year[109] - The Group's total water distribution and treatment capacity as of 31 December 2023 was 4,360,000 tonnes/day, with an actual treatment volume of 1,265.7 million tonnes for the year[109] - The Group's sludge treatment capacity as of 31 December 2023 was 550 tonnes/day, contributing to a total capacity of 4,360,550 tonnes/day[109] - The Group had 98 wastewater treatment projects, 2 reclaimed water treatment projects, and 3 sludge treatment projects in operation in Mainland China as of 31 December 2023, with total daily treatment capacities of 4,024,500 tonnes, 65,000 tonnes, and 550 tonnes, respectively[110] - The annualized utilization rate for wastewater and reclaimed water treatment plants was approximately 85% for the year ended 31 December 2023, up from 82% in 2022[110] - The actual average water treatment tariff for the year ended 31 December 2023 was approximately RMB1.59 per tonne, compared to RMB1.56 per tonne in 2022[110] - The actual aggregate processing volume for the year ended 31 December 2023 was 1,265.7 million tonnes, a 3% increase compared to 1,226.6 million tonnes in 2022[110] - Total operation revenue from Urban Water Treatment services for the year ended 31 December 2023 was RMB1,265.3 million, a 2% increase compared to RMB1,243.3 million in 2022[110] - The Group's revenue for the year ended 31 December 2023 was RMB2,216.4 million, a decrease of RMB680.2 million compared to RMB2,896.6 million in 2022, primarily due to a decrease in construction revenue[115] - The Group's gross profit margin for the year ended 31 December 2023 was approximately 49%, an increase of 5 percentage points from 44% in the previous year[117] - The Group's financing costs for the year ended 31 December 2023 were RMB578.7 million, a 2% increase compared to RMB566.2 million in 2022, mainly due to an increase in average interest-bearing bank and other borrowings[118] - The Group's financial receivables as of 31 December 2023 were RMB11,592.3 million, an increase of RMB385.8 million compared to RMB11,206.5 million in 2022, primarily due to reclassification from contract assets after the completion of water treatment project construction and upgrade cycles[120] - Trade receivables increased to RMB2,808.5 million, up by RMB372.1 million, primarily due to a rise in Urban Water Treatment projects receivables by RMB573.4 million and a net decrease in Environment Comprehensive Remediation projects receivables by RMB177.8 million[123] - Prepayments, other receivables, and other assets increased to RMB929.0 million, up by RMB180.9 million, mainly due to receivables from the disposal of an associate increasing by RMB144.9 million and deductible input VAT increasing by RMB29.9 million[123] - Cash and cash equivalents increased to RMB248.4 million, up by RMB51.5 million, primarily due to reduced cash outflows from financing activities[125] - Net cash flows from operating activities in 2023 were RMB292.9 million, compared to RMB368.4 million in 2022[126] - Net cash flows used in financing activities in 2023 were RMB257.1 million, compared to RMB563.0 million in 2022[126] - Interest-bearing debts increased to RMB9,917.0 million, with 64.7% being long-term, and over 71% of bank and other borrowings bearing interest at floating rates[128] - The Group's gearing ratio slightly decreased to 69.6% as of 31 December 2023, compared to 69.7% in the previous year[128] - Capital expenditure for 2023 was RMB127.1 million, significantly lower than the RMB512.7 million in 2022, primarily due to reduced construction and acquisition costs for BOT, TOT, BOO, and PPP projects[128] - Gross profit margin for the year ended 31 December 2023 was approximately 49%, an increase of 5 percentage points compared to 44% in the previous year, primarily due to a decrease in the proportion of construction revenue[141] - Finance costs for the year ended 31 December 2023 amounted to RMB578.7 million, representing a 2% increase from RMB566.2 million in the previous corresponding period, mainly due to an increase in the average balance of interest-bearing bank and other borrowings[142] - The average balance of interest-bearing bank and other borrowings increased by RMB223.6 million, with an average interest rate of 5.95%, slightly lower than the previous corresponding period's rate of 5.96%[142] - The Group did not have any significant contingent liabilities as of 31 December 2023, consistent with the previous year[129] - No significant events took place subsequent to 31 December 2023, as disclosed[130] - The Group's contributions to the defined contribution pension plan are recognized as expenses when incurred, and forfeited contributions cannot be used to reduce existing contribution levels[129][131] - The Group's operations are primarily conducted in China, with transactions mostly denominated and settled in RMB, and as of 31 December 2023, there was no significant foreign currency risk exposure[132] - The Group's share of profits of associates for the year ended December 2023 was RMB4.7 million, a significant increase from RMB2.6 million in the previous year[143] - Share of losses of joint ventures for the year ended 31 December 2023 was RMB0.3 million, a major decrease from RMB3.6 million in the previous year[143] - Income tax expense for the year ended 31 December 2023 was RMB44.7 million for current PRC income tax and RMB59.0 million for deferred expenses, with an effective tax rate of 44%, up 8 percentage points from the previous year[143] - The Group's financial receivables as at 31 December 2023 were RMB11,592.3 million, an increase of RMB385.8 million from the previous year, mainly due to reclassification from contract assets[145] - Contract assets as at 31 December 2023 were RMB1,255.0 million, a decrease of RMB451.9 million from the previous year, mainly due to reclassification to financial receivables and increased construction under BOT, PPP, and EPC contracts[147] - Cash and cash equivalents as at 31 December 2023 were RMB248.4 million, an increase of RMB51.5 million from the previous year, due to decreased cash outflows in financing activities[150] - The Group invested RMB258.4 million in BOT/TOT and PPP projects for the year ended 31 December 2023, compared to RMB311.0 million in the previous year[151] - Trade and bills payables as at 31 December 2023 were RMB2,013.5 million, a decrease of RMB246.7 million from the previous year, in line with construction work progress and settlements[152] - Other payables and accruals as at 31 December 2023 were RMB207.9 million, a decrease of RMB80.2 million from the previous year, mainly due to reduced amounts to an associate and salary payables[152] - The Group had 2,296 employees as at 31 December 2023, with remuneration packages determined by market conditions and individual performance[154] - No significant contingent liabilities as of December 31, 2023 (December 31, 2022: None)[157] - No significant events occurred after December 31, 2023, except as disclosed[158] Environmental and Social Responsibility - The company operates in the environmental sector, focusing on wastewater treatment and water resources, with policies such as the "Implementation Plan for the Construction and Management of Domestic Sewage and Waste Treatment Facilities in Towns" and the "National Water Network Construction Plan Outline" supporting its industry[59] - The company's annual report for the year ended December 31, 2023, highlights its commitment to improving environmental infrastructure and supporting private enterprise development, with policies aimed at enhancing the business environment and reducing transaction costs[59] - The company's male to female ratio in the workforce, including senior management, is approximately 2:1, maintaining a healthy and reasonable gender diversity[37] - The company has been certified as a Class A General Construction Contractor of Municipal and Public Works by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, and holds CAEPI level-1 certifications for industrial wastewater and domestic sewage operation and service capabilities[167] - The company has implemented ISO9001 Quality Management System, ISO14001 Environmental Management System, and ISO45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System[167] - The company has won the National Important Environmental Protection Practical Technology Demonstration Project Award for several environmental protection projects[167] - The company is the deputy chairman unit of the National Industrial Commercial and Environmental Protection Association and a member of the China Environment Protection

Revenue and Profitability - Revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023, was approximately RMB 2,216.4 million, a decrease of about 23.5% compared to the previous year due to a decline in construction service revenue[2] - Net profit attributable to the parent company was approximately RMB 124.8 million, a decrease of about 47.1% compared to the previous year, attributed to a decline in total revenue[2] - Basic and diluted earnings per share for the year were RMB 5.83, down approximately 47.0% from RMB 11.01 in the previous year[2] - The company recorded a loss of RMB 4,809,000 in the rural sewage treatment segment, highlighting challenges in this area that may require strategic adjustments[86] - The total revenue from the urban water services segment was RMB 2,723,107,000, underscoring its importance to overall company performance[86] Operational Performance - Gross profit was RMB 1,076.0 million, down approximately 15.2% year-on-year, with the gross profit margin increasing from 43.8% to 48.5% due to a higher proportion of operating service revenue[2] - The company continues to focus on improving operational efficiency and exploring new market opportunities despite the revenue decline[2] - The total processing volume for the year was 1,265.7 million tons, an increase of approximately 3.2% from 1,226.6 million tons in the previous year[2] - The group aims to further expand the urban water treatment industry chain to enhance profitability and competitiveness[140] - The group has 106 projects in total, with 98 wastewater treatment projects, 2 recycled water treatment projects, and 3 sludge treatment projects in operation as of December 31, 2023[156] Cash Flow and Liquidity - Net cash inflow from operating activities was RMB 292.9 million, a decrease of 20.5% compared to the previous year[2] - The group reported a net cash inflow from operating activities of RMB 292.9 million, with net cash outflows from financing activities amounting to RMB 257.1 million[200] - Cash and cash equivalents amounted to RMB 248.4 million, an increase of RMB 51.5 million from RMB 196.9 million as of December 31, 2022, primarily due to reduced cash outflows from financing activities[196] - The group’s cash flow from financing activities was negative at RMB (257,108) thousand, an improvement from RMB (563,029) thousand in the previous year[33] Assets and Liabilities - Non-current assets total value decreased from 12,930,405 thousand RMB to 12,615,934 thousand RMB, a decline of approximately 2.43%[9] - Current assets increased from 6,035,345 thousand RMB to 6,611,428 thousand RMB, representing an increase of about 9.52%[12] - Total liabilities increased from 5,458,439 thousand RMB to 5,771,449 thousand RMB, an increase of approximately 5.71%[12] - The company's total equity increased from 5,740,608 thousand RMB to 5,850,032 thousand RMB, reflecting a growth of about 1.92%[13] - As of December 31, 2023, the total interest-bearing debt increased to RMB 9,917.0 million from RMB 9,521.8 million, with 64.7% classified as long-term debt[185] Impairment and Provisions - The impairment loss on financial receivables increased to RMB 3,015 thousand in 2023 from RMB 2,186 thousand in 2022, reflecting a rise of approximately 37.9%[47] - The impairment loss for trade receivables increased to RMB 110,042,000 in 2023 from RMB 79,396,000 in 2022, indicating a rise of about 38.7%[63] - The increase in impairment provisions was primarily due to the rise in the total book value of financial receivables[57] - The impairment loss recognized amounted to RMB 38,045 thousand, with RMB 29,753 thousand attributed to other segments[88] Capital Expenditure - The total capital expenditure for the year was RMB 127.1 million, significantly lower than RMB 512.7 million in 2022, indicating a reduction of approximately 75.2%[38] - The total capital expenditure for the group is RMB 34,761,000, with specific allocations for urban and rural wastewater management[75] - The company is focused on enhancing its capital expenditures to support growth in infrastructure and service concession projects, which are expected to drive future revenue growth[85] Market and Strategic Focus - The group operates in three main segments: Urban Water Services, Water Environment Comprehensive Management, and Rural Wastewater Management, each with distinct operational risks and returns[71] - The company plans to expand its operations in wastewater treatment and related services, leveraging its expertise in BOT and TOT project models[81] - The company has established multiple service concession arrangements for municipal infrastructure projects, indicating a strategic focus on long-term contracts and stable revenue streams[81] - The group aims to further implement feasible measures to reduce losses from joint ventures and associates[172] Taxation and Government Support - The total tax expense for the year was RMB 103,726 thousand, a decrease of 22.8% from RMB 134,379 thousand in 2022[122] - Government subsidies received in 2023 amounted to RMB 20,230 thousand, a decrease of 20% from RMB 25,447 thousand in 2022[104] Employee and Operational Metrics - The group employed 2,296 staff members as of December 31, 2023, with compensation generally aligned with market conditions and individual performance[39] - Employee benefit expenses totaled RMB 261,062 thousand in 2023, down from RMB 274,218 thousand in 2022, reflecting a decrease of about 4.8%[107] - The average water treatment fee for the year ended December 31, 2023, is approximately RMB 1.59 per ton, compared to RMB 1.56 per ton in 2022[159] Financial Reporting and Standards - The group has adopted new and revised International Financial Reporting Standards for the current fiscal year, which did not have a significant impact on the financial statements[22] - The group has implemented changes related to deferred tax assets and liabilities, which did not significantly affect the financial position as of December 31, 2022[26]