Sales Performance - In 2023, the overall sales performance of the group was not ideal due to challenges such as weak consumer purchasing power and the impact of the real estate sector downturn in Hong Kong and mainland China[11]. - The group reported a loss attributable to shareholders, with a significant decline in revenue compared to previous years[7]. - The overall revenue for the group in 2023 decreased by 9.2% to HKD 8,692.9 million, with a gross margin reduction of 0.3% to 29.2%[31]. - The group's Hong Kong business revenue decreased by 9.7% to HKD 4,140.9 million, with a segment loss of HKD 149.9 million[21]. - In mainland China, the group's revenue was HKD 4,552 million, down from HKD 4,986 million in 2022, with a loss of HKD 61.5 million compared to a loss of HKD 117.5 million the previous year[23]. Store Expansion and Operations - The group opened 3 new physical stores in Guangzhou and Zhuhai, expanding its operations in the Greater Bay Area[13]. - The group plans to open 3 new AEON stores in the Greater Bay Area and upgrade 2 existing stores in the coming year[26][29]. - The introduction of new store formats and partnerships, such as Daiso Japan and KOMEDA'S Coffee, is part of the strategy to attract more customers[20][25]. E-commerce and Digital Transformation - E-commerce business continued to grow steadily, with increased investment in online operations and digital transformation initiatives[12]. - The group aims to increase the proportion of private label products like TOPVALU and enhance online sales through the upgraded AEON App and Net Super online supermarket[21][25]. - The group is focusing on digital transformation and operational efficiency improvements to enhance overall performance and profitability[29]. Employee Development and Training - The group plans to strengthen in-store training and provide learning and promotion opportunities for employees to enhance competitiveness[14]. - The company employed approximately 5,200 full-time and 3,700 part-time staff as of December 31, 2023, focusing on enhancing employee skills and communication[39]. - The average training hours completed per employee were 2.2 hours for males and 1.9 hours for females, with full-time administrative staff averaging 2.6 hours[75]. Financial Position and Expenditures - The company maintained a net cash position with cash and bank deposits totaling HKD 1,149.6 million as of December 31, 2023, down from HKD 1,423.4 million in 2022[35]. - Capital expenditure for 2024 is projected to be approximately HKD 160 million for new store openings and renovations[30]. - Capital expenditures for new store openings and upgrades to IT systems amounted to HKD 110.1 million during the year[35]. Environmental Initiatives - Aeon reported a total carbon dioxide emission of 457 tons from direct sources and 118,170 tons from indirect sources in 2023[53]. - The company recycled 2,209 tons of food waste for reuse in 2023[55]. - Aeon collected 73.0 tons of used cooking oil for recycling into biodiesel products in 2023[56]. - The company aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its store operations by implementing energy-efficient systems[52]. Corporate Governance - The board consists of 9 members, including 2 executive directors, 4 non-executive directors, and 3 independent non-executive directors, with independent directors making up one-third of the board[107]. - The company has adopted the corporate governance code as per the Hong Kong Stock Exchange's listing rules to enhance shareholder value[105]. - The board is responsible for overseeing the company's business, strategic decisions, and performance, including the declaration of dividends[110]. Community Contributions - AEON donated approximately HKD 1.9 million to various charitable organizations during the year, contributing 1% of the total receipts from the "AEON Happy Yellow Receipt" campaign[88]. - AEON sponsored the planting of 200 native tree saplings in the Tai Lam Country Park as part of the "Country Park Afforestation Optimization Plan" and participated in the "Hong Kong Tree Planting Day" by planting an additional 120 native saplings[89]. - AEON provided financial support of approximately HKD 370,000 to three local and mainland Chinese universities through its scholarship program[89]. Risk Management - The company has adopted a risk management and internal control system to oversee financial, operational, compliance, and risk management functions[149]. - The audit committee assists the board in overseeing the effectiveness of the risk management and internal control systems, ensuring that significant risks are identified and managed[149]. - The company has a risk control self-assessment matrix focusing on ten major enterprise risk categories, including financial, operational, and environmental risks[150].
永旺(00984) - 2023 - 年度财报