2019-04-09 09:12Financial Performance - The total revenue for 2018 was HKD 453,230 million, with a 5% increase from the previous year[12]. - Total revenue for the year 2018 reached HKD 453,230 million, representing a 9% increase from HKD 414,837 million in 2017[16]. - The company's net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders was HKD 39,000 million, up 11% from HKD 35,100 million in 2017[17]. - Earnings per share for 2018 was HKD 10.11, compared to HKD 9.10 in the previous year[17]. - The total assets increased to HKD 1,232,244 million from HKD 1,100,255 million in 2017[17]. - The company declared a total dividend of HKD 3.17 per share for the year, compared to HKD 2.85 in 2017[17]. - The total profit attributable to ordinary shareholders increased by 11% to HKD 39 billion for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to HKD 35.1 billion in 2017[30]. - The EBITDA for the year was HKD 113,580 million, reflecting a 9% growth from HKD 104,354 million in 2017[16]. - The EBITDA and EBIT grew by 9% and 8% year-on-year, respectively, with all core sectors showing basic performance improvements[30]. Revenue Breakdown - The retail segment generated revenue of HKD 168,991 million, a 8% increase from HKD 156,163 million in 2017[16]. - The infrastructure segment's revenue rose to HKD 64,724 million, marking a 13% increase from HKD 57,369 million in 2017[16]. - The port and related services segment processed a total of 8.46 million TEUs in 2018, maintaining similar levels to 2017, with total revenue, EBITDA, and EBIT of HKD 35.175 billion, HKD 13.392 billion, and HKD 8.726 billion, representing increases of 3%, 7%, and 6% respectively[32]. - The retail segment operated 14,976 stores across 24 markets by the end of 2018, a 6% increase year-on-year, with total revenue, EBITDA, and EBIT of HKD 168.991 billion, HKD 16.164 billion, and HKD 13.078 billion, reflecting increases of 8%, 9%, and 8% respectively[33]. Operational Highlights - The group operates in 51 ports across 26 countries, handling a total throughput of 84.6 million TEUs in 2018[8]. - The active customer base reached approximately 42.9 million in 2018, with data usage around 3,013 petabytes[24]. - The group completed the acquisition of Wind Tre, enhancing profitability and cash flow[30]. - The group invested USD 600 million in advanced technology to make Thailand's D terminal the world's first fully remote-controlled container terminal[27]. - The group announced a partnership with WeLab to introduce consumer installment and loan services in Hong Kong[28]. Debt and Financial Management - The company reported a debt-to-equity ratio of 26.0%, up from 21.7% in the previous year[17]. - The company maintained a low refinancing requirement for 2019, with only 7% of total debt maturing within the year[41]. - The net debt to total equity ratio increased to 26.0% from 21.7% in 2017, primarily due to the redemption of certain perpetual securities[41]. - The group recorded a consolidated interest expense and other financing costs of HKD 18.025 billion, remaining stable compared to the previous year, with a weighted average cost of debt of 2.4%[184]. Market Expansion and Strategic Initiatives - Future growth is anticipated through market expansion and technological innovation across all core business sectors[7]. - The group plans to expand its collaboration with Alibaba in cloud computing and smart data[27]. - The company announced a joint venture with Yonghui Superstores and Tencent to establish a large-scale supermarket in Guangdong Province, expected to launch in the first half of 2019[106]. - The group aims to achieve stable profit growth through diversified core businesses and prudent financial strategies, with confidence in meeting these goals in 2019[185]. Telecommunications Sector - The telecommunications segment offers 4.5G, 4G, and 3G services, positioning the group as a leader in mobile data services[11]. - The active mobile customer base of HKT Holdings in Hong Kong and Macau was approximately 3.3 million as of December 31, 2018[38]. - The group plans to merge Vodafone Hutchison Australia with TPG Telecom to form a comprehensive telecommunications operator in Australia, pending regulatory approvals expected to be completed in 2019[40]. - VHA's EBITDA increased by 13.4% to AUD 1.1 billion, while the attributable loss to shareholders decreased from AUD 177.8 million in 2017 to AUD 124.4 million in 2018[183]. Retail and Consumer Insights - The loyalty program has 132 million members, contributing 62% of total revenue in 2018[82]. - The health and beauty products segment achieved a total sales growth of 10% due to a 6% increase in store count and a 2.1% increase in same-store sales, with EBITDA and EBIT growing by 9% and 7% respectively[34]. - Revenue from the China health and beauty products segment was HKD 23,855 million, a 10% increase year-on-year[85]. - The company operates various retail brands across multiple markets, including Watsons in Hong Kong and mainland China, and Rossmann in Germany and Poland[192]. Infrastructure Investments - The infrastructure business includes investments in energy, transportation, and waste management across multiple regions including Hong Kong and Canada[10]. - Husky Energy reported a net profit of CAD 1.457 billion for 2018, an 85% increase from CAD 786 million in 2017, despite a 7% decrease in average production to 299,200 barrels of oil equivalent per day[36]. - The group holds a 100% stake in several European ports, including the Amsterdam Container Terminal, with a throughput of 9.0 million TEUs[189]. - The company has a 35% stake in ista in Germany, which provides energy management services, showcasing its involvement in energy efficiency initiatives[193].