Financial Performance - Revenue for FY 2020 was HK$43,510.3 million, an increase of 6% from HK$41,160.9 million in FY 2019[10] - EBITDA for FY 2020 reached HK$10,059.2 million, reflecting a 22% increase from HK$8,245.9 million in FY 2019[10] - Profit before tax for FY 2020 was HK$7,912.1 million, up 42% from HK$5,565.0 million in FY 2019[10] - Underlying net profit attributable to owners of the Company was HK$4,685.8 million, a 37% increase from HK$3,415.8 million in FY 2019[10] - Reported net profit for FY 2020 was HK$4,702.9 million, representing a 52% increase from HK$3,094.4 million in FY 2019[10] - Basic earnings per share based on underlying net profit was HK$4.241, up 35% from HK$3.146 in FY 2019[10] - Proposed final dividend per share for FY 2020 is HK$100 cents, a 67% increase from HK$60 cents in FY 2019[10] - Net asset value per share increased to HK$50.5, up 11% from HK$45.4 in FY 2019[10] - Net gearing improved to 18% from 31% in FY 2019[10] Business Segments Performance - The Group's revenue increased by 6% to HK$43,510.3 million, with underlying net profit rising significantly by 37% to HK$4,685.8 million[18] - The Laminates Division's revenue grew by 1% to HK$16,592.9 million, with EBITDA surging by 40% to HK$3,914.3 million[22] - The PCBs Division's revenue soared by 10% to HK$10,551.1 million, while EBITDA increased by 53% to HK$1,677.6 million[22] - The Property Division recorded a revenue increase of 153% to HK$8,332.1 million, with EBITDA rising by 81% to HK$3,521.6 million[23] - Sales turnover from residential projects in the Property Division totaled HK$7,218.1 million, up by 238%[23] - The Chemicals Division experienced a 21% decrease in revenue to HK$10,558.9 million due to the cessation of coke and methanol production, but EBITDA rose by 13%[22] Strategic Initiatives - The Group's proactive sales and marketing strategy capitalized on the market rebound, leading to a satisfactory growth in orders[16] - The average prices of products improved steadily due to supply shortages and product portfolio enhancements[16] - The Group completed the privatization of Elec & Eltek International Company Limited during the review period[22] - The Group proposed a final dividend of HK100 cents per share and a special final dividend of HK100 cents per share, pending shareholder approval[18] Financial Position and Management - The Group's net current assets as of December 31, 2020, were approximately HK$22.426 billion, with a current ratio of 1.97[25] - The net gearing ratio decreased to approximately 18% from 31% in the previous year, with a balanced short-term and long-term borrowing ratio of 50% each[26] - The Group invested approximately HK$2.0 billion in new production capacity and another HK$2.0 billion in property construction expenses during the review period[26] - The workforce decreased to approximately 36,000 employees as of December 31, 2020, down from 39,000 in the previous year[29] - The Group maintained a prudent financial management policy, with no material foreign exchange exposure during the review period[27] Market Outlook and Growth Potential - The Group anticipates its business volume to double within the next decade due to multiple large-scale investment projects in the pipeline[35] - The management emphasizes technology-driven growth and cost control while promoting research and development and environmental responsibilities[35] - The introduction of 5G is expected to drive new growth momentum in the PCBs market[37] - The chemical sector is benefiting from strong crude oil price trends and a reduction in overseas chemical production capacity, which is favorable for domestic market development[42] - The domestic economy is steadily recovering, leading to an expansion in internal demand and further stimulating the prices of chemical products[42] Corporate Governance and Management Structure - The management team includes experienced professionals with over 50 years of combined experience in various sectors, including finance and manufacturing[56] - The company has appointed independent non-executive directors with extensive backgrounds in finance and public service, enhancing governance[52][55] - The financial controller, Mr. Stanley Chung Wai Cheong, has over 25 years of experience in accounting and financial management, strengthening the financial oversight[57] - The company secretary, Mr. Lo Ka Leong, has been with the group since 1999, ensuring compliance and corporate governance[60] - The Company has adopted a code of conduct for securities transactions by Directors that meets or exceeds the Model Code standards[176] Risks and Challenges - The Group's business operations and financial condition have been adversely affected by recent global market fluctuations and the impact of COVID-19, particularly in the PRC economy[75] - The Group has identified key risks including product defects, customer contract variability, and intense industry competition, which may significantly impact future operations[70] Employee Relations and Corporate Culture - The Group regularly reviews employee remuneration and benefits to ensure alignment with market standards, recognizing employees as valuable assets[76] - The Group aims to maintain high-quality products and services to foster long-term relationships with customers and suppliers[77] - There were no material disputes between the Group and its employees, customers, or suppliers during the year[77] Shareholder Engagement and Dividends - The final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2020 is subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming annual general meeting[79] - The Group's dividend policy aims to allow shareholders to participate in profits while retaining adequate reserves for future growth[82] Investment and Acquisitions - The Group purchased 2,016,000 shares for an aggregate consideration of HK$44,948,120 during the year, aimed at enhancing long-term shareholder value[105] - The Group acquired 49,289,543 ordinary shares of EEIC for a total of HK$875,382,000, leading to EEIC's delisting from the SGX and Stock Exchange[108] - The company acquired 49,289,543 shares of Ailian Da for a total of HK$875,382,000 during the year, leading to Ailian Da's delisting from the stock exchanges on September 25, 2020[109] Compliance and Regulatory Matters - The Company complied with the CG Code throughout the year ended 31 December 2020, except for the deviation regarding independent non-executive Directors not being appointed for a specific term[174] - The Board held four meetings during the year under review and also conducted an annual general meeting on 25 May 2020[179] - The Company has received annual confirmations of independence from each independent non-executive Director as required under Rule 3.13 of the Listing Rules[186]
建滔集团(00148) - 2020 - 年度财报