
Financial Performance - The group reported revenue of HKD 7.70 billion (USD 992 million) for the first half of 2020, an increase of 5.9% compared to HKD 7.27 billion (USD 927 million) in the same period of 2019, but a decrease of 10.5% from the previous six months[10]. - The net profit for the first half of 2020 was HKD 3.91 billion, a significant increase of 119.2% from HKD 1.78 billion in the same period of 2019, but a decrease of 12.0% from the previous six months[10]. - The earnings per share for the first half of 2020 was HKD 0.95, compared to HKD 0.44 in the same period of 2019 and HKD 1.08 in the previous half[10]. - The group recorded a revenue of $991.6 million for the first half of 2020, representing a year-on-year increase of 5.9%[14]. - The group’s gross profit margin was 34.5%, a decrease of 29 basis points year-on-year[13]. - The total comprehensive income for the period was HKD 199,822 thousand, compared to HKD 126,882 thousand in 2019, showing a growth of 57.3%[40]. - The company reported a profit attributable to shareholders of HKD 389.372 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020, compared to HKD 179.487 million for the same period in 2019, representing a significant increase[80]. - Basic and diluted earnings per share were HKD 0.95, compared to HKD 0.44 in the same period last year, marking a 115.9% increase[39]. Revenue Segmentation - The semiconductor solutions segment generated revenue of USD 473 million, an increase of 16.6% year-on-year, while the materials segment revenue was USD 126 million, up 15.6% year-on-year[8]. - The semiconductor solutions segment generated revenue of $473.3 million in the first half of 2020, a decrease of 4.5% year-on-year, but an increase of 16.6% compared to the previous six months[147]. - The materials segment achieved a record new order total of $167.3 million for the first half, up 25.2% from the previous six months and 59.3% year-over-year[18]. - Revenue from mainland China reached HKD 3,391,398, an increase of 16% from HKD 2,925,505 in 2019[197]. - Surface mount technology solutions revenue decreased to HKD 3,049,307, down 6.9% from HKD 3,276,591 in 2019[194]. Orders and Backlog - The total new orders for the first half of 2020 amounted to USD 1.14 billion, an increase of 7.4% compared to the same period last year[8]. - The total new orders amounted to $1,140.9 million, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 19.0%[13]. - The order-to-delivery ratio for the first half of 2020 was 1.15[8]. - The group’s backlog at the end of the first half was $800 million[14]. - The total new orders for the SMT Solutions segment in the first half of 2020 amounted to USD 437.1 million, a year-on-year decrease of 10.3% but an increase of 13.7% compared to the previous six months[152]. Cost Management and Expenses - The group implemented cost control measures, including freezing salaries and closely monitoring non-essential expenses[14]. - The total employee cost for the first half of 2020 was HKD 2.26 billion, slightly down from HKD 2.28 billion in the same period of 2019[32]. - The company incurred additional costs related to COVID-19, totaling HKD 23.4 million, which included expenses for maintaining operations during factory closures and purchasing personal protective equipment[22]. - The company paid dividends amounting to HKD 286,227, a decrease from HKD 569,340 in the previous year, indicating a reduction of about 49.7%[45]. Cash and Liquidity - The cash and bank deposits balance as of June 30, 2020, was HKD 3.59 billion[8]. - The current ratio as of June 30, 2020, was 2.53, down from 3.02 on December 31, 2019[31]. - The group’s bank loans amounted to HKD 3.69 billion as of June 30, 2020, compared to HKD 3.04 billion on December 31, 2019[31]. - Cash and cash equivalents increased to HKD 3,580,050 thousand from HKD 2,317,543 thousand, indicating improved liquidity[41]. - The group’s cash and bank deposits increased by HKD 1.26 billion to HKD 3.59 billion as of June 30, 2020[161]. Strategic Investments and Market Position - The acquisition of ASM AMICRA has positioned the company as a leader in the high-end packaging and integration equipment market for silicon photonics, capitalizing on the growing demand for data centers and next-generation 5G infrastructure[23]. - The company has made strategic investments in Critical Manufacturing and SKT Max to strengthen its position in the manufacturing execution systems (MES) market in China[23]. - The ongoing trend of localization in production among Chinese enterprises, supported by government policies, is expected to benefit the company due to its strong network in China[24]. - The company is focusing on new market opportunities such as advanced packaging and industrial IoT solutions to create long-term sustainable value for shareholders[34]. - The group is positioned to lead in emerging markets such as silicon photonics and industrial IoT, supported by partnerships with leading data analytics companies[157]. Research and Development - The company invested 11.7% of its equipment business revenue into research and development, amounting to HKD 787 million in the first half of the year[29]. - The company operates ten R&D centers globally, employing over 2,000 R&D professionals, and has secured more than 1,400 leading-edge technology patents[29]. - The group has made strategic investments in two startups focusing on disruptive technologies, including a 3D laser printing company and a high-speed X-ray inspection technology for advanced semiconductor packaging[156]. - The group is collaborating with industry leaders, including IBM Research, to develop hybrid soldering solutions for complex AI chips[159]. Corporate Governance and Compliance - The company has adopted the corporate governance code and regularly reviews its governance practices to ensure compliance[119]. - The audit committee consists of three independent non-executive directors and one non-executive director with extensive experience in auditing, legal matters, and corporate governance[118]. - The group’s financial statements were prepared in accordance with the Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards, ensuring compliance with applicable disclosure requirements[46]. Future Outlook - The expected revenue for Q3 2020 is projected to be between USD 480 million and USD 560 million[34]. - The group aims to leverage its extensive product portfolio to mitigate cyclical risks and drive business growth[159]. - The group is focusing on new market opportunities such as advanced packaging, silicon photonics, industrial IoT, mini and micro LED solutions, power semiconductors, and Industry 4.0 solutions[165].