Financial Performance - The group recorded a total revenue of approximately HKD 132 million for the fiscal year, a decrease of 6.6% compared to HKD 142 million in 2018[25]. - The net profit attributable to shareholders was approximately HKD 7.6 million, representing an increase of 92.4% from HKD 4 million in 2018[25]. - The group's total revenue decreased from approximately HKD 141.7 million in 2018 to about HKD 132.3 million in 2019, a reduction of approximately HKD 9.4 million[48]. - Total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2019, was HKD 132,333,000, a decrease from HKD 141,741,000 in 2018, representing a decline of approximately 6.5%[49]. - The annual profit increased from approximately HKD 3.9 million in 2018 to about HKD 7.6 million in 2019, despite other losses of around HKD 2 million offsetting some of the profit[47]. - The overall gross profit margin improved from approximately 11.4% in 2018 to 16.7% in 2019, primarily due to enhanced financial performance in the financial services segment[59]. - The profit attributable to the owners of the company increased from approximately HKD 3,900,000 for the year ended December 31, 2018, to approximately HKD 7,600,000 for the year ended December 31, 2019, primarily due to the expansion of asset management business and overall reduction in expenses[73]. Revenue Sources - The contact center business continued to account for a significant portion of the group's revenue, although it faced challenges due to budget reductions and project delays from certain clients[25]. - Financial services revenue surged from approximately HKD 6,772,000 in 2018 to HKD 21,029,000 in 2019, marking an increase of about 210%[56]. - Revenue from outsourced inbound customer contact services decreased from approximately HKD 16,400,000 in 2018 to HKD 11,800,000 in 2019, reflecting a decline of about 28.5%[50]. - Revenue from outsourced outbound customer contact services fell from approximately HKD 43,700,000 in 2018 to HKD 28,200,000 in 2019, a decrease of around 35.5%[52]. Business Environment and Challenges - The business environment in Hong Kong was challenging, with social unrest impacting local consumption and investment sentiment[28]. - Data security regulations, rising labor costs, and overall rental expenses continued to pose challenges to the contact center business[28]. - The short-term economic outlook for Hong Kong is challenging, with expected growth between -1.5% to 0.5% in 2020 due to various adverse factors[43]. - The management is actively reviewing and adjusting business strategies to prepare for upcoming challenges and opportunities[28]. Strategic Initiatives - The group aims to broaden its revenue base and enhance profitability through the newly established lending business[28]. - The financial services segment under Gear Financials contributed positively to the overall performance, with management planning to launch several exciting financial projects in the current year[25]. - The group plans to diversify and develop its customer contact center, system solutions, and financial services to prepare for foreseeable challenges[43]. - The group expects to secure a considerable number of securities trading, asset, and/or fund management projects and contracts in the current year, leveraging established local and mainland Chinese partnerships[29]. - The group established a new recruitment service company in 2019, aiming to extend its core business and create a new revenue source in the long term[29]. Corporate Governance - The company has maintained high levels of corporate governance, complying with all code provisions except for one related to the attendance of non-executive directors at board meetings[93]. - The board consists of two executive directors, one non-executive director, and three independent non-executive directors, ensuring a balanced structure with relevant expertise[95]. - The company has adopted a code of conduct for securities trading by directors, confirming compliance with the relevant regulations for the year ended December 31, 2019[94]. - The company has established various committees under the board to handle different aspects of its operations, including audit, remuneration, nomination, and risk management[146]. - The company emphasizes clear and timely communication with shareholders and investors, utilizing multiple channels such as annual general meetings, reports, and its website[154]. Environmental and Social Responsibility - The company has implemented an environmental policy aimed at responsible energy consumption, air emissions, waste disposal, and recycling, with ongoing training for employees on environmental awareness[158]. - In 2019, the company reported total nitrogen oxides emissions from vehicle fuel consumption at 3,430 grams, sulfur oxides at 53 grams, and particulate matter at 253 grams[161]. - The company recycled 1,834 kg of paper in 2019, equivalent to planting 47 saplings[171]. - Total greenhouse gas emissions amounted to 7,260 kg, with direct CO2 emissions at 6,014 kg and indirect emissions from electricity usage at approximately 423,846 kg in 2019[163][166]. - The company did not generate any hazardous waste in 2019[167]. Employee and Workplace Safety - Employee count as of December 31, 2019, was 753, with a focus on maintaining diversity in gender and age groups[185]. - The company implemented a cross-departmental committee led by senior management to monitor and report daily on health and safety measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic[198]. - The company provided masks and hand sanitizers at various workplace locations to ensure employee safety[198]. - Regular disinfection of major public areas was conducted, and temperature checks were performed for all individuals entering the workplace[198]. - Employee training and development are prioritized, with internal and external training courses sponsored to enhance skills in sales, HR management, and new technologies[200].
易通讯集团(08031) - 2019 - 年度财报