Financial Performance - The Group's revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024, was approximately HK$902,316,000, a decrease of approximately 10.5% compared to HK$1,008,101,000 in 2023[11]. - The net profit for the year ended December 31, 2024, was approximately HK$18,884,000, representing a decrease of approximately 14.8% from HK$22,168,000 in 2023[11]. - The gross profit for the years ended 31 December 2024 and 2023 was approximately HK$120,939,000 and HK$129,565,000, respectively, with gross profit margins of approximately 13.4% and 12.9%[24][28]. - Profit attributable to owners of the Company for the years ended 31 December 2024 and 2023 was approximately HK$18,884,000 and HK$22,168,000, respectively, representing a decrease of approximately 14.8%[34][38]. - The Group's financial performance reflects ongoing challenges in the market, necessitating strategic adjustments[11]. Dividends and Shareholder Matters - The Board has recommended a final dividend of HK1.67 cents per ordinary share, totaling HK$13,360,000, for the year ended December 31, 2024[13]. - The upcoming annual general meeting will require shareholder approval for the proposed dividend payment[13]. Business Development and Strategy - New products launched include "Oodles Transformer," "Cubicles and Smart Washroom Solution," "Luminous Shelves," and "Smart Emergency System"[14]. - The technology solution "Oodles Smart" was officially launched in March 2024 and has expanded its geographical footprint to Japan and Singapore[14]. - The Group aims to refine its products and services while diversifying its business to capitalize on growth opportunities and increase profitability[14]. - The Group's efforts in business diversification are expected to reduce volatility in its operations amid market fluctuations[14]. - The Group anticipates that 2025 will be a challenging year for winning new tenders in the existing fitting-out industry in Hong Kong due to ongoing economic pressures[40]. - The Group plans to leverage GenAI technology and big data to digitalize its traditional business, enhancing productivity and customer experience[42]. Financial Position and Debt - Total debts of the Group, including bank borrowings and lease liabilities, was approximately HK$498,380,000 as of December 31, 2024, compared to approximately HK$444,341,000 in 2023[47]. - The gearing ratio of the Group was approximately 66.3% as of December 31, 2024, slightly down from approximately 66.5% as of December 31, 2023[53]. - The current ratio of the Group was approximately 1.1 as of December 31, 2024, down from approximately 1.2 as of December 31, 2023[53]. Employee and Administrative Matters - Employee benefit expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024, amounted to approximately HK$100,595,000, a decrease from approximately HK$119,216,000 in 2023[62]. - The Group employed a total of 233 employees as of December 31, 2024, down from 238 employees as of December 31, 2023[59]. - Contributions to the Mandatory Provident Fund for the year ended December 31, 2024, were approximately HK$3,406,000, compared to approximately HK$5,831,000 in 2023[61]. - Administrative expenses decreased from approximately HK$71,023,000 in 2023 to approximately HK$63,295,000 in 2024, representing a decrease of 10.9%[25][29]. Corporate Governance - The Company complied with the Corporate Governance Code provisions, except for a deviation regarding the "Chairman and Chief Executive" section[80]. - The Board consists of five members, including two executive Directors and three independent non-executive Directors[90]. - The Board is responsible for corporate policy formulation, business strategic planning, and risk management[82]. - The Company has arranged appropriate insurance cover for Directors' and officers' liabilities[89]. - The Board will review the effectiveness of mechanisms for independent non-executive Directors to express their views annually[97]. - The Company has mechanisms in place for independent non-executive directors to express their opinions openly, enhancing governance[104]. Board Composition and Diversity - The Board consists of five Directors, including one female executive Director and one female independent non-executive Director, reflecting a commitment to gender diversity[131]. - As of December 31, 2024, the workforce composition was approximately 73.4% male and 26.6% female, indicating efforts to attract female talent in a traditionally male-dominated industry[135]. - The Company does not set specific gender targets for its workforce but values diversity in recruitment and promotion policies[135]. - The Nomination Committee will review the Board Diversity Policy annually to ensure its effectiveness and monitor the implementation of diversity objectives[136]. Risk Management and Internal Control - The Board is directly responsible for the Group's risk management and internal control systems, rather than establishing a separate internal audit department[196]. - The Group's risk management functions and internal control procedures are considered effective and adequate, with annual reviews conducted by the Board and other Board Committees[195]. - The Company has adopted a whistleblowing system to allow employees to report serious concerns about possible improprieties confidentially[190]. - The independent internal control consulting firm recommended certain internal control improvement measures to enhance the Group's corporate governance and compliance with applicable laws and regulations[191]. Audit and Financial Reporting - The auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers, received HK$1,380,000 for audit services for the year ended December 31, 2024, with no non-audit services provided[179]. - The Directors acknowledged their responsibility for preparing consolidated financial statements that present a true and fair view of the Group's state of affairs as of December 31, 2024[180]. - The Audit Committee reviewed the financial reporting process, risk management, and internal control systems during its meetings[144].
德合集团(00368) - 2024 - 年度财报