亚洲金融(00662) - 2025 - 中期业绩

Financial Performance Overview The group achieved significant profit growth in H1 2025, driven by investment gains, despite a decline in insurance revenue, leading to an expanded asset and liability structure Condensed Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss Asia Financial Group's profit for the period increased by 17.1% to HKD 423,351 thousand in H1 2025, primarily due to higher dividend income and investment gains Key Financial Data for H1 2025 (Profit or Loss Statement) | Metric | 2025 (HKD thousands) | 2024 (HKD thousands) | YoY Change (%) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Insurance revenue | 1,451,755 | 1,642,356 | -11.6% | | Insurance service results | 161,070 | 166,233 | -3.1% | | Dividend income | 108,312 | 74,901 | +44.6% | | Realized gains on investments | 30,317 | 22,335 | +35.7% | | Unrealized gains on investments | 148,029 | 108,084 | +37.0% | | Profit before tax | 466,937 | 405,704 | +15.1% | | Profit for the period | 423,351 | 361,387 | +17.1% | | Basic earnings per share | 45.8 HK cents | 38.9 HK cents | +17.7% | | Interim dividend per share | 6.5 HK cents | 5.5 HK cents | +18.2% | Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income Total comprehensive income for H1 2025 significantly improved to HKD 148,949 thousand from a loss in the prior year, mainly due to a narrower loss from equity investments Condensed Consolidated Comprehensive Income for H1 2025 | Metric | 2025 (HKD thousands) | 2024 (HKD thousands) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Profit for the period | 423,351 | 361,387 | | Net other comprehensive income that may be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods | 22,432 | (39,339) | | Net other comprehensive income that will not be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods | (296,834) | (510,339) | | Other comprehensive income for the period, net of tax | (274,402) | (549,678) | | Total comprehensive income for the period | 148,949 | (188,291) | Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position As of June 30, 2025, total assets increased to HKD 16,731,760 thousand, with equity attributable to owners of the Company also rising, reflecting overall balance sheet expansion Condensed Consolidated Financial Position as of June 30, 2025 | Metric | June 30, 2025 (HKD thousands) | December 31, 2024 (HKD thousands) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total assets | 16,731,760 | 16,333,555 | | Equity attributable to owners of the Company | 11,741,773 | 11,677,999 | | Total liabilities | 4,989,987 | 4,655,556 | | Cash and bank balances | 2,666,962 | 2,522,379 | | Equity investments designated at fair value through other comprehensive income | 5,194,569 | 5,482,070 | | Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss | 3,058,654 | 2,746,119 | | Insurance contract liabilities | 4,226,599 | 3,891,024 | Notes to the Interim Financial Statements This section details the accounting policies, segment information, and specific financial components underlying the interim financial statements Accounting Policies The condensed interim consolidated financial statements adhere to HKAS 34, maintaining consistency with 2024 annual report policies, with no impact from HKAS 21 (Revised) - The condensed interim consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with HKAS 34, with accounting policies consistent with the 2024 annual report[7] - HKAS 21 (Revised) "Lack of Exchangeability" has no impact on these condensed interim consolidated financial statements, as the Group's transaction and functional currencies are convertible[8] Operating Segment Information The Group operates in two segments, Insurance and Corporate, with over 90% of insurance revenue and results derived from Hong Kong, Macau, and mainland China - The Group's operating segments are "Insurance" and "Corporate," with detailed segment revenue, results, assets, and liabilities provided[9][10][11] - Over 90% of the Group's insurance revenue and results are derived from Hong Kong, Macau, and mainland China[12] Operating Segments In H1 2025, the Insurance segment generated HKD 1,451,755 thousand in external customer revenue, while the Corporate segment reported HKD 157,333 thousand in other net income H1 2025 Segment Performance Overview | Metric | Insurance Segment (2025, HKD thousands) | Corporate Segment (2025, HKD thousands) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | External customer revenue | 1,451,755 | - | | Other income, revenue and gains, net | 178,469 | 157,333 | | Segment results | 291,671 | 120,509 | | Interests in joint ventures | 408,826 | 157,922 | | Interests in associates | 402,264 | 488,763 | | Segment assets | 8,574,382 | 6,699,603 | | Segment liabilities | 4,469,790 | 520,197 | Geographical Information Over 90% of the Group's insurance revenue and results originate from Hong Kong, Macau, and mainland China, indicating a strong focus on the Greater China region - Over 90% of the Group's insurance revenue and results are derived from Hong Kong, Macau, and mainland China[12] Insurance Revenue Insurance revenue is defined as the expected premium income allocated over the service period of each insurance contract - Insurance revenue represents the expected premium income allocated over the service period of each insurance contract[13] Finance Costs Finance costs for H1 2025 primarily consisted of HKD 71 thousand in interest on lease liabilities, a slight decrease from the prior year Finance Costs | Metric | 2025 (HKD thousands) | 2024 (HKD thousands) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Interest on lease liabilities | 71 | 75 | Profit Before Tax The Group's H1 2025 profit before tax was HKD 466,937 thousand, driven by positive contributions from investment gains and dividend income, despite increased staff costs Components of Profit Before Tax | Metric | 2025 (HKD thousands) | 2024 (HKD thousands) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Auditor's remuneration | (3,850) | (2,548) | | Staff costs | (111,705) | (102,703) | | Total realized gains on investments | 30,317 | 22,335 | | Unrealized gains on financial assets at fair value through profit or loss | 148,029 | 108,084 | | Total dividend income | 108,312 | 74,901 | | Exchange gains/(losses), net | 19,572 | (7,282) | Income Tax Expense Income tax expense for H1 2025 was HKD 43,586 thousand, slightly lower than the prior year, with Hong Kong profits taxed at 16.5% Income Tax Expense Details | Metric | 2025 (HKD thousands) | 2024 (HKD thousands) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Current - Hong Kong for the period | 25,017 | 1,929 | | Current - Other jurisdictions for the period | 15,378 | 13,874 | | Deferred | 3,179 | 28,404 | | Total tax expense for the period | 43,586 | 44,317 | Dividends The Board declared an interim dividend of HKD 6.5 cents per ordinary share for H1 2025, totaling HKD 60,069 thousand, an increase from the prior year Interim Dividend Declaration | Metric | 2025 (HKD thousands) | 2024 (HKD thousands) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total proposed interim dividend | 60,069 | 51,038 | | Interim dividend per ordinary share | 6.5 HK cents | 5.5 HK cents | Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share for H1 2025 increased to HKD 45.8 cents, driven by higher profit for the period and a slightly reduced weighted average number of shares Earnings Per Share Calculation | Metric | 2025 | 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Profit for the period attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Company | 423,351,000 HKD | 361,387,000 HKD | | Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue for the period | 924,527,000 shares | 928,677,000 shares | | Basic earnings per share | 45.8 HK cents | 38.9 HK cents | - For the periods ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, the Group had no potentially dilutive ordinary shares in issue, thus no adjustment for dilution was required for basic earnings per share[19] Share Capital Issued share capital as of June 30, 2025, decreased to HKD 924,370 thousand due to the repurchase and cancellation of 380,000 ordinary shares during the period Share Capital Movement | Metric | June 30, 2025 (HKD thousands) | December 31, 2024 (HKD thousands) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Issued share capital | 924,370 | 924,750 | | Share capital | 1,500,000 | 1,500,000 | - In H1 2025, a subsidiary of the Company repurchased and cancelled 380,000 ordinary shares, resulting in a reduction in share capital[20][21] - As of the date of this announcement, the Company's total number of issued shares is 924,142,000 shares[22] Management Discussion and Analysis This section provides an overview of the Group's H1 2025 performance, strategic responses to the economic environment, and future outlook across its diverse business segments Performance Summary and Strategy Asia Financial Group's profit attributable to shareholders grew 17.1% to HKD 423.4 million in H1 2025, driven by investment and insurance contributions, with a strategy of geographical diversification H1 2025 Core Performance Indicators | Metric | H1 2025 | YoY Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Profit attributable to owners of the Company | HKD 423.4 million | +17.1% | | Earnings per share | HKD 45.8 cents | +17.7% | | Interim dividend per share | HKD 6.5 cents | +18.2% | - Performance growth was primarily driven by year-on-year increases in equity trading investments, robust insurance business performance, and reliable contributions from joint ventures and associates[23] - The Group reduced its reliance on the US market, diversifying investments into other key regions such as China, Japan, and Europe, to navigate global trade tensions, policy uncertainties, and geopolitical instability[23][24] Economic Background The global economy is experiencing moderate growth, with strong equity market performance in the US, Japan, Europe, China, and Hong Kong, supported by government stimulus and capital inflows - The International Monetary Fund forecasts global economic growth of 2.8% in 2025, with China at 4%, Hong Kong at 1.5%, the US at 1.8%, and the EU at 1.2%[26] - In H1, the US Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 3.6%, Japan's Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased 1.5%, and the MSCI Europe Index climbed 6.5%[26] - Chinese and Hong Kong equity markets experienced strong growth, driven by government stimulus and domestic capital flows, with the Hang Seng China Enterprises (H-Share) Index rising 19% and the Hang Seng Index surging 20%[26] - China's economy is supported by targeted government stimulus measures focusing on key sectors like innovation, green energy, and self-reliant semiconductors, while Hong Kong strengthens its financial, technological, and trade sectors by attracting multinational corporations, investments, and talent[27] Management Approach and Outlook The Group maintains a prudent and flexible investment strategy centered on equity trading, diversifying its portfolio to capitalize on transformative industries and expand its insurance business in key Asian markets - The Group's investment strategy will remain centered on equity trading investments, adhering to prudent and flexible principles to navigate ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainties[25] - The long-term strategy focuses on maintaining a diversified investment portfolio in core markets, seizing growth opportunities in transformative industries such as generative AI, cybersecurity, and robotics[28] - The Group is confident in the growth potential of its insurance business, focusing on Hong Kong, Macau, mainland China, and international reinsurance markets, expanding services that enhance quality of life, including insurance, retirement planning, and healthcare[28] Business Review The Group's diverse operations include robust insurance performance, strong investment gains, challenges in healthcare services, steady pension and asset management profits, and active property development - The Group's business is diversified, encompassing insurance, equity trading investments, healthcare services, pension and asset management, and property development investments[29][34][35] Insurance Business Asia Insurance's H1 2025 profit grew 19.4% to HKD 297.4 million, demonstrating resilience despite an 11.6% decline in insurance revenue, supported by diversification and digital transformation Asia Insurance H1 2025 Performance | Metric | H1 2025 (HKD thousands) | H1 2024 (HKD thousands) | YoY Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Asia Insurance profit | 297,400 | 249,100 | +19.4% | | Asia Insurance revenue | - | - | -11.6% | | Asia Insurance service results | - | - | -3.2% | - Asia Insurance addresses market challenges through geographical and product diversification (Greater Bay Area and Southeast Asia expansion), digital insurance solutions, specialized policies, and cross-border medical and dental products[29][30] - The Group holds a 5% stake in PICC Life Insurance, further solidifying its strategic position by leveraging PICC Life's nationwide branch network and bank distribution channels[33] Other Investment Portfolios H1 2025 saw strong performance in equity trading investments, with gains across value stocks, investment-grade fixed income, and alternative investments, as the Group diversified away from the US market - Equity trading investments performed strongly in H1 2025, achieving gains across value stocks, investment-grade fixed income bonds, and alternative investments[34] - The Group adjusted its portfolio allocation, expanding its presence in China, Japan, and Europe, reducing over-reliance on the US market, and focusing on investments that generate stable cash flow[34] Healthcare Services The Group's 4.8% stake in Bumrungrad Hospital saw its share price decline by 30.1% (THB) and 25.5% (HKD) in H1, primarily due to a significant drop in international patient admissions - The Group holds a 4.8% equity interest in Bumrungrad Hospital Public Company Limited, which is its most significant listed equity investment[35] - Bumrungrad Hospital's share price declined by 30.1% in THB and 25.5% in HKD during H1, primarily due to a significant decrease in international patient admissions caused by global economic weakness[35] Pension and Asset Management Joint venture BCT Group maintains a leading position in Hong Kong's MPF market, consistently generating robust profits, while the Group's 10% stake in BBL Asset Management continues to provide substantial dividends - Joint venture BCT Group and its wholly-owned subsidiary BCT Trust maintain a leading position in Hong Kong's Mandatory Provident Fund services market, consistently generating robust and reliable profits[36] - The Group holds a 10% stake in BBL Asset Management Company Limited in Thailand, which is known for its comprehensive services and stable returns, and regularly distributes substantial dividends[36] Property Development Investment The Group's Shanghai property projects, including JiaDing and QingPu, are progressing, with new sales planned for Q4, anticipating market relief from government stimulus and housing policy adjustments - The Group's real estate projects in Shanghai account for 3.9% of total assets[37] - The JiaDing District property project recorded no additional sales in H1 due to economic headwinds[37] - The QingPu District project is accelerating completion, with all units planned for delivery by year-end, and the first batch of sales for a new plot scheduled for Q4 this year[37] - Increased government stimulus, relaxed credit conditions, and loosened housing policies in Shanghai are expected to alleviate pressure on the real estate market[37] Equity Investments Exceeding 5% of Total Assets As of June 30, 2025, the Group held two strategic equity investments exceeding 5% of total assets: PICC Life Insurance (18.0%) and Bumrungrad Hospital (7.7%) Equity Investments Exceeding 5% of Total Assets | Holding | Number of Shares (thousands) | Investment Cost (HKD millions) | Fair Value as of June 30, 2025 (HKD millions) | % of Total Group Assets | Realized and Unrealized Gains/(Losses) (HKD millions) | Dividends Received (HKD millions) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | PICC Life Insurance | 1,288,055 | 1,522 | 3,005 | 18.0% | 75 | - | | Bumrungrad Hospital | 38,186 | 555 | 1,288 | 7.7% | (437) | 27 | - These two investments (PICC Life Insurance and Bumrungrad Hospital) are primarily long-term strategic holdings[39] Capital Structure and Liquidity The Group maintains a robust liquidity position with HKD 2,666,962 thousand in cash and bank balances as of June 30, 2025, no bank loans, and no net current liabilities - The Group uses funds generated from operations as working capital[40] Cash and Bank Balances | Metric | June 30, 2025 (HKD thousands) | December 31, 2024 (HKD thousands) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Cash and bank balances | 2,666,962 | 2,522,379 | - As of June 30, 2025, and December 31, 2024, the Group had no bank loans[42] - The Group has no net current liabilities, thus no gearing ratio calculation is required, maintaining a robust liquidity position[42][43] Pledged Assets and Contingent Liabilities As of June 30, 2025, Asia Insurance pledged assets with a carrying value of HKD 128,693 thousand as security for reinsurance contracts, with no other significant contingent liabilities Asia Insurance Pledged Assets | Metric | June 30, 2025 (HKD thousands) | December 31, 2024 (HKD thousands) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Carrying value of Asia Insurance pledged assets | 128,693 | 111,541 | - As of June 30, 2025, the Group had no significant contingent liabilities[45] Employees and Remuneration Policy As of June 30, 2025, the Group employed 386 staff, with remuneration policies set by the Remuneration Committee, including salaries, bonuses, and comprehensive benefits, with no share option scheme in place Number of Employees | Metric | June 30, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total number of employees | 386 people | 374 people | - Employee remuneration is determined by individual performance, experience level, and industry practice, including salaries and discretionary bonuses, along with comprehensive medical and retirement benefits and training programs[46] - Remuneration policies are formulated by the Company's Remuneration Committee and recommended for Board approval, with no share option scheme implemented during the period[46] Other Significant Matters This section covers share repurchases, corporate governance, review of interim financial statements, dividend declarations, and public announcement details Share Repurchases In H1 2025, the Group's subsidiary repurchased and cancelled 508,000 ordinary shares for approximately HKD 2,036 thousand to enhance net asset value and/or earnings per share H1 2025 Share Repurchase Details | Month of Repurchase | Number of Ordinary Shares Repurchased | Total Purchase Price (excluding expenses, HKD thousands) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | April 2025 | 214,000 | 855 | | May 2025 | 66,000 | 268 | | June 2025 | 228,000 | 913 | | Total | 508,000 | 2,036 | - Repurchased shares were cancelled during and after the reporting period, aiming to enhance the Company's net asset value per share and/or earnings per share[47][48] - As of the date of this announcement, the Company's total number of issued shares is 924,142,000 shares[47] Corporate Governance The Group generally complies with the Corporate Governance Code, though the combined roles of Chairman and CEO deviate from C.2.1, which the Board believes does not impair the balance of power - The Group complies with all applicable provisions of the Corporate Governance Code, but the roles of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer are combined and held by Mr. Chan Chi Sze, a deviation from Code Provision C.2.1[49] - The Board believes this deviation does not impair the balance of power, as there is an experienced Board providing checks and balances, and this arrangement offers stable and consistent leadership, facilitating effective implementation of long-term business strategies[49][50] Review of Interim Financial Statements The Company's Audit Committee has reviewed and recommended the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2025, for Board approval - The Company's Audit Committee has reviewed and recommended the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2025, for Board approval[51] Declaration of Interim Dividend The Board resolved to declare an interim dividend of HKD 6.5 cents per ordinary share for H1 2025, payable in cash around October 6, 2025, to shareholders on record as of September 26, 2025 - The Board resolved to declare an interim dividend of HKD 6.5 cents per ordinary share for H1 2025 (2024: HKD 5.5 cents)[52] - The dividend will be paid in cash on or about October 6, 2025, to shareholders whose names appear on the Company's register of members as of September 26, 2025[52] Closure of Register of Members To determine eligibility for the interim dividend, the Company's register of members will be closed from September 24 to September 26, 2025, with all transfer documents due by 4:30 p.m. on September 23, 2025 - The Company's register of members will be closed from Wednesday, September 24, 2025, to Friday, September 26, 2025 (both days inclusive)[53] - To qualify for the interim dividend, all transfer documents, accompanied by the relevant share certificates, must be lodged with the Company's share registrar in Hong Kong by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 23, 2025[53] Announcement of Results and Report This results announcement is available on the Company's and HKEXnews websites, with the 2025 interim report to be published on or about September 9, 2025 - This results announcement is available on the Company's website www.afh.hk and the HKEXnews website www.hkexnews.hk[54](index=54&type=chunk) - The 2025 interim report will be published on these websites on or about Tuesday, September 9, 2025, for shareholders' review[54]