SMARTONE TELE(HK:00315)2025-10-09 08:41Financial Performance - Revenue for the year ended June 30, 2025, was HKD 6,253 million, representing a 1% increase from HKD 6,221 million in 2024[11] - Profit attributable to shareholders increased by 2% to HKD 479 million, compared to HKD 470 million in the previous year[11] - Basic earnings per share rose by 2% to HKD 0.44 from HKD 0.43[11] - Total assets as of June 30, 2025, were HKD 11,308 million, a 1% increase from HKD 11,179 million in 2024[11] - The company maintained a stable dividend per share of HKD 0.32 for both 2025 and 2024[11] - Operating cash inflow for the year was HKD 2,133 million, a slight decrease of 1% from HKD 2,162 million[11] - SmarTone's shareholder profit for the fiscal year 2024-25 was HK$478 million, representing a 2% year-on-year growth, excluding one-time items[35] - Total revenue for the group was HK$6,253 million, up 1% from HK$6,221 million last year, with stable service revenue and growth in mobile and accessory sales[50] - The cost of services provided decreased by HK$15 million or 4% to HK$395 million, attributed to improved gross margins in the enterprise application solutions business[50] - The group maintained stable employee costs at HK$715 million, with salary increases offset by a reduction in headcount[51] - Other operating expenses decreased by 7% to HK$897 million due to strict cost control measures[51] - The group’s cash and bank balances amounted to HK$2,028 million as of June 30, 2025, an increase from HK$1,577 million the previous year[54] - The group’s total equity increased to HK$5,305 million as of June 30, 2025, from HK$5,186 million the previous year[54] Operational Developments - SmarTone has secured exclusive 850MHz spectrum and newly acquired 6/7GHz spectrum to enhance network performance[14] - The company is focusing on digital transformation for enterprises through advanced 5G, AI, and IoT technologies[18] - SmarTone Solutions has supported SIERRA SEA in becoming Hong Kong's first residential project to achieve WiredScore Platinum pre-certification[18] - The company operates over 30 retail stores and five major sub-brands to meet diverse market needs[5] - The EBITDA for the 5G home broadband service grew by 18% year-on-year, while consumer roaming data business increased by 5.5%[35] - Operating expenses decreased by 4% year-on-year, and core capital expenditures reduced by 10%, reflecting the company's commitment to financial discipline[35] - SmarTone launched a plug-and-play 5G home broadband service, becoming the number one choice for consumers in Hong Kong[24] - The company is the only telecom provider in Hong Kong to offer a Disney+ service bundle, enhancing its entertainment offerings[25] - SmarTone secured exclusive access to the 850MHz and 6/7GHz frequency bands, reinforcing its position in the 5G network market[36] - The company has implemented AI-driven network optimization tools to enhance resource allocation and improve service quality[39] Corporate Governance - The board consists of three executive directors, five non-executive directors, and six independent non-executive directors as of June 30, 2025[72] - The company is committed to high standards of corporate governance and has adhered to the relevant rules and codes, with a focus on continuous improvement[65] - All directors must retire at least once every three years and are subject to re-election by shareholders at the annual general meeting[78] - The company held four board meetings and one annual general meeting during the year ending June 30, 2025, with all executive directors attending all meetings[83] - The remuneration committee reviewed the compensation of senior management, including performance bonuses, and approved two written resolutions regarding these matters during the year[90] - The company ensures that the roles of chairman and CEO are held by different individuals to enhance independence and accountability[80] - The board of directors meets at least four times a year to discuss overall strategy, operational and financial performance, and significant acquisitions or disposals[81] - All directors are required to participate in ongoing professional development to ensure they remain informed and capable of contributing effectively[85] - The company provides new directors with introductory materials to ensure they understand the business operations and governance policies[85] - The remuneration policy links the compensation of executive directors and senior management to their performance against company objectives[91] - The supervisory committee regularly meets to review and monitor the execution of overall strategy and the group's business and financial performance[89] - Independent non-executive directors who have served for more than nine years must be re-elected by shareholders through an independent resolution[78] - The Audit Committee held two meetings during the year ending June 30, 2025, to review significant internal controls and financial matters[100] - The total audit fees paid to PwC for the year ending June 30, 2025, amounted to HKD 1,948,000, with additional non-audit services costing HKD 784,000[106] - The company’s risk management and internal control systems are designed to ensure compliance with laws and regulations, safeguard assets, and provide reliable financial information[111] - The Nomination Committee reviewed the board's size, structure, and composition, making recommendations for the re-election of directors at the upcoming 2025 Annual General Meeting[95] - The Audit Committee confirmed that the accounting policies and methods used by the group are appropriate and consistent with industry standards[100] - The company’s external auditor, PwC, was recommended for reappointment at the upcoming 2025 Annual General Meeting based on their independence and effectiveness[106] - The Nomination Policy ensures a balanced mix of skills, experience, and diversity among the board members to achieve the group's corporate goals[96] - The Audit Committee's review included the independence of external auditors and compliance with relevant regulations[100] - The company has established a risk management committee at the management level to oversee overall risk management functions[111] - The Audit Committee expressed satisfaction with the financial statements and did not find any omissions of significant items[100] - The group has established an independent internal audit team consisting of six qualified professionals, reporting directly to the audit committee and the CEO[114] - The board has conducted an annual review of the effectiveness of the group's risk management and internal control systems, confirming their appropriateness and effectiveness for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025[115] - The group has implemented whistleblowing and anti-fraud policies to protect the company, clients, and partners from fraudulent activities, promoting a culture of integrity[116] Employee Relations and Development - The group has a workforce composition of 60% male and 40% female employees, reflecting a common trend in the technology sector[121] - The board diversity policy emphasizes the importance of diverse backgrounds, including gender, age, culture, and professional experience, in enhancing company performance[120] - The company emphasizes a competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits plan to attract high-quality talent, regularly reviewing its compensation structure for attractiveness and fairness[173] - Employee engagement surveys are conducted annually to gather insights on satisfaction and participation, informing policy and planning decisions[181] - The company has implemented a performance management system to recognize and reward outstanding performance, aligning individual goals with corporate strategy[187] - The company promotes a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment, ensuring recruitment practices reflect the diversity of its customer base[190] - The company prioritizes employee safety by adhering to strict safety standards and conducting regular safety drills and training[193] - The company offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support mental health, providing confidential counseling services and resources[194] - The company invests in employee skill enhancement through various training programs, including onboarding, technical skills, and leadership development[177] - The company has implemented a flexible work policy to accommodate diverse employee needs, offering remote work and flexible working hours options[195] - Various health promotion activities have been launched, including comprehensive medical insurance plans and wellness activities, aimed at enhancing employee well-being and morale[196] - The company is integrating artificial intelligence and automation training to prepare employees for future challenges, currently in phases of applying Microsoft Copilot internally[197] - Collaborations with universities and technology institutions are in place to attract and nurture top talent, including partnerships with renowned local universities[198] - The internship and graduate program hires over 13 interns and graduates annually, providing valuable career starting points for young professionals[199] Sustainability and ESG Initiatives - The company aims to reduce carbon emissions by 10% year-on-year, with an estimated reduction of 5,120 tons[136] - The company has established a risk management framework to address ESG-related risks, with the board responsible for overall risk management and internal control systems[139] - The ESG working group, chaired by an executive director, coordinates all ESG-related activities and regularly reviews sustainability policies[139] - Key ESG issues identified include cybersecurity, customer data privacy, and service reliability, which are prioritized based on their impact on stakeholders[141] - The company emphasizes the integration of ESG principles into core business strategies to enhance long-term value for stakeholders[134] - SmarTone has identified key sustainability issues relevant to stakeholders and business, focusing on areas that can create long-term value[143] - The company emphasizes customer service and satisfaction, receiving multiple awards for its ESG performance and brand management, including recognition as Hong Kong's top communication brand[152][153] - SmarTone's sustainability framework aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), focusing on environmental, governance, and social pillars[150] - The company has established a comprehensive importance matrix to prioritize key sustainability issues based on stakeholder significance and business impact[147] - SmarTone's commitment to cybersecurity includes initiatives like the "Building Employee Firewall" recognition program, highlighting its focus on data privacy and network security[153] - The company actively collects customer feedback through various channels, ensuring timely and professional handling of inquiries and complaints[155] - SmarTone's sustainability strategy includes responsible advertising and communication, aiming to enhance customer interaction and understanding[146] - The company has set clear goals for climate resilience and waste management, reflecting its commitment to environmental sustainability[146] - SmarTone's employee relations focus on development, well-being, and fair compensation, contributing to a positive workplace culture[146] - The company has received accolades for its commitment to community investment and human rights, reinforcing its dedication to social responsibility[152][153] - SmarTone achieved a 25% improvement in energy efficiency by modernizing its base stations with the latest hardware and software[159] - The overall energy efficiency of the network increased by 36%, resulting in a reduction of approximately 5,120 tons of CO2 equivalent emissions[159] - The energy efficiency per unit of electricity transmitted improved from 6.12 GByte/kWh for the year ending June 30, 2024, to 6.76 GByte/kWh for the year ending June 30, 2025[159] - SmarTone replaced traditional chillers with oil-free variable-speed chillers, achieving efficiency improvements of 30% to 50%[160] - The introduction of a new carbon film coating technology on chillers improved the coefficient of performance (COP) by 6.15% and reduced electricity consumption by 6%[160] - SmarTone has successfully recycled over 80 kilograms of electronic products through its recycling initiative, reflecting strong public support for environmental efforts[165] - The company has implemented various energy-saving measures, including the use of LED lighting and smart air conditioning systems, to further reduce energy consumption[167] - SmarTone collaborates with HKBR to recycle all discarded lead-acid batteries, ensuring over 90% of these hazardous wastes are reused[163] - The company has not faced any significant legal issues related to emissions or waste management compliance during the review period[164] - SmarTone's commitment to sustainable practices includes encouraging employees to adopt energy-saving behaviors and utilizing digital solutions to minimize paper usage[167] - The company is committed to enhancing operational resilience and advancing sustainability efforts in response to climate change risks, including conducting initial climate scenario analysis and risk assessments[169] - The company aims to disclose significant Scope 3 emissions data in the coming year after gathering sufficient data[169]