Financial Performance - The total profit for the year ended December 31, 2023, was HKD 346,753,000, a significant increase from HKD 123,198,000 in 2022, representing a growth of approximately 181%[5] - The insurance revenue for the year was HKD 2,456,378,000, compared to HKD 2,063,515,000 in 2022, marking an increase of about 19%[2] - The operating profit before tax for the year was HKD 431,240,000, up from HKD 175,114,000 in the previous year, reflecting a growth of approximately 146%[4] - The company reported a basic and diluted earnings per share of HKD 0.372 for the year, compared to HKD 0.131 in 2022, indicating a year-over-year increase of about 184%[3] - The group reported a total profit for the year of HKD 346,753, reflecting an increase from HKD 123,198 in the previous year[19] - The profit before tax for the year 2023 was HKD 431,240, compared to HKD 175,114 in 2022, indicating a significant increase[23] - The company reported a profit attributable to shareholders of HKD 346,753,000 for 2023, a significant increase of 181.5% compared to HKD 123,198,000 in 2022[30] - Earnings per share (EPS) reached HKD 0.372, reflecting a growth of 184.0% compared to the previous year[35] Assets and Liabilities - The total assets as of December 31, 2023, amounted to HKD 15,035,394,000, compared to HKD 14,734,713,000 in 2022, showing an increase of approximately 2%[7] - The total liabilities increased to HKD 4,286,548,000 from HKD 3,839,415,000 in the previous year, representing a rise of about 12%[7] - The total assets for the insurance segment as of December 31, 2023, were HKD 7,473,608, while total liabilities were HKD 3,854,290[20] - The total liabilities for insurance contracts were reported at HKD 4,499,512, with a significant adjustment of HKD 1,279,292[16] Dividends - The company declared a proposed final dividend of HKD 46,453,000, compared to HKD 32,759,000 in 2022, which is an increase of approximately 42%[7] - The interim dividend proposed is HKD 0.04 per share, compared to HKD 0.015 per share in 2022, totaling HKD 37,220,000 versus HKD 14,070,000 in the previous year[26] - The final dividend proposed is HKD 0.05 per share, an increase from HKD 0.035 per share in 2022, amounting to HKD 46,453,000 compared to HKD 32,759,000 in 2022[26] - The total dividend per share for the year is HKD 0.09, which is an increase of 80.0%[35] Investment Performance - The net unrealized gains from investments for the year were HKD 59,940,000, compared to losses of HKD 67,468,000 in 2022, indicating a turnaround in investment performance[2] - The investment portfolio benefited from returns on stocks, bonds, deposits, and alternative investments, with positive returns from stock trading in 2023[42] - The company is strategically investing in U.S., Japanese, and European markets, focusing on sectors like artificial intelligence, consumer staples, and healthcare[42] - The company holds a 5% stake in China Life Insurance Company, which maintains a strong financial position due to its extensive office network[41] - The company has a 4.7% stake in Bangkok's Bangkok Hospital, which saw its stock price increase by 4.7% in Thai Baht and 5.6% in HKD in 2023[43] Regulatory and Compliance - The company adopted new and revised HKFRSs, including HKFRS 17 for insurance contracts, which may impact future financial reporting[8] - The group has applied the comprehensive retrospective approach for the transition to HKFRS 17, ensuring consistency in financial reporting[11] - The company has implemented measures to ensure compliance with legal regulations, minimizing the risk of violations[47] - The company has adhered to the Corporate Governance Code as per the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, with the exception of the separation of roles between the Chairman and the CEO[61] Employee and Operational Insights - The group’s employee benefits expenses totaled HKD 203,494 in 2023, up from HKD 177,169 in 2022, indicating increased labor costs[23] - The total number of employees as of December 31, 2023, is 352, an increase from 329 in 2022, reflecting a growth of approximately 7%[53] - The company has implemented comprehensive medical and retirement benefits for all employees, alongside various training and onboarding programs[53] - The company has taken measures to broaden its customer base to mitigate risks associated with reliance on a few core customers[51] Strategic Outlook - The company maintains a cautiously optimistic outlook for 2024, anticipating moderate global economic growth despite tightening monetary policies and geopolitical tensions[30] - The company plans to focus on developing existing insurance business channels to expand into new business areas for sustainable growth[30] - The management remains optimistic about the insurance business, expecting another record growth year despite economic challenges[33] - The insurance services segment recorded a significant growth of 25.6% compared to last year, with optimistic prospects for core insurance business in Asia for 2024[39] Shareholder Engagement - The company aims to enhance shareholder value through its operational and investment activities, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good relationships with stakeholders[52] - The annual general meeting is scheduled for June 4, 2024, with the notice to shareholders expected to be sent out around April 22, 2024[54] - The company repurchased a total of 7,408,000 shares at a total cost of approximately HKD 25,063,000 during the year, which has been funded entirely from retained earnings[58] - The highest repurchase price per share during the year was HKD 3.55, while the lowest was HKD 3.12, indicating a range of approximately 13.8%[59]
亚洲金融(00662) - 2023 - 年度业绩