TENCENT(HK:00700) Guang Zhou Ri Bao·2025-04-09 05:57Core Viewpoint - Tencent has announced significant shareholder returns through share buybacks and increased dividends, aiming to enhance long-term shareholder value [2][4]. Share Buyback Summary - Tencent repurchased a total of 307,238,500 shares at a total cost of approximately HKD 112 billion (excluding expenses) during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024 [2][3]. - The buyback was executed at various prices, with the highest price reaching HKD 482.20 and the lowest at HKD 271.20 [3]. - The monthly breakdown of shares repurchased shows a consistent strategy to return capital to shareholders throughout the year [3]. Dividend Summary - For the fiscal year 2024, Tencent distributed a cash dividend of HKD 3.40 per share, totaling around HKD 32 billion [3]. - In 2025, Tencent plans to increase the annual dividend by 32% to HKD 4.50 per share, amounting to approximately HKD 41 billion, and intends to repurchase shares worth at least HKD 80 billion [4]. Shareholder Structure - As of December 31, 2024, Tencent's major shareholder, Prosus, through MIH Internet Holdings, holds 2,214,863,800 shares, representing a 24.01% stake [4]. - Advance Data Services, fully owned by Tencent's CEO Ma Huateng, holds 804,859,700 shares, accounting for 8.72% of the total [4][5]. Employee and Compensation Overview - Tencent employed 110,558 individuals as of December 31, 2024, an increase of 5,141 employees from the previous year [5]. - The total compensation cost for the fiscal year reached RMB 112.8 billion, up from RMB 107.7 billion in 2023, resulting in an average annual compensation of RMB 1.02 million per employee [5].