Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (00388) Q1 2025 Earnings Call April 29, 2025 09:30 PM ET Speaker0 Ladies and gentlemen, the Annual General Meeting will start shortly. Today's meeting will be conducted in English. Please use the headphones to listen to the simultaneous interpretation in Cantonese, Channel two or Pudong Hua, Channel three. For those joining us through the webcast, you may select the corresponding audio channel on the top right hand corner of your screen Thank you. As mentioned in our circula ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - HKEX reported record-breaking trading volumes and exceptional financial results for 2024, with a revenue increase of 32% compared to the previous quarter and a profit after tax increase of 37% [12][56]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company highlighted a robust IPO pipeline and strong daily market turnover despite recent market volatility, indicating stability in its business lines [13]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - HKEX's market has remained stable with strong daily turnover, reflecting resilience in the face of macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges [12][13]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to focus on its strengths in China, drive international connectivity, and foster innovation and sustainability across its markets to position itself for sustained growth [12]. - HKEX has made a strategic investment by purchasing office floors at Exchange Square to establish its permanent headquarters, enhancing stakeholder engagement and providing long-term cost savings [13]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in HKEX's ability to navigate challenges and emphasized the importance of continuous improvement in trading systems to remain competitive [46]. - The CEO noted that despite an increase in profit tax from around 10% to approximately 16%, the company is focused on increasing turnover to offset the impact [51][52]. Other Important Information - HKEX achieved carbon neutrality across its operations by the end of 2024, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability [9]. - The company is considering changes to its auditor for the 2026 financial year, emphasizing the importance of corporate governance [27]. Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about PwC's quality of work due to team changes - Management acknowledged the concern and stated that they are evaluating the situation and will consider changing auditors for the 2026 financial year [27][28]. Question: Inquiry about capitalization costs and profit tax impact - The CEO confirmed an investment of approximately HKD 1 billion in system improvements and noted that profit tax is expected to rise to around 16% [48][51]. Question: Suggestion for increasing dividends for family offices - Management reiterated the company's tradition of paying 90% of profit attributable to shareholders and emphasized that dividend increases depend on profit growth [55][56]. Question: Concerns about minority shareholder interests and stock price manipulation - Management acknowledged the issue and stated that they monitor practices related to placements and are open to feedback [60][61]. Question: Inquiry about the recent property purchase price and AGM participation for Mainland investors - Management defended the property purchase as a strategic investment and indicated that they are considering system upgrades to allow Mainland investors to participate in AGMs [64][66].