Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Service revenue in 2024 increased by 1% to $3.6 billion, primarily driven by a 30% growth in roaming revenue, which offset a decline in local revenue [5][19] - EBITDA increased by 4% and EBIT improved by 88% compared to the previous year, leading to a breakeven result with a net profit of HKD 6 million [5][19] - Customer base expanded to approximately 4.64 million, driven mainly by higher prepaid subscriptions and a 54% penetration rate of 5G services, an increase of 8 percentage points [5][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - 5G customer base grew by 54%, with a 69% increase in 5G home broadband revenue and a 12% increase in ARPU [3][9] - Outbound roaming revenue increased by 36% year on year, supported by competitive offers and flexible roaming solutions [4][5] - Prepaid revenue saw a 40% increase, with a 29% growth in the customer base [4][5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The enterprise market revenue increased by 61%, driven by comprehensive 5G solutions and innovative services [4] - The postpaid customer base experienced a slight decrease due to corporate customer movements, while prepaid customers saw substantial growth [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to diversify revenue streams beyond roaming services, focusing on 5G home broadband and corporate solutions [37] - Strategic partnerships are being pursued to accelerate growth, particularly in the corporate solutions sector [37] - The company plans to expand its prepaid wholesale business overseas to capitalize on market opportunities [34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining strong growth momentum in the prepaid segment and leveraging AI technologies for customer engagement and operational efficiency [34] - The company is committed to enhancing its 5G network quality and expanding capacity across key infrastructures [26] - Future plans include optimizing network resources and continuing digital transformation initiatives to drive revenue growth [34] Other Important Information - The company maintained a healthy cash position with net cash around HKD 3.7 billion, similar to 2023 [22] - Sustainability efforts were highlighted, including an AA rating from MSCI and a 100% recycling rate for lead-acid batteries [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: What strategies do you have in place to ensure the group's revenue performance? - The company recognizes the need to diversify revenue streams and is focusing on 5G home broadband and corporate solutions to drive sustainable growth [37] Question: Will your data sharing plans cannibalize your roaming revenue? - The company stated that data sharing plans and roaming plans are complementary, designed to attract new roaming customers without cannibalizing existing revenue [40] Question: What is your CapEx outlook for 2025? - The company expects capital expenditure to stabilize at similar levels to 2024, focusing on network optimization and digital transformation [43] Question: In what areas have the company applied AI technology? - AI technology has been applied to enhance customer service quality, improve workspace productivity, and support innovative B2B solutions [45] Question: What is your plan for 6G development? - The company decided not to bid for certain spectrum due to various factors but remains open to future opportunities as the ecosystem matures [49] Question: Is there any financial burden from your Macau operations? - The company reported stable yet challenging operations in Macau, with overall performance offset by stronger results in Hong Kong [51] Question: What are your plans for distributing special dividends and using surplus cash? - The company will consider distributing a special dividend when financial performance stabilizes, following a breakeven result in 2024 [52]
HUTCHTEL HK(00215) - 2024 H2 - Earnings Call Transcript