2025-08-14 10:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues increased by over $8 billion, with $1.3 billion attributed to favorable foreign exchange movements [4] - Underlying net earnings showed strong growth, although not as high as double-digit growth might suggest due to complex non-cash write-downs [5] - EBITDA rose by approximately $700 million, with about 13% of that growth due to favorable foreign exchange [7] - Operating free cash flow increased by $2.1 billion, reflecting an 11% growth compared to the first half of last year [8] - Net debt ratio improved from 17% to 14.7% year-on-year, indicating a solid financial position [9][30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ports division throughput increased by 4% to 44 million TEU, with EBITDA rising by 10% in reported currency [33][34] - Retail division EBITDA increased by 12% to HKD 8 billion, driven by strong performance in Europe despite challenges in Health and Beauty China [37][38] - Infrastructure showed a 6% increase in EBITDA in local currencies, maintaining a strong dividend tradition [48] - CKH Group Telecom reported a 4% growth in underlying EBITDA, with significant merger-related expenses impacting results [50] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The ports division saw a 7% increase in HPH Trust and stable performance in Europe, while Asia and Australia experienced a 5% increase [33] - Retail operations in Asia and Europe showed varied performance, with Health and Beauty China under pressure but overall retail EBITDA increasing [38][41] - The telecom market in Europe faced challenges, particularly in Austria, but overall performance remained steady [52] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to focus on organic growth and cost efficiencies in the ports division despite global trade volatility [36] - Retail strategy includes expanding the store network and enhancing online fulfillment capabilities through dark stores [75] - Infrastructure investments are expected to continue, particularly in aging water infrastructure, which presents attractive returns [81] - The company remains cautious about new investments, preferring to focus on value-accretive opportunities within existing businesses [80] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed a conservative outlook for the second half of the year due to global uncertainties, despite strong first-half performance [8][12] - The ports division is expected to maintain good earnings growth through organic growth and expanded facilities [36] - Retail management is optimistic about improving Health and Beauty China performance through strategic initiatives [75] - The telecom sector is undergoing a comprehensive review to identify cost reduction opportunities and improve profitability [50] Other Important Information - The company reported a significant foreign exchange impact on working capital, which may not recur in the second half [26] - Sustainability efforts are progressing, with emissions reductions and improved ratings in various sustainability indices [71] Q&A Session Summary Question: Will future dividends be based on reported or recurring earnings? - Dividends are determined by the board, considering underlying performance and financial fundamentals, generally excluding non-cash accounting losses [74] Question: What are the strategic actions on store planning and product portfolio in Health and Beauty China? - The company is transforming the business with dark stores for online fulfillment, which may temporarily impact margins but aligns with customer expectations [75][76] Question: Why is the nature of the one-time loss different from previous disclosures? - The difference is due to the transition from Hong Kong FRS to International Financial Reporting Standards, affecting the exchange reserve and final valuation [78][79] Question: What is the group's investment strategy if net debt decreases significantly? - The company will focus on growth and value-accretive transactions, primarily within existing businesses, while maintaining a cautious approach to capital expenditures [80][83] Question: Is regulatory approval from China required for the proposed ports transaction? - Yes, the transaction requires approval from multiple regulators, including those in China, the US, and the EU, and discussions with a strategic Chinese investor are ongoing [84][86]