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CTF SERVICES(00659) - 2025 H2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-09-25 09:47

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Adjusted Operating Profit (AOP) for FY 2025 increased by 7% year on year to $4.5 billion, and excluding the Free Duty and YQ businesses, AOP rose by 9% to $4.5 billion [10][18] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 1% to $7.3 billion, while profit attributable to shareholders rose by 4% to $2.2 billion [18] - The total dividend for the year amounted to $0.95 per share, maintaining an attractive dividend yield of 8.3% based on the latest closing price [18][19] - Cash on hand was $20.2 billion, with total available liquidity close to $30 billion, indicating a healthy financial position [19][20] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - The financial services segment, rebranded from insurance, saw AOP increase by 29% to $1.24 billion [11][30] - The logistics business AOP rose by 3% to $740 million, while the construction segment reported AOP of $790 million, slightly decreasing by 7% when excluding YQ [11][12] - The facilities management segment reported AOP of $89 million, with a 16% increase when excluding Free Duty [11] - Strategic investments surged over 1,000% to $237 million, reflecting aggressive portfolio optimization [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The occupancy rate for logistics properties in Hong Kong decreased from 96% to 80%, attributed to the renewal of a major client's lease [35] - The occupancy rate for the seven logistics properties in China was maintained at 87%, while the occupancy rate for the Suzhou property dropped to 40% due to tenant termination [35][36] - The construction segment's backlog increased by 24% to $38 billion, with newly awarded contracts rising by 9% to $23.9 billion [39] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance its diversified business portfolio through acquisitions and disposals, focusing on the fast-growing wealth management business [3][9] - The logistics segment will target undervalued assets in the Greater Bay Area and Yangtze River Delta, seeking properties with strong cash flow [8][13] - The construction segment will focus on government-related projects, which now account for 61% of the total projects in progress [16][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining stable results despite geopolitical tensions and economic challenges, highlighting operational excellence across diversified business lines [9][12] - The financial services segment is expected to leverage the Chow Tai Fook brand to enhance service delivery and expand its wealth management platform [9][30] - The company anticipates continued growth in AOP and cash flow, with strategic acquisitions planned to replenish profits lost from expiring toll road concessions [67][68] Other Important Information - The company has maintained a progressive dividend policy for 22 consecutive years, with a commitment to consistent dividend distribution [10][23] - The company has shifted a substantial portion of its debt to lower-cost renminbi borrowing, resulting in a decline in average borrowing costs from 4.7% to 4.1% [20][21] - The company has implemented an ESG strategy, achieving a 19% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions compared to FY 2023 [47][49] Q&A Session Summary Question: Updates on the roads and potential disposals - Management indicated that while there have been inquiries about toll road assets, there are no immediate plans for disposal unless the price is right [56] Question: Impact of not investing further in toll roads - Management confirmed that without further investment, the concession period will decrease, but they are confident in replenishing profits through other business segments [67][68] Question: Logistics occupancy targets - Management expressed confidence in reaching an occupancy rate of 85% in Hong Kong, with a longer-term goal of exceeding 90% [60][62] Question: Strategic value of Sunshine Esther acquisition - Management highlighted that integrating Sunshine Esther into the construction group enhances competitive bidding capabilities, particularly for design and build contracts [63][65]