2026-02-26 09:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The group's operating earnings before fair value movements decreased by 2% to over HKD 10.6 billion, while total earnings fell by 11% to HKD 11.5 billion due to coal plant-related items affecting comparability [5][7] - Capital investment declined by 13% to HKD 16.4 billion, with higher growth CapEx offset by the absence of the headquarters acquisition booked in 2024 [7][9] - Total dividends for financial year 2025 were HKD 3.20 per share, representing an increase of 1.6% from 2024 [5][8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Hong Kong, core earnings rose by 7% to just over HKD 9.5 billion, driven by capital investment and high operational reliability [10] - In the Chinese mainland, earnings declined by 12% to HKD 1.6 billion, primarily due to lower contributions from Yangjiang Nuclear and renewables [11] - EnergyAustralia's operating earnings were AUD 85 million, impacted by tough retail conditions and one-off tax expenses [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Electricity send-out in Hong Kong declined by 3%, reflecting lower coal outputs, while non-carbon capacity rose by 3% due to renewables and battery investments [5][6] - In Australia, intense competition led to a decline in customer accounts, while the retail sector faced margin compression and higher bad debts [13][16] - In India, reported earnings were down 29% due to a one-off impairment, but underlying operating earnings improved with higher output from renewables [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on energy security and decarbonization, with strategic priorities centered on balanced growth, decarbonization, and financial discipline [23] - A HKD 52.9 billion 5-year development plan is being executed to deliver safe, reliable, and affordable power while supporting Hong Kong's economic agenda [23][24] - The company is targeting growth in fast-growing energy transition markets, with a disciplined approach to investments that meet minimum return requirements [24][25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the fundamentals of the business remain strong despite market headwinds in China and Australia [3] - The outlook for renewables is sound, with market fundamentals stabilizing and tariff pressure looking manageable [12] - Management emphasized the importance of operational excellence and digital transformation to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving energy sector [31] Other Important Information - Free cash flow generation was strong, up HKD 1.6 billion to HKD 22.6 billion, driven by solid EBITDAF and fuel cost recovery [19][20] - The financial structure remains strong, with a slight increase in net debt and around HKD 29 billion in available facilities [20][21] Q&A Session All Questions and Answers Question: EnergyAustralia's earnings below expectations - The increase in depreciation and amortization is recurrent, linked to increased CapEx, while enterprise expenses are more one-off related to IT outsourcing and customer platform contracting [41][42] Question: CapEx for growth in Australia and China - CapEx is mainly for Chinese renewable projects and EnergyAustralia's wind battery, with expected returns aligned with hurdle rates [45][46] Question: Long-term planning for India and capital allocation - The target for non-carbon projects in India is consistent with previous plans, maintaining a capital allocation of HKD 6 billion per annum [56][57] Question: Yallourn coal-fired plant closure - The current plan is to retire Yallourn by mid-2028, with capital allocation in China expected to be slightly reduced due to the lower target [62][66] Question: Customer upgrade timeframe in Australia - The current plan for the customer platform upgrade is to take about 2 years, targeting completion before the end of 2028 [105]