Comba Telecom Systems (02342) H2 2024 Earnings Call March 27, 2025 04:00 AM ET Speaker0Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. On behalf of Comber Telecom Systems Holdings Limited, I would like to welcome you all for joining today's twenty twenty four Annual Results Investor Presentation Video Conference. In today's meeting, there will be a presentation followed by Q and A session. During the Q and A session, you may raise your questions to the management by clicking on the raise hand button and wait for furthe ...

Financial Performance - The company's revenue for 2024 was JPY 8,675,000,000, a decrease of 10.1% year-on-year, with a significant decline in sales volume and prices [4] - Gross profit margin improved from 37.2% in 2023 to 39.6% in 2024, an increase of 2.4 percentage points, while operating margin expanded by 190 basis points to 8.2%, marking the best operating profit in the company's history [6][7] - Attributable net profit was JPY 4,435,000,000, excluding the impact of goodwill impairment from Bellamy and Modern Dairy [8][15] Business Segment Performance - Revenue from white milk and ice cream faced challenges, but chilled products and yogurt segments showed positive growth trends [9] - Formula milk revenue declined, but excluding Bellamy's impairment, profitability was maintained [10] - The cheese business stabilized and improved profitability, achieving a market share of over 49.5% [11][34] Market Performance - Fresh milk faced intense competition but saw a 20% growth in the high-end brand "Shiny Metal," which became the market leader among premium brands [28] - The ice cream segment experienced destocking pressure, but inventory levels improved in early 2025 [30] - The infant milk formula market returned to a growth track, achieving double-digit growth for the company's brands [31] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is implementing a "One Core, Two Wings" strategy, focusing on core businesses like room temperature chilled products and fresh milk while expanding into new markets and product categories [18][19] - Emphasis on innovation, product upgrades, and improving supply chain efficiency to navigate industry challenges [52][54] - The company aims to enhance its brand value and market presence through strategic collaborations and marketing campaigns [41][44] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management highlighted the current dairy industry challenges, including supply-demand imbalances and weak consumer consumption [52][56] - The focus will be on enhancing nutritional offerings and addressing consumer health needs, particularly in lower-tier markets [60][66] - The company is optimistic about future growth opportunities, especially in the context of an expanding middle class and increasing demand for high-quality dairy products [69][70] Other Important Information - The company reported a significant increase in free cash flow due to lower capital expenditures, allowing for a dividend payout ratio of 45% in 2024 [15] - The company is committed to advancing its ESG initiatives, including green packaging and sustainability efforts [50][51] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the company's strategies for future growth? - The company is focusing on its "One Core, Two Wings" strategy to strengthen core businesses and expand into new markets [18] Question: How is the company addressing the challenges in the dairy industry? - The management emphasized the need for refined management and innovation to improve efficiency and navigate current challenges [52][54] Question: What is the outlook for the infant milk formula segment? - The company is optimistic about the growth potential in the infant milk formula market, especially with the aging population and increased health awareness [32]

Financial Performance - The company's revenue for 2024 was JPY 8,675,000,000, a decrease of 10.1% year-on-year, with a significant decline in sales volume and prices [4][6] - Gross profit margin improved from 37.2% in 2023 to 39.6% in 2024, an increase of 2.4 percentage points, while operating margin expanded by 190 basis points to 8.2%, marking the best operating profit in the company's history [6][7] - Attributable net profit was JPY 4,435,000,000, excluding the impact of goodwill impairments from Bellamy and Modern Dairy [8][12] - Cash flow for 2024 was stable at JPY 8,330,000,000, with capital expenditures (CapEx) reduced by 30% to JPY 38,700,000 [13][15] Business Segment Performance - Revenue from chilled products and yogurt segments showed positive trends, while white milk and ice cream faced growth pressures [9][10] - Formula milk revenue declined, but excluding Bellamy's impairment, profitability was maintained [10] - The cheese business stabilized and improved profitability, achieving a market share of over 49.5% [33] Market Performance - The fresh milk segment faced intense competition but saw a 20% growth in the high-end brand "Shiny Metal," which became the market leader among premium brands [27][28] - Ice cream sales declined due to destocking pressures, but inventory levels improved in early 2025 [29] - The infant milk formula segment returned to a growth track with double-digit growth for the company's brands [30] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is implementing a "One Core, Two Wings" strategy, focusing on core businesses like room temperature and chilled products while expanding into international markets [18][38] - Emphasis on innovation, product upgrades, and enhancing supply chain efficiency to navigate industry challenges [51][70] - The company aims to address the nutritional needs of consumers and improve market penetration, especially in lower-tier markets [64][66] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management highlighted the current dairy industry challenges, including supply-demand imbalances and weak consumer consumption [51][52] - The focus will be on premium protein as a core value, with a commitment to improving nutritional offerings and addressing consumer health needs [53][57] - The company is optimistic about future growth opportunities, particularly in the context of an expanding middle class and increasing demand for high-quality dairy products [68][69] Other Important Information - The company has made significant strides in ESG initiatives, including green packaging and carbon reduction efforts, and has received recognition for its sustainability practices [49][50] - The management emphasized the importance of brand building and cultural integration in marketing strategies to resonate with consumers [42][43] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the company's plans for future growth? - The company plans to focus on premium product offerings and expand its market share in both domestic and international markets, leveraging its strong brand influence [38][69] Question: How is the company addressing the challenges in the dairy industry? - The management acknowledged the challenges and emphasized the need for refined management, cost control, and innovation to improve operational efficiency and meet consumer demands [51][70] Question: What is the company's approach to ESG and sustainability? - The company is committed to advancing its green strategy and enhancing transparency in its ESG reporting, which has been well recognized by authoritative institutions [49][50]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Profit attributable to equity holders increased by 16.8% to HK$38.2 billion, with ROE rising to 11.6% [2] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company actively managed assets and liabilities, achieving stable NIM performance while expanding fee income due to recovery in capital markets and the tourism industry [3] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that the global political and economic landscape is undergoing significant transformation, with uncertainties regarding interest rate cuts in major economies [4] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing risk control, solidifying banking infrastructure, and expanding earning sources as part of its globalization strategy within the BOC Group [2] - The management emphasized the importance of transforming growth momentum and risk management in the banking industry moving forward [4] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the complex and severe operating environment but highlighted the effectiveness of recent economic stimulus policies in boosting social confidence and supporting economic recovery [4] Other Important Information - The company is currently controlling operating expenses while strengthening risk management [3] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about new shareholders return arrangement - Management received congratulations on excellent results, and the question pertained to the new shareholders return arrangement [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a full year 2024 revenue of RMB706.7 million, reflecting a significant 461% year-on-year growth, exceeding the guidance of RMB700 million [6][22] - Gross margin on a cash basis was 83% for the full year 2024, indicating strong operational efficiency [6][23] - Non-IFRS net loss narrowed to approximately RMB537.6 million, down by 25% year-on-year [7][24] - Cash balance stood at RMB1.6 billion, providing flexibility for future growth [8][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total product revenue reached RMB706.7 million, with Nephicom generating RMB353.4 million, representing a year-on-year growth of 1581% [9][10] - Cerava contributed RMB252.8 million in revenue, marking a 256% increase year-on-year [10] - Distribution and selling expenses increased to RMB508.1 million, but the commercial expense to revenue ratio decreased significantly by 111.9 percentage points [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has successfully listed Natricon in the National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL), which is expected to enhance patient access and drive growth [11][32] - Over 10,000 new IgAN patients have been prescribed Nephicom since its NRDL inclusion [68] - The company plans to expand its sales organization to 200 sales representatives to cover 80% of the addressable market potential [34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve cash level breakeven by the end of 2025, focusing on a dual engine growth strategy that includes strong commercial execution and internal developments [9][26] - The first engine focuses on a China-centric commercial platform with key products like Nephicom, XERAVA, and Valsivity, while the second engine emphasizes in-house R&D for innovative therapeutics [27][28] - The company is committed to expanding its pipeline in renal diseases and infectious diseases, with a focus on innovative therapeutics and diagnostics [29][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's transformation from a biotech to a biopharma company, highlighting the strong revenue generation from continuing operations [26][89] - The company is optimistic about the future growth potential, particularly with the expected approval of key products and the expansion of its commercial infrastructure [28][62] - Management noted the importance of generating real-world evidence to support product positioning and adoption in the market [71][83] Other Important Information - The company has made significant advancements in its pipeline, including the development of mRNA cancer vaccines and in vivo CAR T programs [47][56] - The company has received U.S. IND approval for its personalized cancer vaccine program, marking a significant milestone [54] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you share more on the NRDL implementations and competition in IgAN? - Management reported that over 10,000 new IgAN patients have been prescribed Nephicom since NRDL inclusion, with ongoing efforts to expand the sales team to better cover target hospitals [68][70] - The company believes Nephicom's unique profile and clinical data will position it favorably against emerging competition in the IgAN market [70][72] Question: What feedback has been received regarding etrasimod and its usage? - Early feedback from doctors and patients in the Great Bay Area has been positive, with the product positioned as a first-line therapy for biologics-naive patients [81][83] Question: Will there be more detailed safety data for EVA-one? - Management confirmed that one-year follow-up data will be shared, with ongoing efforts to provide updates on safety and efficacy [80][82]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved a revenue increase of 10.2% to RMB 6.7 billion for the year [3] - Profit increased by 16.2%, with household profit rising by 18% and gross profit increasing by 4.2% [4] - Free cash flow rose significantly by RMB 630 million year on year, totaling RMB 3.73 billion, with a dividend payout ratio of 45% [5][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The gas business grew by 4.2%, while the Integrated Energy (IE) business saw a 10.8% increase [3] - Retail gas volume increased by 4.2%, with commercial and industrial sales rising by 5.1% [12] - The gross profit for the IE business increased by 19.9%, and the value-added business (VAB) gross profit rose by 24.1% year on year [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The domestic business achieved a 10.2% core profit growth, despite a decline in profit from wholesale gas and overseas gas [7] - The company reported a significant increase in installed capacity for integrated energy projects, reaching 13.3 gigawatts [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on safety and digital intelligence to enhance customer service and operational efficiency [6][15] - Strategies include optimizing sales in natural gas and expanding the customer base through intelligent solutions [8][26] - The company aims to leverage intelligent capabilities for efficient operations and cost structure optimization [27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management acknowledged challenges from a complex global environment and structural issues in the domestic economy but remains committed to core strategies [25] - Future strategies will focus on increasing profitability for existing and potential clients while exploring innovative products [27] Other Important Information - The company has received high ratings from major rating agencies and has been recognized for its sustainability efforts [7] - The company has implemented a diversified resource portfolio to reduce procurement costs and enhance supply stability [14][15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about dividend growth relative to free cash flow increase - Management emphasized stable dividend policy and future dividends will be determined based on operating needs and cash flow [31][32] Question: Changes in sales of gas for residential and industrial customers - Management could not provide specific figures due to regulatory requirements but reiterated a focus on healthy returns [32] Question: Impact of recent announcements from oil companies on gas purchase costs - Management noted slight increases in gas prices for heating and non-heating contracts, with some areas experiencing price adjustments [33][34] Question: Performance of joint ventures and connections to new property projects - Management reported better-than-expected performance from associated companies and increased connections due to government policies [42][44] Question: Profitability from connections and future outlook - Management indicated a decrease in connection profits due to fewer residential connections and increased costs per customer [46]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved a revenue increase of 10.2% to RMB 6.7 billion for the year [4] - Profit increased by 16.2%, with a significant rise in free cash flow to RMB 3.73 billion, an increase of RMB 630 million year on year [5][6] - The dividend payout ratio for the year was 45% [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The gas business saw a growth of 4.2%, while the Integrated Energy (IE) business increased by 10.8% [4] - Retail gas volume sales increased by 4.2%, with commercial and industrial sales rising by 5.1% [13] - The gross profit for the IE business grew by 19.9%, and the value-added business (VAB) gross profit increased by 24.1% year on year [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The domestic business achieved a core profit growth of 10.2%, despite a decline in profit from wholesale gas and overseas gas [8] - The company reported a significant increase in installed capacity for integrated energy projects, reaching 13.3 gigawatts [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on safety and digital intelligence to enhance customer service and operational efficiency [7][8] - Strategies include optimizing procurement costs and leveraging intelligent solutions to meet customer demands [16][28] - The company aims to expand its customer base in commercial sectors and enhance profitability through resource integration [27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management acknowledged challenges from a complex global environment and structural issues in the domestic economy but remains committed to core strategies [26] - Future strategies will focus on customer-centric services and intelligent solutions to drive growth [28] Other Important Information - The company has received high ratings from major rating agencies and has a healthy debt structure [11][12] - The company is actively pursuing intelligent household solutions and has seen a significant increase in the penetration of intelligent products [23][51] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about dividend growth relative to free cash flow increase - Management stated that the dividend policy remains stable, with future dividends dependent on operating needs and cash flow [32][33] Question: Changes in sales figures for gas and guidance for 2025 - Management could not provide specific figures due to regulatory requirements but emphasized ongoing efforts to provide healthy returns [34] Question: Impact of recent announcements from oil companies on gas purchasing costs - Management noted slight increases in gas prices from major suppliers but indicated that they would continue to seek cost-effective sources [36][41] Question: Profitability from connections and overall industry outlook - Management reported better-than-expected connection volumes due to increased efforts in existing customer connections and supportive government policies [45] Question: Safety investments and strategies for commercial and industrial customers - Management confirmed a significant investment in safety and maintenance, with ongoing efforts to enhance service quality for commercial clients [55]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue reached CNY 752.9 billion, up by 10.6% year-on-year [6] - Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders was CNY 58.2 billion, an increase of 1.1% [6] - Dividend payout ratio increased to 27.5%, with a proposed final dividend of CNY 0.36 per share [10][41] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - Financial segment revenue was CNY 279.469 billion, with profit at CNY 26.49 billion [14] - Non-financial segment revenue grew by 14.7%, contributing to a profit of CNY 14.4 billion [6][8] - Advanced manufacturing revenue increased by 50.793 billion, with profit at $865 million [22] - Advanced materials revenue for Citi Pacific Special Steel was CNY 5.1 billion, down 4.2% year-on-year [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Overseas revenue grew by 21.8%, accounting for 15.1% of total revenue [73] - International business revenue increased by 16%, ranking first in offshore Chinese bond underwriting [18] - The proportion of overseas assets reached CNY 1.15 trillion, up by 13.7% [73] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on steady growth and resilience amid geopolitical tensions and economic challenges [5] - Emphasis on innovation-driven high-quality development, with significant investments in technology [12][13] - Plans to deepen reforms and improve management efficiency while optimizing business structure [50][52] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in seizing opportunities from macroeconomic policies and improving market conditions [44][45] - The company aims to enhance communication with investors and analysts to improve market evaluation [55] - Future strategies include focusing on emerging sectors and maintaining a strong dividend policy [41][52] Other Important Information - The company achieved a long-term issuer credit rating upgrade to A- with a stable outlook [13] - R&D investment was CNY 25.2 billion, accounting for 3.34% of total revenue [93] - The company has registered over 10,000 valid patents, showcasing its commitment to innovation [93] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the plans for the dividend payout at your company? - The company has a stable dividend policy, with a payout ratio not lower than 30% by 2026 and a 2024 payout ratio of 27.5% [41] Question: What kind of work has your company done regarding market value management? - The company has seen a 27.5% growth in market value this year, with a total growth of 124% over the past four years [43] Question: What is the progress of the deepening reform and opening up? - The company is enhancing core competitiveness and focusing on financial services to outperform the market [58][60] Question: How will the company respond to geopolitical tensions and protectionism? - The company plans to deepen international collaboration and enhance its global competitiveness [66][74]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2024, WH Group reported a revenue of $25.941 billion, a decrease of 1.1% compared to the previous year [3] - Packaged meat sales volume was 3.1 million tonnes, down 3%, while pork sales volume was 3.765 million tonnes, down 4.9% [3] - EBITDA increased by 56.1% to $3.078 billion, and operating profit rose by 63% to $2.4 billion [4] - Profit before tax surged by 115% to $2.208 billion, with profit attributable to owners of the company reaching $1.471 billion, up 142% [4] - Basic earnings per share increased to $0.1147 [4] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - Packaged meat contributed 52.6% of total revenue, while pork contributed 40% of revenue and 14.8% of profit [4][5] - North America accounted for 50.3% of revenue and 49% of profit, while Europe contributed 14.5% of revenue and 11.4% of profit [6] - Operating profit from packaged meat was $1.174 billion, up 9.5%, with a margin of 14.1% [15] - The pork business saw an operating profit of $170 million, with a margin of 2% [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In China, the number of slaughtered hogs decreased by 3.3% to 703 million heads, with an average hog price of RMB 17.04 per kilo, up 10.6% [10] - In the U.S., the average hog price was $1.42 per kilo, up 4.5%, while in Europe, it was EUR 1.59 per kilo, down 7.9% [11] - Corn prices in the U.S. averaged $4.27 per bushel, down 23.3% [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - WH Group aims to focus on core packaged meat business, improve fresh meat operations, and maintain appropriate hog production levels [16] - The company plans to reduce hog production from 14.7 million heads in 2024 to below 10 million heads in the future [17] - The strategy includes industrialization, diversification, internationalization, and digitalization to enhance competitiveness [19][30] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The global economic recovery is slow and uneven, with inflation moderating and cost pressures alleviating [8] - Management expects challenges in demand but anticipates benefits from lower raw material costs in 2025 [21][22] - The outlook for the U.S. pork market is positive, with expectations of strong demand and favorable pricing dynamics [35][36] Other Important Information - The company reported strong operating cash flow of $2.519 billion, up 55.8%, and a low leverage ratio of 0.29 [7][8] - WH Group completed the acquisition of a Spanish packaged meat producer, Argo, to expand its high-end packaged meat business [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: How will WH Group maintain high profitability per metric ton in 2025? - Management indicated that while profitability per ton may decrease in 2025, it will remain relatively high due to low raw material costs and adjustments in product mix [21][22] Question: What measures will be taken to increase packaged meat volumes in 2025? - Eight measures were outlined, including reforming the sales team, enhancing market research, and increasing marketing investments [23][24][25][26][27] Question: Will there be changes in strategy after the Smithfield IPO? - Management confirmed that the strategy remains focused on strengths, with an emphasis on industrialization, diversification, and digitalization [30] Question: What is the outlook for the first quarter in China and the U.S.? - The outlook for China is stable with potential growth, while the U.S. market shows strength in hog prices and meat prices [38][41] Question: How will WH Group manage labor costs in the U.S.? - The company has not experienced significant impacts from labor costs and is focused on automation and becoming an employer of choice [70][72]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's revenue increased by 3.5% to RMB 303.6 billion, with profits rising by 53.7% to RMB 48.1 billion and net attributable profit up by 51.8% to RMB 32.1 billion [10] - Operating net cash flow rose by 32.6% to RMB 48.9 billion, while total assets increased by 15.6% year on year [11] - The share of net debt to EBITDA decreased by 28.6%, and the debt ratio dropped by 4.47% [11] - Earnings per share (EPS) increased by 51.3% year on year, and cash dividend payout rose by 53.5% [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Copper production reached 1,070,000 tonnes, contributing 45% to revenue, while gold output was 73 tonnes, contributing 30% [10][14] - Zinc production was 410,000 tonnes, with a gross profit margin of 41%, despite a 3.5% drop in output due to lower feed grades [15] - The gross profit margin for gold concentrate was nearly 68%, reflecting a significant increase over the previous year [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is ranked number four globally in copper output and number six in gold output, with significant growth in both resources and reserves [13][14] - The company faced rising costs in overseas operations but managed to reduce copper concentrate costs by 4.3% [13][14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance its international operations management and consolidate global competitiveness while focusing on ESG initiatives [7][8] - Plans include accelerating the construction of copper, gold, and lithium projects to strengthen output growth foundations [7][8] - The strategic focus for 2025 includes achieving production targets of 1,150,000 tonnes of copper and 85 tonnes of gold [32][56] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged complex challenges in the operating environment but emphasized the importance of cost control and profitability [4][9] - The company is optimistic about future growth, driven by strategic acquisitions and resource expansion [49][56] - Management highlighted the need for continuous improvement in ESG practices to support sustainable growth [34][36] Other Important Information - The company reported a significant increase in social contributions, reaching RMB 7.5 billion, and dividend payments of RMB 9.7 billion [6][7] - The company is committed to responsible mining practices and aims to produce cleaner, more sustainable copper [12] Q&A Session All Questions and Answers Question: How does the company participate in decision-making and supervision activities? - The independent director outlined participation through board meetings, site visits, and daily communications, emphasizing the importance of internal control and risk management [62][63] Question: What are the prospects for costs and expenses in 2025? - The CFO discussed the challenges of rising costs but expressed confidence in maintaining cost competitiveness through optimization and technological innovation [72][76] Question: What is the company's investment and acquisition strategy? - The chairman explained that the company will continue to pursue M&A opportunities while being prudent in selecting projects based on cost-effectiveness and resource potential [89][92] Question: What are the prospects for the lithium sector given the current market downturn? - Management confirmed that the adjustment in production guidance does not indicate a withdrawal from the sector, emphasizing ongoing commitment to improving technology and cost management [106][108] Question: What are the main achievements in resource expansion and future plans? - The company highlighted successful resource expansion efforts and outlined priorities for future growth, focusing on producing projects that can deliver profits [113]