POWER ASSETS(00006)2025-03-19 08:57Financial Performance - The net profit for the year ended December 31, 2024, was HKD 6.19 billion, a 2% increase from HKD 6.03 billion in 2023[3]. - The company's profit attributable to shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2024, was HKD 6,119 million, an increase from HKD 6,003 million in 2023, representing a growth of 1.93%[32]. - Total comprehensive income attributable to shareholders for the year was HKD 4,334 million, down from HKD 7,904 million in 2023, indicating a decrease of 45.56%[32]. - The group reported a basic and diluted earnings per share of HKD 2.87 for 2024, compared to HKD 2.82 in 2023, showing a modest increase[30]. - The company reported a pre-tax profit of 6,119 million for 2024, down from 6,003 million in 2023, reflecting a decrease of approximately 1.9%[49]. - Operating profit for the year was 666 million, compared to 1,131 million in 2023, reflecting a decrease of about 41%[45]. - Interest income decreased to 863 million in 2024 from 1,223 million in 2023, a decline of approximately 29%[45]. - The share of profits from joint ventures and associates increased to 6,352 million in 2024 from 6,252 million in 2023, an increase of about 1.6%[45]. Dividends - The board proposed a final dividend of HKD 2.04 per share, maintaining the total annual dividend at HKD 2.82 per share, consistent with the previous year[4]. - The proposed final dividend per ordinary share is HKD 2.04, consistent with the previous year's dividend of HKD 2.04, totaling HKD 6,010 million for the year[57]. - The annual general meeting is scheduled for May 21, 2025, with a record date for the proposed final dividend on May 27, 2025[63]. Business Contributions - The UK business contributed a total profit of HKD 3.99 billion in 2024, up from HKD 2.79 billion in 2023, driven by new acquisitions[8]. - The Australian business contributed HKD 1.43 billion in profit, slightly down from HKD 1.43 billion in 2023[9]. - HK Electric Investments recorded a profit contribution of HKD 1.038 billion in 2024, compared to HKD 1.053 billion in 2023[16]. Financial Position - The company's net debt to total capital ratio stands at a strong 44%, reflecting a solid financial foundation[7]. - The net debt to total capital ratio was 44% as of December 31, 2024, slightly up from 43% at the end of 2023[23]. - The group maintains a strong financial position with a total unutilized credit facility of HKD 1 billion as of December 31, 2024[22]. - The group's net cash level as of December 31, 2024, was HKD 228 million, down from HKD 1,140 million in 2023, indicating a significant decrease in liquidity[23]. Asset and Liability Changes - The company's non-current assets totaled HKD 90,589 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to HKD 91,343 million in 2023, reflecting a decline of 0.82%[34]. - Current assets decreased to HKD 3,488 million in 2024 from HKD 4,359 million in 2023, a reduction of 19.97%[34]. - Current liabilities increased to HKD 4,077 million in 2024 from HKD 3,249 million in 2023, marking an increase of 25.49%[34]. - The company's net assets stood at HKD 87,076 million as of December 31, 2024, slightly down from HKD 88,752 million in 2023, a decrease of 1.89%[34]. - Total assets as of December 31, 2024, amounted to 94,077 million, compared to 95,702 million in 2023, indicating a decrease of approximately 1.7%[42]. - Total liabilities for the year were reported at 7,001 million, a slight increase from 6,950 million in 2023, representing an increase of about 0.7%[42]. - The company's total liabilities decreased to HKD 2,924 million in 2024 from HKD 3,701 million in 2023, a reduction of 20.92%[34]. Operational Highlights - The operational reliability of HK Electric exceeded 99.9999% in 2024, maintaining world-class standards[16]. - The company is actively transitioning to gas-fired power generation, with gas generation now accounting for approximately 70% of total generation capacity[16]. - The company aims to retire coal-fired generation units by 2035, aligning with government carbon reduction targets[16]. - The group continues to focus on clean hydrogen and biomethane projects in its gas networks in the UK and Australia[17]. Employee Compensation - The total employee compensation, excluding directors' remuneration, reached HKD 28 million in 2024, up from HKD 27 million in 2023[28]. - Employee compensation increased slightly to 33 million in 2024 from 32 million in 2023, reflecting a growth of about 3.1%[47]. Other Financial Metrics - The company's other income decreased to 207 million in 2024 from 296 million in 2023, a decline of approximately 30%[46]. - Accounts payable measured at amortized cost increased to HKD 3,967 million in 2024 from HKD 2,896 million in 2023, representing a growth of approximately 37%[56]. - The company has no unsecured and indemnity guarantees as of December 31, 2024, compared to HKD 14.2 million in 2023[27]. - The company reported a significant foreign exchange loss of HKD 2,724 million related to operations outside Hong Kong, compared to a gain of HKD 2,446 million in 2023[32]. - The company’s cash and cash equivalents were HKD 2,733 million in 2024, down from HKD 4,201 million in 2023, a decrease of 35.00%[34]. Corporate Governance - The company has maintained compliance with the corporate governance code as per the Hong Kong Stock Exchange rules throughout the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024[61]. - No repurchase, sale, or redemption of the company's listed securities occurred during the year[60].