China Water Affairs Announces FY2009/10 Annual Results

HONG KONG, July 27

HONG KONG, July 27 /PRNewswire-Asia/ –

Results Highlights:

Financial Highlights
(HKD ’000) FY2009/10 FY2008/09 Change
Revenue 1,398,168 1,033,199 35%
Gross profit 586,562 320,769 83%
Profit from operation 632,945 395,164 60%
Net profit 444,703 228,674 94%
Profit attributable to
owners of the Company 301,571 115,037 162%
Basic earnings per share
(HK cents) 23.31 9.39 148%
Final dividend per share
(HK cents) 5 3 67%

China Water Affairs Group Limited (“China Water Affairs” or the “Company,” stock code: 00855.HK), one of the leading integrated water services operators in China, today announced the audited annual results of the Company and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) for the twelve months ended 31 March 2010 (the “Review Period”).

During the Review Period, the Group achieved satisfactory business performance. Its total revenue amounted to HK$1,398 million, representing a 35% year-on-year increase. Its gross profit advanced by 83% year-on-year to HK$587 million. Gross profit margin improved 11 percentage points to 42%. Profit from operations reached HK$633 million, representing an increase of 60% year-on-year. Profit attributable to Owners of the Company advanced by 162% year-on-year to HK$302 million. Basic earnings per share were 23.31 Hong Kong cents, up 148% from the previous financial year. The board of directors recommended a final dividend of 3 Hong Kong cents per share. Total dividend per share for the year will increase by 67% year-on-year to 5 Hong Kong cents.

“The Chinese economy grew robustly during the period under review. As the country stepped up efforts in managing water resources in order to resolve the water shortage problem, the overall domestic water prices increased steadily. The Group achieved satisfactory growth in its core operation, with revenue of the city water supply business increased substantially. The city water supply operation and construction segment remained the largest revenue contributor to us. Revenue from this segment increased by 38% year-on-year to HK$908 million while profit from this segment increased by 90% to HK$271 million,” said Mr. Duan Chuan Liang, Chairman of China Water Affairs.

Water tariffs were increased in five water plants during the Review Period. Moreover, water tariffs in another three water plants were raised after the Review Period. In addition, two sewage treatment plants completed construction and commenced operation in Wannian and Yanshan of Jiangxi Province respectively. The Group also acquired the entire interest in Chongqing Qiaoli Pipe Manufacturer so as to create synergies within the Group.

As at 31 March 2009, total assets of the Group were approximately HK$7,776 million, up 40% year-on-year. Net assets amounted to HK$2,550 million, an increase of 36% year-on-year. The Group forged strategic alliances with various banks and obtained credit facilities of over RMB6 billion from financial institutions such as China Everbright Bank and the China Construction Bank, thereby providing it with a solid financial position for future business expansion.

Looking ahead, Mr. Duan Chuan Liang commented, “With the sustained development of the Chinese economy and accelerating urbanization and industrialization, the government will continue the policy of integrating water supply in cities and counties so as to strengthen the management of water industry. These favorable factors are set to provide ample room of growth for our core operations such as city water supply, meter installation and other water related businesses. We will actively look for water and related projects with good potential in order to benefit from great economy of scale. Besides, we will strive hard to improve our operating efficiency and overall competitiveness, thereby creating greater value to our shareholders.”

About China Water Affairs Group Limited

China Water Affairs Group Limited is principally engaged in waterworks investment and operation as well as other related businesses in the PRC. The Group’s businesses include urban water supply, water supply systems management, meter installation and related value-added businesses. Currently, the Group is undergoing rapid development, with operations being extended to over 20 cities in various provinces including Guangdong, Jiangxi, Henan and Jiangsu, etc. With a well established cooperative relationship with various local water authorities, the Group achieves a leading position in the PRC water industry.

The press release is issued by PRChina Limited on behalf of China Water Affairs Group Limited.

For investor and media enquiries:

PRChina
David Shiu
Tel: +852-2522-1838
Email: dshiu@prchina.com.hk

PRChina
Eric Song
Tel: +852-2522-1838
Email: esong@prchina.com.hk

SOURCE China Water Affairs Group Limited

Emirates net profit slashed by 72 percent

Nicosia, May 22 (ANI): The Emirates Group, Dubai’s airline and holiday group, announced on Thursday that its net profit for the year ending March 31 stood at 406 million dollars, representing a 72 percent drop from 1.45 billion dollars during the same period last year.

Middle East’s largest airline, however, continues to be one of the best performers in the airline industry globally which last year, due to the recession, lost some eight billion dollars, according to the International Air Transport Association.

The group attributed its profit drop to the impact of record fuel prices, which at one point reached the level of 147 dollars a barrel, declining yields and the strengthening of US dollar.

Emirates CEO Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum commenting on the results said: “No one could have predicted the scale of the worldwide recession which is now impacting every country on earth. As we move into the new financial year, the outlook is not improving. Although fuel prices are dropping, demand for business and first class traffic is still weak in many markets.”

Sheik Ahmed, however, expressed confidence that the coming year would be one of satisfactory growth for the Group and added that under the circumstances this year’s results could also be described as satisfactory.

The results are the poorest in five years for the Group, but at a time when many airlines go bust, the fact that Emirates is making profit is certainly a success story.

This year Emirates will continue to receive new aircraft from Airbus and Boeing after a blitz of aircraft orders between 2005 and 2008. It will add 17 aircraft over the year, including the world’s largest passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380, at a time of continued uncertainty for the air travel trade.

The airline has 161 aircraft on order, valued at 52 billion dollars at list prices, not including options. (ANI)

Long Term Buy Call Nestle India Limited at current levels

ncorporated in 1959 as Food Specialties, Nestle India Limited was promoted by Nestle Alimentana, Switzerland. Its first unit at Moga (Punjab) started in 1962 for manufacturing milk products, infant milk food and weaning cereals, culinary products and beverages. The second factory at Choladi, Tamilnadu to produce beverages (tea) was set up in 1967. To part finance this project company went public in the year 1968. The third plant at Nanjangud, Karnataka, set up in 1989, manufactures instant coffee and health beverages. Company entered the chocolate business introducing Nestle Premium chocolate in 1990. Later in 1991, company entered into a joint venture floated by the parent in collaboration with the BM Khaitan group to set up facilities to manufacture a range of soya based products. Company’s products are sold under brand names such as Milkmaid, Everyday, Cerelac, Nescafe, Maggi, Lactogen, Eclairs, etc. It launched the world famous Kitkat chocolates in 1995. Company forayed into the ultra heat-treated liquid milk market in 2000. In 2001, it launched Nestle Pure Life bottled water. Company’s initiatives to introduce smaller pack sizes at lower price points were well expected by consumers.

To capture the market in coastal areas, the company launched Maggi cubes in prawn flavour to cater to consumers’ tastes. In the area of chocolate and confectionery, Nestle Munch, a crisp wafer biscuit with chocolayer, was rolled out nationally. In the milk and cereal category, Everyday Dairy Whitener showed satisfactory growth while Nestle Growing Up Milk, launched in 1999, was launched nationally. The company also forayed into the chilled dairy business with the launch of Nestle “dahi” in select cities of the north. The company ventured into beverage section by launching new blend of coffee powder, vanilla and mocha. The company also made its foray into the iced tea segment. Nestle Pure Life bottled water was launched in early 2001. Nestle Bar-One was re-launched after renovating it to make it smoother, creamier and better meet consumer needs. With seven factories and a large number of co-packers, NestlĂ© India is a vibrant Company that provides consumers in India with products of global standards and is committed to long-term sustainable growth and shareholder satisfaction. Products and services- Company is one of the top players in the processed food and beverages industry and the largest producer of instant coffee in India. Company has a large list of successful brands.

KitKat and Polo is the name in its successful international as well as Indian brands. Company has launched its first product in the hard-boiled sugar confectionery market, Allen’s Splash. Company leads the list of the country’s top coffee exporters. Nestle has set up a well-structured distribution network across the country. Company has also set up a special cold chain for product distribution in select retail outlets. Nestle India manufactures products in different categories like: “Milk Products and Nutrition”, “Beverages”, “Prepared Dishes and Cooking Aids” and ” Chocolate and Confectionery. Nestle India manufactures products of truly International quality under brand names such as milkmaid, everyday, cerelac, lactogen, maggi, nescafe, nescafe sunrise, nestea, milo, kitkat, milky bar, munch, polo, nestle milk, nestle dahi, nestle “fruit n milk” , nestle jeera raita and nestle “fruit n dahi”. Company has launched a range of gift packs under the Fox confectionery brand name for the festival seasons. With six factories and a large number of co-packers, Nestle India is a vibrant company that provides consumers in India with products of global standards and is committed to long-term sustainable growth and shareholder satisfaction. In domestic bottled water business it has the product under the brand name “Pure Life”. In milk, Company has launched its ultra heat-treated liquid milk, “Nestle Pure Milk”. Company bags Tetra Pak’s annual dairy and beverage industry award in 2004.

Financials- Jan-Dec-2008 Financial Results (Rs. Millions) Net Sales/Income from Operations 43,351.10 Operating Profit 8,778.40 Net Profit for the period 5,340.80 Cash EPS (in Rs.) 64.97

Valuations- Company’s Product portfolio consist Strong brands, which provide steady growth going forward. ROAE and EBIT margin par share is expected to increase continuously in coming years. Company belongs to Food processing sector, which contain tremendous growth outlook ahead. At CMP, Stock trades at attractive valuation of only 17.37 P/E multiple of its FY2010 estimated EPS. We recommend investors to “STRONG BUY” on “Nestle India” for medium to long-term investment horizon.

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