China Yuchai International - H1 2023

Transcript

Operator (participant)

Thank you for standing by. Welcome to the China Yuchai International first half 2023 financial results. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. After the speaker's presentation, there will be a question-and-answer session. To ask a question during the session, you will need to press star one one on your telephone. You will then hear an automated message advising your hand is raised. To withdraw your question, please press star one one again. Please be advised that today's conference is being recorded. I would like now to turn the conference over to Kevin Theiss. Please go ahead, sir.

Kevin Theiss (Director of Investor Relations)

Thank you for joining us today, welcome to China Yuchai International Limited's first half year ended June 30, 2023 conference call and webcast. Joining us today are Mr. Weng Ming Hoh and Mr. Choon Sen Loo, President and Chief Financial Officer of CYI, respectively. In addition, we have in attendance Mr. Kelvin Lai, VP of Operations of CYI. Before we begin, I would remind all listeners that throughout this call, we may make statements that may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words believe, expect, anticipate, project, target, optimistic, confident that, continue to, predict, intend, aim, will, or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the company's operations and financial performance and condition, and are based on current expectations, beliefs, and assumptions, which are subject to change at any time. The company cautions that these statements, by their nature, involve risk and uncertainty, and actual results may differ materially depending on a variety of important factors, such as government and stock exchange regulations, competition, political, economic, and social conditions around the world and in China, including those discussed in the company's Form 20-F under the headings Risk Factors, Results of Operations, and Business Overview, and in other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time.

If COVID-19 pandemic is not effectively controlled, our business operations and financial conditions may be materially and adversely affected due to a deteriorating market for automotive sales, an economic slowdown in China and abroad, a potential weakening of the financial condition of our customers, potential adverse impact of our suppliers and supply chain, or other factors that we cannot foresee. All forward-looking statements are applicable only as of the date they are made, and the company specifically disclaims any obligation to maintain or update the forward-looking information, whether of the nature contained in the press release, made during today's call, or otherwise in the future. Mr. Hoh will provide a brief overview and summary, then Mr. Loo will provide the financial results for the first half, ended June 30, 2023. Thereafter, we will conduct a question-and-answer session.

For the purposes of today's call, the 2023 and the 2022 first half financial results are unaudited, and they will be presented in RMB and U.S. dollars. The financial information presented is reported using the International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. Mr. Hoh, please begin your prepared remarks.

Weng Ming Hoh (President)

Thank you, Kevin. Chinese economy showed signs of recovery in the first half of 2023, still face challenges from external, internal factors. According to official data, the GDP growth rate for the first half of 2023 was 5.5% year-over-year, with a 6.3% increase in the second quarter compared to 4.5% in the first quarter. These figures were influenced by the low base effect of the pandemic-induced lockdown initiated in 2020. The export sector suffered a decline in the first half of the year, as high inflation in major markets and geopolitical tensions reduced foreign demand for Chinese goods.

The property sector also continued to experience a slowdown, as property investments fell by 7.9% year-over-year, and property sales dropped by 5.3% in terms of floor space in the first 6 months of 2023. The real estate market was affected by tight financial conditions and uncertainties over demand. The economic outlook for second half of 2023 remains uncertain, as the economic momentum of 2023 has slowed down, as overall demand has not met expectations. According to data reported by China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, total industry unit sales of commercial vehicles, excluding gasoline-powered and electric-powered vehicles, for the first half of 2023 increased by 8.3% year-over-year, with truck unit sales up by 6% and smaller bus unit sales were up 38.1%.

In this Chinese commercial vehicle environment, our main subsidiary, Guangxi Yuchai Machinery Company Limited or GYCL reported a combined truck and bus units, engine unit sales decline of 1.5% year-over-year, the first half of 2023. Truck unit sales were 10.4% lower year-over-year, with its bus unit sales 55.5% higher year-over-year. Increased bus engine sales were led by 149.8% rise in heavy-duty engine sales, far exceeding the market segment growth. Export market also contributed to the strong bus sales. GYCL's engine sales in the off-road market experienced a unit sales reduction of 13.3% year-over-year in the first half of 2023. Industrial and marine power generation unit sales increased year-over-year, partially offsetting reduced agricultural unit sales.

New energy product unit sales grew by 38.0% year-over-year from a low base to 1,319 units in the first half of 2023. Revenue for the first half of 2023 grew by 12% to RMB 9.2 billion, or $1.3 billion, compared with RMB 8.6 billion in first half, 2022, and RMB 7.5 billion in second half, 2022. Our gross profit increased by 14.1%, outpacing revenue growth to RMB 1.6 billion or $214.8 million, compared with RMB 1.4 billion in half, 2022.

Our gross margin improved to 16.9% in the first half, 2023, thanks to more sales of larger engines across many of our diverse end user markets. Operating profit rose by 34.6% to RMB 387.7 million, or $53.7 million. The operating margin increased to 4.2%. For the first half of 2023, basic and diluted earnings per share increased 90.8% to RMB 4.37, or $0.60, compared with RMB 2.29 in one half, 2022. We invest substantially in research and development to deliver engines and powertrain products that meet the needs of our customers.

Our R&D spending, including capitalized costs, amounted to RMB 455.2 million, or $64.4 million, or 5.1% of our revenue in the first half of 2023. Our R&D aims to improve the performance and efficiency of our diesel and gas engines. We are also increasing our R&D focus on new products for the emerging new energy markets. We continue to develop engines and products for the new energy market that use alternative fuel, improve fuel efficiency, and enhance emission reduction. The development of engines using alternative fuels is another avenue for development. For instance, we have developed hydrogen-fired engines that can run on clean and renewable energy. We are also committed to developing our innovative products for the new energy market.

Our hybrid systems have been well received among leading Chinese customers, especially the bus coach segment. One of our new products, the Yuchai model YCA07N hybrid engine, is powering a 10-meter gas electric hybrid buses in Nanjing, a major city in China. These buses were manufactured by Yutong Group Company, the largest bus producer in China and one of our key customers. They've ordered more than 1,200 buses equipped with Yuchai engines. A bus operator in Wuhan, another important city in China, has also chosen this Yuchai hybrid engine for their buses. Also, the Yuchai Xin-Lan S06-100kW P1 parallel hybrid power by Yuchai Xin-Lan is Sany Group's 12 cubic meter mixer truck. Sany Group is a leading global engineering machinery manufacturer.

This system features a proprietary control software that optimizes the performance of the engine, electric motor, and automated mechanical transmission gearbox, resulting in significant fuel savings. To make our operations more focused, we continued to restructure our operations in the first half of 2023. GYCL has restructured its marine and power generation businesses to enhance its competitiveness in these markets. GYCL has established a new subsidiary, Guangxi Yuchai Marine and Genset Power Co., Ltd., which has taken over GYCL marine and power generation businesses. This new operation has incorporated an MTU Series 4000 engine and other related products and services. This move will enable GYCL to offer a more integrated and comprehensive portfolio and power generation solution to its customers.

GYCL subsidiary, Yuchai Xin-Lan New Energy Power Technology Co., Ltd., has secured new investments totaling RMB 20 million from two new unrelated outside investors in 2023. This new investment accelerates the research and development of new energy technologies and enhances product development. GYCL incorporated a new subsidiary, Guangxi Fanzhidu Information Technology Co., Ltd., to focus on developing proprietary cloud-based control systems for on-and-off road vehicles and machineries. Fanzhidu will also oversee IT operations and create intelligent networks and processes for GYCL group companies. As of June thirtieth, 2023, cash and bank balances were RMB 5.6 billion, or $777.2 million, we maintain a strong balance sheet.

With our financial strength, the board of directors declared a cash dividend of $0.0028 for the ordinary share for the year ended December 31st, 2022, which was paid on August 7th, 2023. Looking to the second half of 2023, our diverse product portfolio remains a key driver of our growth and profitability. We continue to upgrade our engine products, which contribute to lower emissions in our customers' vehicles. Customers leverage our technologies to enhance their operational performance with lower costs, and participate in building a cleaner environment, via low energy- sorry, low-emission powertrain systems. We are also developing innovative product solutions in our new NEV products that align with our society's environmental agenda.

With that, I would now like to turn the call over to Chun Seng Loo, our chief financial officer, who will provide more details on the financial results. Chun Seng, you may begin your remarks.

Chun Seng Loo (CFO)

Thank you, Weng Ming. Now let me review our unaudited 6 months results ended June 30th, 2023. Revenue was RMB 9.2 billion, or $1.3 billion, compared with RMB 8.6 billion in first half, 2022. The total number of engines sold by GYCL in first half, 2023, declined by 8.4% to 155,793 units, compared with 180,911 units in the first half, 2022. The decrease was mainly due to low engine sales in the truck and agricultural application markets, partially offset by higher engine sales in the bus, industrial, and marine, and power generation markets.

According to data reported by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers in first half 2023, commercial vehicle unit sales, excluding gasoline, power, and electric power vehicles, increased by 8.3% compared to first half 2022, as truck and bus sales increased by 6% and 28.1% respectively. Gross profit increased by 14.1% to RMB 1.6 billion, or $214.8 million, compared with RMB 1.4 billion in first half 2022. Gross margin increased to 16.9% as compared with 15.9% in first half 2022. The increase in gross, gross profit and gross margin was mainly attributable, attributable to margin improvement across most market segments, with greater sales of larger engines and contributions from ongoing cost reduction efforts.

Other operating income increased by 59.3% to RMB 136.2 million, or $18.8 million, compared with RMB 85.5 million in first half 2022. The increase was mainly due to higher government grants received and recognized. Research and development, R&D expenses decreased slightly to RMB 406 million, or $56.2 million, compared with RMB 408.5 million in first half 2022. The company continues to invest in research and development for on-road engines in the commercial vehicle market and off-road engines, as well as new energy products.

Total R&D expenditures, including capitalized costs, were RMB 465.2 million, or $55.4 million, representing 5.1% of revenue in first half, 2023, as compared to RMB 436.9 million, or 5.6% of revenue in first half, 2022. Selling general and administrative, SG&A, expenses increased by 19.3% to RMB 894.5 million, or $123.8 million, from RMB 749.6 million in first half, 2022. The increase was mainly due to higher provision of personnel and other selling and administrative expenses, compared with the same period last year. SG&A expenses represented 9.8% of revenue for first half, 2023, compared with 8.7% in first half, 2022....

Operating profit rose by 34.6% to RMB 387.7 million, or $53.7 million, from RMB 288 million in first half 2022. The operating margin was 4.2%, compared with 3.4% in first half 2022. Finance cost declined by 2.9% to RMB 53.6 million, or $7.4 million, from RMB 55.2 million in first half 2022. The share of financial results of the associates and joint ventures was a profit of RMB 29.6 million, or $4.1 million, compared with a loss of RMB 30.9 million in first half 2022.

This improvement was primarily due to higher profits at MTU Yuchai Power Co., Ltd., and a return to profitability at Y&C Engine Co., Ltd. Income tax expense was RMB 110.6 million, or $15.3 million, as compared with RMB 56.5 million in first half, 2022. The change was mainly due to the higher tax rate income in first half, 2023, and adjustment for under-provision in the prior year. Net profit attributable to equity holders of the company was RMB 178.4 million, or $24.7 million, compared with RMB 93.7 million in first half, 2022. Basic and diluted earnings per share were RMB 4.37 or $0.60, compared with RMB 2.29 in first half, 2022.

Basic and diluted earnings per share for first half, 2023, and first half, 2022, were based on a weighted average of 40,658,290 shares. let me walk you through our balance sheet highlights as of June 30, 2023. Cash and bank balances were RMB 5.6 billion, or $777.2 million, compared with RMB 4.9 billion at the end of financial year 2022. Trade and bills receivables were RMB 9 billion, or $1.3 billion, compared with RMB 6.8 billion at the end of financial year 2022.

Inventories were RMB 4.9 billion, or $682.4 million, compared with RMB 4.9 billion at the end of financial year 2022. Trade and bills payables were RMB 8 billion, or $1.1 billion, compared with RMB 6.9 billion at the end of financial year 2022. Short-term and long-term loans and borrowings were RMB 3 billion, or $419.7 million, compared with RMB 2.3 billion at the end of financial year 2022. I will now turn the call over to Kevin for a comment before we begin our Q&A.

Kevin Theiss (Director of Investor Relations)

Thank you. Please note, some officers of China Yuchai are remotely calling into the conference call. This may result in a slight delay in providing answers to some questions. We apologize for any inconvenience, and thank you for your patience. With that, operator, we are ready to begin the Q&A session.

Operator (participant)

As a reminder, to ask a question, please press star one one on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced. Again, to ask a question, please press star one one on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced. Again, to ask a question, please press star one one on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced. I am showing we have no questions on the phone line. Please continue.

Kevin Theiss (Director of Investor Relations)

Okay, yes.

Chun Seng Loo (CFO)

Okay, Paul.

Kevin Theiss (Director of Investor Relations)

Yeah, there's a, there's a question on, on the webcast. A Mr. Sanger has asked: "Why has CYI decided to amend the corporate documents regarding share repurchase?

Chun Seng Loo (CFO)

Okay, we took the opportunity of the AGM to make the change so that it gives us an option. It will provide the company with a greater flexibility to utilize share purchase scheme in any method that is permissible under the Bermuda Companies Act. We, of course, have to comply with U.S. securities law for the SPAC. If there is any plan, we will make announcement to that effect.

Kevin Theiss (Director of Investor Relations)

Okay, Mr. Hoh, would you please provide your, your closing comments?

Chun Seng Loo (CFO)

Okay. All right. Thank you all for participating in our conference call. We wish each of you good health, and we look forward to speaking with you again. Bye-bye.

Operator (participant)

This concludes today's conference call. Thank you for participating. You may now disconnect.