Annual Report 2020

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT 8 The United Laboratories International Holdings Limited Annual Report 2020 During the year, the Group recorded revenue of approximately RMB8,772.5 million, representing an increase of approximately 4.5% over 2019. EBITDA was approximately RMB1,678.1 million, a decrease of 6.7% as compared with last year. Profit attributable to owners of the Company was approximately RMB703.0 million, representing an increase of 9.5% as compared with last year. Earnings per share amounted to RMB39.81 cents. The Board proposes a final dividend of RMB8 cents per share for the year ended 31 December 2020. OUTLOOK As t h e r e f o rm o f t h e n a t i o n a l me d i c a l a n d health system has becoming more in-depth, the pharmaceutical industry is moving forward to a stage of high-quality development. Under the trend of accelerating industry integration, a combination of core strategic products, diversified research pipelines and high-quality talents teams will help companies stand out in market competition. In the future, the Group will be committed to and focus on the field of diabetes. On the basis of further terminal expansion, the Group will strengthen the academic platform and comprehensive competitiveness, deepen the coverage of brand and professional services in ways that enhance the Group’s market status in diabetes and other specialised fields. In the context of ever-changing pharmaceutical policies, innovation is the key to the long-term development of an enterprise. The Group will deepen its efforts to allocate more resources to product research and development, expand treatment fields, and develop innovative products with market potential to meet medical needs in the PRC. Moreover, it will consolidate and expand the scientific research team, enhance the comprehensive strength in scientific research, and proactively embrace the transformation driven by R&D innovation. From a global perspective, the COVID-19 pandemic currently has not yet been fully controlled, and the impact of the pandemic on the world will persist for a period of time. This global public health crisis has b r ough t unp r eceden t ed cha l l enges , wh i l e prompting people to deeply reflect on issues such as public health, ecological environment protection, environmental and climate risks. Entering the post- pandemic era, the Group will continue to adhere to the concept of sustainable development, comprehensively improve the level of environmental protection and comprehensive management, and actively assume co r po r a t e r espons i b i l i t i es t o soc i e t y and t he environment. On behalf of the Board, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our shareholders, customers and business partners for their full trust and support in 2020, as well as all staff for their efforts and contributions. I hope we can join hands and create a better future together. Tsoi Hoi Shan Chairman Hong Kong, 30 March 2021