CK Infrastructure Holdings Limited
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Photo - Shantou Bay BridgeRisk Factors

Risk Factors

 

The Group's businesses, financial conditions, results of operations and growth prospects may be affected by risks and uncertainties directly or indirectly pertaining to the Group's businesses. The risk factors set out below are those that could result in the Group's businesses, financial conditions, results of operations or growth prospects differing materially from expected or historical results. Such factors are by no means exhaustive or comprehensive, and there may be other risks in addition to those shown below which are not known to the Group or which may not be material now but could turn out to be material in the future. In addition, this Website does not constitute a recommendation or advice to invest in the shares or other securities of the Company and investors are advised to make their own judgement or consult their own investment advisors before making any investment in the shares or other securities of the Company.

Global Economy

Continued trade protectionism, supply chain disruptions, fluctuation of major currencies, increasing geopolitical tensions, high and persistent inflation, tightening fiscal policy and monetary policy, interest rate hikes, rising commodity prices and energy costs, cost of living crisis and industrial actions have created uncertainties and volatility in the world economy and global financial markets. A severe slowdown in global economic growth could lead to economic contractions in certain markets, commercial and consumer delinquencies, weakened consumer confidence, and increased market volatility and a decline in the value of the assets.

The Group is a diversified infrastructure investment company with businesses presently in Hong Kong, Mainland China, the United Kingdom ("UK"), Continental Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States. Any adverse economic, social and/or political conditions in those countries and places in which the Group operates may potentially impact on the Group's businesses, financial conditions or results of operations, asset values and liabilities.

Continuation Of Highly Contagious Disease

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has moderated in many countries and governments have removed entry restrictions and lifted social distancing measures. However, the repercussions of the pandemic continue to affect the economy of different parts of the world, including the places of businesses in which the Group operates. Despite the situation of the COVID-19 outbreak has stabilised and COVID-19 no longer constitutes a public health emergency of international concern, the disease remains not fully predictable due to the potential emergence of new coronavirus variants. There can be no assurance that there will not be another significant global outbreak of a severe communicable disease, and if such an outbreak were to occur, it could have an adverse impact on the operations of the Group and its results of operations may suffer. The potential impact on the Group's businesses, financial conditions, results of operations or growth prospects will depend on a range of factors, including the duration, severity and scope of the pandemic, the impact of the pandemic on economic activity globally, the possibility of resurgence and variants, and the measures adopted by governments.

Economic Conditions And Interest Rates

The industries in which the Group operates are affected by the economic conditions of the various places where the Group's investments or operations are located, the population growth of these places, mark to market value of securities investments, the currency environment and interest rates cycles. There can be no assurance that the combination of the above factors the Group experiences in the future will not adversely affect its financial conditions or results of operations.

Inflation has soared to multidecade highs, prompting central banks across the world to simultaneously hike interest rates. The interest rate hike cycle has an impact on the aggregate demand from all sectors, which may in turn affect the businesses of the Group. While the Group regularly reviews its exposure to interest rate fluctuations and may manage such exposure using hedging instruments, there can be no guarantee that the Group will not be affected by the interest rate exposure.

In particular, certain businesses in the Group are subject to regulatory regimes in which local interest rates are taken into account in the calculation of the regulated cost of capital, which flows through to allowed revenue. There can be no assurance that any changes in the regulated cost of capital can be fully mitigated by the businesses. Furthermore, income from finance and treasury operations is dependent upon the capital markets, interest rate and currency environment, and the worldwide economic and market conditions, and therefore there can be no assurance that changes in these conditions will not adversely affect the Group's financial conditions or results of operations. The volatility in the financial markets may also adversely affect the income to be derived by the Group from its finance and treasury activities.

Concentration In Geographical Markets And Business Types

The business operation of the Group may be viewed as substantially concentrated in one or more geographical markets or in one particular or more types of business. If and when the Group's operations are exposed to any deterioration in the economic, social or political conditions as well as any incidence of social unrest, strike, riot, civil disturbance or disobedience or terrorism, or even outbreaks of epidemics in such geographical markets or business segments, the adverse circumstances may materially disrupt the Group's operations and, in turn, impact the revenue, profitability and financial conditions of the Group.

Highly Competitive Markets

The Group's waste management, off-airport car parking, rolling stock leasing, cement and household infrastructure businesses face competition across the diverse markets in which they operate. New market entrants and intensified price competition among existing market players could adversely affect the Group's businesses, financial conditions, results of operations or growth prospects. Competition risks faced by the Group include (a) possible restrictions on the access by the shuttle buses operated by the Group's off-airport car parking businesses as imposed by the airport authorities that operates the on-airport car parking businesses; (b) the availability of rail link services from city centre to airport which may reduce the usage of the off-airport car park; and (c) significant competition and pricing pressure from other competitors attempting to capture a higher level of market share. Such risks may adversely affect the financial performance of the Group's operation.

Infrastructure Market

Some of the investments owned by the Group (for example, water, gas and electricity) are subject to regulatory pricing and strict adherence must be made to the licence requirements, codes and guidelines established by the relevant regulatory authorities from time to time. Failure to comply with these licence requirements, codes or guidelines may lead to penalties, or, in extreme circumstances, amendment, suspension or cancellation of the relevant licences by the authorities. Many of the Group's regulated businesses have recently been undergoing challenging regulatory resets with lower permitted return and restrictions on shareholders' distribution under certain circumstances. Interest and inflation rates, high energy cost, energy windfall tax, cap on the energy retail price in certain markets as well as tougher stances adopted by regulators may affect the returns of the Group's infrastructure businesses. Any operational practices that are significantly out of step with community expectations can lead to concerns being raised with regulators or the local or national Government directly, and may ultimately lead to more stringent regulatory resets, regulatory oversight as well as negative publicity that could also have a reputational impact.

The distribution and transmission networks of the Group's utilities investments are also exposed to supply interruptions. If a severe earthquake, storm, flood, fire, sabotage, terrorist attack, outbreaks of epidemics or other unplanned event interrupts service, the loss of cash flow resulting from the interruption and the cost of recovery from network damage could be considerable and potentially cause poor customer perceptions and may also lead to claims and litigations. Moreover, some losses from events such as terrorist attacks may not be recoverable. The risk that the Ukraine-Russia conflict develops into a broader conflict and energy crisis with energy supply at risk and substantial price volatility. Increases in the number or duration of supply interruptions could result in material increases in the costs associated with the operation of the distribution and transmission networks. The capacity factor (load factor) of the wind farms acquired by the Group could also be affected by the wind conditions, which could result in the fluctuation of revenues. All of these uncertain factors could have a material adverse effect on the businesses, financial conditions, results of operations or growth prospects of the Group.

Crude Oil Markets

The Group's investment in Husky Midstream Limited Partnership ("HMLP") comprises oil pipelines, storage facilities and ancillary assets in Canada. Its results of operation and financial conditions may be dependent on the prices received for refined products and crude oil of Cenovus Energy Inc. ("Cenovus"). Fluctuation of crude oil prices could impact the value and quantity of Cenovus' oil production. HMLP also has other customers apart from Cenovus and their demand for HMLP's services may depend on prices received for their refined products and crude oil. Prices for refined products and crude oil are based on local and global supply and demand as well as availability and costs of transportation. Supply and demand may be affected by a number of factors including, but not limited to, actions taken by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), non-OPEC crude oil supply, social and political conditions in oil producing countries, the occurrence of natural disasters, general and specific economic conditions, technological developments, prevailing weather patterns and the availability of alternate sources of energy. Furthermore, HMLP is also susceptible to unforeseen pipeline releases at rivers or nature reserves. If the above events occurred or further occurred, it may adversely affect the Group's financial conditions and results of operations.

Capital Expenditure

A significant amount of capital expenditure is required for the Group to acquire new investments and to maintain the assets of its existing businesses. While the relevant asset companies have their own asset management plans, there is a risk that due to unforeseen events, capital expenditure required for the replacement of assets could exceed budgeted amounts and hence affect the businesses, financial conditions, results of operations or growth prospects of the Group.

Currency Fluctuations

The Group is a diversified infrastructure investment company with businesses presently in Hong Kong, Mainland China, the UK, Continental Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States, and is exposed to potential currency fluctuations in these countries and regions in which the Group operates. The results of the Group are recorded in Hong Kong dollars but its various subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures may receive revenue and incur expenses in other currencies. Any currency fluctuations on translation of the accounts of these subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures and also on the repatriation of earnings, equity investments and loans may therefore impact the Group's financial conditions or results of operations, asset values and liabilities.

To minimise currency risk exposure in respect of its investments in other countries, the Group generally hedges those investments with (i) currency swaps and (ii) an appropriate level of borrowings denominated in the local currencies. The Group has not entered into any speculative derivative transaction.

Although currency exposures have been managed by the Group, a depreciation or fluctuation of the currencies in which the Group conducts operations relative to the Hong Kong dollar could adversely affect the Group's businesses, financial conditions, results of operations or growth prospects.

Cybersecurity

With the fast expanding adoption of internet and networking operational technology, cyber attacks and security breaches around the world are occurring at a higher frequency and intensity. The Group's critical utility and information assets are exposed to attack, damage or unauthorised access in the cyberspace. Cybersecurity risks could have material adverse effect on the operational and business performance, as well as the business reputation of the Group. The Group continuously strives to enhance the cybersecurity protection of its business.

Although the Group has not experienced any major damage to its infrastructure projects, assets or activities from cyber attacks to date, there can be no assurance that future cyber attacks or security breaches of the Group's cybersecurity will not occur and result in significant impact on the Group's business reputation, businesses, financial conditions, results of operations or growth prospects.

Labour

The labour markets in which the Group operates are undergoing major short- and long-term structural changes. Unemployment rates are at lows while inflation rates are on the rise. In addition, people are seeking to improve work life balance. There is a high level of uncertainty in labour availability and cost. There is no assurance that the situation will improve anytime soon.

Supply Chain Disruptions

Geopolitical tensions have disrupted supply of raw materials, transportation and port operations. In addition to escalating costs and unpredictable lead time, there are widespread shortages of shipping availability. Increase in energy and oil prices has added complexity to the disruption. Global disruptions have spilled over to domestic supply chains. Specific domestic issues include shortage of labour which is particularly acute in some areas the Group is operating in. There is no assurance that the situation will improve anytime soon.

Potential Risks In Relation To Withdrawal Of The UK From European Union's Membership ("Brexit")

The UK left the European Union ("EU") on 31st January, 2020 and the transition period ended on 31st December, 2020, symbolising that the UK has completely separated from the EU and opened a new page in the relationship with the EU. The Trade and Cooperation Agreement made between the UK and the EU in December 2020 came into force in January 2021. It sets out preferential arrangements in various aspects such as trade, security, areas on ongoing collaboration/cooperation and governance. Brexit has created significant uncertainty about the new economic and social partnership between the UK and the EU, and has impacted trade intensity, labour availability, supply chain and exchange rates.

The weakened British pound may affect the Group's reported profit, and its ability to maintain future growth of dividends for shareholders.

Strategic Partners

Some of the businesses of the Group are conducted through non wholly-owned subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures in which the Group shares control (in whole or in part) and strategic alliances had been formed by the Group with other strategic or business partners. There can be no assurance that any of these strategic or business partners will continue their relationships with the Group in the future or that the Group will be able to pursue its stated strategies with respect to its non wholly-owned subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures and the markets in which they operate. Furthermore, the joint venture partners may (a) have economic or business interests or goals that are inconsistent with those of the Group; (b) take actions contrary to the Group's policies or objectives; (c) undergo a change of control; (d) experience financial and other difficulties; or (e) be unable or unwilling to fulfill their obligations under the joint ventures, which may affect the Group's businesses, financial conditions, results of operations or growth prospects.

Impact Of Possible Economic Sanctions On Business Partners, Suppliers, Customers Or Businesses In General

Governments and multinational organisations (including but not limited to the State Department and the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States, His Majesty's Treasury, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation or other UK government agency, the EU or any member state thereof and the United Nations), from time to time administer certain laws and regulations that impose restrictions with respect to activities, transmission of funds or transactions with certain countries, governments, entities and individuals that are the subject of economic sanctions. There can be no assurance that such sanctions or other restrictions will not affect the jurisdictions in which the Group conducts its business, any of the Group's business partners, suppliers, customers or otherwise. To the extent that any such sanction or restriction is imposed in any jurisdictions where the Group's business operates, the Group may need to cease operations in those jurisdictions and suffer losses in that regard. If any of the Group's business partners or suppliers is impacted by sanctions or restrictions, the provision of goods, services or support by them may be disrupted or discontinued, which may affect the Group's ability to continue to operate related businesses. If any of the Group's business partners is affected by sanctions or restrictions, the continuation or disruption of strategic alliances with such business partners may also affect the Group's ability to continue to operate related businesses and/or may result in suspension of operations. There can be no assurance that the Group will be able to obtain alternative goods, services, support or alliance it needs for the operation of its business, in a timely manner or at competitive terms, and no assurance that any compensation recoverable from business partners or suppliers for the discontinued or disrupted supply, service, support or alliance will be available or adequate. If any of the Group's customers are affected by sanctions or restrictions, the Group may be forced to discontinue the provision of services or goods to such customers and the Group will suffer losses in that regard. If any of the Group's assets are in the possession of such customers, there can be no assurance that such assets can be repossessed by the Group especially if such assets are located in countries or regions subject to sanctions or restrictions and no assurance that any compensation recoverable from such customers or insurers for the Group's failure to repossess such assets will be available. Any of these factors could have a material adverse effect on the Group's financial conditions and results of operations.

Mergers And Acquisitions

The Group has undertaken merger and acquisition activities in the past and may continue to do so if there are appropriate acquisition opportunities in the market. In pursuit of new business opportunities, the Group is experiencing more intense competition where competing bidders are more aggressive in the valuation of the assets on the back of abundant market liquidity and lower return requirements, and a willingness to take market risk. The pressure to deploy capital has been significant. Although due diligence and detailed analysis are conducted before merger and acquisition activities are undertaken, there can be no assurance that these can fully expose all hidden problems, potential liabilities and unresolved disputes that the target company may have. In addition, valuations and analyses on the target company conducted by the Group and by professionals alike are based on numerous assumptions, and there can be no assurance that those assumptions are correct or appropriate or that they will receive universal recognition. Relevant facts and circumstances used in the analyses could have changed over time, and new facts and circumstances may come to light as to render the previous assumptions and the valuations and analyses based thereon obsolete.

Some of these merger and acquisition activities are subject to regulatory approvals in overseas countries and there can be no assurance that such approvals will be obtained, and even if granted, that there will be no burdensome conditions attached to such approvals. There might be longer and more complicated foreign investment approval processes in particular for "sensitive" infrastructure assets such as electricity and gas networks. The advent of COVID-19 has accelerated these trends as governments have responded with additional foreign investment regulations to protect local firms from foreign acquisitions at "bargain" prices and also to protect strategic assets from foreign control. The Group may not necessarily be able to successfully integrate the target business into the Group and may not be able to derive any synergy from the acquisition, leading to an increase in costs, time and resources. For merger and acquisition activities undertaken overseas, the Group may also be exposed to different and changing political, social, legal and regulatory requirements at the local, national and international level. The Group may also need to face different cultural issues when dealing with local employees, customers, governmental authorities and pressure groups.

Impact Of Local, National And International Regulations

The local business risks in different countries and cities in which the Group operates could have a material impact on the businesses, financial conditions, results of operations or growth prospects. The Group has investments in different countries and cities around the world and the Group is, and may increasingly become, exposed to different and changing political, social, legal, tax, regulatory and environmental requirements at the local, national or international level. Also, new guidelines, directives, policies or measures by governments, whether fiscal, tax, regulatory, environmental or other competitive changes, may lead to an increase in additional or unplanned operating expenses and capital expenditures, increase in market capacity, reduction in government subsidies, may pose a risk to the overall investment return of the Group's businesses and may delay or prevent the commercial operation of a business with resulting loss of revenue and profit, which may adversely affect the Group's businesses, financial conditions, results of operations or growth prospects.

Political, regulatory and media attention has increased significantly towards privatised companies in countries in which the Group operates. Regulators in some of these countries have warned of increasingly onerous regulatory resets, and some major political parties are promoting policies to bring energy, water and railways back into public ownership, which could potentially have serious and material consequences for the Group if such regulations and policies are enacted. Group companies are responding to these risks by focusing on their core strategies of delivering and outperforming regulatory outputs such as safety, reliability and customer service, at the lowest cost possible; by conveying the positive benefits to customers of the services they provide; and by engaging collaboratively with regulators and politicians to demonstrate the advantages of private ownership.

Compliance With Personal Data Protection Legislation

In the ordinary course of its operations, various businesses of the Group collect, store and use data that is protected by personal data protection laws in the different countries in which they operate. As regulatory focus on privacy issues continues to increase and worldwide laws and regulations concerning the handling of personal information expand and become more complex, potential risks related to personal data collection and use within the Group's businesses are expected to intensify.

In the event that any relevant business of the Group is unable to meet its obligations under applicable data protection laws, it may be subject to regulatory actions or civil claims. The expenses on remediation, costs of regulatory or legal actions, and monetary damages and/or reputational damage suffered as a result of such action, could have a material adverse effect on the Group's financial conditions and results of operations.

Impact Of New Accounting Standards

The International Accounting Standards Board has from time to time issued a number of new and revised International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). The International Accounting Standards Board may in the future issue new and revised standards and interpretations. In addition, interpretations on the application of the IFRS will continue to develop. These factors may require the Group to adopt new accounting policies. The adoption of new accounting policies or new IFRS might or could have a significant impact on the Group's financial position or results of operations.

Connected Transactions

CK Hutchison Holdings Limited ("CK Hutchison") is also listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited. Although the Group believes that its relationship with CK Hutchison provides it with significant business advantages, the relationship results in various connected transactions under the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited ("Listing Rules") and accordingly any transactions entered into between the Group and CK Hutchison, its subsidiaries or associates are connected transactions, which, unless one of the exemptions is available, will be subject to compliance with the applicable requirements of the Listing Rules, including the issuance of announcements, the obtaining of independent shareholders' approval at general meetings and disclosure in annual reports and financial statements. Independent shareholders' approval requirements may also lead to unpredictable outcomes causing disruptions to as well as an increase in the risks of the Group's business activities. Independent shareholders may also take actions that are in conflict with the interests of the Group.

Climate Change

Some of the Group's assets and businesses, and many of the Group's customers and suppliers are located in areas that would be affected in the medium to long term by climate change. Climate change may increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, and some of which can result in natural disasters. It could disrupt supply chains, interrupt business operations and cause financial and physical damages. Alternation in weather patterns, such as typhoons, droughts, or rainfall amount may cause shortage of crops for food and other natural resources. The harsher temperatures in some locations may also pose an increased risk for staff working in those locations. Changes in microclimates for certain locations may render certain businesses obsolete. Some governments are also beginning to introduce legislation or requirements to restrict emissions and other environmental protective measures. Some regulators have issued new disclosure requirements in relation to climate-related financial risk disclosures and plan to mandate the disclosures. Regulations, new disclosure requirements, disruption and damage arising from climate change could have a material impact on the Group's businesses and adversely affect the Group's financial conditions and results of operations.

Although the Group has not experienced any significant disruption or damage from climate change thus far, there can be no assurance that climate change and its impact including rising sea levels, prolonged droughts or heat waves and other extreme weather patterns will not occur and result in major disruption or damage to the Group's assets and businesses, which could materially and adversely affect the Group's financial conditions and results of operations.

Transition Risks

Pressure on businesses to support the transition to low-carbon economic systems is rising. In a low-carbon economy, emissions are minimised through the use of low-carbon resources, while resource efficiency is maximised by the reduction of wasteful and high-emissions consumption. Infrastructure businesses faced unexpected pressure from regulatory, legal, market, technological, and reputational risks generated by the transition which could have a material impact on the Group's businesses and adversely affect the Group's financial conditions and results of operations. For example, additional legal and/or regulatory measures imposing limitation on GHG emissions or efficiency improvements, may results in potential litigation, operation restriction and significant compliance cost.

Natural Disasters

Some of the Group's assets and projects, and many of the Group's customers and suppliers are located in areas at risk of damage from earthquakes, floods, storms, drought, bushfires, frost and similar disasters and the occurrence of any of these disasters could disrupt the Group's business and materially and adversely affect the Group's businesses, financial conditions, results of operations or growth prospects.

There can be no assurance that earthquakes, floods, storms, drought, bushfires, extreme weather or other natural disasters will not occur and result in major damage to the Group's infrastructure projects, or assets or facilities or on the general supporting infrastructure facilities in the vicinity, which could adversely affect the Group's businesses, financial conditions, results of operations or growth prospects.

Social Incidents, Terrorist Threats And Geopolitical Tensions

The Group is a diversified infrastructure investment company with businesses presently in Hong Kong, Mainland China, the UK, Continental Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States. In recent years, a series of social incidents, terrorist activities and geopolitical tensions occurred across the globe that resulted in economic losses, multiple deaths, casualties, persistent supply chain disruptions and volatility in commodity markets. There can be no assurance that countries in which the Group operates will not have any social incidents or they will be immune from terrorist threats or geopolitical tensions, and if these events occur, it may have an adverse impact on the Group's businesses, financial conditions, results of operations or growth prospects.

Past Performance And Forward Looking Statements

The past performance and the results of operations of the Group as contained in this Website are historical in nature and past performance can be no guarantee of future results of the Group. This Website may contain forward-looking statements and opinions that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from expectations discussed in such forward-looking statements and opinions. Neither the Group nor the directors, employees or agents of the Group assume (a) any obligation to correct or update the forward-looking statements or opinions contained in this Website; and (b) any liability in the event that any of the forward-looking statements or opinions does not materialise or turns out to be incorrect.

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