Annual Report 2023
Tencent Holdings reported a robust financial performance for 2023, with total revenue reaching RMB 609 billion—a 9.8% increase year‑on‑year—driven by value‑added services, online advertising and fintech & business services. Gross profit rose 23% to RMB 293 billion, lifting the gross margin to 48%, while operating profit surged 44% to RMB 160 billion, delivering a 26% operating margin and a 19% net margin. Net profit attributable to equity holders fell to RMB 115 billion, reflecting a 39% decline, yet non‑IFRS profit grew 36% to RMB 158 billion, and basic earnings per share were RMB 12.19. Operating cash flow improved to RMB 221.96 billion, offset by RMB 125 billion of investing outflows and a modest increase in total borrowings to RMB 197.4 billion.
Strategically, the company set 2027 targets that include R&D investment of USD 78.5‑94.1 billion, overseas expansion of USD 31.4‑47.1 billion, and new product and service development of USD 15 billion. Cash is held almost entirely in RMB‑denominated accounts on the mainland, and the firm judges foreign‑exchange movements unlikely to materially affect results, monitoring leverage through a debt‑to‑adjusted‑EBITDA ratio.
Governance remained a focal point, with the board adhering to the Model Code for securities transactions, an insider‑information framework, and comprehensive directors‑and‑officers liability insurance. Share‑option programmes granted roughly 58 million awards without performance conditions, while dividend policy stayed flexible, proposing a final dividend of HKD 3.40 per share. The board composition featured eight members, including one executive director, and operated five specialised committees that oversaw risk, audit, remuneration and governance. A three‑lines risk‑management model identified ten material risks, highlighting heightened concerns around market competition, innovation and business continuity.
External auditors emphasized three key audit matters: revenue recognition for permanent virtual items, goodwill and investment impairment testing, and fair‑value measurement of Level 3 financial instruments. Overall, internal‑control, risk‑management and financial‑reporting systems were judged effective, supporting Tencent’s continued focus on user‑value creation, technological innovation and sustainable growth within the Chinese and global internet‑technology landscape.
