Vtech 2008 Annual Report Download - page 16

VTech Holdings Ltd Annual Report 2008
14
VTECH AND
Our Shareholders
VTech aims to enhance shareholder value through:
• Strengthening the competitive position of the Group’s
businesses
• Continuous e orts to achieve sustainable growth
in shareholder returns and in the Group’s return on
investment
• Ensuring timely, true, comprehensive and non-selective
disclosure of the Group’s  nancial information and
operating performance
Returns – Dividends
The dividend payout ratio of the Group is linked to its
operating earnings performance,  nancial position and
future investment opportunities. In the  nancial year 2008,
the dividend payout ratio was 71.1% of the Group’s net pro t,
against 65.3% in the previous  nancial year.
Share Performance
(for the year ended 31st March 2008)
Highest closing price HK$79.65 (on 16th July 2007)
Lowest closing price HK$31.0 (on 18th March 2008)
Investor Communications
VTech has a proactive investor relations and communications
programme that keeps investors and shareholders abreast
of the Group’s latest developments and we encourage
suggestions for improvement. During the  nancial year, we
held one-on-one meetings with investors, organised site
visits to our manufacturing facilities in mainland China and
participated in investor conferences.
Key  nancial announcements are webcast, accompanied by
the detailed slide presentations and other important  nancial
information. The Group’s quarterly newsletter outlines the
latest products and marketing initiatives of the Group’s
businesses. Up-to-date information on the Group’s
development,  nancial data and stock information are
available at the corporate website www.vtech.com. All key
information can be downloaded.
CORPORATE AFFAIRS
VTECH AND
Our Employees
The average number of employees for the  nancial year 2008
was 29,000, an increase of 2.8% from 28,200 in the previous
 nancial year. Employee costs for the year ended 31st March
2008 were approximately US$157 million, as compared to
approximately US$138 million in the  nancial year 2007.
Employment and Remuneration Policy
VTech’s policy is to treat all employees on the basis of
merit, quali cations and competence. The Group creates a
supportive work environment in which all employees can
enjoy equal opportunities at work and avoid discrimination
on the grounds of age, sex, marital status, disability or any
other non-job related factor.
The Group has an incentive bonus scheme and a share
option scheme for its employees, with salaries, bonuses and
bene ts determined with reference to the performance,
quali cations and experience of individual employees.
Communications and Personal Development
The latest technology is used to engage in dialogue
with employees at all levels, including an intranet and
interactive webcasts. Training is provided to build skills and
competencies. Sta members regularly attend internal training
courses and may apply for external training sponsorships.
Celebrating at Work
Each year, VTech organises social events for its employees
worldwide, helping to foster a team spirit, promote life
balance and enhance motivation.
During the  nancial year 2008, the focus was very much on
work life balance and employee health. We entered a team
in the annual dragon boat races in Hong Kong and put in
a strong showing with more than 300 participants at the
Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. A special “Sports
Month” encouraged employees to play various sports at
venues hired by the Group.