Peter Chen, Chairman of Qisda, stated that the group's operations are expected to return to growth this year, with relatively high visibility and a projected performance of steady quarter-on-quarter growth. Among its various business segments, healthcare is set to see the most significant expansion, with anticipated double-digit growth. The AIoT, information technology products, and networking businesses are also expected to regain momentum.
According to Chen, despite fewer working days due to the Lunar New Year holiday in January, Qisda still recorded higher monthly revenue compared to January last year, marking a clear improvement. The combined revenue for January and February reached approximately NT$32.072 billion, representing a 6% year-on-year increase, signaling a strong start to the year. Overall, visibility for 2024 is better than in 2023, with the second quarter forecasted to outperform the first, reinforcing expectations of sequential quarterly growth throughout the year.
Last year, Qisda's consolidated revenue reached NT$201.7 billion. Its healthcare business has shown consistent growth year after year, contributing NT$26.3 billion, which now accounts for 13% of Qisda's total revenue. To strengthen its pharmaceutical retail channels, Qisda increased its stake in Nobel Biocare to 40.66% last year. In addition, BenQ Hospital received a filing notice from the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) in January of this year, completing its filing for overseas issuance and listing. These developments are expected to further accelerate the growth of Qisda’s healthcare business in 2024.
Chen emphasized that Qisda remains committed to its goal of deriving more than half of its profits from high value-added businesses by 2027. Despite macroeconomic fluctuations, the healthcare segment has continued to grow year after year. Moving forward, Qisda will deepen its focus on hospital services, pharmaceutical channels, and medical equipment, which are expected to become key drivers of growth this year. The company anticipates double-digit revenue growth in its healthcare-related businesses. With more than 10,000 pharmacies across Taiwan—a retail network comparable to convenience stores—pharmacies offer a wide range of products, from health supplements to assistive devices. Positioned as vital partners in community health, pharmacies represent a significant business opportunity that Qisda aims to seize, widening the gap between itself and other groups in the sector.
Qisda’s AIoT business experienced turbulence last year but still managed to generate over NT$30 billion in revenue. Following structural adjustments, it is showing clear signs of recovery and is expected to return to a growth trajectory this year. The information technology product segment continues to rebound and remains Qisda’s largest revenue contributor, playing a pivotal role in supporting the group’s overall earnings. The networking and projector businesses, which have been slower in clearing inventory compared to other industries, hit bottom last year but are set to recover as inventory levels stabilize.
Qisda’s board has approved its earnings distribution plan and a cash capital reduction proposal. In 2024, the company posted earnings per share (EPS) of NT$1.11 and plans to distribute the full amount as a cash dividend. To optimize its capital structure and enhance shareholder returns, Qisda intends to carry out a cash capital reduction, returning approximately NT$1.8 per share. Combined with the NT$1.11 dividend, shareholders will receive a total of NT$2.91 per share.
Chen pointed out that Qisda has been profitable for more than a decade, with its financial health improving year after year. With annual revenues exceeding NT$200 billion and paid-in capital of NT$19.7 billion, the company resembles a snail carrying a heavy shell, suggesting it is time for an appropriate adjustment in capital structure. Last year, Qisda canceled treasury shares, reducing its capital by 2%. This year, it will implement an additional 18% reduction, bringing the total reduction to 20% and lowering its paid-in capital to NT$15.8 billion. These measures are expected to enhance shareholder returns.
Resource: 佳世達醫療事業帶頭衝 今年拚逐季成長
