While acknowledging that sustainable practice remains a small component of the overall investment decision process when analysing Asia-based corporations, we maintain the position that aligns us with the growing international trend in adopting business practices that promote the long-term positive impacts on society, the environment and the future viability of the Company.
Aligning to international standards ĦE The MTRCL is a constituent stock of the Hang Seng, MSCI and the FTSE All-World Hong Kong Indices Series. We also actively maintain membership in recognised international organisations that promote and measure sustainability such as the DJSI, FTSE4Good and the Ethibel Indices. We subscribe to the international standards and guidelines under the WEF, UITP and CoMET. With 330,000 shareholders, we are one of the largest listed companies in Hong Kong by shareholding and count amongst our investors several global institutional funds. Since listing we have consistently delivered benefit to shareholders through annual dividends and maintained our S&P and Moody's quality investment ratings.
Investor and business communications ĦE Our dialogue with both the business community and institutional investors increased over the year with road shows, conference calls and management visits. In all, over 280 meetings with institutional investors and research analysts were held in 2005.
Shareholders are regularly informed on the latest developments, results announcements and news releases through direct contact, the corporate website and conference calls. To solicit feedback and gauge shareholders expectations, we conduct an Investor Perception Study twice yearly. In our most recent study, questions in areas such as perceived strengths and weaknesses of the Corporation, the most critical issues facing the Company and whether investors are satisfied with our financial performance were asked. Investors were also asked to assess the Company on our disclosure level, management quality, accessibility of management to investors and the investor relations effort made throughout the year. In addition to these studies, we send out questionnaires and have set up a dedicated hotline to cater to the needs of the substantial number of our retail shareholders.
In our global partnership building, our CEO accompanied by senior management and our London office representative hosted a seminar for over 100 guests from government, industry and business to invite dialogue with the MTR Corporation on growth opportunities and issues in the European markets. Similar senior level meetings are held in major centres of China including Beijing, Shanghai and Wuhan to engage potential partners and understand the mutual opportunities for mass transit projects across mainland China. To date, we have successfully signed two major metro rail investment projects in Beijing and Shenzhen and over 13 consultancy contracts in cities around mainland China. In Europe, we continue to pursue bid opportunities, build our relations and hone our
skills in matching our expertise and capabilities to project needs.
