TAIPEI: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co chairman Terry Gou yesterday said the company aims to increase its revenue and profit this year from last year, despite a volatile global economy.
“We expect to maintain growth momentum in revenue, profitability, technology and patents this year,” Gou told reporters at the company’s headquarters in New Taipei City.
Hon Hai, also known as Foxconn Technology Group, reported annual revenue of NT$4.48 trillion (US$133.63 billion) last year, an increase of 6.42 percent from NT$4.21 trillion a year earlier.
In the first three quarters of last year, Hon Hai’s net profit jumped 28.56 percent to NT$93.93 billion from NT$73.81 billion the previous year, according to the firm’s filing with the Taiwan Stock Exchange.
Given the unpredictable state of global economy this year, working hard is a good way to cope with challenges, Gou said.
In addition to a deal involving Japan’s Sharp Corp, Hon Hai is exploring investment opportunities, Gou said.
Commenting on the troubled Japanese electronics maker, Gou said he has tried his best to show sincerity and goodwill, adding that it is now up to Sharp to make the next move.
Sharp officials just ended a three-day visit to Hon Hai’s headquarters and the Japanese company is scheduled to announce a final decision within two weeks.
In addition to expansions in Japan, Hon Hai is to also invest in Taiwan, US, India, China and the Czech Republic this year, Gou said.
“Working hard could offset issues caused by global uncertainties,” Gou said.
Gou said he expects growth from the firm’s service robot Pepper, which it developed with Japan’s Softbank Corp.
The company plans to invest more in the development of cloud-computing and robotics in a continued course of corporate transformation, Gou said.
Hon Hai is also to invest in a new research and development center in New Taipei City, creating 5,000 high-tech engineer positions, if New Taipei City Mayor Eric Chu approves the company’s request to build a smart dormitory for its employees.
The investment could provide job opportunities for young people, who have a higher jobless rate than other age brackets, Gou said.
