Interim Results

Hong Kong Land Hldgs Ld 31 July 2001 The following announcement was today issued to the London Stock Exchange. HONGKONG LAND HOLDINGS LIMITED INTERIM REPORT 2001 HIGHLIGHTS * Occupancy in Central Portfolio over 97% * Commercial rentals flat as uncertain international markets weaken sentiment * Major commercial site acquired in Singapore joint venture 'The uncertain outlook for the global economy is likely to delay further recovery in our core Hong Kong market. Limited supply over the medium term, however, should underpin values and the lengthening of our debt in the first half will enable us to take advantage of renewed growth.' Simon Keswick, Chairman 31st July 2001 Results Prepared in accordance with IAS as (unaudited) modified by revaluation of Six months ended leasehold properties* 30th June 2001 2000 Change US$m US$m % -------------------------------------------------------------- Operating profit 152 144 +5 Net profit 114 118 -3 -------------------------------------------------------------- USc USc % -------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings per share 4.78 4.68 +2 Interim dividend per share 3.50 3.50 - -------------------------------------------------------------- * The Group's financial statements are prepared under International Accounting Standards ('IAS') which, following recent changes, no longer permit leasehold interests in land to be carried at valuation. This treatment does not reflect the generally accepted accounting practice in the territories in which the Group has significant leasehold interests, nor how management measures the performance of the Group. Accordingly, the Group has presented supplementary financial information prepared in accordance with IAS as modified by the revaluation of leasehold interests in land and buildings in addition to the IAS financial statements. The figures included in the above summary and the Chairman's Statement are based on this supplementary financial information. The interim dividend of USc3.50 per share will be payable on 17th October 2001 to shareholders on the register of members at the close of business on 24th August 2001. The ex-dividend date will be on 22nd August 2001, and the share registers will be closed from 27th to 31st August 2001, inclusive. HONGKONG LAND HOLDINGS LIMITED INTERIM REPORT 2001 Hongkong Land Holdings Limited today announced that following the sharp recovery in the office market in Hong Kong in 2000 rents stabilised in the first half of 2001. Sentiment has been weakened by the difficult environment facing international financial markets in particular and the global economy in general. Despite this, occupancy in premium grade buildings has remained high with no new supply in Central Hong Kong this year. Rental reversions in the Central portfolio are beginning to turn positive but are unlikely to enhance earnings materially in the short term. PERFORMANCE Net profit for the six months ended 30th June 2001 was US$114 million, little changed on the figure of US$118 million achieved in the first half of 2000. An improvement in net rental income between the two half years was broadly offset by higher net financing charges reflecting the higher debt levels which resulted from the buy-back of shares. Although earnings were slightly lower, earnings per share for the period rose to USc4.78, compared with USc4.68 in the first half of 2000, as a result of the reduced number of shares in issue following the buy-back. Net debt has risen to US$954 million but gearing remains low at 14%. The Group's debt profile has been substantially restructured during 2001, extending maturities and diversifying into new debt markets. The Board has declared an unchanged interim dividend of USc3.50 per share. BUSINESS REVIEW Commercial Property Turning to the operations, the Chairman, Simon Keswick, said that Hong Kong's Central District maintained high levels of occupancy during the first half of 2001 with no significant supply coming onto the market. Despite tight supply and an inactive leasing market, however, sentiment deteriorated over the period as international financial markets weakened and the outlook for global growth became more uncertain. The prospect of new supply in 2002 has also affected sentiment, although it has no direct effect on current market transactions. Vacancy in high quality buildings remains low, at around 2%. In less well specified space and in buildings in multi-ownership, vacancy is rather higher. Hongkong Land has now released the final designs for its new building in the heart of Central at 11 Chater Road. More than 50% of the retail portion has been pre-let to the Armani group, while discussions are underway with a number of potential anchor tenants for the office portion. On its completion in mid 2002 at the heart of Central, 11 Chater Road will enhance the value of the surrounding portfolio, as well as taking its place as the leading building in Central. Hongkong Land continues to invest in its key Central portfolio, with the refurbishment of the footbridge network which will complete this year, and the preparation of building plans for the upgrading of the Alexandra House retail podium, to commence in 2002. Following the successful completion and letting of One Raffles Link, Singapore last year, Hongkong Land has, in joint venture with Cheung Kong and Keppel Land, won the first site to be tendered on the Marina South development in the city. This important new development of over 1 1/2 million sq. ft of office and 45,000 sq. ft of retail space is expected to be completed in 2004 and 2005. Residential Property Grosvenor Land, Hongkong Land's joint venture with Grosvenor Estates, completed the investment of its initial capital last year and has now raised third party funds sufficient to double the size of its portfolio of investments in the luxury residential sector in the region. Roxas Land in the Philippines has completed the construction of its luxury tower in Manila where some 50% of the apartments have been sold. Two new residential development sites have been identified in Hong Kong and in Mainland China. Subject to the relevant approvals, both sites offer good prospects for profitable development. Meanwhile, the Group has announced the redevelopment of a small site at Belcher's Street in Hong Kong which is planned to be completed in 2004. Infrastructure Tradeport Hong Kong, a joint venture in which Hongkong Land is a major shareholder, has been awarded the concession to build a logistics terminal at Hong Kong's Chek Lap Kok International Airport. This will be completed in 2003. China Water Company has brought two more plants into service and has signed joint venture agreements on further sites. Central China Power has made less progress, with profitable projects more difficult to identify. Finance In the first half of 2001, two major refinancings were undertaken. In March, a HK$6.38 billion (US$820 million) syndicated loan facility with 5 and 7 year maturities was signed. In April, the Group issued its first global bond, raising US$600 million with a 10 year maturity. The issue was rated A- and A3 by Standard & Poor's and Moody's Investors Service respectively. As a result, the Group's sources of debt have been broadened and the maturities significantly extended. OUTLOOK In conclusion, Simon Keswick said, 'The uncertain outlook for the global economy is likely to delay further recovery in our core Hong Kong market. Limited supply over the medium term, however, should underpin values and the lengthening of our debt in the first half will enable us to take advantage of renewed growth.' ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hongkong Land Holdings Limited Consolidated Profit and Loss Account ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prepared in accordance with IAS as modified by revaluation of Prepared in accordance with IAS leasehold properties (refer note 1) Year Year Ended (unaudited) (unaudited) ended 31st Six months ended Six months ended 31st December 30th June 30th June December 2000 2000 2001 2001 2000 2000 US$m US$m US$m Note US$m US$m US$m --------------------------- ---------------------- 386 188 199 2 Revenue 199 188 386 Recoverable and non- (97) (40) (47) recoverable costs (36) (31) (77) ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 289 148 152 Net income from 163 157 309 properties 1 1 3 Other income 3 1 1 Administrative and (27) (14) (14) other expenses (14) (14) (27) ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 263 135 141 152 144 283 Fair value gain of investment - - - properties - - 2,022 Asset impairment (provisions) /reversals and 125 - - disposals - - (10) ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 388 135 141 3 Operating profit 152 144 2,295 Net financing (41) (21) (25) charges (25) (21) (41) 4 Share of results of associates and joint 13 9 2 Ventures 2 10 17 ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 360 123 118 Profit before tax 129 133 2,271 (27) (15) (15) 5 Tax (15) (15) (27) ----- ----- ----- ------ ----- ------ 333 108 103 Profit after tax 114 118 2,244 - - - Minority interests - - - ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 333 108 103 6 Net profit 114 118 2,244 ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- USc USc USc USc USc USc ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 7 Earnings per share 13.23 4.28 4.30 - basic 4.78 4.68 89.09 8.27 4.28 4.30 - underlying 4.78 4.68 9.11 ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hongkong Land Holdings Limited Consolidated Balance Sheet --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prepared in accordance with IAS as modified by revaluation of Prepared in accordance with IAS leasehold properties (refer note 1) At (unaudited) (unaudited) At 31st At At 31st December 30th June 30th June December 2000 2000 2001 2001 2000 2000 US$m US$m US$m Note US$m US$m US$m --------------------------- ------------------------ Net operating assets 8 Tangible assets 735 700 753 Investment properties 7,636 5,557 7,620 6 5 5 Others 14 16 16 ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 741 705 758 7,650 5,573 7,636 9 Leasehold land 798 668 786 payments - - - Associates and joint 208 394 404 ventures 426 413 229 25 14 21 Other investments 21 14 25 2 2 2 Deferred tax assets 2 2 2 10 9 10 Pension assets 10 9 10 ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 1,784 1,792 1,981 Non-current assets 8,109 6,011 7,902 Property held for 41 41 41 sale 41 41 41 Properties under - - 3 development 3 - - Debtors, prepayments 35 31 45 and others 45 31 35 Bank balances and 1,494 1,295 932 other liquid funds 932 1,295 1,494 ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 1,570 1,367 1,021 Current assets 1,021 1,367 1,570 ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- Creditors and (474) (179) (207) accruals (207) (179) (474) (927) (263) (796) 10 Borrowings (796) (263) (927) Current tax (13) (18) (20) liabilities (20) (18) (13) ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- (1,414) (460) (1,023) Current liabilities (1,023) (460) (1,414) ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- Net current 156 907 (2) (liabilities)/assets (2) 907 156 10 Long-term (1,098) (1,719) (1,091) borrowings (1,091) (1,719) (1,098) Deferred tax (11) (10) (12) liabilities (14) (12) (13) ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 831 970 876 7,002 5,187 6,947 ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- Capital employed 246 259 246 Share capital 246 259 246 Revenue and other 663 789 708 reserves 6,833 5,005 6,778 (78) (78) (78) Own shares held (78) (78) (78) ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 831 970 876 Shareholders' funds 7,001 5,186 6,946 - - - Minority interests 1 1 1 ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 831 970 876 7,002 5,187 6,947 ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- US$ US$ US$ US$ US$ US$ ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- Net asset value per 0.35 0.38 0.37 share 2.93 2.06 2.91 ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- No interim valuation of the Group's investment properties has been undertaken in the preparation of supplementary financial information. Stated values at 30th June 2001 and 2000 reflect the values at the previous 31st December. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hongkong Land Holdings Limited Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Funds ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prepared in accordance with IAS as modified by revaluation of Prepared in accordance with IAS leasehold properties (refer note 1) Year Year Ended (unaudited) (unaudited) ended 31st Six months ended Six months ended 31st December 30th June 30th June December 2000 2000 2001 2001 2000 2000 US$m US$m US$m Note US$m US$m US$m --------------------------- ---------------------- At beginning of period - as previously 5,225 5,225 6,946 reported 6,946 5,225 5,225 - effect of adopting (4,217) (4,217) (6,115) IAS 40 - - - ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 1,008 1,008 831 6,946 5,225 5,225 - effect of adopting - - 143 IAS 39 143 - - ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 1,008 1,008 974 - as restated 7,089 5,225 5,225 Net exchange translation differences (10) (7) (27) - amount arising in (28) (18) (23) the period - release to the consolidated profit 19 - - and loss account - - 19 Revaluation of other investments - - (39) - fair value losses (39) - - - transfer to the consolidated profit and loss account on - - (2) disposal (2) - - Cashflow hedges - - (6) - fair value losses (6) - - - transfer to the consolidated profit - - 4 and loss account 4 - - Net (losses)/gains not recognised in the consolidated profit 9 (7) (70) and loss account (71) (18) (4) 333 108 103 Net profit 114 118 2,244 (227) (139) (131) 11 Dividends (131) (139) (227) Repurchase of ordinary (292) - - shares - - (292) ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- 831 970 876 At end of period 7,001 5,186 6,946 ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hongkong Land Holdings Limited Consolidated Cash Flow Statement -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prepared in accordance with IAS as modified by revaluation of Prepared in accordance with IAS leasehold properties (refer note 1) Year Year Ended (unaudited) (unaudited) ended 31st Six months ended Six months ended 31st December 30th June 30th June December 2000 2000 2001 2001 2000 2000 US$m US$m US$m Note US$m US$m US$m --------------------------- ------------------------ Cash flows from operating activities 388 135 141 Operating profit 152 144 2,295 Depreciation and 25 12 14 amortisation 3 3 5 Fair value gain of investment - - - properties - - (2,022) Profit on disposal of other - - (2) investments (2) - - Asset impairment provisions/ (reversals) (125) - - and disposals - - 10 (Increase)/decrease in debtors and (2) 1 (1) prepayments (1) 1 (2) Decrease in creditors and (10) (4) (6) accruals (6) (4) (10) 90 45 34 Interest received 34 45 90 Interest and other financing charges (128) (69) (68) paid (68) (69) (128) (25) (9) (6) Tax paid (6) (9) (25) 1 1 - Dividends received - 1 1 214 112 106 106 112 214 Cash flows from investing activities Major renovations (16) (8) (12) expenditure (12) (8) (16) Developments (80) (44) (25) capital expenditure (25) (44) (80) Investments in and loans to joint (20) (10) (96) ventures (96) (10) (20) Disposal of 208 - - associates - - 208 Purchase of other (12) (1) (2) investments (2) (1) (12) Disposal of other - - 6 investments 6 - - 80 (63) (129) (129) (63) 80 Cash flows from financing activities Net proceeds from issue of - - 591 bonds 591 - - Drawdown of secured bank 162 24 - loans - 24 162 Repayment of secured bank (1) (4) (274) loans (274) (4) (1) Drawdown of 146 32 38 unsecured bank loans 38 32 146 Repayment of unsecured bank (186) (20) (173) loans (173) (20) (186) Repurchase of 4% convertible (51) (5) - bonds - (5) (51) Repayment of 4% convertible - - (307) bonds (307) - - Dividends paid (227) (136) (123) by the Company (123) (136) (227) Repurchase of - - (292) ordinary shares (292) - - (157) (109) (540) (540) (109) (157) Effect of exchange rate 1 1 - changes - 1 1 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Net (decrease) /increase in cash 138 (59) (563) and cash equivalents (563) (59) 138 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of 1,353 1,353 1,491 period 1,491 1,353 1,353 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ Cash and cash equivalents at end 1,491 1,294 928 of period 928 1,294 1,491 ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ---------------------------- ----------------------- USc USc USc USc USc USc ---------------------------- ----------------------- 12 Cash flow per 7.87 4.12 3.93 share 3.93 4.12 7.87 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hongkong Land Holdings Limited Notes --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND BASIS OF PREPARATION The unaudited interim condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting. The Group has presented supplementary financial information prepared in accordance with IAS as modified by the revaluation of leasehold properties in addition to the IAS financial statements. Other than described below, there have been no other changes to the accounting policies described in the 2000 annual financial statements. (a) Financial statements prepared in accordance with IAS In 2001, the Group adopted IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement and IAS 40 - Investment Property. In accordance with IAS 39, non-current investments and derivatives are recognised on the balance sheet at fair value with unrealised gains and losses arising from the changes in fair value taken to reserves until realised. This is a change in accounting policy as in previous years non-current investments were stated on the balance sheet at cost less amounts provided and derivatives were recognised only to the extent of premiums paid or received on options. The effect of this change has been to increase shareholders' funds at 1st January 2001 by US$143 million. In accordance with IAS 40 and as a result of an inability to estimate reliably the element of leasehold property values attributable to the building component, leasehold land and buildings which are investment properties are carried at depreciated historical cost. Similarly leasehold interests in land in respect of other leasehold properties are carried at depreciated cost. This is a change in accounting policy as in previous years the Group had reflected the fair value of leasehold investment properties in the financial statements and recorded fair value changes in property revaluation reserves, except for movements on individual properties below cost which were dealt with in the consolidated profit and loss account. The effect of this change has been to decrease net profit for the six months ended 30th June 2000 and for the year ended 31st December 2000 by US$10 million and US$21 million respectively, and shareholders' funds at 1st January 2000 and 2001 by US$4,217 million and US$6,115 million respectively. (b) Financial information prepared in accordance with IAS as modified by revaluation of leasehold properties As described above, in prior years the Group reflected the fair value of leasehold properties on its financial statements. Changes in IAS, which came into effect during 2001, no longer permit the valuation of leasehold interests in land. As a result, the Group is required to revert to accounting for leasehold land in respect of investment and other properties at depreciated cost in order to comply with IAS. This treatment does not reflect the generally accepted accounting practice in the territories in which the Group has significant leasehold interests, nor how management measures the performance of the Group. Accordingly, the Group has presented supplementary financial information on pages 5 to 8 prepared in accordance with IAS as modified by the revaluation of leasehold properties. In accordance with IAS 40, changes in fair values of investment properties which were previously taken directly to property revaluation reserves are recorded in the consolidated profit and loss account. The effect of this change has been to increase net profit for the year ended 31st December 2000 by US$1,890 million. There is no impact on net profit for the six months ended 30th June 2000 as no interim valuation of the Group's investment properties had been undertaken. 2. REVENUE Prepared in accordance with IAS (unaudited) Six months ended 30th June 2001 2000 US$m US$m ----- ----- By business Property Rental income 169 162 Service and management charges 30 26 ----- ----- 199 188 ----- ----- 3. OPERATING PROFIT Prepared in accordance with IAS (unaudited) Six months ended 30th June 2001 2000 US$m US$m By business ------ ----- Property 151 143 Infrastructure (1) (1) Corporate (9) (7) ----- ----- 141 135 ----- ----- 4. SHARE OF RESULTS OF ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURES Prepared in accordance with IAS (unaudited) Six months ended 30th June 2001 2000 US$m US$m By business ----- ----- Property - - Infrastructure 1 2 Corporate 1 7 ----- ----- 2 9 ----- ----- 5. TAX Prepared in accordance with IAS (unaudited) Six months ended 30th June 2001 2000 US$m US$m ----- ----- Company and subsidiaries 15 15 Associates and joint ventures - - ----- ----- 15 15 ----- ----- Tax on profits is provided at the rates of taxation prevailing in the territories in which the Group operates. 6. NET PROFIT The difference between net profit as shown in the financial statements and net profit as shown in the supplementary financial information is reconciled as follows: (unaudited) Six months ended 30th June 2001 2000 US$m US$m ------ ------ Net profit as shown in financial statements 103 108 Depreciation of investment properties 9 7 Amortisation of leasehold land payments 3 3 Deferred tax - - Others (1) - ------ ------ Net profit as shown in supplementary financial information 114 118 ------ ------ Underlying profit excludes fair value gain of investment properties and asset impairment and disposals. 7. EARNINGS PER SHARE Earnings per share are calculated on the net profit of US$103 million (2000: US$108 million) and on the weighted average of 2,391 million (2000: 2,523 million) shares in issue during the period, which excludes 70 million shares in the Company held by a wholly-owned subsidiary. Earnings per share reflecting the revaluation of leasehold properties are calculated on net profit of US$114 million (2000: US$118 million) as shown in the supplementary financial information. 8. TANGIBLE ASSETS AND CAPITAL COMMITMENTS Prepared in accordance with IAS (unaudited) At At 30th June 31st December 2001 2000 2000 US$m US$m US$m ------ ------ ------ Tangible assets Net book value at beginning of period - as previously reported 7,636 5,562 5,562 - effect of adopting IAS 40 (6,895) (4,880) (4,880) ----- ----- ----- - as restated 741 682 682 Exchange rate adjustments (7) (6) (7) Additions 36 38 84 Depreciation (11) (9) (20) Transfer to trading properties under development (1) - - Write-back - - 2 ----- ----- ----- Net book value at end of 758 705 741 period ----- ----- ----- Capital commitments 849 547 623 ----- ----- ----- 9. LEASEHOLD LAND PAYMENTS Prepared in accordance with IAS (unaudited) At At 30th June 31st December 2001 2000 2000 US$m US$m US$m ------ ------ ------ Net book value at beginning of period - as previously reported - - - - effect of adopting IAS 40 798 676 676 ----- ----- ----- - as restated 798 676 676 Exchange rate adjustments (8) (5) (6) Amortisation (3) (3) (5) Transfer to trading properties under development (1) - - Write-back - - 133 ----- ------ ----- Net book value at end of period 786 668 798 ----- ----- ----- 10. BORROWINGS Prepared in accordance with IAS (unaudited) At At 30th June 31st December 2001 2000 2000 US$m US$m US$m ------ ------ ------ Hong Kong Dollar Secured bank loans 977 1,110 1,241 Unsecured bank loans and overdraft 41 226 175 7.625% bonds - 1993/2001 65 64 64 ------- ----- ------ 1,083 1,400 1,480 Singapore Dollar Secured bank loans 105 111 120 United States Dollar Secured bank loans 2 3 3 Unsecured bank loans and overdraft 114 114 114 4% convertible bonds due 2001 - 353 307 7% bonds - 2001/2011 581 - - 697 470 424 Vietnamese Dong Unsecured bank loans and overdraft 2 1 1 ----- ----- ----- 1,887 1,982 2,025 Less: Current borrowings (796) (263) (927) ----- ------ ----- 1,091 1,719 1,098 ----- ----- ----- The 4% convertible bonds were repaid at par in February 2001. The US$600 million 7% bonds due 2011 were issued in April 2001 and raised US$591 million net of expenses. The bonds are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. 11. DIVIDENDS Prepared in accordance with IAS (unaudited) Six months ended 30th June 2001 2000 US$m US$m ------ ------ Final dividend in respect of 2000 of USc5.50 (1999: USc5.50) per share 131 139 ------ ------ An interim dividend in respect of 2001 of USc3.50 (2000: USc3.50) per share amounting to a total of US$84 million (2000: US$88 million) is declared by the Board and will be accounted for as an appropriation of revenue reserves in the year ending 31st December 2001. 12. CASH FLOW PER SHARE Cash flow per share is based on cash flows from operating activities less major renovations expenditure amounting to US$94 million (2000: US$104 million) and is calculated on the weighted average of 2,391 million (2000: 2,523 million) shares in issue during the period, which excludes 70 million shares in the Company held by a wholly-owned subsidiary. 13. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES A subsidiary of the Group has given guarantees in respect of the Group's obligations to the Container Terminal 9 development in Hong Kong. The anticipated commitment to the build out of two berths in the project is estimated to be approximately US$160 million. However, were the subsidiary required to provide additional funds for the build out cost of the other berths, the maximum contingent liability assumed in respect of the guarantees would be US$271 million (2000: US$272 million). 14. INTERIM REPORT The Interim Report will be posted to shareholders on or about 22nd August 2001. Copies may be obtained from Jardine Matheson International Services Limited, P.O. Box HM 1068, Hamilton HM EX, Bermuda; Capita IRG plc, Bourne House, 34 Beckenham Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 4TU, England and M & C Services Private Limited, 138 Robinson Road 17-00, Hong Leong Centre, Singapore 068906. The interim dividend of USc3.50 per share will be payable on 17th October 2001 to shareholders on the register of members at the close of business on 24th August 2001. The ex-dividend date will be on 22nd August 2001, and the share registers will be closed from 27th to 31st August 2001, inclusive. Shareholders will receive their dividends in United States Dollars, unless they are registered on the Jersey branch register where they will have the option to elect for Sterling. These shareholders may make new currency elections by notifying the United Kingdom transfer agent in writing by 27th September 2001. The Sterling equivalent of dividends declared in United States Dollars will be calculated by reference to a rate prevailing ten business days prior to the payment date. Shareholders holding their shares through The Central Depository (Pte) Limited ('CDP') in Singapore will receive United States Dollars unless they elect, through CDP, to receive Singapore Dollars. For further information, please contact: Hongkong Land Limited N R Sallnow-Smith (852) 2842 8300 Kuah Boon Wee (852) 2842 8400 Matheson & Co. Limited (44) 207 816 8135 Martin Henderson Golin/Harris Forrest (852) 2501 7937 Adrian Overholser Golin/Harris Ludgate (44) 207 324 8888 Richard Hews This and other Group announcements can be accessed through the Internet at 'www.hkland.com'. NOTE TO EDITORS Hongkong Land is a leading property investment, management and development group with a major portfolio in Hong Kong and with other property and infrastructure interests in Asia. Hongkong Land Holdings Limited is incorporated in Bermuda with its primary share listing in London. The Company's shares are also listed in Singapore, where the bulk of the shares are traded, and in Bermuda. In addition, it has a sponsored American Depositary Receipt programme. Hongkong Land is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group. The Group's operations are managed from Hong Kong by Hongkong Land Limited through three operating companies: Hongkong Land China Holdings Limited, Hongkong Land International Holdings Limited and Hongkong Land Infrastructure Holdings Limited: * Hongkong Land China Holdings Limited owns and manages some five million sq. ft of prime office and retail space in the heart of Hong Kong's Central business district, of which ten percent is under redevelopment, and is developing a range of property activities in Hong Kong and Mainland China. * Hongkong Land International Holdings Limited is establishing a portfolio of property projects elsewhere in Asia. * Hongkong Land Infrastructure Holdings Limited holds infrastructure investments in Hong Kong, Mainland China and a number of countries in Asia and is seeking to further develop its regional portfolio. Hongkong Land employs some 600 people, and at end of 2000, reported shareholders' funds in excess of US$6 billion.
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