JDS.L Regulatory News (JDS)

To: Business Editor 27th July 2018

For immediate release

The following announcement was issued today to a Regulatory Information Service approved by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom.

Jardine Strategic Holdings Limited

Half-Yearly Results for the Six Months ended 30th June 2018

Highlights

· Underlying profit up 9%

· Good performances from Astra and Jardine Cycle & Carriage

· Strong financial position maintained

"After a good performance in the first half of 2018 driven primarily by Astra and Jardine Cycle & Carriage, we are optimistic for a stronger second half of the year, with these companies continuing to perform well and the contributions of other businesses expected to improve."

Sir Henry Keswick, Chairman

Results

The interim dividend of US¢10.00 per share will be payable on 10th October 2018 to shareholders on the register of members at the close of business on 17th August 2018 and will be available in cash with a scrip alternative.

Jardine Strategic Holdings Limited

Half-Yearly Results for the Six Months ended 30th June 2018

Overview

Jardine Strategic benefited from strong performances in the first half of 2018 from Astra and Jardine Cycle & Carriage in particular, although these were partially offset by Jardine Pacific. Dairy Farm saw a slight increase in profit, while Hongkong Land was slightly down against the prior year.

Results

Underlying profit for the period rose 9% to US$828 million, and underlying earnings per share were up 11% at US$1.45. The revenue of the Group for the period was 13% higher at US$16,939 billion, while revenue, including 100% of Jardine Matheson, associates and joint ventures, was up 19% at US$44,348 billion.

Within the Group's businesses, Jardine Pacific saw lower results from Restaurants and Transport Services and steady performances by Gammon, Jardine Schindler and JEC. Jardine Motors made a good start to the year in Hong Kong, but its margins in mainland China and the United Kingdom came under pressure. Its increased underlying profit included a contribution from Zhongsheng, which became an associate in the second half of 2017. Jardine Lloyd Thompson delivered a solid performance in the context of continuing inconsistency in global insurance markets.

Results from Hongkong Land were slightly down. While the contribution from its investment properties was higher, due to positive rental reversions in Hong Kong, profits from its development properties were lower due to the timing of sales completions in mainland China, partially offset by a higher contribution from Singapore.

Dairy Farm saw an increase in sales with profit slightly higher than the prior year. There were strong results from North Asia, driven by the Health and Beauty business in Hong Kong and Macau, but the Southeast Asian Food businesses continued to face significant challenges.

At Mandarin Oriental, underlying profits were higher due to generally improved performances across the Group's portfolio, notably in Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok and Tokyo. The impact of the fire at its London hotel is being assessed by insurers with the estimate of a write-off of tangible assets offset by insurance claims recoverable. Given the coverage under the group's insurance arrangements, the impact on profitability is expected to be modest.

In Southeast Asia, Jardine Cycle & Carriage saw stronger performances by its Direct Motor Interests and Other Strategic Interests. Astra also performed well, with strong performances from its heavy equipment and mining businesses and an improved contribution from its financial services division, which more than offset lower contributions from its agribusiness and infrastructure operations. Net income from the automotive business was flat.

Non-trading gains in the first half totalled US$156 million, primarily consisting of a net gain of US$337 million from revaluations of investment properties and a net loss of US$187 million due to unrealised fair value losses related to non-current investments. This compares with a net non-trading gain of US$1,580 million in the first half of 2017. Accordingly, the Group's profit attributable to shareholders for the period was US$984 million compared with US$2,342 million in 2017.

The Board has declared an increased interim dividend of US¢10.00 per share.

Business Developments

Hongkong Land has continued to benefit from tight supply in the Hong Kong office leasing market and vacancy in the Singapore office portfolio also remains low. WF CENTRAL in Beijing is performing in line with expectations and its hotel, Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing, is expected to open towards the end of the year. Planning of the prime commercial joint venture project in the central business district of Bangkok, which was secured in late 2017, continues in line with schedule. Good progress was made in the period in securing new sites for development, including a prime commercial site in Nanjing's central business district and a residential site in Singapore, as well as projects in Bangkok, Jakarta and Manila. Hongkong Land's joint venture projects in the rest of Southeast Asia are progressing on schedule.

Dairy Farm continues to face challenges on several fronts, including increasing competitive pressures and a number of underperforming businesses within its portfolio. In order to address these, it has consolidated its trading operations into a more centralised structure with two main trading divisions, North Asia and Southeast Asia, in addition to Home Furnishings and Maxim's, which remain as standalone divisions. Newly constituted shared functions will provide specialist support to all divisions and a strengthened and broadened leadership team has been created to meet the requirements of the business. These structural and management changes will enable the group to address the issues it faces, but time will be needed to deliver sustainable improvement. A series of programmes is underway to address its strategic priorities of building capability, protecting the Hong Kong business, revitalising the Southeast Asia operations, growing presence in China, and driving digital innovation. A partnership has been announced with Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. to build a leading food retail business in the Philippines.

Five new management contracts were signed by Mandarin Oriental in the first half of the year, while new hotels in Beijing, Doha and Dubai, as well as The Residences at Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok, are expected to open over the next 12 months. Management of the Las Vegas hotel will cease at the end of August 2018 following a change of ownership. Strategic options for The Excelsior, Hong Kong, including the possible redevelopment of the site into a commercial building, remain under consideration. 

People

Julian Hui and Dr George Koo stepped down as Directors on 10th May 2018. We would like to thank them for their significant contribution to the Company over many years. We are pleased to welcome Lord Powell of Bayswater to the Board.

Outlook

After a good performance in the first half of 2018 driven primarily by Astra and Jardine Cycle & Carriage, we are optimistic for a stronger second half of the year, with these companies continuing to perform well and the contributions of other businesses expected to improve.

Sir Henry Keswick

Chairman

Operating Review

Jardine Matheson

Jardine Matheson produced an underlying profit for the first six months of 2018 of US$792 million, an increase of 6% over the same period in 2017. Non-trading items in the first half represented a net gain of US$136 million, giving a profit attributable to shareholders of US$928 million for the six months under review, compared with US$2,174 million in 2017. Shareholders' funds rose to US$25.8 billion during the first six months of the year.

· Jardine Pacific

Jardine Pacific's underlying profit for the first half was down 6% at US$63 million, as lower results from Restaurants and Transport Services, and steady performances by Gammon, Jardine Schindler and JEC, were mitigated by the contribution from the interest in Greatview, acquired in June 2017. Jardine Restaurants reported a lower result due to difficult trading conditions in Taiwan and Vietnam. The results of the Transport Services business were impacted by the loss of a significant customer at Hactl but, generally, cargo throughput was in line with the market. Jardine Schindler saw flat profits, but further growth in its maintenance portfolio, while Gammon's profits were broadly in line with last year due to project timing, but its order book remains strong. JEC produced a stable contribution, with its Hong Kong operations performing well. Greatview's business saw revenue growth, with good performances in both China and international business.

· Jardine Motors

Jardine Motors saw its underlying net profit for the first half increase by 6% to US$87 million, including the contribution from Zhongsheng. Hong Kong reported steady profit growth and there were increased sales of new cars. In mainland China, however, profits were lower as a result of reduced margins on new car sales. UK vehicle sales were higher but margins were compressed resulting in a lower profit.

· Jardine Lloyd Thompson

JLT delivered a solid performance against a backdrop of continuing inconsistency and unpredictability in global economic and insurance market environments. In April, the group restructured into three global business segments: Specialty, Reinsurance and Employee Benefits. Total revenue was US$978 million, an increase of 3% in its reporting currency, representing 4% organic revenue growth. Underlying profit before tax increased by 10%, compared to the first half of 2017. In the period, the group incurred costs relating to its global transformation programme, which is already beginning to contribute to an improvement in operating performance. After adjusting for the costs of the programme and on conversion into US dollars, JLT's contribution to the Group's underlying profit was 2% lower than in the prior year.

Hongkong Land

Hongkong Land's underlying profit attributable to shareholders for the first six months was US$455 million, down 3%, largely due to the timing of sales completions of development properties in mainland China. There was a strong performance from investment properties due to positive rental reversions in Hong Kong, in both the office and retail portfolios. Profit attributable to shareholders was US$1,124 million after accounting for a net gain of US$661 million arising on the revaluation of investment properties. This compares with a profit of US$3,114 million in the first half of 2017, including a net revaluation gain of US$2,608 million.

Hongkong Land's investment properties benefited from the tight supply in the Hong Kong Central office leasing market. Vacancy in the group's Central office portfolio at 30th June 2018 was 1.9%, compared with 1.4% at the end of 2017. The retail portfolio remained effectively fully occupied. In Singapore, mildly negative rental reversions continued, although there are signs of a market recovery with reversions expected to become positive later in the year. Vacancy in the group's office portfolio was 0.1% at the end of June 2018, compared with 0.3% at the end of 2017.

The profit contribution from development properties was lower as a result of fewer sales completions in mainland China than in the first half of 2017, due to phasing. The number of sales completions will increase in the second half, particularly in relation to projects in Chongqing. At 30th June, the group had US$1,507 million in sold but unrecognised contracted sales, compared with US$1,032 million at the end of 2017. Results from Singapore were driven by the completion of the Sol Acres executive condominium project and the percentage of completion of sold units at the Lake Grande project, which is on schedule for completion in 2019. The group's joint venture projects in the rest of Southeast Asia are progressing on schedule.

Dairy Farm

Dairy Farm saw sales of US$5.9 billion for the period by the group's subsidiaries, 8% ahead of the prior year or 6% higher at constant rates of exchange. Total sales, including 100% of associates and joint ventures, increased by 17% to US$12.2 billion. Underlying profit of US$215 million was 2% higher than the same period last year, as strong results from North Asia and Maxim's were offset by lower profits in Southeast Asia and Yonghui. Home Furnishings was broadly in line with the same period last year.

In North Asia, overall sales within the Food businesses were ahead of prior year, but profits declined, mainly due to higher rental and labour costs in Hong Kong. The Health and Beauty business in Hong Kong and Macau delivered very strong sales and profits growth, driven by a significant increase in business from higher numbers of mainland Chinese tourists. Yonghui reported strong sales growth and underlying profits from the core food business remained strong, but total profits were behind the prior year due to the investment in new technology formats and the introduction of a new employee incentive scheme.

In Southeast Asia, challenging trading conditions continued for the Food businesses, with lower sales and profits in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. In the Philippines, sales were higher but profits lower. The improving performance of the majority of the group's Health and Beauty businesses in Southeast Asia was encouraging, with Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam reporting better underlying results.

The group's convenience store operations performed well, with Hong Kong and Macau trading in line with last year, lower sales but higher profits in Singapore and continued growth in mainland China.

In Home Furnishings, IKEA delivered sales and profits growth in Taiwan and Indonesia, while Hong Kong reported higher sales but lower profits due to increased operating costs. Maxim's delivered another good performance and is continuing to expand its presence across mainland China and Southeast Asia.

Mandarin Oriental

Mandarin Oriental delivered a good result for the period due to generally improved performances across most of the portfolio, notably in Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok and Tokyo. There were also signs of recovery in Paris after several years of weak demand. In The Americas, results from Washington D.C. and Boston were lower. The group's underlying profit for the first half was US$22 million, compared with US$15 million in the same period of 2017.

Following the fire at the London hotel, the process of repairs is underway and it is anticipated that the hotel will be able partially to reopen in the fourth quarter of this year. The impact of the fire is being assessed by insurers with the estimate of a write off of tangible assets offset by insurance claims recoverable. Given the coverage under the group's insurance arrangements, the impact on the Group's profitability is expected to be modest.

An early termination fee was received in respect of the cessation of the management of the Las Vegas hotel from the end of August 2018 following a change in the hotel's ownership.

Jardine Cycle & Carriage

Jardine Cycle & Carriage reported an underlying profit for the period of US$414 million, up 10%. Profit attributable to shareholders was down 56% to US$174 million, after accounting for net non-trading losses of US$240 million, principally unrealised fair value losses related to non-current investments. These result from the adoption of a new accounting standard that requires the unrealised gains or losses arising from the revaluation of equity investments at the end of each financial period to be included in the profit and loss account.

Astra's contribution to underlying profit rose 12% to US$354 million. Jardine Cycle & Carriage's Direct Motor Interests contributed an underlying profit of US$74 million, 18% above the previous year. There were improved margins on passenger cars and increased contributions from used cars in Singapore, as well as higher contributions from Tunas Ridean in Indonesia and Truong Hai Auto Corporation in Vietnam. Other Strategic Interests also made a stronger contribution of US$41 million, up from US$8 million in the first half of 2017, benefiting in particular from Vinamilk dividends received in the period. In addition, there was profit growth at Siam City Cement in Thailand and at Refrigeration Electrical Engineering Corporation in Vietnam.

Astra

Astra reported net profit equivalent to US$750 million, under Indonesian accounting standards, up 11% in its reporting currency. There were higher profits from the group's heavy equipment and mining businesses and an improved contribution from its financial services division, which more than offset lower contributions from its agribusiness and infrastructure operations.

Net income from Astra's automotive business was flat at US$304 million, with increased earnings in the motorcycle operations and automotive components business offset by lower results in the car operations. The wholesale market for cars in Indonesia was 4% higher in the period but the group's car sales fell by 10% as a result of increased competition, resulting in its market share falling from 56% to 48%. The wholesale market for motorcycles increased by 11%, while Astra Honda Motor's domestic sales also rose by 11%, with its market share maintained at 74%.

Net income from Astra's financial services division increased to US$155 million with an improved contribution from the group's consumer finance businesses. Permata Bank reported a net income of US$20 million for the period, compared to US$47 million in the first half of 2017. Its results in the first half of 2017 benefited from a one-off gain on the sale of non-performing loans. In May 2018, Permata Bank sold its 25% shareholding in Astra Sedaya Finance to Astra in order to strengthen the bank's capital position and maximise its capital allocation for lending. Astra Sedaya Finance is now 100%-owned by the group. Asuransi Astra Buana, the group's general insurance company, reported net income of US$36 million, 2% lower than 2017 due to a reduction in investment income, while Astra Aviva Life continued to grow its customer base.

Net income from the group's heavy equipment, mining, construction and energy businesses increased by 60% to US$237 million, mainly due to improved performances in its construction machinery and mining contracting operations as a result of increased coal prices. Within United Tractors' construction machinery business, Komatsu heavy equipment sales were up 37% at 2,400 units, while parts and service revenues were also higher. The mining contracting operations of wholly-owned Pamapersada Nusantara recorded an 8% higher coal production at 56 million tonnes and a 23% higher overburden removal volume at 445 million bank cubic metres. United Tractors' mining subsidiaries reported 22% higher coal sales at 4.4 million tonnes.

Net income from the group's agribusiness division was US$45 million, a decrease of 23% from the prior year primarily due to a fall in crude palm oil prices, which were 8% lower compared to the first half of 2017.

The group's infrastructure and logistics division reported a net income of US$0.3 million, compared with a net profit of US$8 million in the first half of 2017, as initial losses on two new toll roads outweighed improved earnings from more established assets. The group continues to develop its portfolio of toll road interests, which now total 353km, of which 269km is operational.

Net income from Astra's information technology business was 24% higher at US$5 million, with improved revenue across document and information technology solutions and office services businesses.

The group's property division reported a net profit of US$3 million in the first half of 2018, compared to US$5 million in the prior year, reflecting lower development earnings recognised from its Anandamaya Residences project.