ANNUAL RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 1999
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Chairman's Statement
The Group achieved a record high audited consolidated net profit for the year ended 31 December 1999 of HK$117,345 million. In 1998 the net profit was HK$8,706 million. The result includes HK$109,532 million (1998 HK$566 million) which is comprised of HK$118,000 million profit from the disposal of the Group's 49.01% interest in Orange plc in the United Kingdom, a gain of HK$1,392 million realised from the Initial Public Offering ("IPO") of shares of Partner Communications in Israel, partially offset by provisions of HK$2,060 million against the accumulated capitalised costs of acquiring new Hong Kong cellular subscribers and HK$7,800 million against certain investments in joint venture and other projects. Earnings per share were HK$30.28 compared to HK$2.25 in 1998.
Your Directors will recommend a final dividend of HK$1.15 at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. This, together with the interim dividend of HK$0.48 paid on 15 October 1999 gives a total dividend of HK$1.63 per share and represents a 27% increase to the HK$1.28 paid in respect of 1998.
BONUS ISSUE
The directors will also recommend at the Annual General Meeting that the sum of HK$96.9 million be capitalised out of the share premium account for the issue of 387,579,161 new ordinary shares of HK$0.25 each for distribution by way of a bonus issue of one new ordinary share for every ten ordinary shares held by holders of ordinary shares of the Company on the register of members on 25 May, 2000. These new ordinary shares will not rank for the final dividend in respect of the year ended 31 December, 1999, but will rank pari passu with the existing issued ordinary shares of the Company in all other respects.
OVERALL REVIEW
Overall the Group's profit from its core businesses was satisfactory and in line with the previous year, although the Hong Kong and Asian economies continued to be affected by recession and price deflation pressures that began in 1998. While these pressures eased in the middle of the year and the economy began to recover, the Group's Hong Kong operations reported net profit before provisions 22% below the previous year's comparable net profit. The Group's overseas operations performed exceptionally well and accounted for 97% of the Group's net profit before provisions and significantly increased the Group's portfolio of liquid assets, equity reserves and financial strength.
The Group's ports and related services division reported EBIT of HK$4,823 million, a 6% increase over the previous year. The combined throughput of its worldwide operations increased 30% over the previous year. In Hong Kong, HIT's operations at Kwai Chung experienced throughput growth of 7%, reflecting an encouraging recovery in the volume of trade in the second half of the year. The Group's Mainland container terminal operations overall reported strong growth with combined throughput up 31% over 1998. Throughput at Shanghai Container Terminal grew over 28% and the facility is reaching its capacity. Construction of the second phase at the Yantian facility was completed during the year, more than doubling its annual throughput capacity to approximately 2 million TEUs. Rapid take up of this capacity contributed to throughput growth of over 50%. The Group's container terminals in the United Kingdom, the Port of Felixstowe and Thamesport, reported combined throughput growth of 10% and increased earnings. The Group expanded its Asian port interests with the acquisition in April of a 51% interest in Jakarta International Container Terminal, a 1.6 million TEU capacity facility. In November the Group established a continental European presence with the acquisition of an effective 31.5% interest in Europe Combined Terminals (ECT) in Rotterdam, the largest port in Europe and the fifth largest port in the world. Expansion of the Group's Grand Bahama container port was completed and new capacity take up contributed to its 16% throughput growth, while development work to expand the Balboa facility in Panama is expected to be completed in the second quarter of this year.
The Group's telecommunications businesses reported earnings before interest and tax totaling HK$563 million, 19% higher than the comparable 1998 earnings mainly due to increased contributions from the international division which partially offset the adverse effects of the continuing intense competition for subscribers in Hong Kong. These earnings exclude the gains realised on the disposal of Orange plc and the successful IPO of Partner Communications and the provisions against the costs of acquiring new Hong Kong cellular subscribers. The sale of the Group's 49.01% interest in Orange plc in two tranches during the year resulted in a profit of HK$118,000 million. The aggregate consideration was comprised of HK$26,400 million in cash, the equivalent of HK$21,400 million in 3 year Euro denominated floating rate notes issued by Mannesmann AG, and a 10.2% shareholding in Mannesmann, a company listed on the Frankfurt stock exchange. In February this year, the Board of Mannesmann recommended to its shareholders to accept a general offer for its shares by Vodafone AirTouch, a company listed on the London stock exchange. Last month, the Group accepted this offer and exchanged its Mannessmann shares for an approximate 5% holding in Vodafone AirTouch, realising further profits of approximately HK$50,000 million which will be reported in this year's interim results.
The Hong Kong cellular operations increased its subscriber base during the year by 55% to establish itself as the largest cellular operator in Hong Kong with currently over 1,410,000 subscribers and an approximate 34% market share. Early this year, the Group completed the sale of a 19% equity interest in the Hong Kong cellular operation to NTT DoCoMo, a company listed on the Tokyo stock exchange. This transaction forms a strategic alliance with one of the world's leaders in the development of innovative mobile multimedia services which will provide next generation products and services to our customers. Early this year the Group also completed the sale of a 50% interest in its fixed line telecommunications business to Global Crossing, a company listed on the Nasdaq National Stock Exchange. This strategic joint venture, named Hutchison Global Crossing, will provide significant technological expertise, global connectivity and a variety of web hosting, Internet applications and data centre services. The profit realized from these two transactions of HK$2,200 million and HK$1,720 respectively, will be reported in this year's interim results. Hutchison Global Crossing won the contract to supply the Hong Kong SAR Government with its Electronic Service Delivery (ESD) system and upon implementation later this year it will enable the people of Hong Kong to conduct a wide variety of online transactions with 10 government departments for 37 electronic public services. Hutchison Global Crossing's 0080 IDD service, which was formally awarded an international gateway license at the beginning of this year, generated increased call minutes and more than doubled its activated subscribers and its HutchCity branded Internet service provider business experienced strong growth in its subscriber base which currently totals over 122,000. All these businesses are continuing to focus on increasing their subscriber bases and market share by providing innovative next generation products and services.
As mentioned in our interim report, Hutchison Telecommunications Australia ("HTA") completed its successful IPO of shares on the Australian Stock Exchange in August. HTA has made steady progress to construct its CDMA networks in the greater Sydney and Melbourne areas, soft launching its Home Zone concept under the Orange brand in December, and is continuing to enlarge its subscriber base. HTA's GSM cellular service provider and paging businesses performed in line with the comparable period last year. The GSM network in Mumbai in India reported improved results compared to those of the previous year. In Israel, Partner Communications completed its IPO in November which resulted in a profit of HK$1,392 million and raised US$500 million for the repayment of Partner's shareholder loans and the further development of its business. During the year the subscriber base grew rapidly and currently the company has over 390,000 subscribers. The merger of VoiceStream Wireless Corporation and Omnipoint Corporation was completed in February this year. In 1999 VoiceStream announced a proposed merger with Aerial Communications, Inc. to further expand its GSM footprint in the Eastern United States. Upon completion of this merger, which is expected in April this year, the Group will increase its effective equity interest in the merged entity to approximately 23%. This entity would be the largest GSM wireless telecommunications network operator in the United States, covering a population of approximately 220 million people in 23 of the 25 largest markets and a combined subscriber base of approximately 1.73 million. The Group's international operations will continue to explore expansion opportunities in under-developed telecommunications markets.
The property development and holdings division's EBIT amounted to HK$2,334 million, 18% below the previous year mainly due to reduced carpark and other investment property sales. Rental income from the Group's investment properties in Hong Kong rose marginally over 1998 with the adverse effects of difficult economic conditions and over capacity of office space more than offset by the completion of the Cheung Kong Center office tower which is substantially fully let. All units of the second phase of the Tierra Verde residential development at Tsing Yi were pre-sold and the related property development profits were recorded on the completion of this project in the second half of the year. The Group's portfolio of seven hotels generally reported improved occupancy compared to 1998 as the number of international travellers has steadily increased with the recovering economies in Asia. The Group is focusing on developing its existing portfolio of development properties.
The retail, manufacturing and other services division reported EBIT of HK$1,313 million, 56% above last year. These results reflect the increased contribution from the Group's Mainland joint ventures with Procter & Gamble and the sale of the Group's ice cream businesses, partially offset by the effects of price competition and generally weak consumer demand throughout Asia. PARKnSHOP Hong Kong has met the challenge of new competition aggressively, increasing both sales and market share through competitive pricing and new customer services, although earnings were reduced compared to last year. PARKnSHOP in the Mainland had another difficult year and reported losses. A restructuring exercise has been implemented under new management to close all loss making stores, reduce costs, and return the business to a profitable position. A full provision for all losses and costs of this exercise and certain other retail businesses totaling HK$706 million was made during the year. The Fortress consumer electronics chain in Hong Kong increased sales in 1999 although earnings continued to be affected by weak consumer spending. Watson's The Chemist in Hong Kong and the South East Asia region reported sales and earnings growth in 1999 and continued to expand its network of retail outlets. Watson's The Chemist in Taiwan continued with another successful year of expanded retail outlets and increased earnings. After disposing of its ice cream businesses in 1999, the manufacturing division has focused on its water and beverage businesses in Hong Kong and China which were adversely affected by the slow economies and price competition from imported products. The home and office water operations expanded overseas in 1999 with acquisitions in the United Kingdom, and continental Europe and further opportunities are being pursued.
The energy, infrastructure, finance and investment division reported EBIT of HK$7,432 million, a decrease of 3% compared to the previous year's amount. Cheung Kong Infrastructure announced a profit attributable to shareholders of HK$3,141 million for the year ended 31 December 1999, an increase of 10%. In 1999 CKI focused on completing its investment programme in its existing infrastructure projects in the Mainland as well as making new investments in Hong Kong and Australia. Hongkong Electric Holdings performed well in 1999 with a 6% increase in profit attributable to shareholder over 1998. Husky Oil in Canada contributed EBIT 23% above the previous year reflecting the increase in oil prices during the second half of the year. Development of the Terra Nova oil field offshore the East Coast of Canada is continuing on schedule for commencement of production early next year. Exploration and delineation activities in the promising White Rose field in the same area are continuing with encouraging results.
During the year the Group continued to build on its existing e-commerce operations. The Group's strategy is to focus and coordinate the e-commerce operations and initiatives of each of its core businesses under an innovative management team to benefit from the opportunities in each business. Alliances are being formed with strategic partners to invest in e-commerce enablement, business to consumer and business to business enterprises. The current B-2-B initiatives will benefit from the Group's extensive business network, resources and telecommunications networks in Hong Kong and further investments are planned in Hong Kong and overseas to capture the tremendous potential of B-2-B commerce in Asia.
TOM.COM, a joint venture multi-lingual mega Internet portal, successfully launched its services in January this year with a vision to target both PRC and global audiences to "bring China to the World and the World to China". In March this year TOM.COM was the first Internet company to list on Hong Kong's newly established Growth Enterprise Market and raised HK$876 million to fund its development. The group currently holds a 31.2% interest in TOM.COM.
OUTLOOK
In 1999 the economies of Asia were still recovering from a recession and the Group's results from Hong Kong and Asia were adversely affected by reduced consumer and capital spending and increased competition in all its core businesses. The Group's overseas operations performed very well in 1999 and the telecommunication businesses in particular contributed record profits and value creation. Although the Asian economies have not fully recovered, there are encouraging signs of a return to GDP growth and 2000 is anticipated to be a year of paced economic recovery.
During the year the Group enhanced its already strong financial position with the receipt of cash and marketable loan notes received as partial consideration from the restructuring of its telecommunications investments in Europe. The Group has a large pool of liquid assets and a solid long term debt capital structure, which combined with strong recurring cash flows from its geographically diverse, professionally managed operations, and good reputation provides a solid base for the Group to expand its core businesses as opportunities arise. The Group will continue its strategy of making investments overseas in telecommunication projects to further enhance shareholders' value.
The Group is a diversified, multinational conglomerate based in Hong Kong with operations in its core businesses of ports, properties, telecommunications, retail & manufacturing, energy & infrastructure in 24 countries. As we enter this new millennium, potential opportunities for development and expansion have increased, particularly in the coordination and integration of information technology, e-commerce, telecommunications and Internet applications. With the advent of this New Economy in Hong Kong and the PRC entering the World Trade Organisation, the Group will continue to be adaptable and innovative in order to take advantage of the opportunities ahead. While the Group will continue to develop its existing core businesses, opportunities to capitalize on the benefits of new information technology and the growth of business to business and business to consumer e-commerce will also be a major focus. The Group continues to be committed to a strategy of controlled expansion while maintaining stability. While Hong Kong will remain the Group's principal base of operations, it will continue to expand overseas and in the Mainland. It is expected that overseas operations will continue to make substantial contributions to the Group. I am very confident and optimistic about the Group's future development and performance.
I wish to thank the Board of Directors and all the Group's employees for their hard work throughout the year and for their continuing support and dedication.
Li Ka-shing
Chairman
Hong Kong, 23 March 2000
Purchase, Sale or Redemption of Shares
During the year, neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has purchased or sold any of the Company's ordinary shares. In addition, the Company has not redeemed any of its ordinary shares during the year.
1999 1998
HK$ Millions HK$ Millions
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Turnover 55,442 51,383
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Cost of inventories sold 26,196 22,023
Staff costs 6,873 6,269
Depreciation and amortisation 3,314 3,405
Other operating expenses 5,681 6,899
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Total operating expenses 42,064 38,596
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Operating profit 13,378 12,787
Finance cost (5,081) (5,008)
Profit on disposal of investments
less provisions 109,532 566
Share of profits less losses of
associated companies 2,209 2,257
Share of profits less losses of
jointly controlled entities (52) 513
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Profit before taxation 119,986 11,115
Taxation
Hong Kong
Company and subsidiaries 661 685
Associated companies 189 179
Jointly controlled entities 36 43
Overseas
Company and subsidiaries 204 120
Associated companies 119 90
Jointly controlled entities 42 23
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Profit after taxation 118,735 9,975
Minority interests 1,390 1,269
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Profit Attributable to the Shareholders 117,345 8,706
Dividends 6,318 4,962
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Profit for the Year Retained 111,027 3,744
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Earnings per Share HK$30.28 HK$2.25
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Dividends per Share
Interim HK$0.48 HK$0.40
Final HK$1.15 HK$0.88
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HK$1.63 HK$1.28
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Notes:
1. Profit on disposal of investments less provisions comprises the profit of HK$118,000 million on disposal of the Group's shareholding in Orange plc and the profit of HK$1,392 million on the flotation of Partner Communications Company Limited less provisions of HK$2,060 million against the accumulated capitalized cost of acquiring Hong Kong cellular subscribers, net of minority interest, and HK$7,800 million for diminution in value of investments in joint venture projects. The 1998 profit is comprised of the profit of HK$3,332 million on disposal of a portion of the Group's shareholding in Procter & Gamble-Hutchison Limited and the profit of HK$684 million on disposal of the Group's investment in Asia Satellite Telecommunications Holdings Limited less provisions of HK$2,450 million for property developments and HK$1,000 million for diminution in value of the Group's portfolio of listed investments.
2. Hong Kong profits tax has been provided for at the rate of 16% (1998 - 16%) on the estimated assessable profits for the year less available tax losses. Overseas taxation has been provided for at the applicable rate on the estimated assessable profits less available tax losses.
3. The calculation of earnings per share is based on profit attributable to the shareholders and on 3,875,791,619 shares in issue during 1999 (1998 - on the weighted average of 3,875,355,723 shares).
4. Certain comparative figures have been restated to conform with the current presentation as required under the Hong Kong Society of Accountants' Statement of Standard Accounting Practice 1 (revised) "Presentation of Financial Statements".
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