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Hongkong Land Holdings Limited

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Annual Report 2015
Hongkong Land Holdings Limited

 
Landmark Riverside, a joint venture  
residential development in Chongqing’s 
Central Business District (front cover). 

Contents

Corporate Overview 

Corporate Information 

Highlights 

Chairman’s Statement

Chief Executive’s Review

Financial Review 

Directors’ Profiles

Financial Statements

Independent Auditors’ Report 

Five Year Summary

Responsibility Statement

Corporate Governance 

Principal Risks and Uncertainties

Shareholder Information

Offices

Report of the Valuers

Major Property Portfolio

1

2

3

4

6

12

18

20

64

66

67

68

74

75

76

77

78

is a listed leading property investment, management and 

development group.  Founded in 1889, Hongkong Land’s business is built on excellence, 
integrity and partnership. 

The Group owns and manages almost 800,000 sq. m. of prime office and luxury retail 
property in key Asian cities, principally in Hong Kong and Singapore.  Hongkong Land’s 
properties attract the world’s foremost companies and luxury brands.

Its Hong Kong Central portfolio represents some 450,000 sq. m. of prime property.   
It has a further 165,000 sq. m. of prestigious office space in Singapore mainly held 
through joint ventures, and a 50% interest in a leading office complex in Central Jakarta.  
The Group also has a number of high quality residential and mixed-use projects under 
development in cities across Greater China and Southeast Asia, including a luxury retail 
centre at Wangfujing in Beijing.  In Singapore, its subsidiary, MCL Land, is a well-established 
residential developer.

Hongkong Land Holdings Limited is incorporated in Bermuda and has a standard listing 
on the London Stock Exchange as its primary listing, with secondary listings in Bermuda 
and Singapore.  The Group’s assets and investments are managed from Hong Kong by 
Hongkong Land Limited.  Hongkong Land is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group.

PB  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015

1

Corporate Information

Directors

Hongkong Land Limited

Directors

Ben Keswick Chairman

Y.K. Pang Chief Executive

R.M.J. Chow

K. Foo 

R.L. Garman

Mark Greenberg

Adam Keswick

D.P. Lamb

Jeremy Parr

James Riley

J.A. Robinson 

John R. Witt Chief Financial Officer

R. Wong

Corporate Secretary

Neil M. McNamara

Ben Keswick Chairman and  

  Managing Director

Y.K. Pang Chief Executive

Charles Allen-Jones

Mark Greenberg

Adam Keswick 

Sir Henry Keswick

Simon Keswick

Lord Leach of Fairford

Dr Richard Lee

Anthony Nightingale

Lord Powell of Bayswater, KCMG

Lord Sassoon, Kt

James Watkins

Percy Weatherall

John R. Witt

Michael Wei Kuo Wu

Company Secretary

Neil M. McNamara

Registered Office

Jardine House

33-35 Reid Street

Hamilton

Bermuda

2  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015

3

 
 
 
 
 
Highlights

•  Sound result in 2015
•  Continued strong performance from commercial portfolio
•  Entry into Shanghai with prime mixed-use site
•  Stable asset values

Results

Underlying profit attributable to shareholders*

Profit attributable to shareholders

Shareholders’ funds

Net debt

Underlying earnings per share*

Earnings per share

Dividends per share

Net asset value per share

2015
US$m  

2014
US$m

Change
%

905

930

2,012

1,327

28,685

27,548

(3)

52

4

2,341

2,657

(12)

US¢

US¢

38.44

39.52

85.50

56.42

19.00

19.00

US$

US$

12.19

11.71

%

(3)

52

–

%

4

*  The Group uses ‘underlying profit attributable to shareholders’ in its internal financial reporting to distinguish between ongoing business performance 
and non-trading items, as more fully described in Note 1 to the financial statements.  Management considers this to be a key measure which provides 
additional information to enhance understanding of the Group’s underlying business performance. 

2  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015

3

Chairman’s Statement

Overview

Hongkong Land produced a sound performance  

in 2015, although modestly lower than the record results 

achieved in the past two years.  Results from the Group’s 

commercial portfolio continued to be strong, despite  

In Singapore, vacancy in the Group’s office portfolio  

at the year end rose to 3.0%, compared with 1.9% at  

the end of June.  The year end vacancy would, however,  

have been 1.0% if space already committed under new 

leases had been taken into account.

the contribution from Singapore being lower in US dollar 

In mainland China, construction of the Group’s 

terms.  Earnings from the residential sector declined, 

prestigious retail complex in Beijing, WF CENTRAL,  

although an improvement was seen in mainland China 

is progressing satisfactorily.  The project, which is  

and there was a gain recognised on a redeveloped 

located on a prime site at Wangfujing, is now scheduled 

property in Hong Kong.

to open in the first half of 2017. 

Performance

Underlying profit attributable to shareholders was 

US$905 million, a 3% decrease from 2014.  Taking into 

Residential Developments

As anticipated, the contribution from the Group’s 

residential projects was lower than in 2014.

account the net non-trading gains of US$1,107 million 

In Hong Kong, while there was a US$63 million gain  

recorded principally on property valuations of the 

from the redevelopment of a residential property owned 

Group’s investment properties, the profit attributable  

by the Group, the overall contribution declined due to  

to shareholders for the year was US$2,012 million.   

the absence of Serenade sales which had benefited  

This compares to US$1,327 million in 2014, which 

the prior year’s result.

included net valuation gains of US$397 million.

In mainland China, the Group produced a good 

The net asset value per share at 31st December 2015 

performance from its wholly-owned and joint venture 

was US$12.19, compared with US$11.71 at the end  

projects despite challenging market conditions.   

of 2014.

The Directors are recommending a final dividend  

of US¢13.00 per share, providing a total dividend  
for the year of US¢19.00 per share, unchanged from  
the previous year.

Group Review

Commercial Property

In Hong Kong, demand saw some improvement against  

a background of little additional supply of premium  

grade space.  Vacancy in the Group’s Central office 

portfolio was 3.4% at the year end, down from 4.2%  

at 30th June 2015.  Rental reversions were marginally 

positive, and the Group’s average office rent was  

HK$101 per sq. ft, slightly down from 2014 due  

to timing differences of leases.  The Group’s retail 

portfolio remained fully occupied and positive rent 

reversions continued.  The average retail rent rose  

3% to HK$221 per sq. ft.

Profits were higher than in 2014, when the results  

had been reduced by US$38 million in provisions  

relating to the Shenyang joint ventures.  Revenue 

recognised during the year, however, including the 

Group’s attributable interest in joint ventures, declined  

by 19%. The Group’s attributable interest in contracted 

sales for the full year were 26% higher at US$802 million 

in 2015, which included sales from a new project in  

the Pudong District of Shanghai. 

In 2015, the Group undertook two new developments.   

In July, the Group acquired jointly with its existing partner, 

Longfor Properties, two residential sites adjacent to  

the Bamboo Grove joint venture project in Chongqing, 

thereby consolidating further its market position in  

the area. In September, a 50% joint venture was entered 

into to develop a project located in an established  

area of Pudong, within Shanghai’s inner-ring road.   

The project will comprise residential and commercial 

components, with a total developable area of 

approximately 227,000 sq. m.

4  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015

5

In April, the Group disposed of its Park Life joint venture  

Outlook

in Shenyang.

While trading profits from the Group’s operations  

In Singapore, at the Group’s wholly-owned subsidiary 

should remain sound in 2016, a reduced contribution 

MCL Land, three projects were completed in 2015 

from residential developments is expected to result  

including Ripple Bay in the second half of the year.  

in underlying earnings being lower.

Ben Keswick
Chairman
3rd March 2016

However, the contribution was lower than in 2014 which 

benefited from significantly higher provision writebacks.

In Indonesia, satisfactory progress continues to be  

made at the 49%-owned joint venture project, Nava Park, 

and the 40%-owned joint venture project, Anandamaya 

Residences.  Construction is also progressing well in the 

Philippines at the Group’s 40%-owned 182-unit luxury 

development, Two Roxas Triangle, in Manila. 

Financing

The Group’s financial position remained strong with  

net debt of US$2.3 billion at 31st December 2015,  

down from US$2.7 billion at the end of 2014.  Gearing  

at the end of the year was 8%, compared with 10%  

in the prior year.

People

On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank all of our  

staff for their ongoing dedication and commitment to  

our tenants and customers and to the operations of the 

Group itself.  Their drive and professionalism provides  

a strong foundation for our continuing success.

Y.K. Pang will step down as Chief Executive on  

31st July 2016, while remaining a director of the Group, 

to become deputy managing director of Jardine Matheson.  

He will be succeeded by Robert Wong, currently 

responsible for the Group’s residential developments.   

In addition, John Witt will step down as Chief Financial 

Officer on 31st March 2016 to take up the position of 

group finance director of Jardine Matheson, and will be 

replaced on 28th April by Simon Dixon, currently the 

finance director of Astra International. We are grateful  

to Y.K. and John for their leadership and significant 

contributions to the Group over the past years.

4  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015

5

Chief Executive’s Review

Hongkong Land continued to perform well in 2015 with  

over 450,000 sq. m. of Grade A office and luxury  

a continued strong contribution from its commercial 

retail space, are firmly positioned as the pre-eminent 

property portfolio.  Despite increased operating profits 

office, retail, restaurant and hotel destination in  

from the Group’s residential projects in China and 

the city.  They continue to be managed as an integrated  

Singapore when compared to the prior year, the results 

mixed-use development, and are a unique offering  

reflected the absence of sales in Hong Kong and lower 

in Hong Kong.  The portfolio continues to attract both 

reversal of writedowns in Singapore.  Nevertheless,  

prime office tenants and luxury retailers who demand  

the Group remains well positioned in its key markets  

the highest quality and service.  As a core financial  

in Greater China and Southeast Asia and continues to 

and business centre in Asia, Hong Kong’s economic 

seek new development opportunities.

conditions are naturally affected by the global 

Strategy

The Group’s commercial portfolios in Hong Kong and 

Singapore continue to be its most important investments, 

located in the heart of these two key Asian financial 

centres.  The location, quality and scale of these assets 

strengthen Hongkong Land’s competitive position  

and prominent presence in the Region, while providing  

a steady stream of earnings.  These are the foundations 

of the Group’s stable financial strength that enable it  

to continue to grow its portfolio in its core markets in 

Greater China and Southeast Asia.

The recurring source of earnings at the residential 

business continues to stabilise as the scale of the 

mainland China operations grows.  The Group’s  

share in the developable area of its projects totals  

5.3 million sq. m. across five cities in China, including 

Shanghai, the latest addition to the portfolio.   

Of the 5.3 million sq. m., construction on only  

1.4 million sq. m., or 27%, had been completed by  

the end of 2015.  The projects are well-positioned  

to provide future earnings from further completions  

over the coming years.  In Singapore, MCL Land,  

the Group’s wholly-owned residential developer,  

remains a core contributor to earnings and maintains  

a steady pipeline of projects.  Meanwhile, the joint 

venture projects in Indonesia and the Philippines are  

still at early stages of development, but will provide 

additional sources of income as these projects mature  

in the coming years.

Hong Kong’s Central Portfolio

In Hong Kong, the Central portfolio consists of  

12 buildings that form the heart of the financial  

district.  These inter-linked buildings, representing  

environment.  Rental rates and vacancy at the Group’s 

portfolio have, however, remained resilient in the face  

of uncertain economic factors.  This is mainly due to  

the scarcity of supply of high quality space in the core 

business district.

2011

39% Banks and other financial services

27% Legal

5% Property

9% Accounting

3% Trading

5% Governments

12% Others

2015

39% Banks and other financial services

31% Legal

5% Property

8% Accounting

2% Trading

1% Governments

14% Others

Central portfolio office tenant profile  
by area occupied

6  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015

7

Central portfolio top five office tenants  
(in alphabetical order)

Central portfolio top five retail tenants  
(in alphabetical order)

in 2015

ANZ

BNP Paribas

JP Morgan

KPMG

PricewaterhouseCoopers

in 2015

Armani Group

Dickson Concepts

Kering

LVMH Group

Richemont Group

The Group’s retail portfolio, which is integrated with  

Residential Developments

the office buildings, is critical to the success of the 

Based on the Group’s experience and reputation, it has 

Group’s unique mixed-use business model.  The portfolio 

established a strong and profitable residential trading 

includes the most prestigious global retail brands in over 

business focusing primarily on the premium market in 

54,000 sq. m. of prime retail space, with a significant 

Greater China and Southeast Asia.  While the capital 

number of luxury brand flagship stores.  The restaurants 

invested in this sector is significantly lower than the 

across the portfolio, which have been accorded  

commercial business, the residential projects enhance 

a total of ten Michelin stars, are performing well and 

the Group’s overall profits and returns on capital.

attract customers to Central throughout the day and  

in the evenings.

Commercial Property Investments in Asia

Outside Hong Kong, the Group has similarly established 

itself as a leading provider of office and retail space over 

recent years.  In Singapore, Hongkong Land’s attributable 

interests of 160,000 sq. m. include some of the finest 

premium Grade A office space in the market, principally 

in the Marina Bay Area.  In Indonesia, Jakarta Land, the 

Group’s 50%-owned joint venture, is continuing to extend 

Annual returns from residential developments fluctuate 

due to the nature of the projects and the Group’s 

accounting policy of only recognising profits on sold 

units at completion.  Demand is also dependent on 

overall economic conditions, which can be significantly 

affected by government policies.  Ongoing land 

acquisitions are necessary to continue to build this 

income stream over the longer term.

Review of Commercial Property

its 135,000 sq. m. office development, with construction 

Hong Kong

underway on a 73,000 sq. m. fifth tower.  The Group 

Sentiment in the Hong Kong office leasing market 

continues to look for large scale opportunities to develop 

remained positive in 2015.  This was due to the  

premium commercial buildings in the leading cities  

continued scarcity in Grade A office supply coupled  

of Greater China and Southeast Asia.  An example  

with incremental demand, mainly from the financial 

of this is Hongkong Land’s WF CENTRAL project.   

services sector.  Consequently, the Group’s vacancy 

This development, scheduled for completion in the  

decreased to 3.4% at the end of 2015, compared to  

first half of 2017, is located at a prime Wangfujing site  

5.4% at the end of 2014, as it continued to focus on yield 

in Beijing and will be developed into a prestigious retail 

management.  Vacancy for the overall Central Grade A 

complex, including an exclusive Mandarin Oriental hotel.

market was 1.2% at the end of 2015, down from 3.7%  

The performance of the Group’s commercial portfolio 

remains subject to market fluctuations driven by supply 

and demand as well as macro-economic conditions.  

Nevertheless, the Group is committed to uphold its 

reputation for quality and service in order to continue  

to retain current tenants and attract new premium 

tenants and customers.

in 2014.  The Group’s average office rent in 2015 was 

HK$101 per sq. ft.  While this was consistent with the 

second half of 2014, it was marginally down from 2014’s 

full-year average of HK$102 per sq. ft.  This decrease was 

due to timing differences of leases becoming effective, 

as reversions turned marginally positive in 2015, having 

been slightly negative in 2014.  Financial institutions, legal 

firms and accounting firms continue to be occupants for 

78% of the Group’s total leasable area.

Annual Report 2015

7

6  

Hongkong Land

The Group’s retail portfolio remained resilient in spite  

Singapore

of the relatively challenging conditions in the luxury  

The office leasing market in Singapore was relatively 

retail sector in Hong Kong.  Demand for the Group’s 

stable in 2015.  Vacancy in the Group’s office portfolio 

premium retail space in the Central District of Hong Kong 

was 3.0% at the year end, an increase from 1.7% at the 

remained strong and the portfolio was fully occupied.  

end of 2014 due to transitions in the portfolio.  If the 

The average rent was HK$221 per sq. ft in 2015, up from 

effect of leases already committed but commencing 

HK$214 per sq. ft in 2014, as rental reversions continued 

after 31st December 2015 had been taken into account, 

to be positive overall.

Central portfolio

at 31st December 2015

the adjusted year end vacancy would have been 1.0%.  

This compares to the overall vacancy across the entire 

Grade A CBD market of 5.0% as at 31st December 2015, 

compared to 6.1% at the end of 2014.  The Group’s 

average rent was S$9.5 per sq. ft, an increase of 3% from 

S$9.2 per sq. ft in the previous year as rental reversions 

Office

Retail

Capital value (US$m)

18,427

4,973*

continued to be modestly positive in 2015.  Due to  

Gross revenue (US$m)

682

253*

Equivalent yield (%)

– One and Two Exchange Square

3.75

the financial nature of the district in which the Group’s 

portfolio is located, financial institutions, legal firms and 

accounting firms occupy 83% of the total leasable area.  

4.50

There is, however, an increasing demand for Grade A 

space from other sectors.

– The Landmark Atrium

Average unexpired term  

  of leases (years)

Area subject to renewal/review  

in 2016 (%)

* including hotel

4.1

2.4

19

44

Other Commercial Property Investments

In mainland China, the development of WF CENTRAL,  

the Group’s prestigious retail project located on a prime 

site in the heart of Beijing, is making good progress.   

This unique development will be an iconic lifestyle 

destination for shopping and dining in the Capital for 

The value of the Group’s portfolio in Hong Kong at  

31st December 2015, based on independent valuations, 

both local and international customers.  The project is 

increased by 6% to US$23.4 billion when compared to 

the prior year due to a small reduction in capitalisation 

rates used by the independent valuers for the  

scheduled to open in the first half of 2017.  The complex 

will also include an exclusive 74-room Mandarin Oriental 

hotel.  In the CBD Core Area of Beijing’s Chaoyang 

office portfolio.

10.84

10.85

11.18

11.64

12.70

13.14

13.03

8.52

6.33

4.83

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Central portfolio average office effective rent (US$/sq. ft per month)

8  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015

9

Chief Executive’s Review 
District, planning continues at the Group’s 30%-owned 

Hong Kong and Macau

proposed office development.  This project will be 

In Hong Kong, the contribution was lower than the 

developed as a prime Grade A office building of some 

previous year as sales at the Group’s 97-unit Serenade 

120,000 sq. m.

In Shanghai, following the signing of a framework 

agreement with the Lujiazui Group in September 2015, 

further discussions are in progress to finalise a joint 

venture project in the Qiantan area of Pudong.  With a 

developable area of some 200,000 sq. m., this prime site 

project were concluded in 2014.  This decrease was, 

however, partially offset by the US$63 million gain 

recognised from the redevelopment of a residential 

property.  This property, which was previously classified 

as a trading property, will now be maintained by the 

Group as a long-term investment.

project will comprise both office and retail components. 

Similar to Hong Kong, the contribution from Macau  

In One Central, Macau, occupancy remained high at 96% 

at the end of 2015, unchanged from the previous year.  

The challenging market conditions, however, resulted in  

a decrease in sales-based rental income and revenues  

fell by 8%, with the decrease partially offset by the 

significant increase in the Group’s fixed rents over  

the past two years.

also fell in 2015 as a result of the completion of sales  

in the prior year at the Group’s One Central joint  

venture development. 

Mainland China

The Group’s residential business in mainland China 

consists of projects in Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, 

Shanghai and Shenyang.  These are predominantly 

In Jakarta, development of the fifth tower at the Group’s 

long-term projects of different product types that are 

50%-owned joint venture, Jakarta Land, is progressing 

being developed in phases over time.

well.  The project is scheduled for completion in 2018.  

Occupancy across the portfolio was 93% at the year  

end, a modest decline from 95% at the end of 2014.  

Nonetheless, the average rent in 2015 was US$25.3  

per sq. m., an increase of 5% from US$24.0 per sq. m.  

in the prior year. 

While sentiment in the residential market continued  

to be cautious, the contribution from the Group’s  

China residential projects increased over the prior year.  

This was in part due to the 2014 results being adversely 

affected by provisions of US$38 million made against  

the value of the Group’s joint ventures in Shenyang.   

In Cambodia, the Group’s 30,000 sq. m. prime mixed-use 

The Group’s attributable interest in revenue recognised, 

complex comprising retail and office components in the 

including its subsidiaries and its share of joint ventures, 

heart of the Phnom Penh is scheduled for completion in 

however, was 19% lower at US$505 million due to  

late 2016.

the timing of completion of projects and general  

Performance at the Group’s other commercial investment 

market sentiment.

properties in Hanoi and Bermuda remained within 

In 2015, the Group’s attributable interest in contracted 

expectation, while Gaysorn in Bangkok continued  

sales was US$802 million compared with US$635 million 

to be adversely affected by local market conditions.

in the previous year.  This amount, however, includes 

Review of Residential Property

The contribution from the Group’s residential property 

sales from a new project in Shanghai’s Pudong District.  

On a like-for-like basis, the Group’s share of contracted 

sales was 2% higher than the prior year.

business fell as anticipated.  Despite the Group benefiting 

At 31st December 2015, the value of sold but 

from an increase in profits from mainland China, a solid 

unrecognised contracted sales (inclusive of the new 

performance from Singapore, and a gain which arose 

Shanghai project) at the Group’s wholly-owned and joint 

from the redevelopment of a property in Hong Kong,  

venture residential projects amounted to US$821 million 

the uplift in results was more than offset by the absence 

compared with US$533 million at the end of 2014.  

of residential sales in Hong Kong and reduced reversal  

Excluding the new project, the Group’s share in sold but 

of writedowns at MCL Land in Singapore.

unrecognised sales was US$663 million at the year end.

8  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015

9

Chongqing, the largest city in western China, remains  

At Central Avenue, the Group’s second joint venture  

the Group’s most important residential market in the 

with China Merchants in Chongqing, development is 

country.  It accounts for approximately 80% of the 

underway on this 40 hectare site next to the city’s Central 

Group’s total residential investments in mainland China.  

Park in the Yubei District.  When completed, the project 

These consist of two 100%-owned projects, Yorkville 

will consist of approximately 1.1 million sq. m. of 

South and the adjacent Yorkville North, and four 

developable area, of which only 12% is under construction.

50%-owned joint ventures, Bamboo Grove, Landmark 

Riverside, Central Avenue and the Group’s latest project 

adjacent to Bamboo Grove.  This new project was jointly 

acquired with the existing partner, Longfor Properties,  

for some US$400 million in the second half of the year.  

It occupies a site area of approximately 348,000 sq. m. 

and will further consolidate the Group’s market position  

in the city.

Both of the Group’s wholly-owned projects in Chongqing, 

Yorkville South and Yorkville North, are in relatively early 

stages of development.  Revenue recognised during  

the period totalled US$236 million, and compares with 

US$318 million in 2014 due to timing of completions.  

Yorkville South is a 39 hectare development at 

Zhaomushan near the core of the Two-River New Area  

of Chongqing.  Construction of approximately 32%  

of the some 880,000 sq. m. developable area has been 

In Chengdu, construction continues at WE City, the 

Group’s 50% joint venture with KWG Property Holding 

Group.  The 19 hectare site provides developable area  

of approximately 900,000 sq. m., of which around 26% 

has been completed.  The Group’s share of the first full 

year of sales from WE City in 2015 was US$108 million, 

compared to US$66 million in the prior year.

In Beijing, at the Group’s 90%-owned Maple Place project, 

22 units were sold and handed over during the year, 

compared with 16 units in the prior year.  A further  

39 units consisting of villas, townhouses and apartments 

remain available for future sale and are currently mostly 

leased.  Meanwhile, at Central Park, Hongkong Land’s 

40%-owned joint venture with Vantone Group, the Group 

continues to hold an interest in 72 apartments which  

are being operated as serviced apartments.

completed.  At the adjacent Yorkville North, 19% of the 

In Shanghai, the Group entered into a 50% joint venture 

developable area of 1.1 million sq. m. has been built.

with the CIFI Group to develop a prime site in Pudong  

Of the Group’s other joint venture projects in Chongqing, 

Bamboo Grove is scheduled to be fully completed in 

2018, while Landmark Riverside and Central Avenue are 

both at earlier stages of development.  Hongkong Land’s 

in the second half of the year.  The project, which is 

located within Shanghai’s inner-ring road, will consist  

of residential and commercial space with developable 

area totalling 227,000 sq. m.

attributable interest in sales recognised from Bamboo 

In Shenyang, the Group disposed of its Park Life joint 

Grove and Landmark Riverside in 2015 totalled  

venture in April.

US$125 million compared to US$185 million in 2014, 

while Central Avenue will see its first completions in 2016.

Singapore

Bamboo Grove, the Group’s initial joint venture with 

Longfor Properties, occupies a 78 hectare site at Dazhulin 

in Chongqing.  The primarily residential site will be fully 

developed into some 1.5 million sq. m. of developable 

area upon full completion.  Currently, 87% has already 

been developed.

Results from operations in 2015 increased marginally 

over the previous year.  MCL Land, the Group’s  

wholly-owned subsidiary, completed three projects 

during the year.  These were the 32-unit Palms @ Sixth 

Avenue and the 679-unit Ripple Bay, both of which were 

fully sold; and the 75-unit Hallmark Residences, which 

was 97% sold.  Provisions previously made on two of 

Landmark Riverside, the Group’s joint venture with China 

these developments in 2008 have largely been written 

Merchants Property Development, is a 34 hectare site 

back in 2014 and 2015, in line with sales of these 

consisting of 1 million sq. m. of developable space at  

projects.  At the 221-unit Marina Bay Suites development, 

Dan Zishi in Chongqing.  Development on approximately 

which was 33%-owned by Hongkong Land, all of the 

26% of the developable area has been completed so far.

remaining 18 units were sold during the year.  In 2014, 

three units were handed over to buyers.

10  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 11

Chief Executive’s ReviewBeyond 2015, MCL Land has three 100%-owned projects 

scheduled for completion from 2016 to 2018, with one 

scheduled in each year.  The 738-unit J Gateway project, 

which is expected to complete in 2016, is 100% pre-sold.  

LakeVille, consisting of 699 units and expecting to 

complete in 2017, was 79% pre-sold.  The 1,327-unit  

Sol Acres executive condominium development 

(previously known as Choa Chu Kang Grove), which is 

scheduled for completion in 2018, was 22% pre-sold.

Outlook

The Group’s solid performance from both its commercial 

and residential businesses is expected to continue in 

2016.  In the residential sector, a significant portion of 

profits will continue to be derived from mainland China.  

Contributions from these projects, notably the Group’s 

wholly-owned projects in Chongqing, are anticipated  

to be higher than in 2015 as larger phases are due to 

complete during the year.  However, the gain from the 

In the first half of 2015, MCL Land acquired a residential 

newly redeveloped property in Hong Kong will not be 

site located adjacent to its LakeVille project for  

repeated in 2016.  In addition, the provisions at MCL 

US$250 million.  Planning has begun for the project  

Land’s projects have now been largely written back as 

and some 700 units are planned for sale.  The project, 

sales are almost complete.  As a result, overall earnings  

which comprises developable area of approximately 

in 2016 are anticipated to be lower.

537,000 sq. ft, is expected to complete in 2019.

Other Residential Developments

In Indonesia, development continues at the Group’s  

two residential projects.  At Nava Park, the Group’s 

We continue to maintain our well-established, strong 

market positions in Greater China and Southeast Asia, 

which enable us to seize future opportunities when  

they arise.

49%-owned joint venture with PT Bumi Serpong Damai  

We pride ourselves on delivering outstanding service  

in southwest of central Jakarta, 70% of the 377 units 

to our tenants and customers, and on upholding the 

which have been launched for sale were pre-sold  

highest standards of quality.  These are our core values  

at the year end.  This project comprises a mix of 

to which we will continue to adhere.  These values are 

residential towers, semi-detached houses and villas  

fundamental to our long-term success as they enable us 

on a 67 hectare site.  The first and second phases  

to withstand the test of challenging market conditions 

are scheduled for completion in 2016 and in 2018, 

and competition, thus maintaining and strengthening  

respectively.  At Anandamaya Residences, 90% of the 

our market positions.

Y.K. Pang
Chief Executive
3rd March 2016

509 units had been pre-sold at the year end.  This luxury 

apartment project, which is a 40%-owned joint venture 

development with affiliate Astra International, is expected 

to complete in 2018.

In the Philippines, construction continues at Two Roxas 

Triangle, the Group’s 40%-owned luxury condominium 

tower in Manila’s central Makati area.  The 182-unit 

development, which is expected to complete in 2019, 

was 91% pre-sold at the year end.  At Mandani Bay,  

the Group’s 40%-owned joint venture in Cebu, 

construction is due to start in the first half of 2016.   

This 20 hectare site will consist principally of residential 

units, with some office and retail components, and will  

be developed in phases over ten years.

10  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 11

Financial Review

Accounting Policies

The accounting policies are consistent with those  

of the previous year.  The Directors continue to review  

the appropriateness of the accounting policies adopted 

by the Group with regard to developments in International 

Financial Reporting Standards.

Results

Underlying Profit

The Group’s underlying profit attributable to shareholders 

in 2015 was US$905 million (or US¢38.44 on an earnings 
per share basis).  This result can be analysed between the 

contribution from Commercial Property, the contribution 

from Residential Property and unallocated expenses, 

which include corporate costs, net financing charges  

and tax.  Each of these items includes the Group’s share 

of results from its joint ventures.

2015
US$m

2014
US$m

942

354

(378)

(13)

953

398

(412)

(9)

Commercial Property, pre-tax

Residential Property, pre-tax

Corporate costs, net financing  

  charges and tax 

Non-controlling interests 

Underlying profit attributable  

to shareholders 

905

930

In Hong Kong, there was a gain of US$63 million arising 

from the redevelopment of a residential property which 

will now be held for investment.  Previously, this property 

was classified as a trading property and under accounting 

standards, a gain has been recognised based on the 

difference between its fair value and its carrying value.  

However, there were no further sales at Serenade as the 

project was fully sold in 2014 and the Group has no other 

active projects in Hong Kong currently. 

At MCL Land in Singapore, 2015 results were adversely 

affected by a decrease in the reversal of writedowns, 

from US$56 million in 2014 to US$21 million in 2015.  

These provisions were originally established in 2008  

in respect of land for projects which are now complete 

and largely sold.  During the year, three projects were 

completed during the year.  These were Palms @ Sixth 

Avenue (32 units), Ripple Bay (679 units), both of which 

were fully sold prior to completion, and Hallmark 

Residences (75 units) which was 97% sold.  The Group 

continues to carry US$3 million of writedowns which 

were originally made in 2008 in respect of the Hallmark 

Residences project. 

In mainland China, profits were generated from sales  

at 90%-owned Maple Place (22 units) in Beijing; and at 

100%-owned Yorkville South (1,019 units), at 100%-owned 

Yorkville North (724 units), at 50%-owned Bamboo Grove 

(2,104 units) and at 50%-owned Landmark Riverside  

(161 units) in Chongqing; and at 50%-owned WE City 

(858 units) in Chengdu.  While the contribution from these 

US¢

US¢

projects rose in 2015 compared with the prior year, the 

Underlying earnings per share

38.44

39.52

In 2015, the contribution from Commercial Property was 

US$942 million, compared to US$953 million in 2014.  

While results from the Group’s Hong Kong portfolio 

modestly increased, the overall decrease was mainly  

due to a lower contribution from the Group’s Singapore 

commercial property investments in US dollar terms due 

to the weakening of the Singapore dollar together with  

a weaker performance from Macau.  

The contribution from Residential Property was  

US$354 million when compared to US$398 million  

in 2014.  The decline was largely due to lower results  

prior year included a US$38 million provision in respect  

of the Group’s interest in the Shenyang joint ventures.

In Macau, the contribution decreased as all of the 

remaining units at One Central were sold in 2014.

In 2014, the contribution from Residential Property  

of US$398 million arose from the sale of the last 14 

apartments at Serenade in Hong Kong and the five 

remaining residential units at the 47%-owned One 

Central, Macau; the completion of MCL Land’s fully 

pre-sold Terrasse (414 units) and Uber 388 (95 units) 

developments in Singapore; and sales at Maple Place  

(16 units) in Beijing; and at Yorkville South (780 units), 

Yorkville North (872 units), Bamboo Grove (1,032 units) 

and Landmark Riverside (907 units) in Chongqing; and  

in Hong Kong and at MCL Land in Singapore.  

at WE City (373 units) in Chengdu.

12  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 13

 
Net financing charges in 2015, including the Group’s 

Non-Trading Gains

share of net financing charges within joint ventures were 

In 2015, the Group had net non-trading gains of 

US$107 million, compared with US$103 million in the 

US$1,107 million compared with US$397 million in 2014.  

previous year.  The slight increase was due to the higher 

These arose principally on revaluations of the Group’s 

average interest rate on Group borrowings of 3.3%, 

investment properties, including its share of joint 

compared to 2.9% in 2014.  This offset the impact of 

ventures, which were performed at 31st December 2015 

lower average net borrowings in 2015.  The average 

by independent valuers.

interest rate on Group deposits in 2015 was 1.0%,  

in line with last year.

The gains on valuation came predominately from the 

Group’s Central portfolio in Hong Kong.  This increased  

The Group’s underlying tax charge, including the Group’s 

in value by 6% to US$23.4 billion from US$22.2 billion  

share of joint ventures, decreased to US$209 million from 

in 2014 due to a small compression in capitalisation rates 

US$247 million in 2014 giving an effective tax rate of 

used by the valuers in the Group’s office portfolio.

19.7%, which includes the impact of Land Appreciation 

Tax at the Group’s residential projects in mainland China.  

The effective tax rate in 2014 was 19.2%.

Cash Flows

The Group’s consolidated cash flows are summarised as follows:

Operating activities

Operating profit, excluding non-trading items

Net interest and tax paid

Payments for residential sites

Development expenditure on residential projects

Proceeds from residential sales

Dividends received from joint ventures

Other

Investing activities

Major renovations capex

Funding of joint ventures

Advances and loan repayments from joint ventures 

Development expenditure

Payment of deposit for a joint venture

Financing activities

Dividends paid by the Company

Net repayment of borrowings

Other

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at 1st January

Cash and cash equivalents at 31st December

2015
US$m

2014
US$m

994

(253)

(281)

(407)

1,079

117

(353)

896

(58)

(256)

391

(152)

(71)

(146)

(445)

(347)

(51)

(843)

(93)

1,659

1,566

1,067

(215)

(429)

(454)

962

153

(385)

699

(38)

(216)

479

(137)

–

88

(421)

(91)

(18)

(530)

257

1,402

1,659

12  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 13

 
Cash flows from operating activities in 2015 were 

projects in mainland China.  This compared to total  

US$896 million, compared with US$699 million in 2014.  

loan repayments of US$479 million in 2014, which had 

The Group’s operating profit from its subsidiaries 

included the repayment of a shareholder’s loan following 

(excluding non-trading items) was US$994 million,  

a refinancing at one of the Group’s Singapore joint 

7% lower than in 2014.  This was largely due to lower 

ventures.  Development expenditure of US$152 million 

underlying profits, reflecting the absence of residential 

was principally for the WF CENTRAL project in Beijing.   

sales in Hong Kong in 2015.  Net interest paid of  

The Group also made a US$71 million deposit in respect 

US$78 million was US$3 million lower than in 2014 due 

of the proposed joint venture project in the Qiantan area 

to timing differences.  Tax paid of US$175 million was 

of Pudong, Shanghai.

US$41 million higher than the prior year principally also 

as a result of timing differences.  In 2015, US$281 million 

was paid for residential development sites, including 

US$259 million for the Jurong West residential site in 

Singapore.  This compared to the US$429 million paid  

for residential development sites in 2014, of which 

Under financing activities, the Company paid dividends 

of US$445 million, being the 2014 final dividend of 

US¢13.00 per share and the 2015 interim dividend of 
US¢6.00 per share.  Also, the Group had a net repayment 
of borrowings of US$347 million.

US$364 million related to the Choa Chu Kang residential 

The Group’s year end cash and cash equivalents totalled 

sites in Singapore.  In 2015, development expenditure  

US$1.6 billion, in line with the end of 2014.  Of the 

on residential projects decreased to US$407 million from 

US$1.6 billion, US$0.5 billion related to pre-sales proceed 

US$454 million in 2014.  Proceeds from residential sales 

balances which are held within various residential 

were higher at US$1,079 million in 2015 compared to 

projects of the Group (2014: US$0.5 billion).  At 31st 

US$962 million in 2014.  Dividends received from joint 

December 2015, the Group’s net debt was US$2.3 billion, 

ventures in 2015 totalled US$117 million compared with 

down from US$2.7 billion at the beginning of the year.

US$153 million in the previous year.

Under investing activities in 2015, the Group had outflows 

of US$146 million, compared to inflows of US$88 million 

in 2014.  Capital expenditure of US$58 million related  

to major renovations, principally in respect of the  

Hong Kong Central portfolio.  Funding of the Group’s joint 

venture projects totalled US$256 million.  This included 

investments of US$104 million in the 50%-owned New 

Bamboo Grove residential project in Chongqing and 

US$132 million in the 50%-owned residential project  

in the Pudong district of Shanghai which the Group 

formed in September 2015.  Also, under investing 

activities in 2015, the Group received US$391 million  

Year-end debt summary*

US$ bonds/notes

HK$ bonds/notes

HK$ bank loans

S$ bonds/notes

S$ bank loans

RMB bank loans

Gross debt

Cash

2015
US$m

1,510

1,253

575

141

257

174

3,910

1,569

2014
US$m

1,509

1,250

530

437

594

–

4,320

1,663

of advances and loan repayments from joint ventures 

Net debt

2,341

2,657

mainly contributed from the Group’s residential  

* Before currency swaps

14  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 15

Financial ReviewDividends

Funding

The Board is recommending a final dividend of US¢13.00 
per share for 2015, providing a total annual dividend of 

The Group is well financed with strong liquidity.   

Net gearing was 8% at 31st December 2015, down  

US¢19.00 per share, unchanged from 2014.  The final 
dividend will be payable on 11th May 2016, subject to 

from 10% at the end of 2014.  Interest cover, calculated 

as the underlying operating profits, including the Group’s 

approval at the Annual General Meeting to be held on  

share of joint ventures’ operating profits, divided by net 

4th May 2016, to shareholders on the register of members 

financing charges including the Group’s share of joint 

at the close of business on 18th March 2016.  No scrip 

ventures’ net financing charges, was 11.5 times, 

alternative is being offered in respect of the dividend.

compared with 12.5 times in 2014.  The decrease was 

mainly due to the increase in the average interest rate  

on Group borrowings.

Treasury Policy

The Group manages its treasury activities within 

established risk management objectives and policies 

using a variety of techniques and instruments.  The main 

objectives are to manage exchange, interest rate and 

liquidity risks and to provide a degree of certainty in 

respect of costs.  The investment of the Group’s cash 

balances is managed so as to minimise risk while seeking 

to enhance yield.  

The Group’s Treasury operations are managed as cost 

10%

13%

11%

10%

8%

centres and are not permitted to undertake speculative 

transactions unrelated to underlying financial exposures. 

Appropriate credit guidelines are in place to manage 

counterparty credit risk.  

When economically sensible to do so, borrowings are 

taken in local currencies to hedge foreign currency 

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Net debt

Equity

Net debt as a percentage of equity

exposures on investments.  A portion of borrowings is 

Both Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s have maintained 

denominated in fixed rates.  Adequate headroom in 

their credit ratings of Hongkong Land Holdings Limited  

committed facilities is maintained to facilitate the Group’s 

at A3 and A respectively.

capacity to pursue new investment opportunities and to 

provide some protection against market uncertainties.

14  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 15

The average tenor of the Group’s debt was 7.2 years  

from the capital markets.  At the end of 2015, the Group 

at 31st December 2015, in line with the end of 2014.  

had drawn US$3.9 billion of these lines leaving US$2.5 

Approximately 44% of the Group’s borrowings were at 

billion of committed, but unused, facilities.  Adding the 

floating rates and the remaining 56% were either fixed 

Group’s year end cash balances, the Group had overall 

rate borrowings or covered by interest rate hedges with 

liquidity at 31st December 2015 of US$4.1 billion, down 

major credit worthy financial institutions.

from US$4.5 billion at the end of 2014 mainly due to  

At 31st December 2015, the Group had total committed 

lines of approximately US$6.4 billion.  Of these lines,  

55% were sourced from banks with the remaining 45% 

the US$0.3 billion redemption of Singapore dollar 

denominated bonds during the year.

3,229

1,104

882

570

666

Interest
rate

56% Fixed

44% Floating

Currency

Maturity

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020
& beyond

82% HK$

14% S$

4% RMB

64% >5 years

27% 2-5 years

5% 1-2 years

4% <1 year

Committed facility maturity  
at 31st December 2015 (US$m)

Debt profile at 31st December 2015

16  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 17

Financial ReviewGross Assets

The Group’s gross assets, including its share of joint 

ventures, (excluding cash balances) is analysed below,  

by activity and by location.

90% Commercial

10% Residential
90% Commercial

10% Residential

Gross assets by activity

75% Hong Kong

14% Southeast Asia
75% Hong Kong
11% Mainland China and Macau
14% Southeast Asia

11% Mainland China and Macau

Gross assets by location

Principal Risks and Uncertainties

A review of the principal risks and uncertainties facing  

the Group is set out on page 74.

John R. Witt
Chief Financial Officer
3rd March 2016

16  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 17

Directors’ Profiles

Ben Keswick* Chairman and Managing Director
Mr Ben Keswick joined the Board as Managing Director  

Mark Greenberg
Mr Greenberg joined the Board in 2006.  He is group 

in 2012 and became Chairman in 2013.  He has held a 

strategy director of Jardine Matheson.  He had previously 

number of executive positions since joining the Jardine 

spent 16 years in investment banking with Dresdner 

Matheson group in 1998, including finance director and 

Kleinwort Wasserstein in London.  He is also a director of 

then chief executive officer of Jardine Pacific between 

Jardine Matheson Limited, Dairy Farm, Jardine Cycle & 

2003 and 2007 and, thereafter, group managing director 

Carriage and Mandarin Oriental, and a commissioner of 

of Jardine Cycle & Carriage until 2012.  He has an MBA 

Astra and Bank Permata.

from INSEAD.  Mr Keswick is chairman of Jardine 

Matheson Limited and Jardine Cycle & Carriage and  

a commissioner of Astra.  He is also chairman and 

managing director of Dairy Farm and Mandarin Oriental, 

managing director of Jardine Matheson and Jardine 

Strategic, and a director of Jardine Pacific and  

Jardine Motors.

Y.K. Pang* Chief Executive
Mr Pang joined the Board and was appointed Chief 

Adam Keswick
Mr Adam Keswick joined the Board in 2012.  He is deputy 

managing director of Jardine Matheson, chairman of 

Jardine Pacific, and chairman and chief executive of 

Jardine Motors.  He has held a number of executive 

positions since joining the Jardine Matheson group from 

N M Rothschild & Sons in 2001, including group strategy 

director and, thereafter, group managing director of 

Jardine Cycle & Carriage between 2003 and 2007.  

Executive of the Group in 2007.  He previously held  

Mr Keswick is also deputy chairman of Jardine Matheson 

a number of senior executive positions in the Jardine 

Limited, and a director of Dairy Farm, Jardine Strategic, 

Matheson group, which he joined in 1984.  He is a 

Mandarin Oriental, Yonghui Superstores and Zhongsheng 

director of Jardine Matheson Limited, Jardine Matheson 

Group Holdings.

and Jardine Matheson (China) Limited.  He is also 

chairman of both the Employers’ Federation of  

Hong Kong and the Hong Kong General Chamber  

of Commerce.

John R. Witt* Chief Financial Officer
Mr Witt joined the Board as Chief Financial Officer in 

Sir Henry Keswick
Sir Henry first served on the Board of the Group’s holding 

company between 1970 and 1975 and was re-appointed 

a Director in 1988.  He is chairman of Jardine Matheson, 

having first joined the group in 1961, and is also chairman 

of Jardine Strategic.  He is a director of Dairy Farm and 

2010.  He is a Chartered Accountant and has an MBA 

Mandarin Oriental.  He is also vice chairman of the Hong 

from INSEAD.  He has been with the Jardine Matheson 

Kong Association.

group since 1993 during which time he has held  

a number of senior finance positions.  Most recently,  
he was the chief financial officer of Mandarin Oriental.

Charles Allen-Jones
Mr Allen-Jones joined the Board in 2001.  He was formerly 

Simon Keswick
Mr Simon Keswick has been a Director of the Group’s 

holding company since 1983.  He was Chairman of  

the Company from 1983 to 1988 and from 1989 to 

2013.  He joined the Jardine Matheson group in 1962  

senior partner of Linklaters, where he had been a partner 

and is a director of Dairy Farm, Jardine Matheson,  

for 33 years until 2001.  Mr Allen-Jones is a non-executive 

Jardine Strategic and Mandarin Oriental.

director of Jardine Strategic and vice chairman of the 

Council of the Royal College of Art.

* Executive Director

18  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 19

Lord Leach of Fairford
Lord Leach has been a Director of the Group’s holding 

Lord Sassoon, Kt
Lord Sassoon joined the Board in 2013.  He began his 

company since 1985.  He is deputy chairman of Jardine 

career at KPMG, before joining SG Warburg (later UBS 

Lloyd Thompson, and a director of Dairy Farm, Jardine 

Warburg) in 1985.  From 2002 to 2006 he was in the 

Matheson, Jardine Strategic and Mandarin Oriental.   

United Kingdom Treasury as a civil servant, where  

He is also a member of the supervisory board of 

he had responsibility for financial services and enterprise 

Rothschild & Co.  He joined the Jardine Matheson  

policy.  Following this, he chaired the Financial Action 

group in 1983 after a career in banking.

Task Force; and conducted a review of the UK’s system  

Dr Richard Lee
Dr Lee joined the Board in 2003.  Dr Lee’s principal 

business interests are in the manufacturing of textiles  

and apparel in Southeast Asia, and he is the honorary 

chairman of TAL Apparel.  He is also a director of Jardine 

Matheson and Mandarin Oriental.

Anthony Nightingale
Mr Nightingale joined the Board in 2006 and was 

Managing Director of the Company from 2006 to 2012.  

He is also a director of Dairy Farm, Jardine Cycle & 

Carriage, Jardine Matheson, Jardine Strategic, Mandarin 

Oriental, Prudential, Schindler, Shui On Land and Vitasoy, 

and a commissioner of Astra.  Mr Nightingale also holds  

a number of senior public appointments, including acting 

as a non-official member of the Commission on Strategic 

Development, a Hong Kong representative to the Asia 

Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Advisory 

of financial regulation.  From 2010 to 2013 Lord Sassoon 

was the first Commercial Secretary to the Treasury  

and acted as the Government’s Front Bench Treasury 

spokesman in the House of Lords.  He is a director of 

Dairy Farm, Jardine Lloyd Thompson, Jardine Matheson 

and Mandarin Oriental.  He is also chairman of the 

China-Britain Business Council.

James Watkins
Mr Watkins joined the Board in 2009.  He was a director 

and group general counsel of Jardine Matheson from 

1997 to 2003.  Mr Watkins qualified as a solicitor in 1969 

and was formerly a partner of Linklaters.  He is also  

a director of Asia Satellite Telecommunications Holdings, 

Global Sources, IL&FS India Realty Fund II, Jardine Cycle 

& Carriage and Mandarin Oriental.

Percy Weatherall
Mr Weatherall joined the Board in 1994 and was 

Council and a director of the UK ASEAN Business Council.  

Managing Director from 2000 to 2006.  He first joined  

He is chairman of The Sailors Home and Missions to 

the Jardine Matheson group in 1976 and retired from 

Seamen in Hong Kong.

Lord Powell of Bayswater, KCMG
Lord Powell rejoined the Board in 2008, having first 

served as a Director between 1992 and 2000.  He was 

previously Private Secretary and adviser on foreign affairs 

and defence to British Prime Ministers, Baroness Thatcher 

executive office in 2006.  He is also a director of Dairy 

Farm, Jardine Matheson, Jardine Strategic and Mandarin 

Oriental.  He is chairman of Corney & Barrow and  

the Nith District Salmon Fishery Board.

Michael Wei Kuo Wu
Mr Wu joined the Board in 2012.  He is chairman and 

and Rt Hon John Major.  He is a director of LVMH Moët 

managing director of Maxim’s Caterers in Hong Kong.   

Hennessy Louis Vuitton, Matheson & Co, Mandarin 

He is also a non-executive director of Hang Seng Bank 

Oriental, Northern Trust Corporation and Textron 

and Jardine Matheson, a council member of the Hong 

Corporation.  Previously president of the China-Britain 

Kong University of Science and Technology and a 

Business Council and chairman of the Singapore-British 

member of the court of the University of Hong Kong.

Business Council, he is currently a British Business 

Ambassador.  He is an independent member of the 

House of Lords.

18  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 19

Consolidated Profit and Loss Account

for the year ended 31st December 2015

Revenue

Net operating costs

Change in fair value of investment properties

Asset impairment reversals

Operating profit

Net financing charges

  – financing charges

  – financing income

Share of results of associates and joint ventures

  – before change in fair value of  

   investment properties

5

6

11

11

7

8

  – change in fair value of investment properties

11

Underlying 
business 
performance

Note

US$m

2015

Non-
trading 
items

US$m

–

–

–

999.9

13.9

Underlying 
business 
performance

US$m

Total

US$m

2014

Non-
trading 
items

US$m

Total

US$m

1,932.1

(938.3)

1,876.3

(809.0)

–

1,876.3

(1.1)

(810.1)

993.8

999.9

13.9

1,067.3

(1.1)

1,066.2

–

–

15.9

9.2

15.9

9.2

1,932.1

(938.3)

993.8

–

–

993.8

1,013.8

2,007.6

1,067.3

24.0

1,091.3

(114.8)

40.4

(74.4)

140.5

–

140.5

–

–

–

(114.8)

40.4

(113.5)

44.5

(74.4)

(69.0)

–

–

–

(113.5)

44.5

(69.0)

0.2

69.0

69.2

140.7

69.0

209.7

122.8

–

0.1

392.2

122.9

392.2

122.8

392.3

515.1

Profit before tax

Tax

Profit after tax

Attributable to:

1,059.9

1,083.0

2,142.9

1,121.1

416.3

1,537.4

9

(150.8)

13.6

(137.2)

(187.9)

(7.8)

(195.7)

909.1

1,096.6

2,005.7

933.2

408.5

1,341.7

Shareholders of the Company

Non-controlling interests

904.5

1,107.2

2,011.7

4.6

(10.6)

(6.0)

929.9

3.3

397.5

1,327.4

11.0

14.3

909.1

1,096.6

2,005.7

933.2

408.5

1,341.7

Earnings per share

10

38.44

85.50

39.52

US¢

US¢

US¢

US¢

56.42

20  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 21

 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

for the year ended 31st December 2015

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income/(expense)

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:

Remeasurements of defined benefit plans

Tax on items that will not be reclassified

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:

Net exchange translation differences

Revaluation of other investments

Cash flow hedges

  – net (loss)/gain arising during the year

  – transfer to profit and loss

Tax relating to items that may be reclassified

Share of other comprehensive expense of associates  
  and joint ventures

Other comprehensive expense for the year, net of tax

Note

2015

US$m

2014

US$m

2,005.7

1,341.7

9

9

(3.4)

0.5

(2.9)

(193.4)

8.3

(32.2)

(2.5)

(34.7)

5.8

(214.4)

(428.4)

(431.3)

(2.5)

0.4

(2.1)

(119.2)

(4.5)

21.1

(0.8)

20.3

(3.5)

(106.5)

(213.4)

(215.5)

Total comprehensive income for the year

1,574.4

1,126.2

Attributable to:

Shareholders of the Company

Non-controlling interests

1,583.2

(8.8)

1,113.3

12.9

1,574.4

1,126.2

20  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 21

Consolidated Balance Sheet

at 31st December 2015

Net operating assets
Tangible fixed assets

Investment properties

Associates and joint ventures

Other investments

Non-current debtors

Deferred tax assets

Pension assets

Non-current assets

Properties for sale

Current debtors

Current tax assets

Bank balances

Current assets

Current creditors

Current borrowings

Current tax liabilities

Current liabilities

Net current assets

Long-term borrowings

Deferred tax liabilities

Pension liabilities

Non-current creditors

Total equity
Share capital

Share premium

Revenue and other reserves

Shareholders’ funds

Non-controlling interests

Approved by the Board of Directors on 3rd March 2016

Ben Keswick
Y.K. Pang
Directors

Note

2015

US$m

2014

US$m

12

13

14

15

16

17

15

18

19

20

20

16

19

21

34.0

24,957.3

4,617.6

61.3

41.2

13.1

0.5

24.2

23,697.3

4,904.1

53.0

54.9

3.7

4.7

29,725.0

28,741.9

2,713.9

355.7

8.3

1,569.2

2,923.1

292.2

12.7

1,662.6

4,647.1

4,890.6

(1,483.8)

(168.9)

(69.0)

(1,721.7)

2,925.4

(3,740.8)

(102.0)

(0.2)

(87.0)

(1,441.7)

(288.6)

(101.9)

(1,832.2)

3,058.4

(4,031.0)

(110.8)

–

(60.1)

28,720.4

27,598.4

235.3

370.0

235.3

370.0

28,079.7

26,942.8

28,685.0

35.4

27,548.1

50.3

28,720.4

27,598.4

22  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 23

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

for the year ended 31st December 2015

Share  
capital

US$m

Share 
premium

US$m

Note

Revenue 
reserves

Hedging 
reserves

Exchange 
reserves

Attributable to 
shareholders  
of the  
Company

Attributable  
to non- 
controlling 
interests

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

Total  
equity

US$m

2015
At 1st January

Total comprehensive income

Dividends paid by  

the Company

Dividends paid to  

  non-controlling  

  shareholders

Unclaimed dividends forfeited

22

235.3

370.0

26,651.9

17.5

273.4

27,548.1

50.3

27,598.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2,017.1

(26.6)

(407.3)

1,583.2

(8.8)

1,574.4

(447.0)

–

0.7

–

–

–

–

–

–

(447.0)

–

(447.0)

–

0.7

(6.1)

–

(6.1)

0.7

At 31st December

235.3

370.0

28,222.7

(9.1)

(133.9)

28,685.0

35.4

28,720.4

2014

At 1st January

Total comprehensive income

Dividends paid by  

the Company

Dividends paid to  

  non-controlling  

  shareholders

Unclaimed dividends forfeited

22

235.3

370.0

25,753.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,320.8

(423.5)

–

1.3

(0.4)

17.9

498.8

26,857.0

(225.4)

1,113.3

42.1

12.9

26,899.1

1,126.2

–

–

–

–

–

–

(423.5)

–

(423.5)

–

1.3

(4.7)

–

(4.7)

1.3

At 31st December

235.3

370.0

26,651.9

17.5

273.4

27,548.1

50.3

27,598.4

Total comprehensive income included in revenue reserves mainly comprises profit attributable to shareholders of the Company  
of US$2,011.7 million (2014: US$1,327.4 million) and a fair value gain on other investments of US$8.3 million (2014: loss of  
US$4.5 million).  The cumulative fair value gain on other investments amounted to US$23.5 million (2014: US$15.2 million).

22  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 23

 
 
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

for the year ended 31st December 2015

Operating activities
Operating profit

Depreciation

Reversal of writedowns on properties for sale

Gain on reclassification of a trading property to investment property

Change in fair value of investment properties

Asset impairment reversals

Decrease/(increase) in properties for sale

Increase in debtors

Increase in creditors

Interest received

Interest and other financing charges paid

Tax paid

Dividends from associates and joint ventures

Cash flows from operating activities

Investing activities
Major renovations expenditure

Developments capital expenditure

Investments in and loans to associates and joint ventures

Advances and repayments from associates and joint ventures

Payment of deposit for a joint venture

Cash flows from investing activities

Financing activities
Drawdown of borrowings

Repayment of borrowings

Dividends paid by the Company

Dividends paid to non-controlling shareholders

Cash flows from financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at 1st January

Note

6

6

12

23a

23b

2015

US$m

2014

US$m

2,007.6

1,091.3

2.9

(21.4)

(63.2)

(999.9)

(13.9)

45.2

(13.3)

88.0

41.2

(118.9)

(174.8)

116.7

896.2

(57.8)

(152.3)

(255.8)

390.9

(70.9)

(145.9)

229.1

(575.7)

(444.9)

(4.4)

(795.9)

(47.1)

(92.7)

1,658.6

2.4

(55.6)

–

(15.9)

(9.2)

(310.5)

(28.6)

88.2

50.7

(132.0)

(134.3)

152.5

699.0

(37.8)

(136.6)

 (215.6)

 478.2 

–

88.2

1,216.9

(1,307.5)

(421.1)

(4.7)

(516.4)

(14.5)

256.3

1,402.3

Cash and cash equivalents at 31st December

23c

1,565.9

1,658.6

24  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 PB

Notes to the Financial Statements

1 

Principal Accounting Policies

Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, including 
International Accounting Standards and Interpretations adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board.  The financial 
statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and under the historical cost convention except as disclosed in the 
accounting policies below.

Amendments effective in 2015 which are relevant to the Group’s operations

Amendments to IAS 19 
Annual Improvements to IFRSs 

Defined Benefit Plans: Employee Contributions
2010 – 2012 Cycle
2011 – 2013 Cycle

The adoption of these amendments does not have a material impact on the Group’s accounting policies and disclosures.

Amendments to IAS 19 ‘Employee Benefits’ clarify the accounting for defined benefit plans that require employees or third 
parties to contribute towards the cost of the benefits.  The objective of the amendments is to simplify the accounting for 
contributions that are independent of the number of years of employee service, for example, employee contributions that  
are calculated according to a fixed percentage of salary.

Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2010 – 2012 Cycle and 2011 – 2013 Cycle comprise a number of amendments to IFRSs.   
The amendments which are relevant to the Group’s operations include the followings:

Amendment to IFRS 2 ‘Share-based Payment’ clarifies the definition of a ‘vesting condition’ and separately defines ‘performance 
condition’ and ‘service condition’.

Amendment to IFRS 3 ‘Business Combinations’ clarifies that an obligation to pay contingent consideration which meets the 
definition of a financial instrument is classified as a financial liability or as equity, on the basis of the definitions in IAS 32 
‘Financial Instruments: Presentation’.  The standard is further amended to clarify that all non-equity contingent consideration, 
both financial and non-financial, is measured at fair value at each reporting date, with changes in fair value recognised in profit 
and loss.  It also clarifies that IFRS 3 does not apply to the accounting for the formation of any joint arrangement under IFRS 11.

Amendment to IFRS 8 ‘Operating Segments’ requires disclosure of the judgements made by management in aggregating 
operating segments.  This includes a description of the segments which have been aggregated and the economic indicators 
which have been assessed in determining that the aggregated segments share similar economic characteristics.

Amendment to IAS 24 ‘Related Party Disclosures’ requires the reporting entity to disclose the fees paid for key management 
personnel services from another entity (‘the management entity’).  The reporting entity is not required to disclose the 
compensation paid by the management entity to the management entity’s employees or directors.

Amendment to IFRS 13 ‘Fair Value Measurement’ clarifies that the portfolio exception in IFRS 13, which allows an entity to 
measure the fair value of a group of financial assets and financial liabilities on a net basis, applies to all contracts within the 
scope of IAS 39 or IFRS 9.

Amendment to IAS 40 ‘Investment Property’ clarifies that IAS 40 and IFRS 3 are not mutually exclusive when distinguishing 
between investment property and owner-occupied property and determining whether the acquisition of an investment 
property is a business combination.

The following standards and amendments which are effective after 2015, are relevant to the Group’s operations and  
yet to be adopted

Effective for
accounting periods
beginning on or after

IFRS 9 
IFRS 15 
IFRS 16 
Amendments to IFRS 11 
Amendments to IAS 1 
Amendments to IAS 7 
Amendments to IAS 12 
Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 38 

Annual Improvements to IFRSs 

Financial Instruments 
Revenue from Contracts with Customers 
Leases 
Accounting for Acquisitions of Interests in Joint Operations 
Disclosure Initiative: Presentation of Financial Statements 
Disclosure Initiative: Statement of Cash Flows 
Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets for Unrealised Losses 
Clarification of Acceptable Methods of Depreciation  
  and Amortisation 
2012 – 2014 Cycle 

1st January 2018
1st January 2018
1st January 2019
1st January 2016
1st January 2016
1st January 2017
1st January 2017

1st January 2016
1st January 2016

PB  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 25

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 

Principal Accounting Policies  continued

Basis of preparation continued

The Group is currently assessing the potential impact of these new standards and amendments.  The Group will adopt these 
new standards and amendments from their respective effective dates.

A complete set of IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ has been published which replaces IAS 39 ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition 
and Measurement’.  This complete version includes revised guidance on the classification and measurement of financial assets 
and liabilities.  It also includes a new expected credit losses model that replaces the incurred loss impairment model used today.  
A substantially-reformed approach to hedging accounting is also introduced.  It also carries forward the guidance on 
recognition and derecognition of financial instruments from IAS 39.

IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’ establishes a comprehensive framework for determining when to recognise 
revenue and how much revenue to recognise.  The core principle in that framework is that a company should recognise 
revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration to which 
the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.  The new standard will also result in new disclosure 
requirements on revenue, provide guidance for transactions that were not previously addressed comprehensively (for example, 
service revenue and contract modifications) and improve guidance for multiple-element arrangements.  lFRS 15 replaces  
IAS 11 ‘Construction Contracts’, IAS 18 ‘Revenue’, IFRIC 13 ‘Customer Loyalty Programmes’, IFRIC 15 ‘Agreements for the 
Construction of Real Estate’, IFRIC 18 ‘Transfers of Assets from Customers’ and SIC-31 ‘Revenue – Barter Transactions Involving 
Advertising Services’.

IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ which replaces IAS 17 ‘Leases’ and related interpretations, requires lessees to bring their leases onto the 
balance sheet.  For lessees, IFRS 16 eliminates the classification of leases as either operating leases or finance leases which  
is required by IAS 17 and, instead, introduces a single lessee accounting model.  The model requires a lessee to recognise 
assets and liabilities for all leases with a term of more than 12 months.  A lessee is required to recognise a right-of-use asset 
representing its right to use the underlying leased asset and a lease liability representing its obligation to make lease payments.  
A lessee measures a right-of-use asset similarly to other non-financial asset and a lease liability similarly to other financial liability.  
As a consequence, a lessee recognises depreciation of the right-of-use asset and interest on the lease liability, and also classifies 
cash repayments of the lease liability into a principal portion and an interest portion.  Assets and liabilities arising from a lease 
are initially measured on a present value basis.  IFRS 16 substantially carries forward the lessor accounting requirements in  
IAS 17.  A lessor continues to classify its leases as operating leases or finance leases, and to account for those two types of 
leases differently.

Amendments to IFRS 11 ‘Joint Arrangements’ introduce new guidance on the accounting for the acquisition of an interest in a 
joint operation that constitutes a business.  Acquirers of such interests shall apply all of the principles on business combinations 
accounting in IFRS 3 ‘Business Combinations’, and other IFRSs, that do not conflict with the guidance in IFRS 11 and disclose 
the information that is required in those IFRSs in relation to business combinations.

Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 7 ‘Disclosure Initiative’ are part of the International Accounting Standards Board’s initiatives  
to improve the effectiveness of disclosure in financial reporting.  Amendments to IAS 1 clarify that companies shall apply 
professional judgments in determining what information to disclose and how to structure it in the financial statements.   
The amendments include narrow-focus improvements in the guidance on materiality, disaggregation and subtotals, note 
structure, disclosure of accounting policies and presentation of items of other comprehensive income arising from equity 
accounted investments.  Amendments to IAS 7 require companies to provide disclosures that enable users of financial 
statements to evaluate changes in liabilities arising from financing activities, including both changes arising from cash flows  
and non-cash changes.

Amendments to IAS 12 ‘Income Taxes’ clarify the requirements on the recognition of deferred tax assets for unrealised losses 
related to debt instruments measured at fair value.

Amendments to IAS 16 ‘Property, Plant and Equipment’ and IAS 38 ‘Intangible Assets’ clarify that the use of revenue-based 
methods to calculate the depreciation or amortisation of an asset is not appropriate because revenue generated by an activity 
that includes the use of an asset generally reflects factors other than the consumption of the economic benefits embodied  
in the asset.  The amendments to IAS 38 further clarify that revenue is generally presumed to be an inappropriate basis for 
measuring the consumption of the economic benefits embodied in an intangible asset.  This presumption however, can be 
rebutted in certain limited circumstances.

26  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 27

Notes to the Financial Statements1 

Principal Accounting Policies  continued

Basis of preparation continued

Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2012 – 2014 Cycle comprise a number of non-urgent but necessary amendments.   
None of these amendments is likely to have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Group.

The principal operating subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures have different functional currencies in line with the economic 
environments of the locations in which they operate.  The functional currency of the Company is United States dollars.   
The consolidated financial statements are presented in United States dollars.

The Group’s reportable segments are set out in Note 4.

Basis of consolidation

i)  The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company, its subsidiaries, and the Group’s 

interests in associates and joint ventures.

ii)  A subsidiary is an entity over which the Group has control.  The Group controls an entity when the Group is exposed to,  

or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through  
its power over the entity.

The purchase method of accounting is used to account for the acquisition of subsidiaries by the Group.  The cost of  
an acquisition includes the fair value at the acquisition date of any contingent consideration.  The Group recognises  
the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the recognised identifiable net assets of the acquired subsidiary.   
In a business combination achieved in stages, the Group remeasures its previously held interest in the acquiree at its 
acquisition-date fair value and recognised the resulting gain or loss in profit and loss.  Changes in a parent’s ownership 
interest in a subsidiary that do not result in the loss of control are accounted for as equity transactions.  When control over  
a previous subsidiary is lost, any remaining interest in the entity is remeasured at fair value and the resulting gain or loss is 
recognised in profit and loss.  

All material intercompany transactions, balances and unrealised surpluses and deficits on transactions between Group 
companies have been eliminated.

iii)  An associate is an entity, not being a subsidiary or joint venture, over which the Group exercises significant influence.   

A joint venture is a type of joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement have rights  
to the net assets of the joint venture.  Joint control is the contractually agreed sharing of control of an arrangement,  
which exists only when decisions about the relevant activities require unanimous consent of the parties sharing control.

Associates and joint ventures are included on the equity basis of accounting.

Profits and losses resulting from upstream and downstream transactions between the Group and its associates and joint 
ventures are recognised in the consolidated financial statements only to the extent of unrelated investor’s interests in  
the associates and joint ventures.

iv)  Non-controlling interests represent the proportion of the results and net assets of subsidiaries and their associates and  

joint ventures not attributable to the Group.

v)  The results of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures are included or excluded from their effective dates of acquisition  
or disposal respectively.  The results of entities other than subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures are included to the 
extent of dividends received when the right to receive such dividend is established.

Foreign currencies

Transactions in foreign currencies are accounted for at the exchange rates ruling at the transaction dates.

Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, together with all other monetary assets and liabilities 
expressed in foreign currencies, are translated into United States dollars at the rates of exchange ruling at the year end.   
Results expressed in foreign currencies are translated into United States dollars at the average rates of exchange ruling  
during the year, which approximate the exchange rates at the dates of the transactions.

26  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 27

 
 
 
 
1 

Principal Accounting Policies  continued

Foreign currencies continued

Exchange differences arising from the retranslation of the net investment in foreign subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, 
and of financial instruments which are designated as hedges of such investments, are recognised in other comprehensive 
income and accumulated in equity under exchange reserves.  On the disposal of these investments, such exchange differences 
are recognised in profit and loss.  Exchange differences on available-for-sale investments are recognised in other comprehensive 
income as part of the gains and losses arising from changes in their fair value.  Exchange differences relating to changes in  
the amortised cost of monetary securities classified as available-for-sale and all other exchange differences are recognised  
in profit and loss.

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on acquisition of a foreign entity after 1st January 2003 are treated as assets and 
liabilities of the foreign entity and translated into United States dollars at the rate of exchange ruling at the year end.

Impairment of non-financial assets

Assets that have indefinite useful lives are not subject to amortisation and are tested for impairment annually and whenever 
there is an indication that the assets may be impaired.  Assets that are subject to amortisation are reviewed for impairment 
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.  For the purpose  
of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest level for which there is separately identifiable cash flows.   
Cash-generating units or groups of cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated are tested for impairment 
annually and whenever there is an indication that the units may be impaired.  An impairment loss is recognised for the amount 
by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its recoverable amount, which is the higher of an asset’s fair value less  
costs to sell and value in use.  Non-financial assets other than goodwill that suffered an impairment are reviewed for possible 
reversal of the impairment annually.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the sum of the consideration transferred, the amount of any non-controlling interests in the 
acquiree, and the acquisition-date fair value of any previously held equity interest in the acquiree over the acquisition-date fair 
value of the Group’s share of the net identifiable assets acquired.  Non-controlling interests are measured at their proportionate 
share of the net identifiable assets at the acquisition date.  If the cost of acquisition is less than the fair value of the net assets 
acquired, the difference is recognised directly in profit and loss.  Goodwill on acquisitions of subsidiaries is included in intangible 
assets.  Goodwill on acquisitions of associates and joint ventures is included in investment in associates and joint ventures.  
Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units or groups of cash-generating units for the purpose of impairment testing and  
is carried at cost less accumulated impairment loss.

The profit or loss on disposal of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures includes is stated after deducting the carrying 
amount of goodwill relating to the entity sold.

Leasehold land

Leasehold land represents payments to third parties to acquire short-term interests in property.  These payments are stated  
at cost and are amortised over the useful life of the lease which includes the renewal period if the lease can be renewed by  
the Group without significant cost.

Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Long-term interests in leasehold land are classified as finance leases and grouped under tangible fixed assets if substantially  
all risks and rewards relating to the land have been transferred to the Group, and are amortised over the useful life of the  
lease.  The building component of owner-occupied leasehold properties are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation  
and impairment.  Other tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less amounts provided for depreciation.

Depreciation of tangible fixed assets is calculated on the straight line basis to allocate the cost or valuation of each asset to  
its residual value over its estimated useful life.  The residual values and useful lives are reviewed at each balance sheet date.   
The estimated useful lives are as follows:

Furniture, equipment and motor vehicles 
Leasehold land 

3 – 10 years
period of the lease

Where the carrying amount of a tangible fixed asset is greater than its estimated recoverable amount, it is written down 
immediately to its recoverable amount.

The profit or loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets is recognised by reference to their carrying amount.

28  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 29

Notes to the Financial Statements1 

Principal Accounting Policies  continued

Investment properties

Properties including those under operating leases which are held for long-term rental yields or capital gains are classified and 
accounted for as investment properties, but the business model does not necessarily envisage that the properties will be held 
for their entire useful life.  Investment properties are carried at fair value, representing estimated open market value determined 
annually by independent qualified valuers who have recent experience in the location and category of the investment property 
being valued.  The market value of commercial properties are calculated on the discounted net rental income allowing for 
reversionary potential.  The market value of residential properties are arrived at by reference to market evidence of transaction 
prices for similar properties.  Changes in fair value are recognised in profit and loss.

Investments

Investments are classified by management as available for sale or held to maturity on initial recognition.  Available-for-sale 
investments are shown at fair value.  Gains and losses arising from changes in the fair value are recognised in other 
comprehensive income and accumulated in equity.  On the disposal of an investment or when an investment is determined  
to be impaired, the cumulative gain or loss previously deferred in equity is recognised in profit and loss.  Held-to-maturity 
investments are shown at amortised cost.  Investments are classified under non-current assets unless they are expected to  
be realised within 12 months after the balance sheet date.

At each balance sheet date, the Group assesses whether there is objective evidence that an investment is impaired.  In the case 
of equity securities classified as available for sale, a significant or prolonged decline in the fair value of the security below its cost 
is considered as an indicator that the securities are impaired and are recognised in profit and loss.

All purchases and sales of investments are recognised on the trade date, which is the date that the Group commits to purchase 
or sell the investment.

Leases

Leases are classified as finance leases when the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership  
to the lessee.  All other leases are classified as operating leases.

Payments made under operating leases (net of any incentives received from the lessor) are charged to profit and loss on a 
straight line basis over the period of the lease.  When a lease is terminated before the lease period has expired, any payment 
required to be made to the lessor by way of penalty is recognised as an expense in the year in which termination takes place.

Properties for sale

Properties for sale, which comprise land and buildings held for resale, are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value.  
The cost of properties for sale comprises land cost, and construction and other development costs.

Debtors

Debtors, excluding derivative financial instruments, are measured at amortised cost except where the effect of discounting 
would be immaterial.  Provision for impairment is established when there is objective evidence that the outstanding amounts 
will not be collected.  Significant financial difficulties of the debtor, probability that the debtor will enter bankruptcy or financial 
reorganisation, and default or delinquency in payments are considered indicators that the debtor is impaired.  The carrying 
amount of the asset is reduced through the use of an allowance account and the amount of the loss is recognised in arriving  
at operating profit.  When a debtor is uncollectible, it is written off against the allowance account.  Subsequent recoveries of 
amount previously written off are credited to profit and loss.

Debtors with maturities greater than 12 months after the balance sheet date are classified under non-current assets.

Cash and cash equivalents

For the purposes of the cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents comprise deposits with banks and financial institutions, 
and bank and cash balances, net of bank overdrafts.  In the balance sheet, bank overdrafts are included in current borrowings.

28  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 29

1 

Principal Accounting Policies  continued

Provisions

Provisions are recognised when the Group has present legal or constructive obligations as a result of past events, it is probable 
that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligations, and a reliable estimate  
of the amount of the obligations can be made.

Borrowings and borrowing costs

Borrowings are initially recognised at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred.  In subsequent periods, borrowings are stated 
at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Borrowing costs relating to major development projects are capitalised until the asset is substantially completed.  Capitalised 
borrowing costs are included as part of the cost of the asset.  All other borrowing costs are expensed as incurred. 

Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the Group has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for 
at least 12 months after the balance sheet date.

Current and deferred tax

The tax expense for the year comprises current and deferred tax.  Tax is recognised in profit and loss, except to the extent that 
it relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income or direct in equity.  In this case, the tax is also recognised in other 
comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively.

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet 
date in the countries where the Group operates and generates taxable income.  Management periodically evaluates positions 
taken in tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation.  It establishes 
provisions where appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities.

Deferred tax is provided, using the liability method, for all temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and 
liabilities and their carrying values.  Deferred tax is determined using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantially 
enacted by the balance sheet date and are expected to apply when the related deferred tax asset is realised or the deferred tax 
liability is settled.

Provision for deferred tax is made on the revaluation of certain non-current assets and, in relation to acquisitions, on the 
difference between the fair value of the net assets acquired and their tax base.  Deferred tax is provided on temporary 
differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, except where the Group is able to  
control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the 
foreseeable future.  Deferred tax assets relating to the carry forward of unused tax losses are recognised to the extent that  
it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the unused tax losses can be utilised.

Pension obligations

The Group operates a number of defined benefit and defined contribution plans, the assets of which are held in trustee 
administered funds.

Pension accounting costs for defined benefit plans are assessed using the projected unit credit method.  Under this method, 
the costs of providing pensions are charged to profit and loss spreading the regular cost over the service lives of employees  
in accordance with the advice of qualified actuaries, who carry out a full valuation of major plans every year.  The pension 
obligations are measured as the present value of the estimated future cash outflows by reference to market yields on high 
quality corporate bonds which have terms to maturity approximating the terms of the related liability.  Plan assets are measured 
at fair value.  

Actuarial gains and losses arising from experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions are recognised in other 
comprehensive income in the year in which they occur.  Past service costs are recognised immediately in profit and loss.

The Group’s total contributions relating to the defined contribution plans are charged to profit and loss in the year to which  
they relate.

Non-current assets held for sale

Non-current assets are classified as assets held for sale and stated at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less costs  
to sell if their carrying amount is recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use.   
Once classified as held for sale, the assets are no longer amortised or depreciated.

30  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 31

Notes to the Financial Statements1 

Principal Accounting Policies  continued

Derivative financial instruments

The Group only enters into derivative financial instruments in order to hedge underlying exposures.  Derivative financial 
instruments are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently 
remeasured at their fair value.  The method of recognising the resulting gain or loss is dependent on the nature of the item 
being hedged.  The Group designates certain derivatives as a hedge of the fair value of a recognised asset or liability (fair value 
hedge), or a hedge of a forecast transaction or of the foreign currency risk on a firm commitment (cash flow hedge), or a hedge 
of a net investment in a foreign entity.

Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges and that are highly effective, are 
recognised in profit and loss, along with any changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that is attributable to the 
hedged risk.  When a hedging instrument expires or is sold, or when a hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, 
the cumulative adjustment to the carrying amount of a hedged item for which the effective interest method is used is amortised 
to profit and loss over the residual period to maturity.

Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges and that are highly effective,  
are recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity under hedging reserves.  Changes in the fair  
value relating to the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in profit and loss.  Where the forecast transaction or firm 
commitment results in the recognition of a non-financial asset or of a non-financial liability, the gains and losses previously 
deferred in hedging reserves are transferred from hedging reserves and included in the initial measurement of the cost of the 
asset or liability.  Otherwise, amounts deferred in hedging reserves are transferred to profit and loss in the same periods during 
which the hedged firm commitment or forecast transaction affects profit and loss.  When a hedging instrument expires or  
is sold, or when a hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, any cumulative gain or loss existing in hedging 
reserves at that time remains in the hedging reserves and is recognised when the committed or forecast transaction ultimately 
is recognised in profit and loss.  When a committed or forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain 
or loss that was reported in hedging reserves is immediately transferred to profit and loss.

Certain derivative transactions, while providing effective economic hedges under the Group’s risk management policies, do not 
qualify for hedge accounting under the specific rules in IAS 39.  Changes in the fair value of any derivative instruments that do 
not qualify for hedge accounting under IAS 39 are recognised immediately in profit and loss.

Hedges of net investments in foreign entities are accounted for on a similar basis to that used for cash flow hedges.  Any gain  
or loss on the hedging instrument relating to the effective portion of the hedge is recognised in other comprehensive income 
and accumulated in exchange reserves; the gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised immediately in profit 
and loss.

The fair value of derivatives which are designated and qualify as effective hedges are classified as non-current assets  
or liabilities if the remaining maturities of the hedged assets or liabilities are greater than 12 months after the balance  
sheet date.

Offsetting financial instruments

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in the balance sheet when there is a legally enforceable 
right to offset the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or realise the asset and settle the liability 
simultaneously.  The legally enforceable right must not be contingent on future events and must be enforceable in the normal 
course of business and in the event of default, insolvency or bankruptcy of the company or the counterparty.

Non-trading items

Non-trading items are separately identified to provide greater understanding of the Group’s underlying business performance.  
Items classified as non-trading items include fair value gains or losses on revaluation of investment properties; gains and losses 
arising from the sale of businesses, investments and investment properties; impairment of non-depreciable intangible assets 
and other investments; provisions for the closure of businesses; acquisition-related costs in business combinations; and other 
credits and charges of a non-recurring nature that require inclusion in order to provide additional insight into underlying 
business performance.

Earnings per share

Earnings per share are calculated on profit attributable to shareholders and on the weighted average number of shares in issue 
during the year.

30  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 31

 
1 

Principal Accounting Policies  continued

Dividends

Dividends proposed or declared after the balance sheet date are not recognised as a liability at the balance sheet date.

Revenue recognition

Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received and receivable and represents amounts receivable for 
goods and services provided in the normal course of business, net of discounts and sales related taxes.

i)  Revenue from sale of properties is recognised on the transfer of significant risks and rewards of ownership, which generally 

coincides with the time when the properties are delivered to customers.

ii)  Receipts under operating leases are accounted for on an accrual basis over the lease terms.

iii)  Revenue from rendering of services is recognised when services are performed, provided that the amount can be 

measured reliably.

iv)  Dividend income is recognised when the right to receive payment is established.

v) 

Interest income is recognised on a time proportion basis taking into account the principal amounts outstanding and  
the interest rates applicable.

Pre-operating costs

Pre-operating costs are expensed as they are incurred.

2 

Financial Risk Management

Financial risk factors

The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk and 
price risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. 

The Group’s treasury function co-ordinates, under the directions of the board of Hongkong Land Limited, financial risk 
management policies and their implementation on a group-wide basis.  The Group’s treasury policies are designed to manage 
the financial impact of fluctuations in interest rates and foreign exchange rates and to minimise the Group’s financial risks.   
The Group uses derivative financial instruments, principally interest rate swaps, cross-currency swaps and forward foreign 
exchange contracts as appropriate for hedging transactions and managing the Group’s assets and liabilities in accordance  
with the Group’s financial risk management policies.  Financial derivative contracts are executed between third party banks  
and the Group entity that is directly exposed to the risk being hedged.  Certain derivative transactions, while providing effective 
economic hedges under the Group’s risk management policies, do not qualify for hedge accounting under the specific rules  
in IAS 39.  Changes in the fair value of any derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting under IAS 39  
are recognised immediately in profit and loss account.  It is the Group’s policy not to enter into derivative transactions for 
speculative purposes.  The notional amounts and fair values of derivative financial instruments at 31st December 2015 are 
disclosed in Note 24.

i)  Market risk

Foreign exchange risk
Entities within the Group are exposed to foreign exchange risk from future commercial transactions, net investments  
in foreign operations and net monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in a currency that is not the entity’s 
functional currency.

Entities in the Group use cross-currency swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts in a consistent manner to  
hedge firm and anticipated foreign exchange commitments and manage their foreign exchange risk arising from  
future commercial transactions.  The Group does not usually hedge its net investments in foreign operations except in 
circumstances where there is a material exposure arising from a currency that is anticipated to be volatile and the hedging 
is cost effective.  Group entities are required to manage their foreign exchange risk against their functional currency.  
Foreign currency borrowings are swapped into the entity’s functional currency using cross-currency swaps except where 
the foreign currency borrowings are repaid with cash flows generated in the same foreign currency.  The purpose of these 
hedges is to mitigate the impact of movements in foreign exchange rates on assets and liabilities and the profit and loss 
account of the Group.

32  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 33

Notes to the Financial Statements 
 
2 

Financial Risk Management  continued

Financial risk factors continued

i)  Market risk continued

Foreign exchange risk continued
Currency risks as defined by IFRS 7 arise on account of monetary assets and liabilities being denominated in a currency  
that is not the functional currency.  At 31st December 2015, there are no significant monetary balances held by group 
companies that are denominated in a non-functional currency other than the cross-currency swap contracts with contract 
amounts of US$1,640 million (2014: US$1,650 million).  Differences resulting from the translation of financial statements 
into the Group’s presentation currency are not taken into consideration.

Since the Group manages the interdependencies between foreign exchange risk and interest rate risk of foreign currency 
borrowings using cross-currency swaps, the sensitivity analysis on financial impacts arising from cross-currency swaps is 
included in the sensitivity assessment on interest rates under the interest rate risk section.

Interest rate risk
The Group is exposed to interest rate risk through the impact of rate changes on interest bearing liabilities and assets.  
These exposures are managed partly by using natural hedges that arise from offsetting interest rate sensitive assets  
and liabilities, and partly through fixed rate borrowings and the use of derivative financial instruments such as interest  
rate swaps.  The Group monitors interest rate exposure on a monthly basis by currency and business unit, taking into 
consideration proposed financing and hedging arrangements.  The Group’s guideline is to maintain 40% to 60% of its  
gross borrowings in fixed rate instruments.  At 31st December 2015, the Group’s interest rate hedge was 56% (2014: 57%) 
with an average tenor of nine years (2014: nine years).  The interest rate profile of the Group’s borrowings after taking into 
account hedging transactions are set out in Note 20.

Cash flow interest rate risk is the risk that changes in market interest rates will impact cash flows arising from variable rate 
financial instruments.  Borrowings at floating rates therefore expose the Group to cash flow interest rate risk.  The Group 
manages this risk by using forward rate agreements to a maturity of one year, and by entering into interest rate swaps  
for a maturity of generally up to five years or longer to match the maturity of the underlying exposure.  Forward rate 
agreements and interest rate swaps have the economic effect of converting borrowings from floating rates to fixed rates.

Fair value interest rate risk is the risk that the value of a financial asset or liability and derivative financial instrument will 
fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates.  The Group manages its fair value interest rate risk by entering into 
interest rate swaps which have the economic effect of converting borrowings from fixed rates to floating rates, to maintain 
the Group’s fixed rate instruments within the Group’s guideline. 

At 31st December 2015, if interest rates had been 100 basis points higher/lower with all other variables held constant, the 
Group’s profit after tax would have been US$3 million (2014: US$6 million) higher/lower and hedging reserve would have 
been US$73 million (2014: US$78 million) higher/lower, as a result of fair value changes to cash flow hedges.  The sensitivity 
analysis has been determined assuming that the change in interest rates had occurred at the balance sheet date and had 
been applied to the exposure to interest rate risk for both derivative and non-derivative financial instruments in existence at 
that date.  The 100 basis point increase or decrease represents management’s assessment of a reasonably possible change 
in those interest rates which have the most impact on the Group, specifically the United States, Hong Kong and Singapore 
rates, over the period until the next annual balance sheet date.  In the case of effective fair value hedges, changes in  
fair value of the hedged item caused by interest rate movements balance out in profit and loss account against changes  
in the fair value of the hedging instruments.  Changes in market interest rates affect the interest income or expense of 
non-derivative variable-interest financial instruments, the interest payments of which are not designated as hedged items  
of cash flow hedges against interest rate risks.  As a consequence, they are included in the calculation of profit after tax 
sensitivities.  Changes in the market interest rate of financial instruments that were designated as hedging instruments  
in a cash flow hedge to hedge payment fluctuations resulting from interest rate movements affect the hedging reserves 
and are therefore taken into consideration in the equity-related sensitivity calculations.

32  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 33

 
 
 
 
 
 
2 

Financial Risk Management  continued

Financial risk factors continued

i)  Market risk continued

Price risk
The Group is exposed to securities price risk because of listed investments which are available for sale and held by the 
Group at fair value.  Gains and losses arising from changes in the fair value of available-for-sale investments are recognised 
in other comprehensive income.  The performance of the Group’s listed and unlisted available-for-sale investments are 
monitored regularly, together with an assessment of their relevance to the Group’s long term strategic plans.  Details of  
the Group’s available-for-sale investments are contained in Note 14.

Available-for-sale investments are unhedged.  At 31st December 2015, if the price of listed available-for-sale investments 
had been 25% higher/lower with all other variables held constant, total equity would have been US$15 million (2014:  
US$13 million) higher/lower unless impaired.  The sensitivity analysis has been determined based on a reasonable expectation 
of possible valuation volatility over the next 12 months. 

ii)  Credit risk

The Group’s credit risk is primarily attributable to deposits with banks, credit exposures to customers and derivative financial 
instruments with a positive fair value.  The Group has credit policies in place and the exposures to these credit risks are 
monitored on an ongoing basis. 

The Group manages its deposits with banks and financial institutions and transactions involving derivative financial 
instruments by monitoring credit ratings and capital adequacy ratios of counterparties, and limiting the aggregate risk to 
any individual counterparty.  The utilisation of credit limits is regularly monitored.  At 31st December 2015, 82% (2014: 96%) 
of deposits and balances with banks and financial institutions were made to institutions with Moody’s credit ratings of  
no less than A3, 16% (2014: 1%) at Baa1 and 2% (2014: 3%) at Baa2 or below.  Similarly transactions involving derivative 
financial instruments are with banks with sound credit ratings and capital adequacy ratios.  In developing countries it may 
be necessary to deposit money with banks that have a lower credit rating, however the Group only enters into derivative 
transactions with counterparties which have credit ratings of at least investment grade.  Management does not expect any 
counterparty to fail to meet its obligations.

In respect of credit exposures to customers, the Group has policies in place to ensure that investment properties are  
leased principally to corporate companies with appropriate credit history, and rental deposits in the form of cash or bank 
guarantee are usually received from tenants.  The Group receives progress payments from sales of residential properties  
to individual customers prior to the completion of transactions.  In the event of default by customers, the Group undertakes 
legal proceedings to recover the property.  Amounts due from associates and joint ventures are generally supported by  
the underlying assets.

The maximum exposure to credit risk is represented by the carrying amount of each financial asset in the balance sheet 
after deducting any impairment allowance.

iii)  Liquidity risk

Prudent liquidity risk management includes managing the profile of debt maturities and funding sources, maintaining 
sufficient cash and marketable securities, and ensuring the availability of funding from an adequate amount of committed 
credit facilities and the ability to close out market positions.  The Group’s ability to fund its existing and prospective debt 
requirements is managed by maintaining diversified funding sources with adequate committed funding lines from high 
quality lenders, and by monitoring rolling short-term forecasts of the Group’s cash and gross debt on the basis of expected 
cash flows.  In addition long-term cash flows are projected to assist with the Group’s long-term debt financing plans. 

At 31st December 2015, total committed and uncommitted borrowing facilities amounted to US$6,606 million  
(2014: US$7,358 million) of which US$3,910 million (2014: US$4,320 million) was drawn down.  Undrawn committed 
facilities, in the form of revolving credit and term loan facilities, totalled US$2,554 million (2014: US$2,888 million).

34  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 35

Notes to the Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2 

Financial Risk Management  continued

Financial risk factors continued

iii)  Liquidity risk continued

The following table analyses the Group’s non-derivative financial liabilities, net-settled derivative financial liabilities and 
gross-settled financial instruments into relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining period at the balance sheet 
date to the contractual maturity date.  Derivative financial liabilities are included in the analysis if their contractual maturities 
are essential for an understanding of the timing of the cash flows.  The amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual 
undiscounted cash flows.

Within  
one year
US$m

Between
one and
two years
US$m

Between
 two and
three years
US$m

Between 
three and 
four years 
US$m

Between 
four and
five years
US$m

Beyond
 five years
US$m

Total
undiscounted 
cash flows
US$m

317.1

482.3

350.3

7.1

411.1

7.3

546.1

4.3

475.0

2,922.8

5,022.4

0.2

45.1

546.3

74.0

60.6

74.0

60.6

74.0

60.6

438.4

419.5

493.0

100.6

344.7

6.7

150.9

136.3

515.0

0.2

132.9

120.1

1,724.0

1,691.5

2,229.8

2,129.7

438.6

3,317.8

5,547.5

0.2

31.9

559.1

419.7

418.8

74.0

60.1

74.0

60.1

74.0

60.1

150.8

141.1

1,857.7

1,814.8

2,650.2

2,555.0

2015
Borrowings

Trade and other creditors

Gross settled derivative  
financial instruments

  – inflow

  – outflow

2014

Borrowings

Trade and other creditors

Gross settled derivative  

financial instruments

  – inflow

  – outflow

Capital management

The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern whilst 
seeking to maximise benefits to shareholders and other stakeholders.  Capital is equity as shown in the consolidated balance 
sheet plus net debt.

The Group actively and regularly reviews and manages its capital structure to ensure optimal capital structure and shareholder 
returns, taking into consideration the future capital requirements of the Group and capital efficiency, prevailing and projected 
profitability, projected operating cash flows, projected capital expenditures and projected strategic investment opportunities.  
In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, 
purchase Group shares, return capital to shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to reduce debt.

The Group monitors capital on the basis of the Group’s consolidated gearing ratio and consolidated interest cover.  The gearing 
ratio is calculated as net debt divided by total equity.  Net debt is calculated as total borrowings less bank balances.  Interest 
cover is calculated as underlying operating profit and the Group’s share of underlying operating profit of associates and joint 
ventures divided by net financing charges including the Group’s share of net financing charges within associates and joint 
ventures.  The Group does not have a defined gearing or interest cover benchmark or range. 

The ratios at 31st December 2015 and 2014 are as follows:

Gearing ratio (%) 
Interest cover (times) 

2015 
8 
12 

2014
10
13

34  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 35

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2 

Financial Risk Management  continued

Fair value estimation

i)  Financial instruments that are measured at fair value

For financial instruments that are measured at fair value in the balance sheet, the corresponding fair value measurements 
are disclosed by level of the following fair value measurement hierarchy:

a)  Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (‘quoted prices in active markets’)

The fair value of listed securities, which are classified as available-for-sale, is based on quoted prices in active markets at 
the balance sheet date.  The quoted market price used for listed investments held by the Group is the current bid price.

b) 

Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly 
(‘observable current market transactions’)
The fair values of derivative financial instruments are determined using rates quoted by the Group’s bankers at the 
balance sheet date.  The rates for interest rate swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts are calculated by 
reference to market interest rates and foreign exchange rates.

There were no changes in valuation techniques during the year.

The table below analyses financial instruments carried at fair value, by the levels in the fair value measurement hierarchy.

Quoted 
prices in 
active 
markets 
US$m

Observable 
current 
market 
transactions 
US$m

2015
Assets

Available-for-sale financial assets

  – listed securities

Derivative designated at fair value

  – through other comprehensive income

  – through profit and loss

Liabilities

Derivative designated at fair value

  – through other comprehensive income

  – through profit and loss

2014

Assets

Available-for-sale financial assets

  – listed securities

Derivative designated at fair value

  – through other comprehensive income

  – through profit and loss

Liabilities

Derivative designated at fair value

  – through other comprehensive income

  – through profit and loss

61.3

–

–

61.3

–

–

–

53.0

–

–

53.0

–

–

–

Total
US$m

61.3

4.4

22.3

88.0

–

4.4

22.3

26.7

(18.0)

(6.8)

(18.0)

(6.8)

(24.8)

(24.8)

–

20.9

19.7

40.6

53.0

20.9

19.7

93.6

(17.5)

(9.7)

(17.5)

(9.7)

(27.2)

(27.2)

There were no transfers among the two categories during the year ended 31st December 2015.

36  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 37

Notes to the Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
2 

Financial Risk Management  continued

Fair value estimation continued

ii)  Financial instruments that are not measured at fair value

The fair values of current debtors, bank balances, current creditors and current borrowings are assumed to approximate 
their carrying amounts due to the short-term maturities of these assets and liabilities.

The fair values of long-term borrowings are based on market prices or are estimated using the expected future payments 
discounted at market interest rates.

Financial instruments by category

The fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities, together with carrying amounts as at 31st December 2015 and 2014 
are as follows:

Loans  
and 
receivables
US$m

Derivatives 
used for 
hedging
US$m

Available-
for-sale 
US$m

Other 
financial 
instruments 
at amortised 
cost
US$m

Other 
financial 
instruments 
at fair value 
through profit 
and loss 
US$m

Total 
carrying 
amount 
US$m

Fair  
value 
US$m

2015
Assets

Other investments

Debtors

Bank balances

Liabilities

Borrowings

Creditors

2014

Assets

Other investments

Debtors

Bank balances

Liabilities

Borrowings

Creditors

–

151.9

1,569.2

1,721.1

–

–

–

–

149.0

1,662.6

1,811.6

–

–

–

–

26.7

–

26.7

–

(24.8)

(24.8)

–

40.6

–

40.6

–

(27.2)

(27.2)

61.3

–

–

61.3

–

–

–

53.0

–

–

53.0

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

11.4

–

61.3

190.0

61.3

190.0

1,569.2

1,569.2

11.4

1,820.5

1,820.5

(3,909.7)

(546.3)

(4,456.0)

–

–

–

(3,909.7)

(4,019.9)

(571.1)

(571.1)

(4,480.8)

(4,591.0)

–

–

–

–

–

12.1

–

53.0

201.7

53.0

201.7

1,662.6

1,662.6

12.1

1,917.3

1,917.3

(4,319.6)

(559.1)

(4,878.7)

–

–

–

(4,319.6)

(4,394.9)

(586.3)

(586.3)

(4,905.9)

(4,981.2)

36  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 37

 
 
3  Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements

Estimates and judgements used in preparing the financial statements are continually evaluated and are based on historical 
experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable.  The resulting 
accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results.  The estimates and assumptions that have  
a significant effect on the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities are discussed below.

Acquisition of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures

The initial accounting on the acquisition of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures involves identifying and determining the 
fair values to be assigned to the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of the acquired entities.  The fair values  
of leasehold land, tangible assets and investment properties are determined by independent valuers by reference to market 
prices or present value of expected net cash flows from the assets.  Any changes in the assumptions used and estimates made 
in determining the fair values, and management’s ability to measure reliably the contingent liabilities of the acquired entity will 
impact the carrying amount of these assets and liabilities.

On initial acquisition or acquisition of further interests in an entity, an assessment of the level of control or influence exercised 
by the Group is required.  For entities where the Group has a shareholding of less than 50%, an assessment of the Group’s  
level of voting rights, board representation and other indicators of influence is performed to consider whether the Group  
has de facto control, requiring consolidation of that entity, or significant influence, requiring classification as an associate.

Investment properties

The fair values of investment properties are determined by independent valuers on an open market for existing use basis 
calculated on the discounted net income allowing for reversionary potential.  For investment properties in Hong Kong and 
Singapore, capitalisation rates in the range of 3.50% to 4.20% for office (2014: 3.50% to 4.45%) and 4.50% to 5.50% for retail 
(2014: 4.50% to 5.50%) are used in the fair value determination.

Considerations have been given to assumptions that are mainly based on market conditions existing at the balance sheet date 
and appropriate capitalisation rates.  These estimates are regularly compared to actual market data and actual transactions 
entered into by the Group.

Impairment of assets

The Group tests annually whether goodwill and other assets that have indefinite useful lives suffered any impairment.  Other 
assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the 
asset exceeds its recoverable amount.  The recoverable amount of an asset or a cash generating unit is determined based  
on the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value-in-use, calculated on the basis of management’s assumptions and 
estimates.  Changing the key assumptions, including the discount rates or the growth rate assumptions in the cash flow 
projections, could materially affect the value-in-use calculations.

In determining when an available-for-sale equity investment is impaired, significant judgement is required.  In making this 
judgement, the Group evaluates, among other factors, the duration and extent to which the fair value of an investment is less 
than its cost; and the financial health of and near-term business outlook for the investee, including factors such as industry  
and sector performance, changes in technology and operational and financial cash flows.

Income taxes

The Group is subject to income taxes in numerous jurisdictions.  Significant judgement is required in determining the worldwide 
provision for income taxes.  There are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain 
during the ordinary course of business.  Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts that  
were initially recorded, such differences will impact the income tax and deferred tax provisions in the period in which such 
determination is made.

Provision of deferred tax follows the way management expects to recover or settle the carrying amount of the related assets or 
liabilities, which the management may expect to recover through use, sale or combination of both.  Accordingly, deferred tax 
will be calculated at income tax rate, capital gains tax rate or combination of both.  There is a rebuttable presumption in International 
Financial Reporting Standards that investment properties measured at fair value are recovered through sale.  Thus deferred tax 
on revaluation of investment properties held by the Group are calculated at the applicable capital gain tax rate.

Recognition of deferred tax assets, which principally relate to tax losses, depends on the management’s expectation of  
future taxable profit that will be available against which the tax losses can be utilised.  The outcome of their actual utilisation 
may be different. 

38  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 39

Notes to the Financial Statements3  Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements  continued

Non-trading items

The Group uses underlying business performance in its internal financial reporting to distinguish between the underlying profits 
and non-trading items.  The identification of non-trading items requires judgement by management, but follows the consistent 
methodology as set out in the Group’s accounting policies.

4 

Segmental Information

Operating segments are identified on the basis of internal reports about components of the Group that are regularly reviewed 
by the executive directors of the Company for the purpose of resource allocation and performance assessment.  The Group  
has two operating segments, namely Commercial Property and Residential Property.  No operating segments have been 
aggregated to form the reportable segments.  Set out below is an analysis of the Group’s underlying profit and total equity  
by reportable segment.  

2015

2014

Commercial 
Property
US$m

Residential 
Property
US$m

Corporate
US$m

Total
US$m

Commercial 
Property
US$m

Residential 
Property
US$m

Corporate
US$m

Total
US$m

Revenue

973.2

958.9

–

1,932.1

961.3

915.0

–

1,876.3 

Net operating costs

(170.9)

(705.6)

(61.8)

(938.3)

(160.6)

(586.1)

(62.3)

(809.0)

Share of operating profit of  
  associates and joint ventures

139.4

100.4

–

239.8

152.4

69.5

–

221.9 

Underlying operating profit

941.7

353.7

(61.8)

1,233.6

953.1

398.4

(62.3)

1,289.2 

Net financing charges

  – subsidiaries

  – share of associates and  

   joint ventures

Tax

  – subsidiaries

  – share of associates and  

   joint ventures

Non-controlling interests

  – subsidiaries

  – share of associates and  

   joint ventures

Underlying profit attributable  

to shareholders

Non-trading items:

  – change in fair value of  

   investment properties

  – asset impairment reversals

  – net operating costs

Profit attributable to shareholders

(74.4)

(32.8)

(107.2)

(150.8)

(58.2)

(209.0)

(4.6)

(8.3)

(12.9)

904.5

1,093.1

14.1

–

1,107.2

2,011.7

(69.0)

(33.8)

(102.8)

(187.9)

(60.0)

(247.9)

(3.3)

(5.3)

(8.6)

929.9 

389.3

9.3 

(1.1)

397.5 

1,327.4 

38  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 39

 
 
 
 
 
4 

Segmental Information  continued

By geographical location
Greater China

Southeast Asia and others

Corporate, net financing charges and tax

By business

2015
Commercial Property

Residential Property

Unallocated assets and liabilities

2014

Commercial Property

Residential Property

Unallocated assets and liabilities

By geographical location

2015
Greater China

Southeast Asia and others

Unallocated assets and liabilities

2014

Greater China

Southeast Asia and others

Unallocated assets and liabilities

Revenue

Underlying
operating profit

Underlying profit
attributable to
shareholders

2015
US$m

2014
US$m

2015
US$m

2014
US$m

2015
US$m

2014
US$m

1,218.3

1,375.4

1,027.2

1,049.4

1,013.1

1,038.4

713.8

500.9

–

–

268.2

(61.8)

302.1

(62.3)

266.8

(375.4)

300.8

(409.3)

1,932.1

1,876.3

1,233.6

1,289.2

904.5

929.9

 Investment 
 properties 
US$m

Segment assets
 Properties 
 for sale 
US$m

 Segment 
  liabilities 
US$m

 Unallocated 
 assets and 
 liabilities 
US$m

 Total 
 assets and 
 liabilities 
US$m

 Others 
US$m

28,925.7

–

327.6

4,484.8

–

–

352.3

359.1

–

(542.8)

(1,923.8)

–

–

28,735.2

3,247.7

–

(3,262.7)

(3,262.7)

29,253.3

4,484.8

711.4

(2,466.6)

(3,262.7)

28,720.2

27,883.2

–

287.5

4,294.9

–

–

290.1

639.0

–

(516.0)

(1,966.0)

–

–

27,657.3

3,255.4

–

(3,314.3)

(3,314.3)

28,170.7

4,294.9

929.1

(2,482.0)

(3,314.3)

27,598.4

25,203.3

4,050.0

–

2,784.5

1,700.3

–

465.2

246.2

–

(1,630.3)

(836.3)

–

–

26,822.7

5,160.2

–

(3,262.7)

(3,262.7)

29,253.3

4,484.8

711.4

(2,466.6)

(3,262.7)

28,720.2

23,985.8

4,184.9

–

2,457.7

1,837.2

–

666.4

262.7

–

(1,608.0)

(874.0)

–

–

25,501.9

5,410.8

–

(3,314.3)

(3,314.3)

28,170.7

4,294.9

929.1

(2,482.0)

(3,314.3)

27,598.4

Unallocated assets and liabilities include tax assets and liabilities, bank balances and borrowings.

40  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 41

Notes to the Financial Statements 
5 

Revenue

Rental income
Service income
Sales of properties

2015

US$m

851.1
126.1
954.9

2014

US$m

842.5
123.9
909.9

1,932.1

1,876.3

Service income includes service and management charges and hospitality service income.

Total contingent rents included in rental income amounted to US$10.5 million (2014: US$14.4 million).

The future minimum rental payments receivable under non-cancellable leases  

  are as follows:

Within one year
Between one and two years
Between two and five years
Beyond five years

Generally the Group’s operating leases are for terms of three years or more.

6  Net Operating Costs

Cost of sales
Gain on reclassification of a trading property to investment property
Other income
Administrative expenses

The following credits/(charges) are included in net operating costs:

Cost of properties for sale recognised as expense
Operating expenses arising from investment properties
Reversal of writedowns on properties for sale
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets
Employee benefit expense
  – salaries and benefits in kind
  – defined contribution pension plans
  – defined benefit pension plans

Auditors’ remuneration
  – audit
  – non-audit services

2015

US$m

764.9
543.9
501.7
362.1

2014

US$m

718.5
518.5
469.5
96.8

2,172.6

1,803.3

2015

US$m

(904.6)
63.2
10.0
(106.9)

(938.3)

(762.1)
(163.9)
21.4
(2.9)

(102.3)
(1.6)
(1.4)

(105.3)

(1.4)
(0.4)

(1.8)

2014

US$m

(718.6)
–
13.6
(105.1)

(810.1)

(614.8)
(159.4)
55.6
(2.4)

(102.2)
(1.0)
(1.6)

(104.8)

(1.5)
(0.2)

(1.7)

40  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 41

The number of employees at 31st December 2015 was 1,503 (2014: 1,435).

7  Net Financing Charges

Interest expense

  – bank loans and overdrafts

  – other borrowings

Total interest expense

Interest capitalised

Commitment and other fees

Financing charges

Financing income

2015

US$m

(24.6)

(112.0)

(136.6)

36.2

(100.4)

(14.4)

(114.8)

40.4

(74.4)

Financing charges and financing income are stated after taking into account hedging gains or losses.

8 

Share of Results of Associates and Joint Ventures

By business
Commercial Property

Residential Property

Underlying business performance

Non-trading items:

Change in fair value of investment properties

  – Commercial Property

  – Residential Property

Asset disposals

2015

US$m

84.8

55.7

140.5

63.2

5.8

69.0

0.2

69.2

209.7

Results are shown after tax and non-controlling interests in the associates and joint ventures.

The Group’s share of revenue of associates and joint ventures was US$554.0 million (2014: US$590.6 million).

2014 

US$m 

(18.0)

(116.7)

(134.7)

30.9 

(103.8)

(9.7)

(113.5)

44.5 

(69.0)

2014

US$m 

98.0 

24.8 

122.8 

390.8 

1.4 

392.2 

0.1 

392.3 

515.1

42  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 43

Notes to the Financial Statements9 

Tax

Tax charged to profit and loss is analysed as follows:

Current tax

Deferred tax

  – changes in fair value of investment properties

  – other temporary differences

2015  

US$m

2014

US$m

(148.0)

(169.0)

13.6

(2.8)

10.8

(7.8)

(18.9)

(26.7)

(137.2)

(195.7)

Reconciliation between tax expense and tax at applicable tax rate:

Tax at applicable tax rate

(318.6)

(185.0)

Change in fair value of investment properties not deductible 

in determining taxable profit

Asset impairment reversals not taxable in determining taxable profit

Income not subject to tax

Expenses not deductible in determining taxable profit

Withholding tax

Overprovision in prior years

Land appreciation tax in mainland China

Others

Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income is analysed as follows:

Remeasurements of defined benefit plans

Cash flow hedges

166.5

2.3

32.0

(7.9)

(6.5)

0.1

(5.5)

0.4

(4.9)

1.5 

23.4 

(7.4)

(8.2)

5.0 

(21.5)

1.4 

(137.2)

(195.7)

0.5

5.8

6.3

0.4 

(3.5)

(3.1)

The applicable tax rate for the year of 16.5% (2014: 17.7%) represents the weighted average of the rates of taxation prevailing 
in the territories in which the Group operates.  The decrease in the applicable tax rate was caused by a change in the geographic 
mix of the Group’s profits.

The Group has no tax payable in the United Kingdom (2014: Nil).

Share of tax charge of associates and joint ventures of US$62.7 million (2014: US$86.0 million) is included in share of results  
of associates and joint ventures.

42  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 43

 
10  Earnings per Share

Earnings per share are calculated on profit attributable to shareholders of US$2,011.7 million (2014: US$1,327.4 million) and  
on the weighted average number of 2,352.8 million (2014: 2,352.8 million) shares in issue during the year.

Earnings per share are additionally calculated based on underlying profit attributable to shareholders.  A reconciliation of 
earnings is set out below:

Underlying profit attributable to shareholders

Non-trading items (see Note 11)

2015

2014

Earnings  
per share
US¢

38.44

US$m 

904.5

1,107.2

Earnings  
per share 
US¢  

39.52 

US$m  

929.9

397.5

Profit attributable to shareholders

2,011.7

85.50

1,327.4

56.42 

11  Non-trading Items

An analysis of non-trading items after interest, tax and non-controlling interests is set out below:

Change in fair value of investment properties

Deferred tax on change in fair value of investment properties

Asset impairment reversals

Expenses relating to transfer of listing segment of  

the Company’s shares

Share of results of associates and joint ventures

  – change in fair value of investment properties

  – deferred tax

  – asset disposals

  – current tax

Non-controlling interests

2015

US$m

999.9

13.6

13.9

–

73.5

(4.5)

69.0

0.2

–

0.2

69.2

10.6

1,107.2

2014

US$m

15.9

(7.8)

9.2

(1.1)

418.1

(25.9)

392.2

0.2

(0.1)

0.1

392.3

(11.0)

397.5

44  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 45

Notes to the Financial Statements 
 
12 

Investment Properties

2015
At 1st January

Exchange differences

Additions

Increase/(decrease) in fair value

At 31st December

Freehold properties

Leasehold properties

2014

At 1st January

Exchange differences

Additions

Increase in fair value

At 31st December

Freehold properties

Leasehold properties

Completed 
commercial 
properties
US$m

Under 
development 
commercial 
properties
US$m

Completed 
residential 
properties
US$m

Total
US$m

22,797.7

(20.1)

87.1

1,120.0

754.7

(35.7)

154.8

(132.4)

144.9

23,697.3

(2.9)

76.9

12.3

(58.7)

318.8

999.9 

23,984.7

741.4  

231.2

24,957.3 

132.4

24,824.9

24,957.3

22,802.0

(32.7)

24.8

3.6

642.6

(14.8)

120.0

6.9

138.4

23,583.0 

(0.7)

1.8

5.4

(48.2)

146.6 

15.9 

22,797.7

754.7

144.9

23,697.3

72.4

23,624.9

23,697.3

The Group measures its investment properties at fair value.  The fair values of the Group’s investment properties at  
31st December 2015 and 2014 have been determined on the basis of valuations carried out by independent valuers who  
hold a recognised relevant professional qualification and have recent experience in the locations and segments of the investment 
properties valued.  The Group employed Jones Lang LaSalle to value its commercial investment properties in Hong Kong, 
mainland China, Singapore, Vietnam and Cambodia which are either freehold or held under leases with unexpired lease terms 
of more than 20 years.  The valuations, which conform to the International Valuation Standards issued by the International 
Valuation Standards Council and the HKIS Valuation Standards issued by the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors, were arrived  
at by reference to the net income, allowing for reversionary potential, of each property.  The Report of the valuers is set out on 
page 77.  The valuations are comprehensively reviewed by the Group.

At 31st December 2015, investment properties of US$638.2 million were pledged as security for borrowings (see Note 20).

Fair value measurements of residential properties using no significant non-observable inputs
Fair values of completed residential properties are generally derived using the direct comparison method.  This valuation 
method is based on comparing the property to be valued directly with other comparable properties, which have recently 
transacted.  However, given the heterogeneous nature of real estate properties, appropriate adjustments are usually required  
to allow for any qualitative differences that may affect the price likely to be achieved by the property under consideration.

44  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 45

 
 
12 

Investment Properties  continued

Fair value measurements of commercial properties using significant unobservable inputs
Fair values of completed commercial properties in Hong Kong and Singapore are generally derived using the income 
capitalisation method.  This valuation method is  based on the capitalisation of the net income and reversionary income potential 
by adopting appropriate capitalisation rates, which are derived from analysis of sale transactions and valuers’ interpretation of 
prevailing investor requirements or expectations.  The prevailing market rents adopted in the valuation have reference to valuers’ 
view of recent lettings, within the subject properties and other comparable properties.

Fair values of completed commercial properties in Vietnam and Cambodia are generally derived using the discounted cash flow 
method.  The net present value of the income stream is estimated by applying an appropriate discount rate which reflects the 
risk profile.

Fair values of under development commercial properties are generally derived using the residual method.  This valuation method 
is essentially a means of valuing the land by reference to its development potential by deducting development costs together 
with developer’s profit and risk from the estimated capital value of the proposed development assuming completion as at the 
date of valuation. 

The Group’s policy is to recognise transfers between fair value measurements as of the date of the event or change in 
circumstances that caused the transfer. 

Information about fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs at 31st December 2015:

Fair value
US$m

Valuation method

Range of significant unobservable inputs

Prevailing market
rent per month
US$

Capitalisation/
discount rate
%

Completed properties
Hong Kong

Singapore

23,400.3

Income capitalisation

4.6 to 39.5 per square foot

3.50 to 5.50 

533.0

Income capitalisation

5.5 to 8.1 per square foot

3.50 to 5.50 

Vietnam and Cambodia

51.4

Discounted cash flow

20.0 to 51.1 per square metre

14.00 to 15.00 

Total

23,984.7 

Properties under development
Mainland China

Cambodia

Total

638.2

103.2

741.4 

Residual

Residual

122.9 per square metre

32.0 to 73.0 per square metre

4.75 

13.00 

Prevailing market rents are estimated based on independent valuers’ view of recent lettings, within the subject properties and 
other comparable properties.  The higher the rents, the higher the fair value.

Capitalisation and discount rates are estimated by independent valuers based on the risk profile of the properties being valued.  
The lower the rates, the higher the fair value.

46  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 47

Notes to the Financial Statements 
 
13  Associates and Joint Ventures

Unlisted associates

Unlisted joint ventures

Share of attributable net assets

By business
Commercial Property

Residential Property

Movements of associates and joint ventures during the year:

At 1st January

Exchange differences

Share of results after tax and non-controlling interests

Share of other comprehensive expenses after tax and  

  non-controlling interests

Dividends received and receivable

Investments in and loans to associates and joint ventures

Advances/repayments from associates and joint ventures

Asset impairment reversal

Others

At 31st December

2015

US$m

42.3

4,575.3

4,617.6

3,437.1

1,180.5

4,617.6

2014 

US$m 

45.7 

4,858.4 

4,904.1 

3,525.0 

1,379.1 

4,904.1 

Associates

Joint ventures

2015
US$m

2014
US$m

2015
US$m

2014
US$m

45.7

(0.4)

1.5

(2.8)

(1.2)

–

(0.5)

–

–

41.4

(0.4)

7.8

(1.1)

(1.2)

–

(0.8)

–

–

4,858.4

4,889.0 

(45.8)

208.2

(211.6)

(111.3)

254.4

(390.4)

13.9

(0.5)

(22.5)

507.3 

(105.4)

(148.4)

217.0 

(477.4)

– 

(1.2)

42.3

45.7

4,575.3

4,858.4 

The material joint ventures of the Group are listed below.  These joint ventures have share capital consisting solely of ordinary 
shares, which are held directly by the Group.

Nature of investments in material joint ventures in 2015 and 2014:

Name of entity

Nature of business

Country of 
incorporation/ 
principal place  
of business

% of  
ownership  
interest

2015

2014

Properties Sub F, Ltd

BFC Development LLP

Central Boulevard Development Pte Ltd

One Raffles Quay Pte Ltd

Property investment

Property investment

Property investment

Property investment

Macau

Singapore

Singapore

Singapore

49.0

33.3

33.3

33.3

49.0 

33.3 

33.3 

33.3 

46  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 47

13  Associates and Joint Ventures  continued

Summarised financial information for material joint ventures
Set out below are the summarised financial information for the Group’s material joint ventures. 

Summarised balance sheet at 31st December:

2015
Non-current assets

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Other current assets

Total current assets

Non-current liabilities

Properties 
Sub F, Ltd
US$m

BFC 
Development 
LLP
US$m

Central 
Boulevard 
Development 
Pte Ltd
US$m

One Raffles 
Quay  
Pte Ltd
US$m

1,573.5

3,373.0

2,605.3

2,580.6

19.8

47.8

67.6

8.6

4.9

13.5

40.8

14.1

54.9

10.5

1.1

11.6

Financial liabilities (excluding trade payables)

Other non-current liabilities (including trade payables)

(34.6)

(166.5)

(1,196.2)

(1,134.8)

–

(18.9)

(727.6)

(187.7)

Total non-current liabilities

Current liabilities

Financial liabilities (excluding trade payables)

Other current liabilities (including trade payables)

Total current liabilities

Net assets

2014

Non-current assets

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Other current assets

Total current assets

Non-current liabilities

(201.1)

(1,196.2)

(1,153.7)

(915.3)

(0.9)

(37.5)

(38.4)

(0.9)

(65.3)

(66.2)

(6.2)

(38.2)

(44.4)

(3.1)

(44.1)

(47.2)

1,401.6

2,124.1

1,462.1

1,629.7

1,575.2

3,580.9

2,676.4

2,726.3

38.3

58.6

96.9

28.6

11.8

40.4

55.2

70.1

125.3

11.2

2.1

13.3

Financial liabilities (excluding trade payables)

Other non-current liabilities (including trade payables)

(53.7)

(158.1)

(1,291.0)

(1,213.9)

–

(14.2)

(786.6)

(196.1)

Total non-current liabilities

Current liabilities

Financial liabilities (excluding trade payables)

Other current liabilities (including trade payables)

Total current liabilities

Net assets

(211.8)

(1,291.0)

(1,228.1)

(982.7)

(0.8)

(48.4)

(49.2)

(2.9)

(96.6)

(99.5)

(6.2)

(70.3)

(76.5)

(11.2)

(36.4)

(47.6)

1,411.1

2,230.8

1,497.1

1,709.3

48  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 49

Notes to the Financial Statements13  Associates and Joint Ventures  continued

Summarised statement of comprehensive income for the year ended 31st December:

2015
Revenue

Depreciation and amortisation

Interest income

Interest expense

Profit from underlying business performance

Income tax expense

Profit after tax from underlying business performance

Profit after tax from non-trading items

Profit after tax

Other comprehensive expense

Total comprehensive income

Properties 
Sub F, Ltd
US$m

BFC 
Development 
LLP
US$m

Central 
Boulevard 
Development 
Pte Ltd
US$m

One Raffles 
Quay  
Pte Ltd
US$m

93.9

(6.7)

–

(1.5)

47.5

(6.2)

41.3

1.7

43.0

1.2

44.2

161.0

(0.1)

–

(52.4)

69.9

(11.8)

58.1

42.7

100.8

(148.2)

191.8

(0.1)

0.2

(24.2)

90.2

(14.7)

75.5

113.0

188.5

(96.8)

119.6 

–

– 

(22.2)

63.4 

(10.9)

52.5 

30.2 

82.7 

(109.7)

(47.4)

91.7

(27.0)

Group’s share of dividends received and receivable  

from joint ventures

26.2

19.8

42.3

17.6 

2014

Revenue

Depreciation and amortisation

Interest income

Interest expense

Profit from underlying business performance

Income tax expense

Profit after tax from underlying business performance

Profit after tax from non-trading items

Profit after tax

Other comprehensive expense

139.8

(7.4)

–

(2.6)

85.2

(10.1)

75.1

362.0

437.1

(0.4)

163.8

(0.2)

–

(46.8)

82.9

(12.9)

70.0

136.1

206.1

(91.9)

123.8

(0.1)

0.1

(21.4)

70.3

(10.8)

59.5

356.1

415.6

(55.1)

127.7 

–

–

(22.3)

72.2 

(12.3)

59.9 

74.6 

134.5 

(67.9)

Total comprehensive income

436.7

114.2

360.5

66.6 

Group’s share of dividends received and receivable  

from joint ventures

41.0

28.6

41.3

22.3 

The information above reflects the amounts presented in the financial statements of the joint ventures adjusted for differences 
in accounting policies between the Group and the joint ventures, and fair value of the joint ventures at the time of acquisition.

48  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 49

 
 
13  Associates and Joint Ventures  continued

Reconciliation of summarised financial information
Reconciliation of the summarised financial information presented to the carrying amount of the Group’s interest in the material 
joint ventures for the year ended 31st December:

2015
Net assets

Shareholders’ loans

Adjusted net assets

Properties 
Sub F, Ltd
US$m

BFC 
Development 
LLP
US$m

Central  
Boulevard 
Development 
Pte Ltd
US$m

One Raffles 
Quay  
Pte Ltd
US$m

1,401.6

35.5

2,124.1

1,196.2

1,462.1

–

1,629.7 

95.3 

1,437.1

3,320.3

1,462.1

1,725.0 

Interest in joint ventures (%)

49.0

33.3

33.3

33.3 

Group’s share of net assets in joint ventures

704.3

1,106.7

487.4

575.0 

2014

Net assets

Shareholders’ loans

Adjusted net assets

1,411.1

54.7

2,230.8

1,291.0

1,497.1

–

1,709.3 

102.1 

1,465.8

3,521.8

1,497.1

1,811.4 

Interest in joint ventures (%)

49.0

33.3

33.3

33.3 

Group’s share of net assets in joint ventures

718.2

1,173.9

499.1

603.8 

The Group has interests in a number of individually immaterial joint ventures.  The following table analyses, in aggregate,  
the share of profit and other comprehensive income and carrying amount of these joint ventures.

Share of profit

Share of other comprehensive expense

Share of total comprehensive (expense)/income

2015

US$m

63.8

(94.8)

(31.0)

2014 

US$m 

41.0 

(33.6)

7.4 

Carrying amount of interests in these joint ventures

1,701.9

1,863.4 

At 31st December 2015, the Group’s commitments to provide funding to its joint ventures, if called, amounted to  
US$146.0 million (2014: US$174.5 million).

There were no contingent liabilities relating to the Group’s interest in the joint ventures at 31st December 2015 and 2014.

50  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 51

Notes to the Financial Statements14  Other Investments

Available-for-sale financial assets

  – listed securiites

15  Debtors

Trade debtors

Other debtors

  – third parties

  – associates and joint ventures

Non-current

Current

By geographical area of operation
Greater China

Southeast Asia and others

2015

US$m

2014

US$m

61.3

53.0

2015

US$m

83.9

279.9

33.1

396.9

41.2

355.7

396.9

239.9

157.0

396.9

2014

US$m

84.1 

226.6 

36.4 

347.1

54.9

292.2

347.1

187.7

159.4

347.1

Trade and other debtors excluding derivative financial instruments are stated at amortised cost.  The fair value of these debtors 
approximates their carrying amounts, as the impact of discounting is not significant.  Derivative financial instruments are stated 
at fair value.

An allowance for impairment of trade debtors is made based on the estimated irrecoverable amount.  Significant financial 
difficulties of the debtor, probability that the debtor will enter bankruptcy or financial reorganisation, and default or delinquency 
in payment are considered indicators that the debt is impaired.

At 31st December 2015, trade debtors of US$5.9 million (2014: US$6.4 million) were past due but not impaired.  The ageing 
analysis of these trade debtors is as follows:

Below 30 days

Between 31 and 60 days

Between 61 and 90 days

Over 90 days

2015

US$m

4.8

0.6

0.3

0.2

5.9

2014

US$m

5.3 

0.4 

–

0.7 

6.4

The risk of trade and other debtors that are neither past due nor impaired at 31st December 2015 becoming impaired is low as 
they have a good track record with the Group.  Based on past experience, management believes that no impairment allowance 
is necessary in respect of these balances as there has not been a significant change in credit quality and the balances are still 
considered fully recoverable.

50  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 51

15  Debtors  continued

Other debtors are further analysed as follows:

Prepayments

Derivative financial instruments

Amounts due from associates and joint ventures

Others

16  Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

2015

US$m

206.9

26.7

33.1

46.3

313.0

Accelerated 
capital 
allowances
US$m

Revaluation   
surpluses of 
investment 
properties
US$m

Other 
temporary 
differences 
US$m

Tax losses
US$m

2014

US$m

145.4 

40.6 

36.4 

40.6 

263.0

Total
US$m

2015
At 1st January 

Exchange differences

Credited/(charged) to profit and loss

Charged to other comprehensive income

At 31st December 

Deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities

2014

At 1st January 

Exchange differences

Credited/(charged) to profit and loss

Charged to other comprehensive income

At 31st December 

Deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities

 0.3 

–

 0.2

–

0.5 

0.5 

–

0.5 

0.1 

–

 0.2 

–

 0.3 

 0.3 

–

0.3 

 (64.5)

–

(5.8)

–

(70.3)

–

 (70.3)

 (70.3)

(60.0)

–

 (4.5)

–

 (17.2)

 1.1 

13.6 

–

 (2.5)

–

 (2.5)

 (2.5)

 (9.5)

 0.1 

 (7.8)

–

 (25.7)

 (107.1)

–

2.8 

6.3  

 1.1 

10.8 

 6.3 

 (16.6)

 (88.9)

 12.6 

 (29.2)

13.1 

 (102.0)

 (16.6)

 (88.9)

 (8.2)

 0.2 

 (14.6)

 (3.1)

 (77.6)

 0.3 

 (26.7)

 (3.1)

 (64.5)

 (17.2)

 (25.7)

 (107.1)

–

 (64.5)

–

 (17.2)

 3.4 

 (29.1)

 3.7 

 (110.8)

 (64.5)

 (17.2)

 (25.7)

 (107.1)

Deferred tax balances predominantly comprise non-current items.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are netted when the taxes 
relate to the same taxation authority and where offsetting is allowed. 

Deferred tax assets of US$1.0 million (2014: US$1.6 million) arising from unused tax losses of US$5.6 million  
(2014: US$7.8 million) have not been recognised in the financial statements.  Included in the unused tax losses, US$4.8 million 
(2014: US$4.7 million) have no expiry date and the balance will expire at various dates up to and including 2018. 

52  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 53

Notes to the Financial Statements17  Properties for Sale

Properties under development

Completed properties

Provision for impairment

2015

US$m

 2,628.5 

 102.2 

 2,730.7 

 (16.8)

2014

US$m

 2,734.8 

 228.9 

 2,963.7

 (40.6)

2,713.9 

 2,923.1

At 31st December 2015, properties under development which were not scheduled for completion within the next 12 months 
amounted to US$2,018.1 million (2014: US$2,134.6 million).

At 31st December 2015, properties for sale of US$795.6 million (2014: US$732.0 million) were pledged as security for 
borrowings (see Note 20).

18  Bank Balances

Deposits with banks and financial institutions

Bank balances

2015

US$m

1,399.9

169.3

1,569.2

2014

US$m

1,431.2 

231.4 

1,662.6

Deposits and bank balances of certain subsidiaries amounting to US$77.5 million (2014: US$89.5 million) are held under the 
Housing Developers (Project Account) Rules in Singapore, withdrawals from which are subject to the provision of these Rules.

The weighted average interest rate on deposits with banks and financial institutions is 1.3% (2014: 0.9%) per annum.

52  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 53

19  Creditors

Trade creditors

Other creditors

Tenants’ deposits

Derivative financial instruments

Rent received in advance

Proceeds from properties for sale received in advance

Non-current

Current

By geographical area of operation
Greater China

Southeast Asia and others

2015

US$m

424.1

122.2

223.2

24.8

11.9

764.6

1,570.8

87.0

1,483.8

1,570.8

951.4

619.4

2014

US$m

424.8 

134.3 

204.2 

27.2 

14.6 

696.7 

1,501.8

60.1 

1,441.7

1,501.8 

797.1 

704.7 

Derivative financial instruments are stated at fair value.  Other creditors are stated at amortised cost.  The fair value of these 
creditors approximates their carrying amounts.

1,570.8

1,501.8

20  Borrowings

Current

  Bank overdrafts

  Current portion of long-term borrowings

  – bank loans

  – notes

Long-term

  Bank loans

  Notes

Secured

Unsecured

2015

Carrying 
amount 
US$m

Fair value
US$m

2014

Carrying 
amount
US$m

Fair value
US$m

3.3

3.3

4.0

4.0 

165.6

–

168.9

165.6

–

168.9

0.3

284.3

288.6

0.3 

284.3 

288.6 

836.7

2,904.1

836.7

3,014.3

1,119.6

2,911.4

1,119.6 

2,986.7 

3,740.8

3,851.0

4,031.0

4,106.3 

3,909.7

4,019.9

4,319.6

4,394.9 

195.4

3,714.3

3,909.7

212.0

4,107.6

4,319.6 

54  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 55

Notes to the Financial Statements 
 
20  Borrowings  continued

The fair values are based on market prices or are estimated using the expected future payments discounted at market interest 
rates ranging from 1.4% to 6.2% (2014: 0.7% to 2.5%) per annum.  This is in line with the definition of ‘observable current 
market transactions’ under the fair value measurement hierarchy.  The fair value of current borrowings approximates their 
carrying amounts, as the impact of discounting is not significant. 

Secured borrowings at 31st December 2015 and 2014 were certain subsidiaries’ bank borrowings which were secured against 
their properties for sale and investment properties.

The borrowings are further summarised as follows:

Fixed rate borrowings

By currency

2015
Hong Kong dollar

Singapore dollar

Chinese renminbi

Vietnam dong

2014

Hong Kong dollar

Singapore dollar

United States dollar

3.4

3.1

6.2

5.7

3.5

2.3

5.3

Weighted  
average 
interest rates
%

Weighted 
average period 
outstanding
Years

Floating 
rate 
borrowings
US$m

Total
US$m

1,194.0

3,191.2 

361.5

173.5

0.3

544.7 

173.5 

0.3 

US$m

1,997.2

183.2

–

–

2,180.4

1,729.3

3,909.7

9.6

4.2

–

–

10.6

2.5

–

1,996.6

475.0

–

1,145.0

702.7

0.3

3,141.6 

1,177.7 

0.3 

2,471.6

1,848.0

4,319.6

The weighted average interest rates and period of fixed rate borrowings are stated after taking into account hedging transactions.

The exposure of the Group’s borrowings to interest rate changes and the contractual repricing dates at 31st December after 
taking into account hedging transactions are as follows: 

Within one year

Between three and four years

Between four and five years

Beyond five years

2015

US$m

1,729.2

103.1

234.5

1,842.9

3,909.7

2014

US$m

2,132.4 

– 

103.0 

2,084.2 

4,319.6

54  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 55

20  Borrowings  continued

An analysis of the carrying amount of notes at 31st December is as follows:

S$375m 10-year notes at 3.65%*

Medium term notes

  S$50m 8-year notes at 3.86%

  HK$200m 10-year notes at 4.135%

  HK$300m 10-year notes at 4.1875%

  HK$300m 10-year notes at 4.25%

  HK$500m 10-year notes at 4.22%

  HK$500m 10-year notes at 4.24%

  S$150m 10-year notes at 3.43%

  HK$500m 10-year notes at 3.95%

  HK$500m 12-year notes at 4.28%

  HK$410m 10-year notes at 3.86%

  US$500m 10-year notes at 4.50%*

  HK$305m 10-year notes at 3.00%

  HK$200m 10-year notes at 2.90%

  HK$1,100m 10-year notes at 3.95%

  HK$300m 10-year notes at 3.95%

  US$400m 10-year notes at 4.625%*

  HK$300m 15-year notes at 4.10%

  US$600m 15-year notes at 4.50%*

  HK$302m 15-year notes at 3.75%

  HK$785m 15-year notes at 4.00%

  HK$473m 15-year notes at 4.04%

  HK$200m 15-year notes at 3.95%

  HK$300m 15-year notes at 3.15%

  HK$325m 15-year notes at 4.22%

  HK$400m 15-year notes at 4.40%

  HK$800m 20-year notes at 4.11%

  HK$200m 20-year notes at 4.125%

  HK$240m 20-year notes at 4.00%

  HK$250m 30-year notes at 5.25%

*  Listed on the Singapore Exchange.

Maturity

2015

Non-current
US$m

2014

Current
US$m

Non-current 
US$m

2015

2017

2019

2019

2019

2020

2020

2020

2020

2021

2022

2022

2022

2022

2023

2023

2024

2025

2025

2026

2027

2027

2027

2028

2028

2029

2030

2031

2032

2040

–

284.3

35.8

25.7

38.7

38.7

69.2

64.4

105.8

64.3

69.8

52.6

487.6

39.1

25.7

141.0

38.4

407.7

38.6

614.6

38.6

99.6

60.9

25.7

38.1

41.6

50.9

103.2

25.4

30.3

32.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

39.3 

25.7 

38.7 

38.7 

69.5 

64.3 

113.3 

64.2 

68.8 

52.5 

484.0 

39.0 

25.6 

140.7 

38.4 

408.5 

38.5 

615.9 

38.6 

99.4 

60.8 

25.7 

38.0 

41.5 

50.8 

103.2 

25.4 

30.3 

32.1 

2,904.1

284.3

2,911.4

56  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 57

Notes to the Financial Statements21  Share Capital

Authorised

Shares of US$0.10 each

Issued and fully paid
At 1st January and 31st December

22  Dividends

Ordinary shares in millions

2015

2014

2015

US$m

2014

US$m

4,000.0

4,000.0

400.0

400.0 

2,352.8

2,352.8

235.3

235.3 

Final dividend in respect of 2014 of US¢13.00 (2013: US¢12.00) per share
Interim dividend in respect of 2015 of US¢6.00 (2014: US¢6.00) per share

2015

US$m

305.8

141.2

447.0

2014

US$m

282.3

141.2

423.5

A final dividend in respect of 2015 of US¢13.00 (2014: US¢13.00) per share amounting to a total of US$305.8 million  
(2014: US$305.8 million) is proposed by the Board.  The dividend proposed will not be accounted for until it has been approved 
at the Annual General Meeting.  The amount will be accounted for as an appropriation of revenue reserves in the year ending 
31st December 2016.

23  Notes to Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

a) 

Increase in properties for sale in 2015 included the acquisition of a site in Singapore at US$259.1 million  
(2014: US$364.0 million) and payments for property sites in mainland China of US$21.5 million (2014: US$64.5 million).

b)  Developments capital expenditure in 2015 included US$101.9 million (2014: US$104.9  million) for property developments 

in mainland China.

c)  Cash and cash equivalents

Bank balances

Bank overdrafts (see Note 20)

2015

US$m

1,569.2

(3.3)

2014

US$m

1,662.6 

(4.0)

1,565.9

1,658.6

56  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 57

24  Derivative Financial Instruments

The fair values of derivative financial instruments at 31st December are as follows:

Designated as cash flow hedges

  – forward foreign exchange contracts

  – cross currency swaps

Designated as fair value hedges

  – interest rate swaps

  – cross currency swaps

2015

Positive  
fair value
US$m

Negative 
fair value
US$m

2014

Positive  
fair value
US$m

Negative  
fair value
US$m

–

4.4

5.7

16.6

–

18.0

–

6.8

–

20.9

5.9

13.8

13.6

3.9

–

9.7

Forward foreign exchange contracts
At 31st December 2015, there were no outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts (2014: US$358.7 million).

Interest rate swaps
The notional principal amounts of the outstanding interest rate swap contracts at 31st December 2015 were  
US$99.9 million (2014: US$102.4 million).

The fair values of interest rate swaps are based on the estimated cash flows discounted at market rates ranging from  
0.39% to 2.06% (2014: 0.38% to 2.04%) per annum. 

Cross currency swaps
The contract amounts of the outstanding cross currency swap contracts at 31st December 2015 were US$1,639.9 million 
(2014: US$1,649.8 million).

25  Commitments

Capital commitments

  Authorised not contracted

  Contracted not provided

  – joint ventures

  – others

Operating lease commitments

  Due within one year

  Due between one and two years

  Due between two and five years

2015

US$m

155.4

146.0

201.5

347.5

502.9

3.3

1.2

0.4

4.9

2014

US$m

240.8

174.5

237.3

411.8

652.6

3.0

2.3

0.2

5.5

58  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 59

Notes to the Financial Statements 
 
26  Contingent Liabilities

Various Group companies are involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of their respective businesses.  Having 
reviewed outstanding claims and taking into account legal advice received, the Directors are of the opinion that adequate 
provisions have been made in the financial statements.

27  Related Party Transactions

The parent company of the Group is Jardine Strategic Holdings Limited and the ultimate holding company is Jardine Matheson 
Holdings Limited (‘JMH’).  Both companies are incorporated in Bermuda.

In the normal course of business, the Group has entered into a variety of transactions with the subsidiaries, associates and  
joint ventures of JMH (‘Jardine Matheson group members’).  The more significant of these transactions are described below:

Management fee
The management fee payable by the Group, under an agreement entered into in 1995, to Jardine Matheson Limited (‘JML’)  
in 2015 was US$4.5 million (2014: US$4.7 million), being 0.5% per annum of the Group’s underlying profit in consideration  
for management consultancy services provided by JML, a wholly-owned subsidiary of JMH.

Property and other services
The Group rented properties to Jardine Matheson group members.  Gross rents on such properties in 2015 amounted to 
US$19.1 million (2014: US$19.0 million).

The Group provided project consultancy services to Jardine Matheson group members in 2015 amounting to US$0.4 million 
(2014: US$0.4 million). 

Jardine Matheson group members provided property construction, maintenance and other services to the Group in 2015  
in aggregate amounting to US$50.7 million (2014: US$30.6 million).

Hotel management services
Jardine Matheson group members provided hotel management services to the Group in 2015 amounted to US$2.8 million 
(2014: US$3.2 million).

Outstanding balances with associates and joint ventures
Amounts of outstanding balances with associates and joint ventures are included in debtors and creditors as appropriate  
(see Notes 15 and 19).  The amounts are not material.

Directors’ emoluments
Details of Directors’ emoluments (being the key management personnel compensation) are shown on page 69 under  
the heading of ‘Directors’ Appointment, Retirement, Remuneration and Service Contracts’.

58  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 59

28  Summarised Balance Sheet of the Company

Included below is certain summarised balance sheet information of the Company disclosed in accordance with Bermuda law.

Net operating assets
Investments at cost

  Unlisted shares in subsidiaries

  Net amounts due from subsidiaries

Creditors and other accruals

Total equity
Share capital (see Note 21)

Revenue and other reserves

  Contributed surplus

  Share premium

  Revenue reserves

Shareholders’ funds

2015

US$m

2014

US$m

4,481.7

1,238.1

5,719.8

(20.9)

4,481.7 

1,065.8

5,547.5

(19.4)

5,698.9

5,528.1

235.3

235.3 

2,249.6

386.9

2,827.1

5,463.6

5,698.9

2,249.6 

386.9 

2,656.3 

5,292.8

5,528.1

Subsidiaries are shown at cost less amounts provided.

The contributed surplus was set up on the formation of the Company in 1989 and, under the Bye-laws of the Company,  
is distributable.

29  Principal Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint Ventures

The principal subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures of the Group at 31st December 2015 are set out below.

Attributable
interests
2015 2014
%

%

Issued share capital

Main activities

Place of 
incorporation

Subsidiaries

Hongkong Land China Holdings Ltd*

100

100

USD 

200,000,000

Investment holding

Bermuda

Hongkong Land International  
  Holdings Ltd*

100

100

USD 

200,000,000

Investment holding

Bermuda

Hongkong Land Ltd*

100

100

USD 

12,000

Group management

Bermuda

The Hongkong Land Company, Ltd

100

100

HKD 

1,293,180,006

Property investment

Hong Kong

* Owned directly

60  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 61

Notes to the Financial Statements29  Principal Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint Ventures  continued

Attributable
interests
2015 2014
%

%

Issued share capital

Main activities

Place of 
incorporation

100

100

HKD 

200

Property investment

Hong Kong

Subsidiaries continued

The Hongkong Land Property  
  Company, Ltd

HKL (Chater House) Ltd

100

100

HKD 

1,500,000

Property investment

Hong Kong

HKL (Landmark Hotel) Ltd

100

100

HKD 

2

Hotel investment

Hong Kong

HKL (Prince’s Building) Ltd

100

100

HKD 

200

Property investment

Hong Kong

Hongkong Land (Property  
  Management) Ltd

100

100

HKD 

20

Property management Hong Kong

Mulberry Land Company Ltd

100

100

HKD 

200

Property investment

Hong Kong

Hongkong Land (One Central)  
  Retail Property Management Ltd

Beijing Yee Zhi Real Estate  
  Consultancy Co Ltd

Hongkong Land (Beijing)  
  Management Co Ltd

Hongkong Land (Chongqing)  
  Development Co Ltd

Hongkong Land (Chongqing North)  
  Development Co Ltd

Hongkong Land (Chongqing)  
  Management Co Ltd

Wangfu Central Real Estate  
  Development Co Ltd

100

100

MOP 

25,000

Management and  

Macau

  administration  

  services

100

100

USD 

1,000,000

Property consultancy

Mainland China

100

100

USD 

150,000

Property management Mainland China

100

100

USD 

479,990,000

Property development Mainland China

100

100

HKD 

3,980,000,000

Property development Mainland China

100

100

USD 

5,150,000

Property investment,  

Mainland China

  development and  

  management

90

90

RMB 

3,500,000,000

Property development Mainland China

HKL (Esplanade) Pte Ltd

100

100

SGD 

150,000,000

Property investment

Singapore

HKL Treasury (Singapore) Pte Ltd

100

100

SGD 

2

Finance

Singapore

Hongkong Land (Singapore) Pte Ltd

100

100

SGD 

100,000

Property management Singapore

The Hongkong Land Treasury  
  Services (Singapore) Pte Ltd

100

100

SGD 

2

Finance

Singapore

60  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 61

29  Principal Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint Ventures  continued

Attributable
interests
2015 2014
%

%

Issued share capital

Main activities

Place of 
incorporation

Subsidiaries continued

MCL Land Limited

100

100

SGD 

511,736,041

Investment holding

Singapore

MCL Land (Brighton) Pte Ltd

100

100

SGD 

1,000,000

Property development

Singapore

MCL Land (Gateway) Pte Ltd

100

100

SGD 

1,000,000

Property development

Singapore

MCL Land (Pasir Ris) Pte Ltd

100

100

SGD 

1,000,000

Property development

Singapore

MCL Land (Prestige) Pte Ltd

100

100

SGD 

1,000,000

Property development

Singapore

MCL Land (Prime) Pte Ltd

100

100

SGD 

1,000,000

Property development

Singapore

MCL Land (Serangoon) Pte Ltd

100

100

SGD 

1,000,000

Property development

Singapore

MCL Land (Vantage) Pte Ltd

100

–

SGD 

1,000,000

Property development

Singapore

MCL Land (Pantai View) Sdn Bhd

100

100

MYR 

2,260,000

Property investment

Malaysia

PT Hongkong Land Consultancy  
  and Management

100

100

USD 

300,000

Consultancy and  

Indonesia

  management

Central Building Ltd

65

71

USD 

1,991,547

Property investment

Vietnam

Doan Ket International Co Ltd

73.9

73.9

USD 

7,291,500

Property investment

Vietnam

HKL (Treasury Services) Ltd

100

100

USD 

The Hongkong Land Notes Co Ltd

100

100

USD 

The Hongkong Land Finance  

100

100

USD 

(Cayman Islands) Co Ltd

1

2

2

Finance

Finance

British Virgin  

Islands

British Virgin  

Islands

Finance

Cayman Islands

King Kok Investment Ltd

90

90

USD 

10,000

Property investment

Mauritius

Associates and joint ventures  

Bonus Plus Co Ltd

Coastwise (HK) Limited

Normelle Estates Ltd

50

50

50

50

HKD 

–

HKD 

2

1

Property development Hong Kong

Property investment

Hong Kong

50

HKD 

10,000

Property investment

Hong Kong

Properties Sub F, Ltd

46.6

46.6

MOP 

1,000,000

Property investment

Macau

Beijing Landmark Trinity Real  
  Estate Development Co Ltd

30

30

RMB 

2,800,000,000

Property development Mainland China

Beijing Premium Real Estate Ltd

40

40

USD 

12,000,000

Property development Mainland China

62  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 63

Notes to the Financial Statements 
 
 
29  Principal Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint Ventures  continued

Attributable
interests
2015 2014
%

%

Issued share capital

Main activities

Place of 
incorporation

Associates and joint ventures continued 

Chengdu Premium Property 
  Development Co Ltd

China West Premier Housing  
  Development Co Ltd

Chongqing Central Park Co Ltd

Longfor Hongkong Land (Chongqing)  
  Development Co Ltd

Longhu Land Ltd

Shanghai Xujing Property Co Ltd

Ampang Investments Pte Ltd

50

50

USD 

699,980,000

Property development Mainland China

50

50

USD 

569,960,000

Property development Mainland China

50

50

50

50

40

50

HKD 

4,640,000,000

Property development Mainland China

–

USD 

200,000,000

Property development Mainland China

50

USD 

27,000,000

Property development Mainland China

–

RMB 

4,200,000,000

Property development Mainland China

40

SGD 

10

Hotel investment

Singapore

BFC Development LLP

33.3

33.3

SGD 

Central Boulevard Development 
  Pte Ltd

33.3

33.3

SGD 

One Raffles Quay Pte Ltd

33.3

33.3

SGD 

6

6

6

Property investment

Singapore

Property investment

Singapore

Property investment

Singapore

Golden Quantum Acres Sdn Bhd

MSL Properties Sdn Bhd

Sunrise MCL Land Sdn Bhd

PT Brahmayasa Bahtera

PT Bumi Parama Wisesa

PT Jakarta Land

NorthPine Land Inc

Gaysorn Land Co Ltd

Nassim JV Co Ltd

Jardine Gibbons Properties Ltd

50

50

50

40

49

50

40

49

50

40

50

50

50

40

49

50

MYR 

MYR 

MYR 

2,764,210

Property development Malaysia

3,000,000

Property development Malaysia

2,000,000

Property development Malaysia

IDR 

166,000,000,000

Property investment

Indonesia

IDR  1,950,000,000,000

Property investment

Indonesia

IDR 

3,320,000,000

Property investment  

Indonesia

  and development

40

Peso 

1,224,635,200

Property investment

The Philippines

49

THB 

61,250,000

Property investments  

Thailand

  and operations

–

VND  286,200,000,000

Property development Vietnam

40

BD 

600,000 ‘A’

Property holding

Bermuda

400,000 ‘B’

62  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 63

 
Independent Auditors’ Report

To the members of Hongkong Land Holdings Limited

Report on the Consolidated Financial Statements

Our opinion
In our opinion, Hongkong Land Holdings Limited’s consolidated financial statements (‘the financial statements’): 
•  present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Group as at 31st December 2015 and its financial performance  

and its cash flows for the year then ended; and

•  have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRSs’) and the Companies  

Act 1981 (Bermuda).

What we have audited
The financial statements, included within the Annual Report, comprise:
•  the Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 31st December 2015;
•  the Consolidated Profit and Loss Account and the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year then ended;
•  the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement for the year then ended;
•  the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the year then ended; and
•  the notes to the financial statements, which include a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.
The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the financial statements is applicable law in Bermuda 
and IFRSs as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).

In applying the financial reporting framework, the Directors have made a number of subjective judgements, for example in respect of 
significant accounting estimates.  In making such estimates, they have made assumptions and considered future events.

Responsibilities for the Financial Statements and the Audit

Our responsibilities and those of the Directors
As explained more fully in the Responsibilities Statement on page 67, the Directors are responsible for the preparation and fair 
presentation of the financial statements in accordance with IFRSs and the Companies Act 1981 (Bermuda).

Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and International 
Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) (‘ISAs (UK & Ireland)’).  Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices 
Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.

This report, including the opinion, has been prepared for and only for the Company’s members as a body in accordance with  
Section 90 of the Companies Act 1981 (Bermuda) and for no other purpose.  We do not, in giving this opinion, accept or assume 
responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come, including 
without limitation under any contractual obligations of the Company, save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.

What an audit of financial statements involves
We conducted our audit in accordance with ISAs (UK & Ireland).  An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and 
disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material 
misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error.  This includes an assessment of: 
•  whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Group’s circumstances and have been consistently applied  

and adequately disclosed; 

•  the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the Directors; and 
•  the overall presentation of the financial statements. 

64  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 65

We primarily focus our work in these areas by assessing the Directors’ judgements against available evidence, forming our own 
judgements, and evaluating the disclosures in the financial statements.

We test and examine information, using sampling and other auditing techniques, to the extent we consider necessary to provide  
a reasonable basis for us to draw conclusions.  We obtain audit evidence through testing the effectiveness of controls, substantive 
procedures or a combination of both. 

In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information in the Annual Report to identify material inconsistencies with  
the audited financial statements and to identify any information that is apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially 
inconsistent with, the knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing the audit.  If we become aware of any apparent  
material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants 
London
United Kingdom
3rd March 2016

(a)  The maintenance and integrity of the Hongkong Land Holdings Limited website is the responsibility of the Directors; the work 

carried out by the auditors does not involve consideration of these matters and, accordingly, the auditors accept no responsibility 
for any changes that may have occurred to the financial statements since they were initially presented on the website.

(b)  Legislation in Bermuda governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in  

other jurisdictions.

64  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 65

Five Year Summary

2011

US$m

2012

US$m

2013

US$m

2014

US$m

2015

US$m

Profit attributable to shareholders

5,306

1,438

1,190

1,327

2,012

Underlying profit attributable to shareholders

703

776

935

930

905

Investment properties

22,530

23,494

23,583

23,697

24,957

Net debt

2,359

3,273

3,025

2,657

2,341

Shareholders’ funds

24,739

26,148

26,857

27,548

28,685

Net asset value per share

10.58

11.11

11.41

11.71

12.19

US$

US$

US$

US$

US$

39.73

39.52

38.44

33.11

30.25

16.00

17.00

18.00

19.00

19.00

10.58

11.11

11.41

11.71

12.19

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Underlying earnings

Dividends

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

Underlying earnings/dividends  
per share (US¢)

Net asset value per share (US$)

66  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 67

Responsibility Statement

The Directors of the Company confirm to the best of their knowledge that:

a. 

b. 

the consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, 
including International Accounting Standards and Interpretations adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board; and

the sections of this Report, including the Chairman’s Statement, Chief Executive’s Review and Principal Risks and Uncertainties, 
which constitute the management report include a fair review of all information required to be disclosed by the Disclosure Rules 
and Transparency Rules 4.1.8 to 4.1.11 issued by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom.

For and on behalf of the Board

Y.K. Pang
John R. Witt
Directors
3rd March 2016

66  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 67

Corporate Governance

Hongkong Land Holdings Limited is incorporated in Bermuda.  The Company’s property interests are almost entirely in Asia.   
The Company’s equity shares have a standard listing on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange, and secondary listings in 
Bermuda and Singapore.  The Disclosure Rules and Transparency Rules (the ‘DTRs’) issued by the Financial Conduct Authority in the 
United Kingdom (the ‘FCA’) require that this Report address all relevant information about the corporate governance practices applied 
beyond the requirements under Bermuda law. 

The Company attaches importance to the corporate stability and opportunities that result from it being part of the Jardine Matheson 
Holdings Limited (‘Jardine Matheson’) group, which is considered to be fundamental to the Company’s ability to pursue a long-term 
strategy in Asian markets.  By coordinating objectives, establishing common values and standards, and sharing experience, contacts 
and business relationships, the Jardine Matheson group companies aim to optimise their opportunities across the Asian countries 
where they operate.

The Group is committed to high standards of governance.  The system of governance it has adopted is based on a well-tried 
approach to oversight and management that has been developed over many years by the members of the Jardine Matheson group.   
It enables the Company to benefit from Jardine Matheson’s strategic guidance and professional expertise, while at the same time the 
independence of the Board is respected and clear operational accountability rests with the Company’s executive management teams.

The Management of the Group

The Company has its dedicated executive management under the Chief Executive.  The Memorandum of Association of the 
Company, however, provides for the chairman of Jardine Matheson to be, or to appoint, the Managing Director of the Company.  
Reflecting this, and the Jardine Matheson group’s 50% interest in the Company’s share capital, the Chief Executive and the Managing 
Director meet regularly.  Similarly, the board of the Hong Kong-based Group management company, Hongkong Land Limited (‘HKL’), 
and its finance committee are chaired by the Managing Director and include Group executives as well as Jardine Matheson’s deputy 
managing director, group finance director, group strategy director and group general counsel.

The presence of Jardine Matheson representatives on the Board and on the board of HKL, as well as on its audit and finance 
committees, provides an added element of stability to the Company’s financial planning and supervision, enhancing its ability  
to raise finance and take a long-term view of business development.  It also eases the ability of management to work effectively 
together in exploiting the full range of the Jardine Matheson group’s commercial strengths. 

The Directors of the Company retain full power to manage the business affairs of the Company, other than matters reserved to be 
exercised by the Company in general meeting under Bermuda legislation or the Company’s Bye-laws.  Among the matters on which 
the Board decides are the Group’s business strategy, its annual budget, dividends and major corporate activities.

The Board 

The Company currently has a Board of 16 Directors.  Their names and brief biographies appear on pages 18 and 19 of this Report.   
The Chairman has been appointed in accordance with the provisions of the Bye-laws of the Company, which provide that the 
chairman of Jardine Matheson, or any Director nominated by him, shall be the Chairman of the Company.  The Board composition  
and operation helps to provide the Company with the necessary stability as it seeks to grow its business.

The role of the Chairman is to lead the Board as it oversees the Group’s strategic and financial direction, while the principal role of the 
Managing Director is to act as chairman of HKL and of its finance committee.  Ben Keswick is currently appointed to both positions.  
The responsibility for running the Group’s business and all the executive matters affecting the Group rests with the Chief Executive, 
Y.K. Pang.  The implementation of the Group’s strategy is delegated to the Company’s executive management, with decision-making 
authority within designated financial parameters delegated to the HKL finance committee.

The Board is scheduled to hold four meetings in 2016 and ad hoc procedures are adopted to deal with urgent matters.  In 2015  
one meeting was held in Bermuda and three were held in Asia.  The Board receives high quality, up to date information for each of  
its meetings.  In addition, certain Directors of the Company who do not serve on the board of HKL and who are based outside Asia 
regularly visit Asia and Bermuda to discuss the Group’s business, as well as to participate in the four strategic reviews that precede  
the regular Board meetings.  These Directors are not directly involved in the operational management of the Group’s business 
activities, but their knowledge and close oversight of the Group’s affairs reinforces the process by which business is reviewed  
before consideration at Board meetings. 

68  

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Annual Report 2015 69

Directors’ Appointment, Retirement, Remuneration and Service Contracts

Candidates for appointment as executive Directors of the Company, as executive directors of HKL or as senior executives elsewhere 
in the Group may be sourced internally, or from the Jardine Matheson group or externally, including by using the services of specialist 
executive search firms.  The aim is to appoint individuals who combine international best practice with familiarity of or adaptability to 
Asian markets.  When appointing non-executive Directors, the Board pays particular attention to the Asian business experience and 
relationships that they can bring.

Each new Director is appointed by the Board and, in accordance with the Company’s Bye-laws, each new Director so appointed is 
subject to retirement at the first annual general meeting after appointment.  Thereafter, Directors are subject to retirement by rotation 
under the Bye-laws whereby one-third of the Directors retire at the annual general meeting each year.  These provisions apply to both 
executive and non-executive Directors, but the requirement to retire by rotation does not extend to the Chairman or Managing Director.

On 26th November 2015 it was announced that John R. Witt will step down as Chief Financial Officer on 31st March 2016 and that 
Simon Dixon will join the Board in his place, the appointment being effective on 28th April 2016.

In accordance with Bye-law 85, Lord Leach of Fairford, Dr Richard Lee, Lord Sassoon and Michael Wu retire by rotation at this year’s 
Annual General Meeting and, being eligible, offer themselves for re-election.  In accordance with Bye-law 92, Simon Dixon will also 
retire and, being eligible, offers himself for re-election.  None of the Directors proposed for re-election has a service contract with  
the Company or its subsidiaries.

The Company’s policy is to offer competitive remuneration packages to its senior executives.  It is recognised that, due to the nature 
of the Group and its diverse geographic base, a number of its senior executives are required to be offered international terms and  
the nature of the remuneration packages is designed to reflect this.  Executive Directors joining from outside the Group may be 
offered an initial fixed-term service contract to reflect any requirement for them to relocate.

Recommendations and decisions on remuneration and other benefits payable or made available to executive Directors result from 
consultations between the Chairman and other Directors as he considers appropriate.  Directors’ fees, which are payable to all 
Directors other than the Chief Executive and the Chief Financial Officer, are decided upon by shareholders in general meeting  
as provided for by the Company’s Bye-laws. 

For the year ended 31st December 2015, the Directors received from the Group US$7.6 million (2014: US$7.2 million) in Directors’ 
fees and employee benefits, being US$0.8 million (2014: US$0.8 million) in Directors’ fees, US$6.6 million (2014: US$6.2 million)  
in short-term employee benefits including salary, bonuses, accommodation and deemed benefits in kind and US$0.2 million (2014: 
US$0.2 million) in post-employment benefits.  The information set out in this paragraph forms part of the audited financial statements.  

The Company has in place shadow share option schemes under which cash bonuses are paid based on the performance of the 
Company’s share price over a period.  The shadow schemes were established to provide longer-term incentives for executive 
Directors and senior managers.  Shadow share options are granted after consultation between the Chairman and the Chief Executive 
as well as other Directors as they consider appropriate.

The Company purchases insurance to cover its Directors against their costs in defending themselves in civil proceedings taken 
against them in that capacity and in respect of damages resulting from the unsuccessful defence of any proceedings.  To the extent 
permitted by law, the Company also indemnifies its Directors.  Neither the insurance nor the indemnity provides cover where the 
Director has acted fraudulently or dishonestly.

68  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 69

Corporate Governance

Audit Committee

The Board has established within HKL an audit committee (the ‘Audit Committee’), the current members of which are Adam Keswick, 
Mark Greenberg, Jeremy Parr and James Riley; they have extensive knowledge of the Group while at the same time not being directly 
involved in operational management.  The chairman, chief executive and chief financial officer of HKL, together with representatives 
of the internal and external auditors, also attend the Audit Committee meetings by invitation.  The Audit Committee meets and reports 
to the Board semi-annually.

Prior to completion and announcement of the half-year and year-end results, a review of the financial information and of any issues 
raised in connection with the preparation of the results, including the adoption of new accounting policies, is undertaken by the Audit 
Committee with the executive management and a report is received from the external auditors.  The external auditors also have 
access to the full Board, in addition to the Chief Executive, Chief Financial Officer and other senior executives. 

The Audit Committee keeps under review the nature, scope and results of the audits conducted by the internal audit function.   
The Audit Committee’s responsibilities extend to reviewing the effectiveness of both the internal and external audit functions; 
considering the independence and objectivity of the external auditors; and reviewing and approving the level and nature of  
non-audit work performed by the external auditors.

The terms of reference of the Audit Committee can be found on the Company’s website at www.hkland.com.

Risk Management and Internal Control

The Board has overall responsibility for the Group’s systems of risk management and internal control.  The Board has delegated to the 
Audit Committee responsibility for reviewing areas of risk and uncertainty, the operation and effectiveness of the Group’s systems of 
internal control and the procedures by which these are monitored.  The Audit Committee considers the systems and procedures on a 
regular basis, and reports to the Board semi-annually.  The systems of internal control are designed to manage, rather than eliminate, 
business risk; to help safeguard the Group’s assets against fraud and other irregularities; and to give reasonable, but not absolute, 
assurance against material financial misstatement or loss.

Executive management is responsible for the implementation of the systems of internal control throughout the Group.  The internal 
audit function also monitors the effectiveness of the systems of internal control and the approach taken by the business units to risk.  
The internal audit function is independent of the operating businesses and reports its findings, and recommendations for any 
corrective action required, to the Audit Committee. 

The Group has in place an organisational structure with defined lines of responsibility and delegation of authority.  There are 
established policies and procedures for financial planning and budgeting; for information and reporting systems; for assessment  
of risk; and for monitoring the Group’s operations and performance.  The information systems in place are designed to ensure that  
the financial information reported is reliable and up to date.

The Company’s policy on commercial conduct underpins the Group’s internal control process, particularly in the area of compliance.  
The policy is set out in the Group’s Code of Conduct, which is a set of guidelines to which every employee must adhere, and is 
reinforced and monitored by an annual compliance certification process.

The Audit Committee has also been given the responsibility to oversee the effectiveness of the formal procedures for employees to 
raise any matters of serious concern, and is required to review any reports made under those procedures that are referred to it by the 
internal audit function.

The principal risks and uncertainties facing the Company are set out on page 74.

70  

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Annual Report 2015 71

Directors’ Responsibilities in respect of the Financial Statements

The Directors are required under the Bermuda Companies Act to prepare financial statements for each financial year and to present 
them annually to the Company’s shareholders at the annual general meeting.  The financial statements are required to present fairly  
in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’) the financial position of the Group at the end of the year and 
the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended.  The Directors consider that applicable accounting policies 
under IFRS, applied on a consistent basis and supported by prudent and reasonable judgements and estimates, have been followed  
in preparing the financial statements.  The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.

Code of Conduct

The Group conducts business in a professional, ethical and even-handed manner.  Its ethical standards are clearly set out in its Code 
of Conduct, which is modelled on the Jardine Matheson group’s code of conduct.  The Code of Conduct requires that all Group 
companies comply with all laws of general application, all rules and regulations that are industry specific and proper standards of 
business conduct.  The Code of Conduct prohibits the giving or receiving of illicit payments, and requires all employees to be treated 
fairly, impartially and with respect.  It also requires that all managers must be fully aware of their obligations under the Code of 
Conduct and establish procedures to ensure compliance at all levels within their organisations.  The Group has in place procedures  
by which employees can raise, in confidence, matters of serious concern in areas such as financial reporting or compliance.

Directors’ Share Interests

The Directors of the Company in office on 3rd March 2016 had interests (within the meaning of the DTRs) as set out below in the 
ordinary share capital of the Company.  These interests include those notified to the Company in respect of the Directors’ connected 
persons (as that term is used in the DTRs in relation to companies incorporated outside the United Kingdom).

Y.K. Pang 
Charles Allen-Jones 
Dr Richard Lee 
Anthony Nightingale 

38,000
60,000
3,678,685
2,184

Substantial Shareholders

As a non-UK issuer, the Company is subject to the DTRs pursuant to which a person must in certain circumstances notify the 
Company of the percentage of voting rights attaching to the share capital of the Company that he holds.  The obligation to notify 
arises if that person acquires or disposes of shares in the Company which results in the percentage of voting rights which he holds 
reaching, exceeding, or falling below, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 50% and 75%. 

The Company has been informed of the holding of voting rights of 5% or more attaching to the Company’s issued ordinary share 
capital by Jardine Strategic Holdings Limited (‘Jardine Strategic’), which is directly interested in 1,176,616,646 ordinary shares 
carrying 50.01% of the voting rights.  By virtue of its interest in Jardine Strategic, Jardine Matheson is also interested in the same 
ordinary shares.  Apart from this shareholding, the Company is not aware of any holders of voting rights of 5% or more attaching  
to the issued ordinary share capital of the Company as at 3rd March 2016.

There were no contracts of significance with corporate substantial shareholders during the year under review.  

70  

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Annual Report 2015 71

 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Governance

Governance Principles

The Company’s primary listing on the London Stock Exchange is a standard listing on the Main Market.  Under a standard listing,  
the Company is subject to the UK Listing Rules (other than those which apply only to companies with a premium listing), the DTRs,  
the UK Prospectus Rules and the market abuse provisions of the UK Financial Services and Markets Act.  The Company, therefore,  
is bound by the rules in relation to continuous disclosure, periodic financial reporting, disclosure of interests in shares and market abuse, 
including the rules governing insider dealing, market manipulation and the disclosure of price sensitive information.  The Company is 
also subject to regulatory oversight from the FCA, as the Company’s principal securities regulator, and is required to comply with the 
Admission and Disclosure Standards of the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange.

When shareholders approved the Company’s move to a standard listing from a premium listing in 2014, the Company stated that  
it intended to maintain certain governance principles on the same basis as was then applicable to the Company’s premium listing,  
as follows:

1.  When assessing a significant transaction, being a larger transaction which would be classified as a class 1 transaction under the 

provisions of the UK Listing Rules, the Company will engage an independent financial adviser to provide a fairness opinion on the 
terms of the transaction. 

2. 

In the event of a related party transaction, being a transaction with a related party which would require a sponsor to provide a fair 
and reasonable opinion under the provisions of the UK Listing Rules, the Company will engage an independent financial adviser  
to confirm that the terms of the transaction are fair and reasonable as far as the shareholders of the Company are concerned. 

3.  Further, as soon as the terms of a significant transaction or a related party transaction are agreed, an announcement will be issued 
by the Company providing such details of the transaction as are necessary for investors to evaluate the effect of the transaction 
on the Company.

4.  At each annual general meeting, the Company will seek shareholder approval to issue new shares on a non-pre-emptive basis for 

up to 33% of the Company’s issued share capital, of which up to 5% can be issued for cash consideration.

5.  The Company will continue to adhere to its Securities Dealing Rules, which follow the UK Model Code as then applied to  

the Company.

6.  The Company will continue its policies and practices in respect of risk management and internal controls.

Related Party Transactions 

Details of transactions with related parties entered into by the Company during the course of the year are included in Note 27 to  
the financial statements on page 59.

Securities Purchase Arrangements

The Directors have the power under the Bermuda Companies Act and the Company’s Memorandum of Association to purchase  
the Company’s shares.  Any shares so purchased shall be treated as cancelled.  When the Board reviews the possibility for share 
repurchases, it will take into consideration the potential for the enhancement of earnings or asset values per share.  When purchasing 
such shares, the Company is subject to the UK market abuse regime.

Takeover Code

The Company is subject to a Takeover Code, based on London’s City Code on Takeovers and Mergers.  The Takeover Code provides 
an orderly framework within which takeovers can be conducted and the interests of shareholders protected.  The Takeover Code has 
statutory backing, being established under the Acts of incorporation of the Company in Bermuda.

72  

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Annual Report 2015 73

Annual General Meeting

The 2016 Annual General Meeting will be held at Rosewood Tucker’s Point, Bermuda on 4th May 2016.  The full text of the resolutions 
and explanatory notes in respect of the meeting are contained in the Notice of Meeting which accompanies this Report.  A corporate 
website is maintained containing a wide range of information of interest to investors at www.hkland.com. 

Power to Amend Bye-laws

The Bye-laws of the Company can be amended by the shareholders by way of a special resolution at a general meeting of  
the Company.

72  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 73

Principal Risks and Uncertainties

The Board has overall responsibility for risk management and internal control.  The process by which the Group identifies and 
manages risk is set out in more detail on page 70 of the Corporate Governance section of this Report.  The following are the principal 
risks and uncertainties facing the Company as required to be disclosed pursuant to the Disclosure Rules and Transparency Rules 
issued by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom and are in addition to the matters referred to in the Chairman’s 
Statement and Chief Executive’s Review.

Economic Risk

The Group is exposed to the risk of negative developments in global and regional economies, and financial and property markets, 
either directly or through the impact on the Group’s joint venture partners, bankers, suppliers or tenants.  These developments can 
result in:
•  recession, inflation, deflation and currency fluctuations;
•  restrictions in the availability of credit, increases in financing and construction costs and business failures; and
•  reductions in office and retail rents, office and retail occupancy and sales prices of, and demand for, residential developments.
Such developments might increase costs of sales and operating costs, reduce revenues, or result in reduced valuations of the Group’s 
investment properties or in the Group being unable to meet in full its strategic objectives.

Commercial Risk and Financial Risk

Risks are an integral part of normal commercial practices, and where practicable steps are taken to mitigate such risks.  These risks are 
further pronounced when operating in volatile markets.

The Group makes significant investment decisions in respect of commercial and residential development projects that take time to 
come to fruition and achieve the desired returns and are, therefore, subject to market risks.  These risks are further pronounced when 
operating in volatile markets.

The Group operates in areas that are highly competitive, and failure to compete effectively in terms of price, product specification  
or levels of service can have an adverse effect on earnings as can construction risks in relation to new developments.  Significant 
pressure from such competition may lead to reduced margins.  The quality and safety of the products and services provided by  
the Group are also important and there is an associated risk if they are below standard.

The steps taken by the Group to manage its exposure to financial risk are set out in the Financial Review on page 15 and Note 2 to  
the financial statements on pages 32 to 37.

Regulatory and Political Risk

The Group is subject to a number of regulatory environments in the territories in which it operates.  Changes in the regulatory 
approach to such matters as foreign ownership of assets and businesses, exchange controls, planning controls, tax rules and 
employment legislation have the potential to impact the operations and profitability of the Group.  Changes in the political 
environment in such territories can also affect the Group.

Terrorism, Pandemic and Natural Disasters

A number of the Group’s interests are vulnerable to the effects of terrorism, either directly through the impact of an act of terrorism  
or indirectly through the impact of generally reduced economic activity in response to the threat of or an actual act of terrorism.

The Group would be impacted by a global or regional pandemic which could be expected to seriously affect economic activity and 
the ability of our business to operate smoothly.  In addition, many of the territories in which the Group is active can experience from 
time to time natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons.

74  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 75

Shareholder Information

Financial Calendar

2015 full-year results announced

Shares quoted ex-dividend on the Singapore Exchange

Shares quoted ex-dividend on the London Stock Exchange

Share registers closed

Annual General Meeting to be held

2015 final dividend payable

2016 half-year results to be announced

Shares quoted ex-dividend on the Singapore Exchange

Shares quoted ex-dividend on the London Stock Exchange

Share registers to be closed

2016 interim dividend payable 

* Subject to change

Dividends

3rd March 2016

16th March 2016

17th March 2016

21st to 25th March 2016

4th May 2016

11th May 2016

28th July 2016 *

17th August 2016 *

18th August 2016 *

22nd to 26th August 2016 *

12th October 2016 *

Shareholders will receive their cash 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 for the 2015 final dividend by 
notifying the United Kingdom transfer agent in writing by 22nd April 2016.  The sterling equivalent of dividends declared in United 
States dollars will be calculated by reference to a rate prevailing on 27th April 2016.  Shareholders holding their shares through  
CREST in the United Kingdom will receive their cash dividends only in sterling.  Shareholders holding their shares through The Central 
Depository (Pte) Limited (‘CDP’) in Singapore will receive their cash dividends in United States dollars unless they elect, through CDP, 
to receive Singapore dollars.

Registrars and Transfer Agent

Shareholders should address all correspondence with regard to their shareholdings or dividends to the appropriate registrar or 
transfer agent.

Principal Registrar
Jardine Matheson International Services Limited
P.O. Box HM 1068
Hamilton HM EX
Bermuda

Jersey Branch Registrar  
Capita Registrars (Jersey) Limited 
12 Castle Street 
St Helier, Jersey JE2 3RT 
Channel Islands 

United Kingdom Transfer Agent
Capita Asset Services
The Registry
34 Beckenham Road
Beckenham, Kent BR3 4TU
United Kingdom

Singapore Branch Registrar
M & C Services Private Limited
112 Robinson Road #05-01
Singapore 068902

Press releases and other financial information can be accessed through the internet at www.hkland.com.

74  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 75

Offices

Offices

Hongkong Land Holdings Limited

Jardine House
33-35 Reid Street
Hamilton
Bermuda
Tel +1441 292 0515
Fax +1441 292 4072
E-mail: gpobox@hkland.com
Philip A. Barnes

Hongkong Land Limited

One Exchange Square, 8th Floor
Hong Kong
Tel +852 2842 8428
Fax +852 2845 9226
E-mail: gpobox@hkland.com
Y.K. Pang

Hongkong Land (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.

One Raffles Quay
North Tower #34-03
Singapore 048583
Tel +65 6238 1121
Fax +65 6238 1131
E-mail: gpobox.sg@hkland.com
Robert Garman

Hongkong Land (Asia Management) Limited

Suite 204, 2/F Central Building
31 Hai Ba Trung, Trang Tien
Hoan Kiem
Hanoi
Vietnam
Tel +844 3825 1480
Fax +844 3824 0769
E-mail: gpobox.hanoi@hkland.com
Cao, Ly Anh

Beijing Yee Zhi Real Estate Consultancy Co., Ltd.

Room 1013, 10/F
Office Tower 1 Beijing APM
No. 138 Wangfujing Street
Dongcheng District
Beijing 100006
China
Tel +8610 6520 4828
Fax +8610 6520 4830
E-mail: gpobox.bj@hkland.com
Stanley Ko

Hongkong Land (Beijing) Management  
Company Limited

Room 303, Block 26, Central Park
No. 6 Chaoyangmenwai Avenue
Chaoyang District
Beijing 100020
China
Tel +8610 6597 0921
Fax +8610 6597 0925
E-mail: gpobox.bj@hkland.com
James Zhang

76  

Hongkong Land

Hongkong Land (Chongqing) Management 
Company Limited

7/F, Zone D, Neptune Building
No. 62 Star Light Road
New North Zone
Chongqing 401147
China
Tel +8623 6703 3016-8
Fax +8623 6703 3888
E-mail: gpobox.cq@hkland.com
Ling Chang Feng

Hongkong Land (Premium Investments) Limited

No. 1A, Street 102
Sangkat Wat Phnom
Khan Daun Penh
Phnom Penh
Cambodia
Tel +855 2399 2063
Fax +855 2399 2083
E-mail: gpobox.cambodia@hkland.com
David Tibbott

PT Hongkong Land Consultancy  
and Management

World Trade Centre 1, 17th Floor
Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 29–31
Jakarta 12920
Indonesia
Tel +6221 521 1125
Fax +6221 521 1115
E-mail: gpobox.indonesia@hkland.com
Arthur Choo

MCL Land Limited

78 Shenton Way #33-00
Singapore 079120
Tel +65 6221 8111
Fax +65 6225 3383
E-mail: gpobox.mcl@hkland.com
Koh Teck Chuan

Representative Offices

Shanghai

Unit 1109C, Bund Centre
222 Yanan Road (East)
Shanghai 200002
China
Tel +8621 6335 1220
Fax +8621 6335 0100
E-mail: gpobox.sh@hkland.com
Stanley Ko / Vincent Sun

Vietnam

Unit 503, 5/F CJ Tower
2 bis-4-6 Le Thanh Ton, District 1
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam
Tel +848 3827 9006
Fax +848 3827 9020
E-mail: gpobox.hcmc@hkland.com
Cosimo Jencks

Annual Report 2015 77

Report of the Valuers

To Hongkong Land Holdings Limited

Dear Sirs

Revaluation of Investment Properties Held under Freehold and Leasehold

Further to your instructions, we have valued in our capacity as external valuers the investment properties held under freehold and 
leasehold as described in the consolidated financial statements of Hongkong Land Holdings Limited.  We are of the opinion that  
the market value of the investment properties held under freehold in Cambodia and leasehold in China, Hong Kong, Singapore  
and Vietnam as at 31st December 2015, totalled US$24,944,900,000 (United States Dollars Twenty Four Billion Nine Hundred  
Forty Four Million and Nine Hundred Thousand).

Our valuations were prepared in accordance with the International Valuation Standards by the International Valuation Standards 
Council and The HKIS Valuation Standards by The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors.

We have inspected the properties without either making structural surveys or testing the services.  We have been supplied with details 
of tenure, tenancies and other relevant information.

In arriving at our opinion, each property was valued individually, on market value basis, calculated on the net income allowing for 
reversionary potential, however no allowance has been made for expenses of realisation or for taxation which might arise in the event 
of disposal.

Yours faithfully

Jones Lang LaSalle Limited
Hong Kong, 16th February 2016

76  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 77

Major Property Portfolio

at 31st December 2015

Commercial Investment Property

Completed development

Hong Kong

Alexandra House

Chater House

Exchange Square

  One Exchange Square

  Two Exchange Square

  Three Exchange Square

  Podium

  The Forum

Jardine House

Gloucester Tower

Landmark Atrium

Edinburgh Tower

York House

Prince’s Building

Macau

One Central

Singapore

One Raffles Link

One Raffles Quay

  North Tower

  South Tower

Marina Bay Financial Centre

  Tower 1

  Tower 2

  Tower 3

Jakarta, Indonesia

World Trade Centre 1

World Trade Centre 2

World Trade Centre 5

World Trade Centre 6

Bangkok, Thailand

Gaysorn

Hanoi, Vietnam

Central Building

63 Ly Thai To 

Attributable 

interests

%

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

46.6

100

33.3

33.3

50

50

50

50

49

65

73.9

Lettable area

Total

Office

Retail

(in thousands of square metres)

35

43

139

 63 

 44 

 24 

 44 

 10 

 51 

453

20

29

124

286

439

42

60

15

18

135

17

4

7

11

30

39

 53 

 47 

 30 

–

 4 

 59 

 44 

–

 31 

 10 

 38 

385

–

22

71

53

57

95

117

415

37

56

14

16

123

5

4

6

10

5

4

–

–

–

5

–

 4 

–

 24 

 13 

–

 13 

68

20

7

–

–

2

7

8

24

5

4

1

2

12

12

–

1

1

78  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 79

Residential Development Property for Sale

Location

Available units

Beijing

Beijing

100

 Ewe Boon Road 

Completed development

Mainland China

Maple Place

Central Park

Singapore

Hallmark Residences

Under development

Mainland China

Bamboo Grove

Landmark Riverside

Yorkville South

Yorkville North

Central Avenue

New Bamboo Grove

WE City

Parkville

Singapore

J Gateway

LakeVille

Sol Acres

Lake Grande

Indonesia

Anandamaya Residences

Nava Park

The Philippines

Two Roxas Triangle

Mandani Bay

Pampanga Property 

Greenwoods Village

Kahaya Place

Kohana Grove

Vietnam

The Nassim

Attributable 

interests

%

90

40

Attributable 

interests

%

50

50

100

100

50

50

50

50

100

100

100

100

40

49

40

50

40

40

40

40

50

Location

Chongqing

Chongqing

Chongqing

Chongqing

Chongqing

Chongqing

Chengdu

 Shanghai 

 Boon Lay Way 

 Jurong West Street 41 

 Choa Chu Kang Grove 

 Jurong West Street 41 

Jakarta

Serpong, Greater Jakarta

Manila

 Cebu 

 Pampanga 

Cavite

Cavite

Cavite

 39 

 72 

 2 

Site area 

(in square metres)

164,249

179,658

216,969

501,863

402,306

348,370

131,286

87,180

 11,588 

 22,357 

 32,909 

 17,804 

16,299

674,335

11,812

 195,915 

 144,029 

 125,306 

 61,291 

 20,077 

 Ho Chi Minh City 

 4,448 

78  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 79

Major Property Portfolio

Hong Kong – Central District

R A L

E N ’ S   R O A D   C E N T

Q U E

P

E

D

D

E

R

S

T

R

E

E

T

R A L

S   V O E U X   R O A D   C E N T

D E

I

C

E

H

O

U

S

E

9a

10

9

8

S

T

R

E

E

T

11

  R O A D   C E N T

L

A

R

3

C O N N A U G H T

Hongkong Land properties

Public car park

Pedestrian bridges

Mass Transit Railway access

L
A
R
T
N
E
C

Standard
Chartered
Bank

D
A
O
R

S
’

N
E
E
U
Q

Bank of
China

L
A
R
T
N
E

D C

HSBC

A
O
X R
U
E
O
S V

E
D

7

IC

E H

6

O

U

S

E S

T

R

E

E

T

12

1

2

Stock
Exchange

O

A R B

H

4

U R   V IE W  S T R E E T
Airport E xpress Station
G  S T R E E T

N

Statue
Square

D
A
O
R

R
E
T
A
H
C

Statue
Square

N R

O

A

D

N

O

C

Mandarin
Oriental

L
A
R
T
N
E
C

D
A

O
R

T
H

G

U
A
N

J

A

C

K

S

O

5

General
Post Office

H E U

N   C

A

M

M

A

N

Y

I

U

S

T

R

E

E

T

D

A

O  R O

G   W

N

L U

9

8

11

9a

10

7

6

1

2

5

12

3

4

1  One Exchange Square
2  Two Exchange Square
3  Three Exchange Square
4  The Forum 

Jardine House
5 
6  Chater House
7  Alexandra House

8  Gloucester Tower
9  Edinburgh Tower
9a  The Landmark Mandarin Oriental

10  York House
11  Landmark Atrium
12  Prince’s Building

80  

Hongkong Land

Annual Report 2015 PB

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Macau

Thailand

One Central

Indonesia

Gaysorn

WTC*

Anandamaya Residences*

Nava Park*

Cambodia

Philippines

Central Mansions

EXCHANGE SQUARE*

Roxas Triangle Towers*

Mandani Bay*

Vietnam

63 Ly Thai To

Central Building

The Nassim*

Beijing, China

WF CENTRAL*

CBD Site*

Central Park

Beijing, China

Chongqing, China

Maple Place

Bamboo Grove

Landmark Riverside

Chongqing, China

Yorkville South

Yorkville North

Central Avenue*

Chengdu, China

Shanghai, China

Shenyang, China

WE City*

Parkville*

One Capitol

* This rendering is for reference only, subject to change and government approval.

Singapore

Marina Bay Financial Centre

One Raffles Quay

One Raffles Link

Marina Bay Suites

Palms @ Sixth Avenue

Ripple Bay

Hallmark Residences

J Gateway*

LakeVille*

* This rendering is for reference only, subject to change and government approval.

Hongkong Land Holdings Limited
Jardine House  Hamilton  Bermuda

www.hkland.com