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Hongkong Land Holdings Limited

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FY2016 Annual Report · Hongkong Land Holdings Limited
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Annual Report 2016
Hongkong Land Holdings Limited

Landmark Riverside, a joint venture mixed-use 
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, 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.

Annual Report 2016

1

Corporate Information

Directors

Hongkong Land Limited

Directors

Ben Keswick Chairman

Robert Wong Chief Executive

R.M.J. Chow

Simon Dixon Chief Financial Officer

K. Foo

R.L. Garman

Mark Greenberg

D.P. Lamb

Y.K. Pang

Jeremy Parr

J.A. Robinson

John Witt

Corporate Secretary

Neil M. McNamara

Ben Keswick Chairman and  

 Managing Director

Robert Wong Chief Executive

Charles Allen-Jones

Simon Dixon

Mark Greenberg

Adam Keswick

Sir Henry Keswick

Simon Keswick

Dr Richard Lee

Anthony Nightingale

Y.K. Pang

Lord Powell of Bayswater, KCMG

Lord Sassoon, Kt

James Watkins

Percy Weatherall

Michael Wei Kuo Wu

Company Secretary

Neil M. McNamara

Registered Office

Jardine House

33-35 Reid Street

Hamilton

Bermuda

2  

Hongkong Land

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Highlights

• Underlying profit down 6%
• Continued strong contribution from commercial portfolio
• Steady residential contribution from mainland China and Singapore
• Net assets per share up 9% on higher capital 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

2016
US$m

2015
US$m

Change
%

848

905

3,346

2,012

31,294

28,685

(6)

66

9

2,008

2,341

(14)

US¢

US¢

36.03

38.44

142.23

85.50

19.00

19.00

US$

US$

13.30

12.19

%

(6)

66

–

%

9

*  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.

Annual Report 2016

3

Chairman’s Statement

Overview

Results from the Group’s commercial portfolio continued 

to be strong due to largely positive rental reversions in 

Hong Kong and higher occupancy in both Hong Kong 

and Singapore.  In the residential sector, while profits from 

HK$221 per sq. ft in 2015.  The value of the Group’s 

commercial portfolio in Hong Kong increased by  

12% when compared to the prior year, due to office 

capitalisation rates compressing on strong investment 

demand and rental growth.

mainland China were flat and profits from Singapore were 

In Singapore, vacancy in the Group’s office portfolio 

only marginally lower in 2016, overall earnings declined  

reduced to 0.1% from 3.0% at the end of 2015 as 

in the absence of a gain recorded in the prior year on  

previously committed space was taken up during the 

a redeveloped property in Hong Kong.

year.  Average rent decreased slightly to S$9.3 per sq. ft, 

Performance

compared to S$9.5 per sq. ft in 2015.

In mainland China, the construction of the Group’s  

Underlying profit attributable to shareholders in 2016  

luxury retail and hotel complex in Beijing, WF CENTRAL  

was US$848 million, a 6% decrease compared to the 

at Wangfujing, is progressing well with the retail 

prior year.  After taking into account the net non-trading 

component scheduled to open in late 2017 and the 

gains of US$2,498 million recorded on the revaluation of 

74-room Mandarin Oriental Hotel scheduled to open  

the Group’s investment properties, the profit attributable 

in 2018.  In Jakarta, the fifth tower at Jakarta Land, the 

to shareholders for the year was US$3,346 million.    

Group’s 50%-owned joint venture, is on schedule for 

This compares to US$2,012 million in 2015, which 

completion in 2018.

included net valuation gains of US$1,107 million.

The net asset value per share at 31st December 2016 

was US$13.30, compared with US$12.19 at the end  

of 2015.

Residential Developments

As anticipated, the contribution from the Group’s 

residential interests was lower in 2016, primarily due  

to the absence of a gain from the redevelopment of  

The Directors are recommending a final dividend  

a residential property in Hong Kong recorded in 2015.

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 mainland China, revenue recognised during the  

year, including the Group’s attributable interest in joint 

ventures, increased by 34%.  However, profits were  

flat primarily due to the product mix and the impact of  

a weaker Chinese Renminbi.  The Group’s attributable 

interest in contracted sales for 2016 was 38% higher at 

In Hong Kong, the office leasing market in Central 

US$1,105 million, compared to US$802 million in 2015.  

continues to benefit from limited supply.  Vacancy in the 

At 31st December 2016, the Group had US$1,083 million 

Group’s Central office portfolio at the end of 2016 was 

in sold but unrecognised contracted sales, compared 

2.2%, compared with 3.4% at the end of 2015.  Office 

with US$821 million at the end of 2015.  The construction 

rental reversions continue to be positive, with the Group’s 

of the 50%-owned New Bamboo Grove began in  

average office rent increasing to HK$103 per sq. ft from 

mid-2016 and is progressing well.

HK$101 per sq. ft in 2015.  The Group’s Central retail 

portfolio remains fully occupied and base rental 

reversions continue to be largely positive.  The impact  

of turnover rent, however, led to the average retail  

rent reducing to HK$218 per sq. ft, compared with 

Results from the Group’s residential business in 

Singapore declined marginally compared to the prior 

year due to lower provision writebacks on completed 

developments.  The Group’s wholly-owned subsidiary, 

4  

Hongkong Land

Outlook

A stable performance is anticipated from Hongkong 

Land’s commercial property portfolio in 2017, while in  

the Group’s residential business a higher contribution 

from mainland China is expected to be offset by lower 

profits from Singapore.

Ben Keswick
Chairman

2nd March 2017

MCL Land, completed the fully sold 738-unit J Gateway 

project.  Presales continue at two projects scheduled  

for completion in 2017 and 2018, respectively, while 

construction began in July 2016 on a project due to 

complete in 2019.  In December 2016, MCL Land won  

a tender to develop a residential site on Margaret Drive, 

which is expected to complete in 2020.

Of the Group’s other residential interests, the 

development of two joint venture projects in Indonesia 

are advancing on schedule.  In September 2016, the 

Group formed Astra Land, a 50:50 joint venture with 

Astra International in Indonesia, to pursue primarily 

residential trading opportunities.  Astra Land subsequently 

announced that it will develop a 69 hectare site in Jakarta 

Garden City in joint venture with Modernland Realty.   

In the Philippines, the construction of a 40%-owned 

182-unit luxury development in Manila and a 40%-owned 

mixed-use development in Cebu are also well underway.

Financing

The Group’s financial position remains strong with  

net debt of US$2.0 billion at 31st December 2016,  

down from US$2.3 billion at the end of 2015.  Net gearing 

at the end of the year was 6%, compared with 8% at  

the end of 2015.

People

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

staff for their dedication and professionalism in upholding 

our reputation of providing high quality offerings to  

our customers.

Y.K. Pang stepped down as Chief Executive in July,  

while remaining on the Board, and was succeeded by 

Robert Wong.  John Witt stepped down as Chief Financial 

Officer in March and was succeeded by Simon Dixon.

Lord Leach passed away in June 2016.  During his time  

on the Board, he made a significant contribution to  

the development and expansion of Hongkong Land.  

He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.

Annual Report 2016

5

Chief Executive’s Review

Hongkong Land had a good year in 2016 with another 

Hong Kong’s Central Portfolio

strong contribution from its commercial property 

The portfolio in Hong Kong comprises 12 buildings  

portfolio and a steady contribution from its residential 

that form the heart of the financial district in Central.  

property projects.  There has also been a significant 

These buildings are interlinked and represent over 

increase in the value of the Group’s commercial property 

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

portfolio during 2016.  The Group maintains a sound 

They are positioned as the pre-eminent office, retail, 

balance sheet with ample liquidity, is well positioned in  

restaurant and hotel accommodation in Central.   

its core markets in Greater China and Southeast Asia,  

This integrated mixed-use development continues to 

and continues to seek development opportunities to 

attract both prime office tenants and luxury retailers.   

further grow in these markets.

As a key financial and business hub in Asia, Hong Kong’s 

economy is closely linked to the global economic 

environment.  Despite current economic uncertainties, 

vacancy is low and rental reversions have remained 

positive, reflecting the unique positioning of the portfolio 

and the scarcity of supply of high quality space in  

core Central.

2012

35% Banks and other financial services

30% Legal

6% Property

8% Accounting

3% Trading

5% Governments

13% Others

Strategy

The Group develops prime commercial properties, which 

it retains and manages as long-term investments, and 

premium residential and accompanying commercial 

properties, which are developed for sale.

The Group’s prime commercial properties are 

predominantly in core central business locations in Asian 

gateway cities, with a concentration in Hong Kong and 

Singapore.  Returns principally arise from annual rental 

yields and long-term capital appreciation.  The Group’s 

Hong Kong and Singapore portfolios remain its most 

important investments as they provide a stable stream  

of earnings and balance sheet strength, which enables 

the Group to continue to invest and grow both its 

commercial and residential portfolios in its core markets 

in Greater China and Southeast Asia.

The Group’s premium residential and accompanying 

commercial developments are primarily in mainland 

China and Singapore, with emerging businesses in the 

Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam.  Returns principally 

arise from short to medium-term trading profits.   

The consistency of earnings contributed from  

these developments continues to strengthen as  

the mainland China operations mature.  The Group’s 

attributable interest in the developable area of  

its residential projects in mainland China totals  

4.6 million sq. m. Of this, construction of approximately 

1.8 million sq. m., or 39%, had been completed at  

2016

39% Banks and other financial services

30% Legal

6% Property

8% Accounting

2% Trading

1% Governments

14% Others

Central portfolio office tenant profile  
by area occupied

the end of 2016.  In Singapore, MCL Land, the Group’s 

wholly-owned residential developer, continues to be  

an important contributor to earnings and is working to 

maintain a steady pipeline of projects.  In Indonesia and 

the Philippines, the Group’s joint venture projects are 

progressing well and will provide additional sources  

of income as they mature in the coming years.

6  

Hongkong Land

Central portfolio top five office tenants  
(in alphabetical order)

in 2016

ANZ

BNP Paribas

JP Morgan

KPMG

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Central portfolio top five retail tenants  
(in alphabetical order)
in 2016

Armani Group

Dickson Concepts

Kering

LVMH Group

Richemont Group

The Group’s retail portfolio in Hong Kong, the 54,000 sq. m. 

The performance of the Group’s commercial portfolio  

LANDMARK, is integrated with the office buildings and is  

is determined by supply and demand as well as  

a key component of the Group’s unique and successful 

macro-economic conditions in Asia.  Nevertheless,  

mixed-use business model.  Its tenants include numerous 

the Group is committed to maintaining excellence in 

luxury brand flagship stores, as well as leading restaurants 

product quality and service to retain current tenants  

that have collected a total of ten Michelin stars.  

and attract new premium tenants and customers.  It will 

LANDMARK is clearly established as the iconic shopping 

seek to grow its exceptional portfolio of commercial 

destination in Hong Kong.

properties in prime locations across the region by 

investing in new developments.

Commercial Property Investments in Asia

Outside Hong Kong, the Group has similarly established 

Residential Developments

itself as a leading provider of office and retail space.   

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

In Singapore, Hongkong Land’s attributable interests of 

established a strong and profitable residential trading 

165,000 sq. m. includes some of the finest Grade A office 

business focusing primarily on the premium market in 

space in the market, principally in the Marina Bay Area.   

Greater China and Southeast Asia.  While the capital 

In Indonesia, Jakarta Land, the Group’s 50%-owned joint 

invested in this sector is significantly lower than the 

venture, is continuing to extend its 135,000 sq. m. office 

commercial business, the residential projects enhance 

development, with construction progressing well on  

the Group’s overall profits and returns on capital.

a 73,000 sq. m. fifth tower scheduled for completion in 

the first half of 2018.  In Beijing, the Group’s WF CENTRAL 

development, comprising a luxury retail complex and  

a prestigious Mandarin Oriental hotel, is scheduled  

for completion in the second half of 2017 and the first 

half of 2018, respectively.  In Cambodia, the Group’s 

30,000 sq. m. prime mixed-use complex comprising 

office and retail components in the heart of Phnom Penh 

has recently been completed.

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 

properties on completion.  Demand is also dependent  

on overall economic conditions, which can be 

significantly affected by government policies and  

the availability of credit.  Ongoing land acquisitions  

are necessary to continue to build this income stream 

over the longer term.

Annual Report 2016

7

Review of Commercial Property

Profits from the Group’s commercial business were 

marginally higher in 2016 than 2015, largely due to 

positive office rental reversions in Hong Kong and  

higher occupancy in both Hong Kong and Singapore.

The value of the Group’s commercial portfolio in  

Hong Kong at 31st December 2016, based on 

independent valuations, increased by 12% to  

US$26.1 billion when compared to the prior year, 

primarily due to office capitalisation rates compressing 

on strong investment demand and rental growth.

Hong Kong

Demand in the Hong Kong office leasing market 

remained strong in 2016, backed by the continued 

scarcity of Grade A office supply.  The Group’s vacancy 

was 2.2% at the end of 2016, compared to 3.4% at the 

end of 2015.  Vacancy for the overall Central Grade A 

market was 1.7% at the end of 2016, compared to 1.2% 

in 2015.  The Group’s average office rent in 2016 was 

HK$103 per sq. ft, an increase from last year’s average  

of HK$101 per sq. ft.  This increase was predominantly 

due to positive rental reversions from existing tenants.  

Financial institutions, legal firms and accounting firms 

Central portfolio

at 31st December 2016

Capital value (US$m)

Gross revenue (US$m)

Equivalent yield (%)

Office

Retail

21,137

4,959*

700

250*

– One and Two Exchange Square

3.50

– The Landmark Atrium

Average unexpired term  

  of leases (years)

4.50

3.8

2.8

occupy 77% of the Group’s total leased office space.

Area subject to renewal/review  

The Group’s retail portfolio remained resilient amidst 

in 2017 (%)

32

34

challenging conditions in the luxury retail sector  

* including hotel

in Hong Kong, and continued to be fully occupied.   

The average rent was HK$218 per sq. ft in 2016,  

down slightly from HK$221 per sq. ft in 2015, due to  

the impact of turnover rent.  Base rental reversions 

remained largely positive, although the demand for  

retail space has moderated.

10.84

10.85

11.18

11.64

12.70

13.14

13.03

13.26

8.52

6.33

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

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

8  

Hongkong Land

Chief Executive’s Review 
Singapore

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

Sentiment in the office leasing market in Singapore  

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

was slightly softer in 2016 compared to 2015 due  

as scheduled.  It is planned for completion in 2018.  

to a projected surplus of supply.  Vacancy in the  

Occupancy across the portfolio was 90% at the year  

Group’s office portfolio was 0.1% at the year end,  

end, a modest decline from 93% at the end of 2015.   

down from 3.0% at the end of 2015.  The overall  

The average gross rent in 2016 was US$25.3 per sq. m., 

vacancy across the entire Grade A CBD market was  

unchanged from the prior year.

6.7% as at 31st December 2016, compared to 5.0%  

at the end of 2015.  The Group’s average rent was  

S$9.3 per sq. ft, a slight decrease from S$9.5 per sq. ft  

in the previous year, due to negative rental reversions.   

In line with the financial nature of the district in which  

the Group’s portfolio is located, financial institutions,  

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

complex, EXCHANGE SQUARE, comprising office and 

retail components in the heart of Phnom Penh’s emerging 

financial district, has recently been completed and is  

in the process of being handed over to tenants.

legal firms and accounting firms occupy 82% of the  

Performances at the Group’s other commercial 

total leasable area.

investment properties in Bangkok, Hanoi and Bermuda 

Other Commercial Property Investments 

In Beijing, the development of WF CENTRAL, the Group’s 

Review of Residential Property

were within expectations.

retail and hotel project located in Wangfujing in the 

Dongcheng District, continues to make progress.   

This unique development will be an iconic lifestyle 

destination for shopping and dining in the capital for both 

local and international customers.  The retail component 

is scheduled to open later in the second half of 2017.  

The complex will also include a 74-room Mandarin 

Oriental hotel, scheduled to open in the first half of 2018.  

In the CBD Core Area of Beijing’s Chaoyang District,  

the Group’s 30%-owned proposed office development 

project remains under planning.  It will be developed  

as a prime Grade A office building of 120,000 sq. m.

In Shanghai, the agreement with the Lujiazui Group  

to develop a mixed-use project with both office and  

retail components in the Qiantan area of Pudong was 

finalised during the year, and is now subject to planning 

and regulatory approval.  This prime site will have  

As expected, earnings from the Group’s residential 

property business were lower in 2016 compared to 2015, 

primarily due to the absence of profits from a redeveloped 

property in Hong Kong.

Mainland China

The Group’s residential businesses in mainland China  

are situated across the cities of Beijing, Chengdu, 

Chongqing and Shanghai.  These are predominantly 

long-term projects of different product types that are 

being developed in phases over time.

Despite cautious market conditions in Chongqing, the 

Group’s largest market, the Group’s sales performance 

improved against 2015.  The Group’s attributable interest 

in contracted sales was US$1,105 million in 2016, 

compared with US$802 million in the previous year.

a developable area of 230,000 sq. m.

The Group’s attributable interest in revenue recognised 

In One Central, Macau, occupancy in the retail portfolio 

remained high at 95%, marginally lower than the prior 

year.  Amidst challenging market conditions, tenant sales 

were down 21%.

was US$676 million, compared with US$505 million  

in 2015, an increase of 34%.

Annual Report 2016

9

At 31st December 2016, the Group’s attributable  

Landmark Riverside, a 50%-owned joint venture with 

interest in sold but yet to be recognised contracted  

China Merchants Shekou Holdings, is a 22 hectare site  

sales amounted to US$1,083 million, an increase of  

at Dan Zishi in Chongqing.  The project, which is primarily 

32% from US$821 million at the end of 2015.

residential with some retail space, consists of a total 

Chongqing, the largest city in western China, remains the 

Group’s most significant residential market in the country.   

developable area of approximately 1 million sq. m.,  

of which approximately 31% has been completed.

The city accounts for some 88% of the Group’s total 

Central Avenue, the Group’s second 50%-owned  

residential investments in mainland China.  It consists  

joint venture with China Merchants Shekou Holdings,  

of two wholly-owned projects, Yorkville South and the 

is a 40 hectare mixed-use development located next to 

adjacent Yorkville North, and four 50%-owned joint 

the Central Park in the Airport New Town of Yubei District 

ventures, being Bamboo Grove, New Bamboo Grove, 

in Chongqing.  The project is planned to be developed in 

Landmark Riverside, and Central Avenue.

eight phases to 2024.  The first phase was completed  

Yorkville South and Yorkville North, at Zhaomushan  

near the core of the Two-River New Area of Chongqing, 

are being developed in six phases over nine years  

in December 2016.  The site consists of approximately  

1.1 million sq. m. of developable area, of which 6% has 

been completed so far.

to 2020 and seven phases over ten years to 2022, 

In Chengdu, the 50% joint venture with KWG Property 

respectively.  Revenue recognised during 2016 

Holding Group, WE City, is a 19 hectare mix-used 

amounted to US$417 million, compared with  

development with total developable area of approximately 

US$236 million in 2015.  Yorkville South has a total 

900,000 sq. m., of which around 34% has been completed.  

developable area of approximately 880,000 sq. m.,  

With the completion of phase 4, the Group’s share of  

of which 58% has been completed, while Yorkville North 

the sales recognised in 2016 reached US$127 million, 

has a total developable area of 1.1 million sq. m., of which 

compared to US$108 million in the prior year.

31% has been completed.

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

Construction at the Group’s joint venture projects  

31 units were sold and handed over during the year 

in Chongqing has progressed in accordance with 

compared to 22 units in the prior year.  Only two villas 

development plans.  Hongkong Land’s attributable 

remain available for future sale.

interest in sales recognised from these joint venture 

projects was US$92 million, compared to US$125 million 

in 2015, due to the timing of completed sales.

Central Park in Beijing, a 40%-owned joint venture with 

Vantone Group, continues to hold 72 apartments which 

were operated as serviced apartments until June 2016.  

Bamboo Grove, the Group’s first 50%-owned joint 

The joint venture has since taken vacant possession of  

venture with Longfor Properties, is a 78 hectare site  

all apartments and is preparing the apartments for sale.

at Dazhulin in Chongqing.  It is primarily a residential 

development with total developable area of 

approximately 1.5 million sq. m., of which 88%  

has already been developed.

In Shanghai, the Group holds a 50% interest in a joint 

venture with the CIFI Group to develop a prime residential 

project, Parkville, which is located in Pudong within 

Shanghai’s inner-ring road.  The project consists of 

New Bamboo Grove, the second 50%-owned joint 

residential and commercial space with total developable 

venture with Longfor Properties and adjacent to Bamboo 

area of approximately 227,000 sq. m.  The Group’s  

Grove, is also primarily a residential development with 

share of contracted sales in 2016 was US$248 million 

total developable area of approximately 600,000 sq. m. 

compared to US$157 million in 2015.  The residential 

Construction commenced in mid-2016 and its first phase 

component of the project is on schedule for completion 

will be completed in 2017.

in the first half of 2017.

10  

Hongkong Land

Chief Executive’s ReviewSingapore

Astra Land subsequently entered into a 50%-owned  

MCL Land, the Group’s wholly-owned subsidiary, 

joint venture arrangement with Modernland Realty  

completed one residential project during 2016,  

to co-develop a predominantly residential site of  

the 738-unit J Gateway project, which was fully sold.

69 hectare in Jakarta Garden City, east of central Jakarta.  

Beyond 2016, MCL Land has one 100%-owned project 

scheduled for completion in each year from 2017 to 

2020.  The 699-unit LakeVille development, which is 

Construction of this project is expected to commence in 

2017, and will be developed in multiple phases with total 

developable area of 940,000 sq. m.

expecting to complete in 2017, was 99% pre-sold at  

In the Philippines, construction is continuing at  

the end of 2016.  The 1,327-unit Sol Acres executive 

Two Roxas Triangle, the 40%-owned luxury 182-unit 

condominium development (previously known as  

residential condominium tower in Manila’s central Makati 

Choa Chu Kang Grove), which is scheduled for 

area.  The development is expected to complete in 2018.  

completion in 2018, was 44% pre-sold.  The 710-unit  

At the end of 2016, 99% of the units had been pre-sold.  

Lake Grande project, a residential site located adjacent  

At Mandani Bay, a 40%-owned 20 hectare development 

to its LakeVille project, which is scheduled for completion 

comprising principally of residential units with some 

in 2019, was 77% pre-sold.  In December 2016, MCL Land 

office and retail components in Cebu, construction 

won a tender to develop a residential site on Margaret 

began in the first half of 2016, and the project will be 

Drive with a land cost of US$165 million.  The Project will 

developed in multiple phases through to 2035.  Since  

yield up to 316 residential units over a developable area 

the first sales launch in early 2016, 43% of 1,226 units 

of 238,000 sq. ft.  Construction will commence in 2017 

launched were pre-sold.  Completion of these units is 

and is expected to complete by 2020.

expected in 2020.

Other Residential Developments

In Indonesia, construction of the Group’s two residential 

projects is progressing well.  Nava Park, the Group’s 

49%-owned joint venture with Bumi Serpong Damai,  

is a 67 hectare site located southwest of central Jakarta.  

Upon completion in 2029, Nava Park will comprise  

a mix of landed houses, villas, mid-rise apartments  

Outlook

The Group’s commercial portfolio is expected to continue 

generating stable returns in 2017.  In the residential 

sector, higher completions should lead to improved 

profits from mainland China, but these are expected to 

be offset by lower contributions from other regions.

and low-rise commercial components.  Of the 471 units 

The foundation of Hongkong Land’s continued success  

which have been launched for sale, 81% have been 

is in satisfying its tenants and customers’ needs through 

pre-sold as at the end of 2016.  The first and second 

the delivery of world-class services and products.   

phases are scheduled for completion in 2017 and  

By maintaining its focus on its values, Hongkong Land  

in 2018, respectively.  At Anandamaya Residences,  

will further strengthen its market positions and achieve 

the 40%-owned joint venture project with affiliate Astra 

long-term success.  Going forward, the Group’s strong 

International, the construction work of the 509-unit  

balance sheet, disciplined investment approach and  

luxury apartments is well underway and targeted to 

well established market presence in Greater China  

complete in 2018.  At the end of 2016, 92% of the units 

and Southeast Asia position it well to take advantage  

have been pre-sold.

of expansion opportunities.

In September 2016, the Group entered into a 50%-owned 

joint venture arrangement with Astra International  

to form Astra Land in Indonesia, with the intention to 

jointly pursue primarily residential trading opportunities.  

Robert Wong
Chief Executive

2nd March 2017

Annual Report 2016 11

Financial Review

Accounting Policies

The accounting policies are consistent with those  

of the prior 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 2016 was US$848 million, down 6% from the prior year.  

This result can be analysed between the contribution 

from Commercial Property, Residential Property and 

unallocated expenses.  Each of these items in the below 

The contribution from Commercial Property was  

US$946 million, a 1% increase on the prior year.  

Improved results from the Hong Kong and Singapore 

office portfolios, on positive rental reversions and lower 

vacancies respectively, were largely offset by a lower 

contribution from the Hong Kong retail portfolio and 

higher pre-opening costs at WF CENTRAL in Beijing.

Another strong performance from the Hong Kong office 

portfolio, on higher average rents, was partially offset by  

a decline in contribution from the Group’s retail portfolio 

due to the impact of turnover rent.  The Hong Kong 

commercial portfolio generated 84% of the profit 

contributed by the Group’s Commercial Property 

segment, marginally higher than the prior year.

table includes the Group’s share of results from its 

In Singapore, the contribution to the Group’s Commercial 

associates and joint ventures.  Given the significance  

Property segment was marginally higher in 2016 than the 

of the Group’s joint ventures, this provides the clearest 

prior year, with the benefit of higher occupancy offsetting 

summary of the Group’s performance during the year.

the negative impact of slightly lower rents.  Singapore 

Commercial Property, underlying  

  operating profit

Residential Property, underlying  

  operating profit

Corporate costs

2016
US$m

2015
US$m

contributed to 13% of the Group’s Commercial Property 

segment, unchanged from the prior year.

In mainland China, pre-letting activities at WF CENTRAL 

have increased as construction work progresses, 

946

940

resulting in higher pre-opening expenses as compared  

to the prior year.  The opening is scheduled for the 

293

(62)

354

(60)

second half of 2017. 

Underlying operating profit

1,177

1,234

Net financing charges and tax

Non-controlling interests

(316)

(13)

(316)

(13)

The contribution from Residential Property was  

US$293 million, a 17% decline on the prior year, 

predominately because of the absence of a  

US$63 million gain from the redevelopment of  

Underlying profit attributable  

to shareholders

848

905

The contribution from mainland China was broadly in  

a residential property in Hong Kong recorded in 2015.   

US¢

US¢

line with that of the prior year, despite lower margins and 

a weakening Renminbi, whilst Singapore’s contribution 

was moderately lower, impacted by fewer completions, 

Underlying earnings per share

36.03

38.44

less provision write-backs, and a weaker Singapore dollar. 

12  

Hongkong Land

 
In mainland China the Group’s attributable interest in 

Net financing charges of US$102 million were 5%  

revenue, being the Group’s share of completed units 

lower than the prior year primarily due to lower average 

handed over to customers, increased by 34% compared 

net borrowings. 

The tax charge, which includes Land Appreciation Tax  

at the Group’s residential projects in mainland China, 

increased by 3% to US$214 million, with the effective tax 

rate of 19.7% unchanged from the prior year.  The higher 

tax charge on lower earnings in 2016 is mainly due to  

the non-taxable gain recorded in 2015 arising from the 

redevelopment of a residential property in Hong Kong. 

Non-Trading Items

In 2016, the Group had net non-trading gains of 

US$2,498 million compared with US$1,107 million  

in 2015.  These arose principally on revaluations of the 

Group’s investment properties, including its share of joint 

ventures, which were performed at 31st December 2016 

by independent valuers.

The gains on valuation came predominately from the 

Group’s Central office portfolio in Hong Kong due to  

a compression in capitalisation rates and an increase  

in open market rents.  The Central portfolio increased  

in value by 12% to US$26.1 billion.

to the prior year, though the impact of lower margins  

due to fewer high-rise apartments being handed over, 

and a weaker Renminbi, resulted in the earnings 

contribution being relatively flat as compared to the  

prior year.  Revenue was recognised at 90%-owned  

Maple Place in Beijing with 31 units handed over  

(2015: 22 units); in Chongqing at 100%-owned Yorkville 

South with 1,155 units handed over (2015: 1,019 units), 

at 100%-owned Yorkville North with 767 units  

(2015: 724 units), at 50%-owned Bamboo Grove with  

347 units (2015: 2,014 units), at 50%-owned Landmark 

Riverside with 216 units (2015: 161 units), for the first 

time at 50%-owned Central Avenue with 512 units; and  

at 50%-owned WE City in Chengdu with 1,069 units  

handed over (2015: 858 units).  

At MCL Land in Singapore, 2016 results were marginally 

higher than the prior year despite fewer completions, 

fewer provision write-backs, and a weaker Singapore 

dollar, as margins improved.  During the year, one project 

was completed, compared to three in 2015.  This was  

J Gateway (738 units), which was fully sold and was 

completed in November 2016.  In 2015 the Palms @ Sixth 

Avenue (32 units), Ripple Bay (679 units) and Hallmark 

Residence (73 units) were handed over.  However  

the overall contribution from the Group’s Singapore 

residential operations declined due to the absence  

of profits from the Marina Bay Suites development, of 

which all remaining units were handed over in 2015.

Annual Report 2016 13

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

Others

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 drawdown/(repayment) of borrowings

Others

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at 1st January

Effect of exchange rate changes

2016
US$m

2015
US$m

971

(216)

(79)

(336)

953

88

(285)

1,096

(92)

(104)

103

(148)

(4)

(245)

(444)

26

(24)

(442)

409

1,566

(77)

994

(253)

(281)

(407)

1,079

117

(353)

896

(58)

(256)

391

(152)

(71)

(146)

(445)

(347)

(4)

(796)

(46)

1,659

(47)

Cash and cash equivalents at 31st December

1,898

1,566

Cash flows from operating activities in 2016 were 

as a deposit payment for the Margaret Drive residential 

US$1,096 million, an increase of 22%.  The Group’s 

site in Singapore, and US$66 million for the final payment 

operating profit from its subsidiaries (excluding  

for the Yorkville North residential site in China, compared 

non-trading items) was US$971 million, 2% lower than 

to US$281 million in 2015.  In 2016, development 

the prior year.  This was largely due to lower underlying 

expenditure on residential projects decreased by 17%  

profits, reflecting the absence of a gain from the 

to US$336 million.  Proceeds from residential sales  

redevelopment of a residential property in Hong Kong 

were lower at US$953 million in 2016 compared to 

recorded in 2015.  Net interest paid of US$75 million was 

US$1,079 million in 2015.  Dividends received from  

US$3 million lower than in 2015 due to lower average  

joint ventures in 2016 totalled US$88 million, compared  

net debt.  Tax paid of US$141 million was US$34 million 

with US$117 million in the prior year, primarily due to 

lower than the prior year principally as a result of timing 

dividends received in 2015 in relation to the completion 

differences.  In 2016, US$79 million was paid for 

of Marina Bay Suites in Singapore.

residential development sites, being US$13 million  

14  

Hongkong Land

Financial ReviewUnder investing activities in 2016, the Group had 

outflows of US$245 million, compared to outflows of 

US$146 million in the prior year.  Capital expenditure of 

US$92 million related to major renovations, principally in 

respect of the Hong Kong Central portfolio.  Funding of 

the Group’s joint venture projects totalled US$104 million.  

This included investments of US$71 million in the 

50%-owned WE City residential project in Chengdu,  

and US$29 million in the 25%-owned Jakata Garden City 

residential project in Indonesia.  Also, under investing 

activities in 2016, the Group received US$103 million  

of advances and loan repayments from joint ventures, 

Dividends

The Board is recommending a final dividend of US¢13.00 
per share for 2016, providing a total annual dividend of 

US¢19.00 per share, unchanged from 2015.  The final 
dividend will be payable on 11th May 2017, subject to 

approval at the Annual General Meeting to be held on  

3rd May 2017, to shareholders on the register of members 

at the close of business on 17th March 2017.  No scrip 

alternative is being offered in respect of the dividend.

Treasury Policy

primarily from the Group’s residential projects in 

The Group manages its treasury activities within 

mainland China.  This compared to US$391 million  

established risk management objectives and policies 

in 2015.  Development expenditure of US$148 million  

using a variety of techniques and instruments.  The main 

was principally for the WF CENTRAL project in Beijing.

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 

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 

exposures on investments.  A portion of borrowings is 

denominated in fixed rates.  Adequate headroom in 

committed facilities is maintained to facilitate the Group’s 

capacity to pursue new investment opportunities and to 

provide some protection against market uncertainties.

Under financing activities, the Company paid dividends 

of US$444 million, being the 2015 final dividend of 

US¢13.00 per share and the 2016 interim dividend of 
US¢6.00 per share.  Also, the Group had a net drawdown 
of borrowings of US$26 million.

The Group’s year end cash and cash equivalents totalled 

US$1.9 billion.  At 31st December 2016, the Group’s net 

debt was US$2.0 billion, down from US$2.3 billion at the 

beginning of the year.

Year-end debt summary*

2016
US$m

1,507

1,248

675

139

78

265

5

2015
US$m

1,510

1,253

575

141

257

174

–

3,917

1,909

3,910

1,569

2,008

2,341

US$ bonds/notes

HK$ bonds/notes

HK$ bank loans

S$ bonds/notes

S$ bank loans

RMB bank loans

PHP bank loans

Gross debt

Cash

Net debt

* Before currency swaps

Annual Report 2016 15

Funding

The Group is well financed with strong liquidity.   

Net gearing was 6% at 31st December 2016, down  

from 8% at the end of 2015.  Interest cover, calculated  

as the underlying operating profits, including the Group’s 

share of associates and joint ventures’ operating profits, 

divided by net financing charges including the Group’s 

share of associates and joint ventures’ net financing 

charges, was 11.5 times, in line with 2015.

13%

11%

10%

8%

6%

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Net debt

Equity

Net debt as a percentage of equity

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

their credit ratings of Hongkong Land Holdings Limited  

at A3 and A respectively.

The average tenor of the Group’s debt was 6.4 years  

at 31st December 2016, down from 7.2 years at 2015 

year end due to the absence of new long-dated financing.  

Approximately 44% of the Group’s borrowings were at 

floating rates and the remaining 56% were either fixed 

rate borrowings or covered by interest rate hedges  

with major credit worthy financial institutions, in line  

with the end of 2015.

16  

Hongkong Land

Interest
rate

56% Fixed

44% Floating

Currency

Maturity

84% HK$

9% S$

7% RMB

62% >5 years

23% 2-5 years

9% 1-2 years

6% <1 year

Debt profile at 31st December 2016

At 31st December 2016, the Group had total committed 

lines of approximately US$6.5 billion.  Of these lines, 56% 

were sourced from banks with the remaining 44% from 

the capital markets.  At the end of 2016, the Group had 

drawn US$3.9 billion of these lines leaving US$2.6 billion 

of committed, but unused, facilities.  Adding the Group’s 

year end cash balances, the Group had overall liquidity  

at 31st December 2016 of US$4.5 billion, up from 

US$4.1 billion at the end of 2015.

3,592

1,086

882

663

294

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021
& beyond

Committed facility maturity  
at 31st December 2016 (US$m)

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.

91% Commercial

9% Residential
91% Commercial

9% Residential

Gross assets by activity

78% Hong Kong

13% Southeast Asia
78% Hong Kong
9% Mainland China and Macau
13% Southeast Asia

9% 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.

Simon Dixon
Chief Financial Officer

2nd March 2017

Annual Report 2016 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.

Robert Wong* Chief Executive
Mr Wong joined the Board as Chief Executive in August 

2016.  He joined the Group in 1985 and has extensive 

experience in property management and development.  

As a director of Hongkong Land Limited since 1996,  

he had prime responsibility for the Group’s residential 

property business.  He is a member of both The Royal 

Institution of Chartered Surveyors and The Hong Kong 

Institute of Surveyors.

Simon Dixon* Chief Financial Officer
Mr Dixon joined the Board as Chief Financial Officer  

in April 2016.  A Chartered Accountant, he joined  

the Jardine Matheson group in 2006 from 

PricewaterhouseCoopers.  He was previously finance 

director of Astra, prior to which he was group treasurer  

of Jardine Matheson from 2006 to 2010.

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

senior partner of Linklaters, where he had been a partner 

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

director of Jardine Strategic.

Adam Keswick
Mr Adam Keswick joined the Board in 2012.  Having 

joined Jardine Matheson in 2001, he was appointed to 

the board in 2007 and was deputy managing director 

from 2012 to 2016.  Mr Keswick is also deputy chairman 

of Jardine Lloyd Thompson and a director of Dairy Farm, 

Jardine Matheson, Jardine Strategic and Mandarin Oriental.  

He is also a director of Ferrari, and a supervisory board 

member of Rothschild & Co.

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 

Mandarin Oriental.  He is also vice chairman of the Hong 

Kong Association.

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  

and is a director of Dairy Farm, Jardine Matheson,  

Jardine Strategic and Mandarin Oriental.

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.

* Executive Director

18  

Hongkong Land

Anthony Nightingale
Mr Nightingale joined the Board in 2006 and was 

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

Managing Director of the Company from 2006 to 2012.  

career at KPMG, before joining SG Warburg (later UBS 

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

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

Carriage, Jardine Matheson, Jardine Strategic, Mandarin 

United Kingdom Treasury as a civil servant, where  

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

he had responsibility for financial services and enterprise 

and a commissioner of Astra.  Mr Nightingale also holds  

policy.  Following this, he chaired the Financial Action 

a number of senior public appointments, including acting 

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

as a non-official member of the Commission on Strategic 

of financial regulation.  From 2010 to 2013 Lord Sassoon 

Development, a Hong Kong representative to the Asia 

was the first Commercial Secretary to the Treasury  

Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Advisory 

and acted as the Government’s Front Bench Treasury 

Council and a director of the UK-ASEAN Business 

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

Council.  He is chairman of The Sailors Home and 

Dairy Farm, Jardine Lloyd Thompson, Jardine Matheson 

Missions to Seamen in Hong Kong.

and Mandarin Oriental.  He is also chairman of the 

China-Britain Business Council.

Y.K. Pang
Mr Pang has been a Director of the Company since 2007.  

He was Chief Executive of the Group from 2007 to  

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

July 2016.  He is deputy managing director of Jardine 

and group general counsel of Jardine Matheson from 

Matheson, chairman of Jardine Pacific, and chairman  

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

and chief executive of Jardine Motors.  He previously  

and was formerly a partner of Linklaters.  He is also  

held a number of senior executive positions in the Jardine 

a director of Asia Satellite Telecommunications Holdings, 

Matheson group, which he joined in 1984.  Mr Pang  

IL&FS India Realty Fund II, Jardine Cycle & Carriage and 

is also deputy chairman of Jardine Matheson Limited,  

Mandarin Oriental.

and a director of Dairy Farm, Jardine Matheson (China), 

Jardine Strategic, Mandarin Oriental, Yonghui Superstores 

and Zhongsheng Group Holdings.  He is chairman of the 

Employers’ Federation of Hong Kong and a past chairman 

of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce.

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 

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

Hennessy Louis Vuitton, Matheson & Co, Mandarin 

Oriental, Northern Trust Corporation and Textron 

Corporation.  Previously president of the China-Britain 

Business Council and chairman of the Singapore-British 

Business Council, he is currently a British Business 

Ambassador.  He is an independent member of the 

House of Lords.

Percy Weatherall
Mr Weatherall joined the Board in 1994 and was 

Managing Director from 2000 to 2006.  He first joined  

the Jardine Matheson group in 1976 and retired from 

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 

managing director of Maxim’s Caterers in Hong Kong.   

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

and Jardine Matheson, a council member of the Hong 

Kong University of Science and Technology and a 

member of the court of the University of Hong Kong.

Annual Report 2016 19

Consolidated Profit and Loss Account

for the year ended 31st December 2016

Underlying 
business 
performance

Note

US$m

2016

Non-
trading 
items

US$m

Underlying 
business 
performance

US$m

Total

US$m

2015

Non-
trading 
items

US$m

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

1,993.9

(1,023.3)

970.6

–

–

–

–

–

1,993.9

(1,023.3)

1,932.1

(938.3)

970.6

993.8

–

–

–

2,549.9

2,549.9

1.2

1.2

–

–

999.9

13.9

970.6

2,551.1

3,521.7

993.8

1,013.8

2,007.6

Total

US$m

1,932.1

(938.3)

993.8

999.9

13.9

(110.4)

41.5

(114.8)

40.4

(68.9)

(74.4)

–

–

–

(114.8)

40.4

(74.4)

(110.4)

41.5

(68.9)

117.0

–

–

–

–

– change in fair value of investment properties

11

–

(57.9)

117.0

(57.9)

140.5

–

140.5

0.2

69.0

69.2

140.7

69.0

209.7

117.0

(57.9)

59.1

Profit before tax  

Tax

Profit after tax

Attributable to:

1,018.7

2,493.2

3,511.9

1,059.9

1,083.0

2,142.9

9

(168.1)

0.8

(167.3)

(150.8)

13.6

(137.2)

850.6

2,494.0

3,344.6

909.1

1,096.6

2,005.7

Shareholders of the Company

Non-controlling interests

847.8

2,498.5

3,346.3

904.5

1,107.2

2,011.7

2.8

(4.5)

(1.7)

4.6

(10.6)

(6.0)

850.6

2,494.0

3,344.6

909.1

1,096.6

2,005.7

Earnings per share (basic and diluted)

10

36.03

142.23

38.44

US¢

US¢

US¢

US¢

85.50

20  

Hongkong Land

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

for the year ended 31st December 2016

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 gain/(loss) 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

2016

US$m

2015

US$m

3,344.6

2,005.7

9

9

(1.2)

0.2

(1.0)

(172.1)

(9.1)

41.8

(2.5)

39.3

(6.5)

(144.9)

(293.3)

(294.3)

(3.4)

0.5

(2.9)

(193.4)

8.3

(32.2)

(2.5)

(34.7)

5.8

(214.4)

(428.4)

(431.3)

Total comprehensive income for the year

3,050.3

1,574.4

Attributable to:

Shareholders of the Company

Non-controlling interests

3,055.2

(4.9)

1,583.2

(8.8)

3,050.3

1,574.4

Annual Report 2016 21

Note

2016

US$m

2015

US$m

12

13

14

15

16

17

15

18

19

20

20

16

19

21

44.9

27,712.3

4,460.7

52.2

60.1

8.7

–

34.0

24,957.3

4,617.6

61.3

41.2

13.1

0.5

32,338.9

29,725.0

2,217.4

480.3

9.2

1,908.9

2,713.9

355.7

8.3

1,569.2

4,615.8

4,647.1

(1,490.3)

(220.7)

(80.0)

(1,791.0)

2,824.8

(3,695.7)

(121.5)

(1.8)

(30.3)

(1,483.8)

(168.9)

(69.0)

(1,721.7)

2,925.4

(3,740.8)

(102.0)

(0.2)

(87.0)

31,314.4

28,720.4

235.3

31,059.1

31,294.4

20.0

235.3

28,449.7

28,685.0

35.4

31,314.4

28,720.4

Consolidated Balance Sheet

at 31st December 2016

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

Revenue and other reserves

Shareholders' funds

Non-controlling interests

Approved by the Board of Directors on 2nd March 2017

Ben Keswick
Robert Wong
Directors

22  

Hongkong Land

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

for the year ended 31st December 2016

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

2016
At 1st January

Total comprehensive income

Dividends paid by  

the Company

Dividends paid to  

  non-controlling  

  shareholders

Unclaimed dividends forfeited

Change in interests  

in subsidiaries

22

235.3

386.9

28,205.8

(9.1)

(133.9)

28,685.0

35.4

28,720.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

3,336.2

27.7

(308.7)

3,055.2

(4.9)

3,050.3

(447.0)

–

0.5

(1.9)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2.6

(447.0)

–

(447.0)

–

0.5

0.7

(4.2)

–

(4.2)

0.5

(6.3)

(5.6)

At 31st December

235.3

386.9

31,093.6

18.6

(440.0)

31,294.4

20.0

31,314.4

2015

At 1st January

Total comprehensive income

Dividends paid by  

the Company

Dividends paid to  

  non-controlling  

  shareholders

Unclaimed dividends forfeited

22

235.3

386.9

26,635.0

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

386.9

28,205.8

(9.1)

(133.9)

28,685.0

35.4

28,720.4

Total comprehensive income included in revenue reserves mainly comprises profit attributable to shareholders of the Company  
of US$3,346.3 million (2015: US$2,011.7 million) and a fair value loss on other investments of US$9.1 million (2015: gain of  
US$8.3 million).  The cumulative fair value gain on other investments amounted to US$14.4 million (2015: US$23.5 million).

Annual Report 2016 23

 
 
 
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

for the year ended 31st December 2016

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 in properties for sale

Increase in debtors

(Decrease)/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

Change in interests in subsidiaries

Cash flows from financing activities

Net cash inflow/(outflow)

Cash and cash equivalents at 1st January

Effect of exchange rate changes

Note

6

6

12

23a

2016

US$m

2015

US$m

3,521.7

2,007.6

3.1

(3.2)

–

(2,549.9)

(1.2)

392.4

(131.7)

(7.5)

36.4

(111.4)

(140.6)

88.1

1,096.2

(91.3)

(148.2)

(104.2)

102.8

(4.2)

(245.1)

266.7

(240.6)

(443.8)

(4.2)

(20.2)

(442.1)

409.0

1,565.9

(76.5)

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)

(45.6)

1,658.6

(47.1)

Cash and cash equivalents at 31st December

23b

1,898.4

1,565.9

24  

Hongkong Land

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 (’IFRS’),  
including International Accounting Standards (’IAS’) 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 2016 which are relevant to the Group’s operations

Amendments to IFRS 11 
Amendments to IAS 1 
Amendments to IAS 16 and IAS 38 
Annual Improvements to IFRSs 

Accounting for Acquisitions of Interests in Joint Operations
Disclosure Initiative: Presentation of Financial Statements
Clarification of Acceptable Methods of Depreciation and Amortisation
2012 – 2014 Cycle

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

New standards and amendments effective after 2016 which are relevant to the Group’s operations and yet to be adopted

Certain new standards and amendments, which are effective after 2016, have been published and will be adopted by the 
Group from their effective dates.  The Group is currently assessing the potential impact of these standards and amendments 
but expects their adoption will not have a significant effect on the Group’s consolidated financial statements except as set  
out below.

IFRS 9 ’Financial Instruments’ (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1st January 2018), which replaces IAS 39 
’Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’, addresses the classification and measurement of financial assets and 
liabilities and includes a new expected credit losses model for financial assets that replaces the incurred loss impairment model 
used today.  A substantially-reformed approach to hedging accounting is introduced.  It also carries forward the guidance on 
recognition and derecognition of financial instruments from IAS 39.  The Group does not expect the new guidance to have a 
significant impact on the classification and measurement of its financial assets and financial liabilities.  While the Group is still 
assessing the impact of how its impairment provisions would be affected by the new impairment model, it may result in an 
earlier recognition of credit losses.  The new hedge accounting rules will align the accounting for hedging instruments closely 
with the Group’s risk management practices.  Nevertheless, the Group does not expect a significant impact on the accounting 
for its hedging relationships.

IFRS 15 ’Revenue from Contracts with Customers’ (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1st January 2018), 
establishes a comprehensive framework for determining when to recognise revenue and how much revenue to recognise.   
lFRS 15 replaces IAS 11 ’Construction Contracts’ and IAS 18 ’Revenue’ which covers contracts for goods and services.   
The core principle in that framework is that revenue is recognised when control of a good or service transfers to a customer.  
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 improve guidance for multiple-element 
arrangements.  The new standard may change the revenue recognition on certain property sales from completion method  
to percentage of completion method.  At this stage, the Group is still assessing the impact of the new rules on the Group’s 
financial statements.

IFRS 16 ’Leases’ (effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1st January 2019) replaces IAS 17 ’Leases’ and  
related interpretations.  It will result in lessees bringing almost all their leases onto the balance sheet as the distinction between 
operating leases and finance leases is removed.  The model requires a lessee to recognise a right-of-use asset (the right to use 
the underlying leased asset) and a lease liability (the obligation to make lease payments) except for leases with a term of less 
than 12 months or with low-value.  The accounting for lessors will not change significantly.  IFRS 16 will affect primarily the 
accounting for the Group’s operating leases.  The Group is yet to undertake a detailed assessment on how the new lease model 
will affect the Group’s profit, classification of cash flows and balance sheet position.

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.

Annual Report 2016 25

1 

Principal Accounting Policies  continued

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.

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.

26  

Hongkong Land

Notes to the Financial Statements 
 
 
 
1 

Principal Accounting Policies  continued

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.  
Grants related to tangible assets are deducted in arriving at the carrying amount of the assets.  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.

Annual Report 2016 27

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

Notes to the Financial Statements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.

Annual Report 2016 29

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.

30  

Hongkong Land

Notes to the Financial Statements1 

Principal Accounting Policies  continued

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.

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 2016 are 
disclosed in Note 24.

Annual Report 2016 31

2 

Financial Risk Management  continued

Financial risk factors continued

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.

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 2016, 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$1,637 million (2015: US$1,640 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 2016, the Group’s interest rate hedge was 56% (2015: 56%) 
with an average tenor of eight years (2015: 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.

32  

Hongkong Land

Notes to the Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2 

Financial Risk Management  continued

Financial risk factors continued

i)  Market risk continued

Interest rate risk continued
At 31st December 2016, 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$8 million (2015: US$3 million) higher/lower and hedging reserve would have 
been US$59 million (2015: US$73 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.

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 2016, 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$13 million (2015:  
US$15 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 2016, 83% (2015: 82%) 
of deposits and balances with banks and financial institutions were made to institutions with Moody’s credit ratings of  
no less than A3, 11% (2015: 16%) at Baa1 and 6% (2015: 2%) 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.

Annual Report 2016 33

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2 

Financial Risk Management  continued

Financial risk factors continued

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 2016, total committed and uncommitted borrowing facilities amounted to US$6,662 million  
(2015: US$6,606 million) of which US$3,917 million (2015: US$3,910 million) was drawn down.  Undrawn committed 
facilities, in the form of revolving credit and term loan facilities, totalled US$2,607 million (2015: US$2,554 million).

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

374.0

508.9

486.5

8.9

559.2

10.3

474.7

1.7

240.8

2,788.6

4,923.8

0.2

3.3

533.3

74.0

63.6

74.0

63.6

317.1

482.3

350.3

7.1

150.9

137.7

411.1

7.3

132.9

122.1

546.1

4.3

68.0

59.4

1,655.0

1,643.9

2,154.8

2,090.3

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

150.9

136.3

132.9

120.1

1,724.0

1,691.5

2,229.8

2,129.7

2016
Borrowings

Creditors

Gross settled derivative  

financial instruments

  – inflow

  – outflow

2015

Borrowings

Creditors

Gross settled derivative  

financial instruments

  – inflow

  – outflow

34  

Hongkong Land

Notes to the Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2 

Financial Risk Management  continued

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 2016 and 2015 are as follows:

Gearing ratio (%) 
Interest cover (times) 

Fair value estimation

2016 
6 
12 

2015
8
12

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.

Annual Report 2016 35

 
 
 
2 

Financial Risk Management  continued

Fair value estimation continued

i)  Financial instruments that are measured at fair value continued

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

2016
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 profit and loss

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

Quoted 
prices in 
active 
markets 
US$m

Observable 
current 
market 
transactions 
US$m

52.2

–

–

52.2

–

28.0

16.5

44.5

Total
US$m

52.2

28.0

16.5

96.7

–

(7.6)

(7.6)

61.3

–

–

61.3

–

–

–

–

4.4

22.3

26.7

61.3

4.4

22.3

88.0

(18.0)

(6.8)

(18.0)

(6.8)

(24.8)

(24.8)

There were no transfers among the two categories during the year ended 31st December 2016.

36  

Hongkong Land

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 2016 and 2015 
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

2016
Assets

Other investments

Debtors

Bank balances

Liabilities

Borrowings

Creditors

2015

Assets

Other investments

Debtors

Bank balances

Liabilities

Borrowings

Creditors

–

276.3

1,908.9

2,185.2

–

–

–

–

151.9

1,569.2

1,721.1

–

–

–

–

44.5

–

44.5

–

(7.6)

(7.6)

–

26.7

–

26.7

–

(24.8)

(24.8)

52.2

–

–

52.2

–

–

–

61.3

–

–

61.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

11.8

–

52.2

332.6

52.2

332.6

1,908.9

1,908.9

11.8

2,293.7

2,293.7

(3,916.4)

(533.3)

(4,449.7)

–

–

–

(3,916.4)

(3,988.3)

(540.9)

(540.9)

(4,457.3)

(4,529.2)

–

–

–

–

–

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)

Annual Report 2016 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 3.20% to 3.85% for office (2015: 3.50% to 4.20%) and 4.50% to 5.50% for retail 
(2015: 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 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

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.

2016

2015

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

986.3

1,007.6

–

1,993.9

973.2

958.9

–

1,932.1

Net operating costs

(183.2)

(778.6)

(61.5)

(1,023.3)

(172.9)

(705.6)

(59.8)

(938.3)

Share of operating profit of  

  associates and joint ventures

142.9

63.5

–

206.4

139.4

100.4

–

239.8

Underlying operating profit

946.0

292.5

(61.5)

1,177.0

939.7

353.7

(59.8)

1,233.6

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 

Profit attributable to shareholders

(68.9)

(33.2)

(102.1)

(168.1)

(46.4)

(214.5)

(2.8)

(9.8)

(12.6)

847.8

2,497.3

1.2

2,498.5

3,346.3

(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

Annual Report 2016 39

 
 
 
 
 
4 

Segmental Information  continued

By geographical location
Greater China

Southeast Asia and others

Corporate, net financing charges and tax

By business

2016
Commercial Property

Residential Property

Unallocated assets and liabilities

2015

Commercial Property

Residential Property

Unallocated assets and liabilities

By geographical location

2016
Greater China

Southeast Asia and others

Unallocated assets and liabilities

2015

Greater China

Southeast Asia and others

Unallocated assets and liabilities

Revenue

Underlying  
operating profit

Underlying profit 
attributable to 
shareholders

2016
US$m

2015
US$m

2016
US$m

2015
US$m

2016
US$m

2015
US$m

1,396.7

1,218.3

597.2

713.8

–

–

975.7

262.8

(61.5)

1,028.4

265.0

(59.8)

959.0

261.5

1,014.3

263.6

(372.7)

(373.4)

1,993.9

1,932.1

1,177.0

1,233.6

847.8

904.5

 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

31,550.7

–

340.9

4,052.9

–

–

384.7

460.3

–

(647.2)

(2,189.7)

–

–

31,288.2

2,664.4

–

(2,638.2)

(2,638.2)

31,891.6

4,052.9

845.0

(2,836.9)

(2,638.2)

31,314.4

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

27,893.7

3,997.9

–

2,587.6

1,465.3

–

436.4

408.6

–

(1,867.2)

(969.7)

–

–

29,050.5

4,902.1

–

(2,638.2)

(2,638.2)

31,891.6

4,052.9

845.0

(2,836.9)

(2,638.2)

31,314.4

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

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

40  

Hongkong Land

Notes to the Financial Statements5 

Revenue

Rental income

Service income

Sales of properties

2016

US$m

858.8

130.8

1,004.3

1,993.9

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

Total contingent rents included in rental income amounted to US$10.4 million (2015: US$10.5 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.

2015

US$m

851.1

126.1

954.9

1,932.1

2015

US$m

764.9

543.9

501.7

362.1

2016

US$m

766.7

525.0

579.4

341.2

2,212.3

2,172.6

Annual Report 2016 41

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

The number of employees at 31st December 2016 was 1,621 (2015: 1,503).

2016

US$m

(923.0)

–

11.7

(112.0)

(1,023.3)

(756.0)

(170.2)

3.2

(3.1)

(106.4)

(1.5)

(1.5)

(109.4)

(1.5)

(0.4)

(1.9)

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)

42  

Hongkong Land

Notes to the Financial Statements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

2016

US$m

(24.2)

(106.9)

(131.1)

34.1

(97.0)

(13.4)

(110.4)

41.5

(68.9)

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

2016

US$m

86.6

30.4

117.0

(60.9)

3.0

(57.9)

–

(57.9)

59.1

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$538.5 million (2015: US$554.0 million).

2015

US$m 

(24.6)

(112.0)

(136.6)

36.2

(100.4)

(14.4)

(114.8)

40.4

(74.4)

2015

US$m 

84.8

55.7

140.5

63.2

5.8

69.0

0.2

69.2

209.7

Annual Report 2016 43

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

Reconciliation between tax expense and tax at applicable tax rate:

Tax at applicable tax rate

Change in fair value of investment properties not taxable  

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

2016

US$m

2015

US$m 

(149.3)

(148.0)

0.8

(18.8)

(18.0)

13.6

(2.8)

10.8

(167.3)

(137.2)

(580.5)

419.0

–

24.6

(8.4)

(8.8)

–

(13.8)

0.6

(318.6)

166.5

2.3

32.0

(7.9)

(6.5)

0.1

(5.5)

0.4

(167.3)

(137.2)

0.2

(6.5)

(6.3)

0.5

5.8

6.3

The applicable tax rate for the year of 16.8% (2015: 16.5%) represents the weighted average of the rates of taxation prevailing 
in the territories in which the Group operates.  The increase in the applicable tax rate was caused by a change in the geographic 
mix of the Group’s profits.

Share of tax charge of associates and joint ventures of US$47.4 million (2015: US$62.7 million) is included in share of results of 
associates and joint ventures.

44  

Hongkong Land

Notes to the Financial Statements 
 
10  Earnings per Share

Earnings per share are calculated on profit attributable to shareholders of US$3,346.3 million (2015: US$2,011.7 million) and  
on the weighted average number of 2,352.8 million (2015: 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)

2016

2015

Earnings  
per share
US¢

36.03

US$m 

847.8

2,498.5

US$m  

904.5

1,107.2

Earnings  
per share

US¢  

38.44

Profit attributable to shareholders

3,346.3

142.23

2,011.7

85.50

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

Share of results of associates and joint ventures

  – change in fair value of investment properties

  – deferred tax

  – asset disposals

Non-controlling interests

2016

US$m

2,549.9

0.8

1.2

(56.9)

(1.0)

(57.9)

–

(57.9)

4.5

2015

US$m 

999.9

13.6

13.9

73.5

(4.5)

69.0

0.2

69.2

10.6

2,498.5

1,107.2

Annual Report 2016 45

 
12 

Investment Properties

2016
At 1st January

Exchange differences

Additions

Increase/(decrease) in fair value

At 31st December

Freehold properties

Leasehold properties

2015

At 1st January

Exchange differences

Additions

Increase/(decrease) 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

23,984.7

(25.4)

132.6

2,573.7

741.4

(45.0)

143.4

(35.6)

231.2

24,957.3

(0.6)

0.1

11.8

(71.0)

276.1

2,549.9

26,665.6

804.2

242.5

27,712.3

157.3

27,555.0

27,712.3

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

The Group measures its investment properties at fair value.  The fair values of the Group’s investment properties at  
31st December 2016 and 2015 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 2016, investment properties of US$676.1 million (2015: 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.

46  

Hongkong Land

Notes to the Financial Statements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 2016:

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

26,096.2

Income capitalisation

4.8 to 39.1 per square foot

518.2

Income capitalisation

5.4 to 7.9 per square foot

3.20 to 5.50

3.50 to 5.50

Vietnam and Cambodia

51.2

Discounted cash flow

21.0 to 50.9 per square metre

13.00 to 15.00

Total

26,665.6

Properties under development
Mainland China

Cambodia

Total

676.1

128.1

804.2

Residual

Residual

104.7 per square metre

30.0 to 59.0 per square metre

6.00

10.50

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.

Annual Report 2016 47

 
 
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

2016

US$m

69.9

4,390.8

4,460.7

3,313.7

1,147.0

4,460.7

2015

US$m 

42.3

4,575.3

4,617.6

3,437.1

1,180.5

4,617.6

Associates

Joint ventures

2016
US$m

2015
US$m

2016
US$m

2015
US$m

42.3

(0.1)

0.6

(0.6)

(1.2)

29.1

(0.2)

–

–

45.7

(0.4)

1.5

(2.8)

(1.2)

–

(0.5)

–

–

4,575.3

4,858.4

13.9

58.5

(144.3)

(85.9)

75.1

(102.6)

–

0.8

(45.8)

208.2

(211.6)

(111.3)

254.4

(390.4)

13.9

(0.5)

69.9

42.3

4,390.8

4,575.3

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 2016 and 2015:

Name of entity

Nature of business

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

Country of 
incorporation/ 
principal place  
of business

Macau

Singapore

Singapore

Singapore

% of  
ownership  
interest

2016

2015

49.0

33.3

33.3

33.3

49.0

33.3

33.3

33.3

48  

Hongkong Land

Notes to the Financial Statements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:

2016
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

1,373.7

3,301.5

2,546.9

2,526.1

43.7

32.0

75.7

10.9

3.5

14.4

32.0

8.9

40.9

15.0

0.5

15.5

Financial liabilities (excluding trade payables)

Other non-current liabilities (including trade payables)

(15.4)

(143.8)

(1,175.1)

(1,118.4)

–

(19.6)

(717.1)

(183.6)

Total non-current liabilities

Current liabilities

Financial liabilities (excluding trade payables)

Other current liabilities (including trade payables)

Total current liabilities

Net assets

2015

Non-current assets

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Other current assets

Total current assets

Non-current liabilities

(159.2)

(1,175.1)

(1,138.0)

(900.7)

(0.4)

(41.7)

(42.1)

(0.8)

(63.6)

(64.4)

(5.6)

(31.4)

(37.0)

(3.3)

(47.3)

(50.6)

1,248.1

2,076.4

1,412.8

1,590.3

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

(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

Annual Report 2016 49

13  Associates and Joint Ventures  continued

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

2016
Revenue

Depreciation and amortisation

Interest income

Interest expense

Profit from underlying business performance

Income tax expense

Profit after tax from underlying business performance

Loss after tax from non-trading items

Profit/(loss) after tax

Other comprehensive expense

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

86.1

(7.5)

–

(0.9)

45.1

(4.9)

40.2

(169.1)

(128.9)

(0.9)

168.5

(0.1)

0.1

(45.8)

85.1

(14.2)

70.9

(3.8)

67.1

(33.3)

105.7

(0.1)

0.2

(29.2)

51.2

(8.5)

42.7

(3.6)

39.1

(36.9)

121.1

–

0.1

(22.3)

70.9

(11.9)

59.0

(3.0)

56.0

(36.5)

Total comprehensive income/(expense)

(129.8)

33.8

2.2

19.5

Group’s share of dividends received and receivable  

from joint ventures

11.7

27.2

17.2

19.6

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 income/(expense)

Total comprehensive income/(expense)

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

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.

50  

Hongkong Land

Notes to the Financial Statements 
 
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:

2016
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

1,248.1

15.8

2,076.4

1,175.1

1,412.8

–

1,590.3

93.3

1,263.9

3,251.5

1,412.8

1,683.6

Interest in joint ventures (%)

49.0

33.3

33.3

33.3

Group’s share of net assets in joint ventures

619.3

1,083.8

470.9

561.2

2015

Net assets

Shareholders’ loans

Adjusted net assets

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

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

2016

US$m

67.4

(108.4)

(41.0)

2015

US$m 

63.8

(94.8)

(31.0)

Carrying amount of interests in these joint ventures

1,655.6

1,701.9

At 31st December 2016, the Group’s commitments to provide funding to its joint ventures, if called, amounted to  
US$404.5 million (2015: US$446.0 million).

There were no contingent liabilities relating to the Group’s interest in the joint ventures at 31st December 2016 and 2015.

Annual Report 2016 51

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

2016

US$m

2015

US$m 

52.2

61.3

2016

US$m

176.9

323.6

39.9

540.4

60.1

480.3

540.4

255.0

285.4

540.4

2015

US$m 

83.9

279.9

33.1

396.9

41.2

355.7

396.9

239.9

157.0

396.9

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 2016, trade debtors of US$5.9 million (2015: US$5.9 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

2016

US$m

5.1

0.4

0.3

0.1

5.9

2015

US$m 

4.8

0.6

0.3

0.2

5.9

The risk of trade and other debtors that are neither past due nor impaired at 31st December 2016 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.

52  

Hongkong Land

Notes to the Financial Statements2015

US$m 

206.9

26.7

33.1

46.3

313.0

Total
US$m

(88.9)

0.4

(18.0)

(6.3)

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

2016

US$m

207.9

44.5

39.9

71.2

363.5

Accelerated 
capital 
allowances
US$m

Revaluation 
surpluses of 
investment 
properties
US$m

Other 
temporary 
differences
US$m

Tax losses
US$m

2016
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

2015

At 1st January

Exchange differences

Credited/(charged) to profit and loss

Credited to other comprehensive income

At 31st December

Deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities

0.5

–

(0.4)

–

0.1

0.1

–

0.1

0.3

–

0.2

–

0.5

0.5

–

0.5

(70.3)

–

(5.1)

–

(75.4)

–

(75.4)

(75.4)

(64.5)

–

(5.8)

–

(70.3)

–

(70.3)

(70.3)

(2.5)

–

0.8

–

(1.7)

–

(1.7)

(1.7)

(17.2)

1.1

13.6

–

(2.5)

–

(2.5)

(2.5)

(16.6)

0.4

(13.3)

(6.3)

(35.8)

(112.8)

8.6

(44.4)

8.7

(121.5)

(35.8)

(112.8)

(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)

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$0.9 million (2015: US$1.0 million) arising from unused tax losses of US$5.0 million  
(2015: US$5.6 million) have not been recognised in the financial statements.  Included in the unused tax losses,  
US$5.0 million (2015: US$4.8 million) have no expiry date.

Annual Report 2016 53

17  Properties for Sale

Properties under development

Completed properties

Provision for impairment

2016

US$m

1,968.2

262.7

2,230.9

(13.5)

2015

US$m 

2,628.5

102.2

2,730.7

(16.8)

2,217.4

2,713.9

At 31st December 2016, properties under development which were not scheduled for completion within the next 12 months 
amounted to US$1,386.4 million (2015: US$2,018.1 million).

At 31st December 2016, there were no properties for sale or pledged as security for borrowings (2015: US$795.6 million)  
(see Note 20).

18  Bank Balances

Deposits with banks and financial institutions

Bank balances

2016

US$m

994.3

914.6

1,908.9

2015

US$m 

1,399.9

169.3

1,569.2

Deposits and bank balances of certain subsidiaries amounting to US$122.7 million (2015: US$77.5 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 1.2% (2015: 1.3%) per annum.

54  

Hongkong Land

Notes to the Financial Statements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

2016

US$m

403.0

130.3

222.6

7.6

19.9

737.2

1,520.6

30.3

1,490.3

1,520.6

854.8

665.8

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

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.

1,520.6

1,570.8

20  Borrowings

Current

  Bank overdrafts

  Current portion of long-term borrowings

  – bank loans

  – notes

Long-term

  Bank loans

  Notes

Secured

Unsecured

2016

Carrying 
amount 
US$m

Fair value
US$m

2015

Carrying 
amount
US$m

Fair value
US$m

10.5

10.5

3.3

3.3

175.1

35.1

220.7

175.1

35.1

220.7

165.6

–

168.9

165.6

–

168.9

838.0

2,857.7

838.0

2,929.6

836.7

2,904.1

836.7

3,014.3

3,695.7

3,767.6

3,740.8

3,851.0

3,916.4

3,988.3

3,909.7

4,019.9

264.7

3,651.7

3,916.4

195.4

3,714.3

3,909.7

Annual Report 2016 55

 
 
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% (2015: 1.4% to 6.2%) 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 2016 and 2015 were certain subsidiaries’ bank borrowings which were secured against 
their properties for sale and investment properties.

The borrowings are further summarised as follows:

By currency

2016
Hong Kong dollar

Singapore dollar

Chinese renminbi

Vietnam dong

Philippines peso

2015

Hong Kong dollar

Singapore dollar

Chinese renminbi

Vietnam dong

Fixed rate borrowings

Weighted 
average 
interest rates
%

Weighted 
average period 
outstanding
Years

3.5

2.8

5.0

6.2

2.5

3.4

3.1

6.2

5.7

8.6

3.2

–

–

–

9.6

4.2

–

–

Floating 
rate 
borrowings
US$m

Total
US$m

1,288.1

3,284.5

180.6

264.7

0.6

5.0

361.6

264.7

0.6

5.0

US$m

1,996.4

181.0

–

–

–

2,177.4

1,739.0

3,916.4

1,997.2

183.2

–

–

1,194.0

3,191.2

361.5

173.5

0.3

544.7

173.5

0.3

2,180.4

1,729.3

3,909.7

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:

2016

US$m

1,739.0

103.1

232.3

–

1,842.0

3,916.4

2015

US$m 

1,729.2

–

103.1

234.5

1,842.9

3,909.7

Within one year

Between two and three years

Between three and four years

Between four and five years

Beyond five years

56  

Hongkong Land

Notes to the Financial Statements20  Borrowings  continued

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

Maturity

2016

Current
US$m

Non-current
US$m

2015

Non-current
US$m

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.

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

35.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

25.7

38.7

38.7

67.3

64.4

103.6

64.3

66.8

52.6

487.7

39.1

25.7

141.0

38.5

405.5

38.5

613.3

38.6

99.6

60.8

25.7

38.1

41.6

50.9

103.2

25.4

30.3

32.1

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

35.1

2,857.7

2,904.1

Annual Report 2016 57

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

2016

2015

2016

US$m

2015

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 2015 of US¢13.00 (2014: US¢13.00) per share
Interim dividend in respect of 2016 of US¢6.00 (2015: US¢6.00) per share

2016

US$m

305.8

141.2

447.0

2015

US$m 

305.8

141.2

447.0

A final dividend in respect of 2016 of US¢13.00 (2015: US¢13.00) per share amounting to a total of US$305.8 million  
(2015: 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 2017.

23  Notes to Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

a)  Developments capital expenditure in 2016 included US$110.3 million (2015: US$101.9 million) for property developments 

in mainland China.

b)  Cash and cash equivalents

Bank balances

Bank overdrafts (see Note 20)

2016

US$m

1,908.9

(10.5)

2015

US$m 

1,569.2

(3.3)

1,898.4

1,565.9

58  

Hongkong Land

Notes to the Financial Statements24  Derivative Financial Instruments

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

Designated as cash flow hedges

  – cross currency swaps

Designated as fair value hedges

  – interest rate swaps

  – cross currency swaps

2016

Positive  
fair value
US$m

Negative 
fair value
US$m

2015

Positive  
fair value
US$m

Negative  
fair value
US$m

28.0

–

4.4

18.0

2.9

13.6

–

7.6

5.7

16.6

–

6.8

Interest rate swaps
The notional principal amounts of the outstanding interest rate swap contracts at 31st December 2016 were US$99.1 million 
(2015: US$99.9 million).

The fair values of interest rate swaps are based on the estimated cash flows discounted at market rates ranging from 1.02%  
to 2.3% (2015: 0.39% to 2.06%) per annum.

Cross currency swaps
The contract amounts of the outstanding cross currency swap contracts at 31st December 2016 were US$1,636.9 million 
(2015: US$1,639.9 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

2016

US$m

81.8

404.5

136.7

541.2

623.0

2.6

1.5

1.3

5.4

2015

US$m 

155.4

446.0

201.5

647.5

802.9

3.3

1.2

0.4

4.9

Annual Report 2016 59

 
 
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 2016 was US$4.2 million (2015: US$4.5 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 2016 amounted to 
US$20.2 million (2015: US$19.1 million).

The Group provided project consultancy services to Jardine Matheson group members in 2016 amounting to US$0.4 million 
(2015: US$0.4 million).

Jardine Matheson group members provided property maintenance and other services to the Group in 2016 in aggregate 
amounting to US$53.7 million (2015: US$50.7 million).

Hotel management services
Jardine Matheson group members provided hotel management services to the Group in 2016 amounted to US$2.4 million 
(2015: US$2.8 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’.

60  

Hongkong Land

Notes to the Financial Statements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

2016

US$m

2015

US$m 

4,481.7

1,371.4

5,853.1

(23.7)

4,481.7

1,238.1

5,719.8

(20.9)

5,829.4

5,698.9

235.3

235.3

2,249.6

386.9

2,957.6

5,594.1

5,829.4

2,249.6

386.9

2,827.1

5,463.6

5,698.9

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 2016 are set out below.

Attributable
interests
2016 2015
%

%

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

Annual Report 2016 61

 
29  Principal Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint Ventures  continued

Attributable
interests
2016 2015
%

%

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

Mulberry Land Company Ltd

100

100

HKD 

200

Property investment

Hong Kong

Hongkong Land (Chongqing)  
  Development Co Ltd

Hongkong Land (Chongqing North)  
  Development Co Ltd

Wangfu Central Real Estate  
  Development Co Ltd

100

100

USD 

479,990,000

Property development Mainland China

100

100

HKD 

3,980,000,000

Property development Mainland China

84

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 

The Hongkong Land Treasury  
  Services (Singapore) Pte Ltd

100

100

SGD 

2

2

Finance

Finance

Singapore

Singapore

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 (Prestige) Pte Ltd

100

100

SGD 

1,000,000

Property development

Singapore

MCL Land (Vantage) Pte Ltd

100

100

SGD 

1,000,000

Property development

Singapore

MCL Land (Pantai View) Sdn Bhd

100

100

MYR 

2,260,000

Property investment

Malaysia

Central Building Ltd

65

65

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

62  

Hongkong Land

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

Attributable
interests
2016 2015
%

%

Issued share capital

Main activities

Place of 
incorporation

Associates and joint ventures

Normelle Estates Ltd

Properties Sub F, Ltd

Beijing Landmark Trinity Real  
  Estate Development Co Ltd

Beijing Premium Real Estate Ltd

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

50

49

30

40

50

50

HKD 

10,000

Property investment

Hong Kong

46.6

MOP 

1,000,000

Property investment

Macau

30

RMB 

2,800,000,000

Property development Mainland China

40

50

USD 

USD 

12,000,000

Property development Mainland China

699,980,000

Property development Mainland China

50

50

USD 

569,960,000

Property development Mainland China

50

50

50

50

50

50

50

50

HKD 

4,640,000,000

Property development Mainland China

USD 

200,000,000

Property development Mainland China

USD 

27,000,000

Property development Mainland China

RMB 

4,200,000,000

Property development Mainland China

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

PT Brahmayasa Bahtera

PT Bumi Parama Wisesa

PT Jakarta Land

Golden Quantum Acres Sdn Bhd

MSL Properties Sdn Bhd

Sunrise MCL Land Sdn Bhd

NorthPine Land Inc

Gaysorn Land Co Ltd

Nassim JV Co Ltd

Jardine Gibbons Properties Ltd

40

49

50

50

50

50

40

49

50

40

40

49

50

50

50

50

40

49

50

40

IDR 

166,000,000,000

Property development

Indonesia

IDR  1,950,000,000,000

Property development

Indonesia

IDR 

3,320,000,000

Property investment

Indonesia

MYR 

MYR 

MYR 

2,764,210

Property development Malaysia

3,000,000

Property development Malaysia

2,000,000

Property development Malaysia

Peso 

1,224,635,200

Property investment

The Philippines

THB 

61,250,000

Property investment

Thailand

VND  286,200,000,000

Property development Vietnam

BD 

600,000 ‘A’

Property investment

Bermuda

400,000 ‘B’

Annual Report 2016 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 2016 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 2016;
•  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 set out 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

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
2nd March 2017

(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.

Annual Report 2016 65

Five Year Summary

2012

US$m

2013

US$m

2014

US$m

2015

US$m

2016

US$m

Profit attributable to shareholders

1,438

1,190

1,327

2,012

3,346

Underlying profit attributable to shareholders

776

935

930

905

848

Investment properties

23,494

23,583

23,697

24,957

27,712

Net debt

3,273

3,025

2,657

2,341

2,008

Shareholders’ funds

26,148

26,857

27,548

28,685

31,294

Net asset value per share

11.11

11.41

11.71

12.19

13.30

US$

US$

US$

US$

US$

39.73

39.52

38.44

36.03

33.11

17.00

18.00

19.00

19.00

19.00

11.11

11.41

11.71

12.19

13.30

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Underlying earnings

Dividends

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Underlying earnings/dividends  
per share (US¢)

Net asset value per share (US$)

66  

Hongkong Land

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 
Guidance 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

Robert Wong
Simon Dixon
Directors
2nd March 2017

Annual Report 2016 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 Guidance 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, Jardine Matheson helps the Group to optimise its opportunities in the countries in which it operates.

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 Group 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 team.

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, Robert Wong.  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 2017 and ad hoc procedures are adopted to deal with urgent matters.  In 2016  
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  

Hongkong Land

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 31st March 2016 John Witt stepped down as Chief Financial Officer and Simon Dixon joined the Board in his place on 28th April 2016.  
Y.K. Pang stepped down as Chief Executive on 31st July 2016 and Robert Wong joined the Board in his place on 1st August 2016.   
Y.K. Pang remains as a non-executive Director.

In accordance with Bye-law 85, Charles Allen-Jones, Sir Henry Keswick, Simon Keswick and Y.K. Pang retire by rotation at this year’s 
Annual General Meeting and, being eligible, offer themselves for re-election.  In accordance with Bye-law 92, Robert Wong will also 
retire and, being eligible, offers himself for re-election.  Robert Wong has a service contract with a subsidiary of the Company that  
has a notice period of six months.  None of the other Directors proposed for re-election has a service contract with the Company or  
its subsidiaries.

Lord Leach of Fairford, who had been a Director of the Company since 1989, passed away on 12th June 2016.

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.  A motion to increase the Directors’ fees to US$60,000 each per annum and the fee  
for the Chairman and Managing Director to US$85,000 per annum with effect from 1st January 2017 will be proposed at the 
forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

For the year ended 31st December 2016, the Directors received from the Group US$7.7 million (2015: US$7.6 million) in Directors’ 
fees and employee benefits, being US$0.8 million (2015: US$0.8 million) in Directors’ fees, US$6.6 million (2015: US$6.6 million)  
in short-term employee benefits including salary, bonuses, accommodation and deemed benefits in kind and US$0.3 million  
(2015: 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 notional share option plan under which cash bonuses are paid based on the performance of the 
Company’s share price over a period.  The notional plan was established to provide longer-term incentives for executive Directors  
and senior managers.  Notional 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.

Annual Report 2016 69

Corporate Governance

Audit Committee

The Board has established within HKL an audit committee (the ‘Audit Committee’), the current members of which are Y.K. Pang,  
Mark Greenberg, Jeremy Parr and John Witt; 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 providing oversight in respect of risk management activities.  The Audit Committee considers the 
Group’s principal risks and uncertainties and potential changes to the risk profile, and reviews the operation and effectiveness of the 
Group’s systems of internal control and the procedures by which these risks are monitored and mitigated.  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  

Hongkong Land

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 2nd March 2017 had interests (within the meaning of the EU Market Abuse Regulation 
(‘MAR’), which applies to the Company as it is listed on the London Stock Exchange) 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’ closely associated persons (as that 
term is used under MAR).

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

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

In addition, Robert Wong held share options in respect of 710,000 ordinary shares issued pursuant to the Company’s notional share 
option plan.

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 2nd March 2017.

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

Annual Report 2016 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 MAR.  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 inside 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.  These rules, which were based on the UK Model Code, have 

since been revised to follow the provisions of MAR with respect to market abuse and disclosure of interests in shares.

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 60.

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 and, therefore, reduce the issued share capital of  
the Company.  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 provisions of MAR.

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  

Hongkong Land

Annual General Meeting

The 2017 Annual General Meeting will be held at Rosewood Tucker’s Point, Bermuda on 3rd May 2017.  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.

Annual Report 2016 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 Guidance 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 and Financial 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, increase net financing charges, or result in 
reduced valuations of the Group’s investment properties or in the Group being unable to meet in full its strategic objectives.

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 31 to 37.

Commercial 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, tender terms, product 
specification or levels of service can have an adverse effect on earnings or market share, as can construction risks in relation to new 
developments.  Significant pressure from such competition may also lead to reduced margins.  The quality and safety of the products 
and services provided by the Group are important and there is an associated risk if they are below standard, while the potential impact 
of cyber-crime may be significant.

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

Shareholder Information

Financial Calendar

2016 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

2016 final dividend payable

2017 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

2017 interim dividend payable

* Subject to change

Dividends

2nd March 2017

15th March 2017

16th March 2017

20th to 24th March 2017

3rd May 2017

11th May 2017

3rd August 2017 *

23rd August 2017 *

24th August 2017 *

28th August to 1st September 2017 *

19th October 2017 *

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 2016 final dividend by 
notifying the United Kingdom transfer agent in writing by 21st April 2017.  The sterling equivalent of dividends declared in United 
States dollars will be calculated by reference to a rate prevailing on 26th April 2017.  Shareholders holding their shares through  
CREST in the United Kingdom will receive their cash dividends in sterling only.  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.

Annual Report 2016 75

Offices

Offices

Hongkong Land Holdings Limited

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

Hongkong Land Limited

One Exchange Square, 8th Floor
Hong Kong
Tel +852 2842 8428
E-mail: gpobox@hkland.com
Robert Wong

Hongkong Land (Shanghai) Management 
Company Limited

Unit 1601a, 07-08 Finance Square
333 Jiujiang Road, Huangpu District
Shanghai 200001
China
Tel +8621 6333 3921
E-mail: gpobox.sh@hkland.com
Calvin Tong

Hongkong Land (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.

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

Hongkong Land (Asia Management) Limited

Beijing Yee Zhi Real Estate Consultancy Co., Ltd.

Suite 601, 6/F Central Building
31 Hai Ba Trung, Trang Tien
Hoan Kiem
Hanoi
Vietnam
Tel +844 3825 1480
E-mail: gpobox.hanoi@hkland.com
Cao, Ly Anh

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
E-mail: gpobox.bj@hkland.com
James Zhang

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
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
E-mail: gpobox.cambodia@hkland.com
David Tibbott

76  

Hongkong Land

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

MCL Land Limited

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

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
E-mail: gpobox.indonesia@hkland.com
Arthur Choo

Representative Offices

Shanghai

Unit 1109C, Bund Centre
222 Yanan Road (East)
Shanghai 200002
China
Tel +8621 6335 1220
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
E-mail: gpobox.hcmc@hkland.com
Cosimo Jencks

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 2016, totalled US$27,700,300,000 (United States Dollars Twenty Seven Billion Seven Hundred 
Million and Three 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, 1st February 2017

Annual Report 2016 77

Major Property Portfolio

at 31st December 2016

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

78  

Hongkong Land

Attributable

interests

%

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

49

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

123

286

438

42

59

15

19

135

17

4

7

11

30

39

53

47

30

–

4

59

44

–

31

10

38

385

–

23

71

52

57

95

117

415

37

56

14

17

124

5

4

6

10

5

4

–

–

–

5

–

4

–

24

13

–

13

68

20

6

–

–

2

7

8

23

5

3

1

2

11

12

–

1

1

Residential Development Property for Sale

Completed development

Mainland China

Maple Place

Central Park

Under development

Mainland China

Bamboo Grove

Landmark Riverside

Yorkville South

Yorkville North

Central Avenue

New Bamboo Grove

WE City

Parkville

Singapore

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

40

49

40

50

40

40

40

40

50

Location

Available units

Beijing

Beijing

Location

Chongqing

Chongqing

Chongqing

Chongqing

Chongqing

Chongqing

Chengdu

Shanghai 

Jurong West Street 41

Choa Chu Kang Grove 

Jurong West Street 41 

Jakarta 

Serpong, Greater Jakarta

Manila

Cebu

Pampanga

Cavite

Cavite

Cavite

 2 

 72 

Site area 

(in square metres)

142,147

171,716

176,428

425,347

370,517

348,370

113,403

87,180

22,357 

32,909 

17,804 

13,150 

653,500 

3,719 

195,915

249,304

136,473

58,596

23,213

 Ho Chi Minh City 

4,448 

Annual Report 2016 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

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Singapore

Marina Bay Financial Centre

One Raffles Quay

One Raffles Link

CityLink Mall

LakeVille

Sol Acres*

Lake Grande*

J Gateway

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

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

New Bamboo Grove*

Central Avenue*

Chongqing, China

Landmark Riverside

Yorkville South

Yorkville North

Chengdu, China

Shanghai, China

Shenyang, China

WE City*

Parkville*

One Capitol

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

Hongkong Land Holdings Limited
Jardine House  Hamilton  Bermuda

www.hkland.com