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WHEELOCK AND COMPANY LIMITED

(Incorporated in Hong Kong with limited liability)

Stock Code: 20

2016 Final Results Announcement Record sales in a buoyant 2016 market Hong Kong Development Properties Highlights
  • Contracted sales increased by 71% to achieve a new record of HK$22.1 billion.
  • Residential contracted sales was the growth driver which increased by 156% to HK$16.9 billion and accounted for 76% of contracted sales.
    • 92% average sell-through rate was achieved on all newly launched units.

    • Mount Nicholson sold six houses and 16 apartments for HK$10.0 billion or HK$81,300 per square foot (HK$5.0 billion on attributable basis). Two adjoining apartment units were sold for a new record of HK$104,800 per square foot.

    • Savannah presold 99% of launched units for HK$5.4 billion, underpinning the continued success of O'South portfolio.

    • ONE HOMANTIN gained momentum and presold 86% of launched units for HK$4.3 billion.

  • One HarbourGate East Office Tower and East Retail Villa were sold en-bloc for HK$4.5 billion, marking the fourth en-bloc office transaction in four consecutive years.
  • Net order book increased by 27% to HK$15.9 billion, locking in future revenue stream.
  • Urban-focused land bank under management was maintained at 8.2 million square feet after acquiring a residential site in Kwun Tong. Wheelock Group Financials
  • Group's core profit increased by 11% to a record high at HK$11.8 billion.

  • Attributable core profit from Wharf increased to HK$8.3 billion.

  • Strong balance sheet and holding power with net gearing at 14.6% and Wheelock's own net gearing before consolidation at 13.8%.

GROUP RESULTS

Excluding investment property revaluation gain and exceptional items, the core profit was HK$11,811 million (2015: HK$10,598 million).

Group profit attributable to equity shareholders was HK$16,294 million (2015: HK$14,232 million). Earnings per share were HK$8.02 (2015: HK$7.00).

DIVIDENDS

A first interim dividend of 45.0 cents per share was paid on 19 September 2016. In lieu of a final dividend, a second interim dividend ("Second Interim Dividend") of 85.0 cents per share will be paid on 28 April 2017 to Shareholders on record as at 12 April 2017. Total distribution for the year 2016 will amount to HK$1.30 (2015: HK$1.15) per share.

BUSINESS REVIEW

Core Business - Hong Kong Development Properties ("DP") Contracted sales increased by 71% to reach a new record of HK$22.1 billion, of which residential contracted sales accounted for 76%. This solid growth was driven by contribution from successful launches of diverse mix of products, including the Peak luxury residence, O'South residence and Grade A office, demonstrating all-rounded sales capabilities. Residential contracted sales was the growth driver with an increase of 156% to HK$16.9 billion, which ranks among the top selling developers in 2016. Four new developments were launched during the year and achieved 92% average sell-through rate on all units launched. On one hand, this encouraging result exhibited the increasing recognition of our commitment to deliver customer-focused products and services. On the other, it affirmed our proven execution of fast asset turnover business strategy. Mount Nicholson, the ultra-luxury residence on the Peak, successfully sold six houses and 16 apartments during the year for HK$10.0 billion since its debut in February 2016, of which HK$5.0 billion is attributable to the Group. House No. 1, the biggest one among the development features 9,950 square feet of living space, spectacular harbour view, private garden and an outdoor swimming pool, was sold for HK$1.1 billion. Apartment 16A & B, the two adjoining units with a total of 8,702 square feet, were sold for a new record of HK$104,800 per square foot. This promising result has again shown robust demand for prestigious and exclusive residence on the Peak. ONE HOMANTIN has gained momentum gradually since its debut in March 2016 and presold 86% of 423 units launched for HK$4.3 billion. The opening of Ho Man Tin MTR station in October will further enhance its attractiveness and market demand. Following ONE HOMANTIN, Savannah was launched in May and successfully presold 99% of 798 units launched for HK$5.4 billion, underpinning the continued success of The Parkside and CAPRI in O'South. NAPA, a low-density development surrounded by green area, was launched in mid-October and presold 74% of 201 units launched for HK$1.0 billion. Commercial contracted sales amounted to HK$5.2 billion. The East Office Tower and East Retail Villa of One HarbourGate were sold en-bloc for HK$4.5 billion in July, marking the fourth en-bloc office transaction in four consecutive years. One HarbourGate was handed over to China Life Insurance and Cheung Kei Group in 2016. Together with One Bay East, these two Grade A office developments successfully attracted multinational corporations such as Manulife, Citigroup and China Life Insurance to set up their regional headquarters which could house more than 10,000 employees. This also presented our substantial contributions to the development in CBDs.

On completion, four developments were completed during the year, including One HarbourGate, Kensington Hill, Mount Nicholson and Peninsula East. Presold but not yet completed contracted sales

i.e. net order book increased by 27% to HK$15.9 billion, locking in future revenue stream.

Land bank under management was maintained at 8.2 million square feet. On one hand, the size of this land bank is adequate for development in the next four to five years. On the other, this urban-focused land bank is spread among Hong Kong's key strategic regions, including the Peak, CBDs, O'South and LOHAS. To replenish and strengthen this urban land bank, a residential site in Kwun Tong was acquired in November for HK$6.4 billion or HK$7,700 per square foot via public tender. This site has a maximum total GFA of 826,546 square feet which is rightly located in a mature residential district with well-developed transportation network to key CBDs. Corporate Social Responsibility ("CSR") and Business-in-Community

Wheelock strives to contribute to sustainable development and create positive impact in society. Under the banner of "Business-in-Community", our CSR efforts aim to bring lasting value to our people, environment and community.

Project WeCan is a youth development programme launched in 2011 aiming to provide underprivileged secondary school students with opportunities and cares to pursue higher studies and future career. The project is continuing to earn recognition and moving into a new phase with number of supporting partners has nearly jumped four-fold to 42 in 2016, comprising of 31 corporates, five local universities, three consulates and three Government organisations. With their immense dedication and contribution, 43,000 students from 51 secondary schools have benefited. In 2016, 73 students were awarded Project WeCan Scholarship to continue their education in local universities. Together with the 58 awardees last year, a total of 131 students from humble background are provided with financial aid with a maximum amount of HK$100,000 throughout the four-year study for each of them. This echoes the project's vision of inspiring the next generation for a brighter future.

Riding on the successes of the previous three years, the Community Chest Wheelock Swim for Millions has become one of the most popular annual charity sports events in Hong Kong. The popularity of the event was marked by a jump in the number of relay teams to 123 in 2016, with participations varied from 15 families, 71 corporations, 25 schools and 12 disciplinary forces. Furthermore, the oldest swimmer was 74 while the youngest was only 5, underpinning our initiatives to promote healthy lifestyle. It has not only created unparalleled excitement for the competitors, but also a fun day for family with an array of game booths for children and cheering teams. During the

year, the event raised over HK$4 million to support local youth services.

Sustainable development, product and service excellence are fully embedded in the Group's strategy throughout the stages from planning, design, procurement, construction, sales and marketing to property management. We work together with different ends of our value chain to adopt international standards. On sustainable development, nearly all of our projects follow the BEAM Plus guidelines, demonstrating our commitment to green building standards. One HarbourGate has been awarded "Best Green Development" and "Best Office Development" by China Property Awards. Meanwhile, One Bay East won the "Sustainability Achievement of the Year" in RICS Hong Kong Awards 2016. On product and service excellence, Wheelock Properties Limited was named one of the "Top 10 Developers" by BCI Asia for the fifth consecutive year. Wheelock and Company Limited is the majority shareholder of The Wharf (Holdings) Limited and Wheelock Properties (Singapore) Limited. Below is a report on their operations and achievements during the year ended 31 December 2016.

The Wharf (Holdings) Limited ("Wharf") 61.6% Equity Investment

Core profit from Hong Kong properties increased by 35% to exceed HK$10.0 billion, while that from China properties, notwithstanding the devaluation of Renminbi, grew by 16% to exceed HK$2.6 billion. As a result, properties' share of core profit surged to 92%, affirming its primary strategic focus. Investment Properties (''IP'') core profit increased by 6% to HK$8.8 billion, on the back of high occupancy and favourable rental reversion achieved. In Hong Kong, IP continued to underpin the solid performance with total revenue increased by 6% to HK$12.9 billion and operating profit by 7% to HK$11.3 billion. Performance of Harbour City, Times Square and Plaza Hollywood remained solid with 3% to 6% increase in revenue. On office, steady demand continued to drive positive rental reversion and revenue.

In China, adverse impact of currency movements on translation to Hong Kong dollars slowed China IP growth in 2016. Revenue increased by 2% to HK$2.4 billion and operating profit by 1% to HK$1.3 billion. Chengdu International Finance Square ("IFS") continued to outshine the competition. The mega mall boasts an exquisite collection of nearly 300 global premium brands with over 100 debuts in western China, has earned a host of reputable accolades including "VIVA Best-of-the-Best Design and Development Award" by International Council of Shopping Centers in 2016, signifying China's first-ever commercial project winning this prestigious global title. Office demand from renowned tenants remained solid. Nearly 110,000 square metres (40% of total GFA) have been leased, with rental rates achieved among the highest in the city.

A solid pipeline of IFS developments is progressing at full speed to strengthen the recurrent income base. Chongqing IFS, a 114,000-square-metre retail podium, coupled with Niccolo Chongqing, are scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2017. Currently, over 90% of the retail floor plates were under offer to tenants or in serious discussion with key anchors. Changsha IFS, a massive 254,000-square-metre mall is scheduled to open in late 2017, which will be the ultimate shopping, dining, lifestyle and leisure destination in Hunan province and the most coveted destination for a wide assortment of celebrated retailers. Over 85% of total retail areas were under offer to tenants or discussion, a good testament to retailers' trust and confidence in management execution capabilities and the untapped potential of the city.

Wheelock and Company Limited published this content on 10 March 2017 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein.
Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 10 March 2017 04:35:12 UTC.

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