10th May 2012 12:34
To: Business Editor For immediate releaseThe following announcement was issued today to a Regulatory Information Service approved by the Financial Services Authority in the United Kingdom.Jardine Strategic Holdings LimitedInterim Management Statement10th May 2012 - Jardine Strategic Holdings Limited has today issued an Interim Management Statement covering the period from 1st January to 9th May 2012 in accordance with the requirements of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Services Authority in the United Kingdom.While the Group is generally trading in line with last year, the first quarter's earnings were slightly lower principally due to the incidence of Hongkong Land's residential property developments. Trading cash flows continued to be strong and the ratio of net debt to total equity remained very conservative. Within Jardine Matheson's directly held interests, Jardine Pacific's overall profits were little changed despite mixed results from some of its constituents, but Jardine Motors' earnings were adversely affected by intense competition and lower margins in mainland China. The contribution from Jardine Lloyd Thompson benefited both from Jardine Matheson's increased shareholding and from the company's positive start to the year.Hongkong Land's commercial properties performed well, but as anticipated there were fewer completions of residential projects. Dairy Farm's major businesses traded strongly and the group is expanding its geographic reach with acquisitions in the Philippines and Cambodia. Mandarin Oriental's hotels saw average rates increase, although economic conditions remain slow in a number of its markets. Jardine Cycle & Carriage recorded some improvement in income from its non-Astra motor interests. Astra itself produced good growth across most of its business sectors during the period as trading conditions in Indonesia remained favourable.Jardine Strategic is a holding company which takes long-term strategic investments in multinational businesses, particularly those with an Asian focus, and in other high quality companies with existing or potential links with the Group. Its principal attributable interests are in Jardine Matheson (55%), Hongkong Land (50%), Dairy Farm (78%), Mandarin Oriental (74%) and Jardine Cycle & Carriage (71%), which in turn has a 50% interest in Astra. Jardine Strategic is 82%-held by Jardine Matheson. Jardine Strategic Holdings Limited is incorporated in Bermuda and has a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange, with secondary listings in Bermuda and Singapore. The Company's interests are managed from Hong Kong by Jardine Matheson Limited.
- end -
For further information, please contact:Jardine Matheson LimitedNeil M McNamara (852) 2843 8227GolinHarrisNick Bradbury (852) 2501 7910This and other Group announcements can be accessed through the internet at www.jardines.com.
Related Shares:
JDS.L