12th May 2011 12:35
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 Statement12th May 2011 - Jardine Strategic Holdings Limited has today issued an Interim Management Statement covering the period from 1st January to 11th May 2011 in accordance with the requirements of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Services Authority in the United Kingdom.Most of the Group's businesses enjoyed a good start to the year with earnings ahead of 2010. Within Jardine Matheson's directly held interests, Jardine Pacific's underlying operations continued to perform well with the group's results benefiting from the increased shareholding in Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals and contributions from recent acquisitions. Despite improved sales, Jardine Motors experienced lower profitability as margins weakened. Jardine Lloyd Thompson began the year encouragingly, with some significant new business wins and costs satisfactorily under control.Hongkong Land's commercial property interests are benefiting from positive rental reversions and its residential developments are progressing well, although their contribution will be substantially lower in the current year. Dairy Farm is trading well ahead of 2010 and currency movements are again having a positive effect on its results. Mandarin Oriental achieved increases in both occupancy and room rates and has received fees attributable to its branded residences in London, but its Tokyo hotel has been experiencing materially lower occupancy since mid-March. Jardine Cycle & Carriage saw lower income from its directly held motor interests. Astra reported a strong performance in the first quarter with particularly good profit growth in its automotive, heavy equipment and agribusiness activities, but supply disruption following the tsunami in Japan may impact performance in the second quarter.The Group has maintained its strong trading cash flows and there has been a modest fall in the level of net debt since the year end.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 (54%), 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. The Company also has a 21% interest in Rothschilds Continuation. 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