Stable Underlying Profit
The group's underlying profit amounted to $21.9 billion, an increase of 0.5% year-on-year, driven by the sale of trading and investment properties and lower finance costs.
Improved Financial Position
Net debt was reduced to $93.3 billion, with a net gearing ratio improvement to 15.1% from 17.8% at the end of December last year. Interest coverage improved to 6x from 4.6x.
Record Contracted Sales in Hong Kong
The group achieved contracted sales of $42.3 billion in Hong Kong, the highest level over the past 5 financial years.
Strong Performance in Mainland China Development
Recognized property sales on the Mainland rose by 214% year-on-year to $8.4 billion, with robust development margins.
Moody's Upgrade
Moody's upgraded the group's outlook to stable from negative, affirming an A1 rating.