Wharf (Holdings) (0004) Price & Analysis

Established in Hong Kong in 1886, The Wharf (Holdings) Limited (Stock code: 0004) stands as the 17th company ever incorporated in the territory and a distinguished, long-standing enterprise. For over five decades, it has been a foundational component of the original Hang Seng Index, recognized as a leading local blue-chip stock with high trading volume and broad ownership. Driven by its enduring "Building for Tomorrow" ethos and a proven track record of strong management and successful execution, the Group has consistently delivered robust results over many years. Following the independent listing of Wharf Real Estate Investment Company Limited in November 2017, which primarily holds its Hong Kong investment properties, The Wharf (Holdings) Limited's operations are now predominantly property-centric. These encompass Investment Properties, Hotels, and Development Properties across both Hong Kong and Mainland China. Additionally, the Group maintains significant interests in logistics through Modern Terminals and Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals. In Hong Kong, Wharf's prestigious Peak Portfolio sets a new standard for luxurious living, offering an exclusive collection of prime residences that exemplify an unparalleled lifestyle in the city's most desirable locations. Beyond the renowned Mount Nicholson, ongoing developments include 1 Plantation Road, 11 Plantation Road, and 77 Peak Road. The Hong Kong development pipeline also extends to projects in Kowloon Tong and Kowloon East. On the Mainland, Wharf spearheads its investment property strategy with the International Finance Square (IFS) series, situated in the core or emerging central business districts of high-growth cities like Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Suzhou, and Wuxi. These IFS complexes are iconic landmarks, distinguished by their prime locations, exceptional planning and design, a critical mass of retailers and shoppers, and superior retail management. Notable examples include Changsha IFS, opened in 2018, and Chengdu IFS, launched in 2014, both comparable in size and prominence to Hong Kong's Harbour City. The more intimate Chongqing IFS, featuring the largest concentration of luxury brands in the city, opened its doors in 2017. The Group maintains a disciplined land acquisition approach, strategically targeting key Tier 1 and 2 cities to ensure a high-quality land bank that promises strong returns. As of June 2019, its development property land bank stood at 3.6 million square meters. Wharf Hotels manages a growing portfolio of 17 hotels across Asia, prominently featuring its contemporary Niccolo brand. The group owns four chic urban Niccolo hotels, including The Murray in Hong Kong and Niccolo Changsha, and oversees 13 Marco Polo hotels in Hong Kong, Mainland China, and the Philippines. Niccolo Suzhou is its newest venture, slated for completion in 2021. Furthermore, the Group owns and operates Modern Terminals and Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals, which have been vital contributors to Hong Kong's enduring success as a global trade and transportation hub. CME2 represents a strategic long-term investment, channeling capital and profits from the CME1 divestment in Hong Kong into a forward-looking new economy infrastructure arena (CME2), targeting larger markets with greater growth potential. Wharf's commitment to "Building for Tomorrow" also extends to its robust Business-in-Community (BIC) initiatives. Led by the highly successful Project WeCan school improvement program, the Group actively supports various BIC endeavors, including the Wu Zhi Qiao (Bridge to China) Charitable Foundation, the Shanghai International Tower-running Grand Prix, and Operation Panda, all aimed at fostering community engagement and delivering tangible benefits to diverse segments of society.