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News for the Hospitality Executive |
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The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels Report Performance of
its Peninsula Hotels
Somewhat Mixed for the the Six Months Ended 30 June 2008
Downturn in the US Economy Felt
Most at The Peninsula New York,
Whose RevPAR Decreased by 15%
| HONG KONG, Sept. 10, 2008 -
Key financial results
The unaudited interim results announced today by The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH) reflect a good operating performance by the Group in the light of challenging market conditions. Introducing the Group's results, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Clement K.M. Kwok said, "The Group faced a more challenging business environment in the first half of 2008 as uncertainties in the US economy and financial markets affected demand in both US domestic and international travel. Overall, the performance of our hotels division was somewhat mixed but fortunately this was countered by a robust performance in our non-hotel properties and operations, with our Hong Kong investment properties continuing to enjoy strong demand. The Group has a strong balance sheet." The total turnover for the period amounted to HK$2,395 million, up 20% over the same period in 2007. This increase was mainly due to the inclusion of revenue from The Peninsula Tokyo, which opened in September 2007. EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) increased by 4% to HK$699 million. After taking into account depreciation and net financing charges, profit before non-operating items remained flat at HK$478 million. Revaluation gains on investment properties amounted to HK$1,267 million (2007: HK$1,256 million). Profit attributable to shareholders in the six months increased by 27%
to HK$1,619 million, compared to HK$1,271 million for the same period in
2007. The total tax charge was HK$112 million (2007: HK$280 million), including
the impact of deferred taxation.
Shareholders' funds increased to HK$22.4 billion or HK$15.42 per share.
Net borrowings decreased to HK$1.2 billion and the Group's gearing ratio
has been further reduced to 5%. The Company has also provided a calculation
of the adjusted net assets attributable to shareholders, which after taking
into account the fair market valuations of hotel properties and golf courses
and a write-back of deferred taxation on property revaluation surpluses
arising in Hong Kong, amounted to HK$28.4 billion or HK$19.56 per share.
Business Overview Hotels The total turnover (in HK$) for the hotels division rose 23% over the same period in 2007. The Group's hotel assets have mostly achieved revenue per available room (RevPAR) levels in line with, or ahead of, competitor hotels in the relevant markets, with an average RevPAR increase across all Peninsula Hotels of 0.9%. In Asia, there was a decline in long-haul and corporate business at The Peninsula Hong Kong but this was offset by increased business from mainland China and various new markets. Although occupancy was reduced compared with last year, the increase in average room rate (ARR) was sufficient to result in a 4% higher RevPAR. The favourable business environment in Thailand combined with strong demand from the buoyant regional markets enabled The Peninsula Bangkok to achieve an 18% increase in RevPAR over 2007, despite a decrease in long-haul business from Europe and the US. The Peninsula Tokyo opened in September 2007 and achieved 62% occupancy in the first six months of 2008. The hotel's RevPAR has grown progressively since opening and has exceeded its aggregated competitor set since April 2008. Elsewhere in Asia, the visa restrictions implemented prior to the Olympic Games have impacted foreign travel to Beijing. The RevPAR at The Peninsula Beijing decreased by 8% over 2007, primarily due to the decrease in occupancy. At The Peninsula Manila, there was a lingering impact from the November 2007 rebel occupation on the first quarter and since May, half of the hotel's room inventory has not been available due to the Ayala Tower renovation. After the renovation, we expect to see significant growth in room rates for the Ayala Tower, as happened following the renovation of the Makati Tower. In the USA, the downturn in the US economy has been felt most at The Peninsula New York, whose RevPAR decreased by 15% due to the impact from the US economy as well as from the renovations of the spa, health club and swimming pool. Effective rate strategies at The Peninsula Chicago have enabled its RevPAR to show a small increase of 1% over 2007. Strict rate management resulted in a 4% increase in RevPAR at The Peninsula Beverly Hills. In Quail Lodge Resort, the weaker economy, poor weather conditions and summer fires have impacted both occupancy and room rates, resulting in a 2% decrease in RevPAR. Overall, the performance of our hotels division was somewhat mixed but fortunately this was countered by a robust performance in our non-hotel properties and operations, with our Hong Kong investment properties continuing to enjoy strong demand. Within our hotels division, The Peninsula New York was the most affected by the uncertainty in the financial markets, as well as from the disruption from its spa renovation. The Peninsula Beijing was affected by travel restrictions in the PRC ahead of the Olympic Games and The Peninsula Manila was partially closed for the renovation of the Ayala Tower. The Peninsulas in Chicago and Beverly Hills maintained their revenue per available room (RevPARs) amidst the softer US economy. The Peninsula Hong Kong maintained a solid base of business whilst The Peninsula Bangkok achieved the best growth from the previous year. The Peninsula Tokyo faced softer market conditions and is also continuing to build its business in its first year of operations. The stronger exchange rates in mainland China, The Philippines and Thailand positively impacted the reported results in HK dollars compared with 2007. |
Key Statistics for the
six months
ended June 30, 2008
(1 HKD = 0.128236 USD)
| . | Occupancy % for the six months ended June 30, 2008 | Occupancy % for the six months ended June 30, 2007 | Average Room Rate for the six months ended June 30, 2008 | Average Room Rate for the six months ended June 30, 2007 | % RevPAR Change |
| The Peninsula Hong Kong | 73% | 77% | US$ 520 | US$ 471 | 4% |
| The Peninsula New York | 60% | 74% | US$ 762 | US$ 731 | -15% |
| The Peninsula Chicago | 65% | 67% | US$ 452 | US$ 436 | 1% |
| The Peninsula Beverly Hills | 82% | 85% | US$ 691 | US$ 638 | 4% |
| The Peninsula Tokyo * | 62% | n/a | US$ 490 | n/a | n/a |
| The Peninsula Bangkok | 76% | 67% | US$ 224 | US$ 216 | 18% |
| The Peninsula Beijing | 49% | 62% | US$ 237 | US$ 207 | -8% |
| The Peninsula Manila ** | 63% | 79% | US$ 146 | US$ 127 | -8% |
| Quail Lodge Resort | 64% | 66% | US$ 246 | US$ 244 | -2% |
* The Peninsula Tokyo soft-opened in September 2007.
Turnover from residential, commercial and office properties grew by 16% for the first six months as compared to the same period last year. There has been continuing robust demand for luxury residential accommodation, supported by a faster turnaround of new tenants, driving increased average rentals. The high-end retail sector has also remained strong in Hong Kong and Beijing, benefiting the hotels' shopping arcades and other commercial spaces. Most of the Group's investment properties are fully leased. Turnover for The Repulse Bay Complex increased by 11% over 2007, with growth in both occupancy and average rental rates. Total revenue from the Peak Complex increased by 20% over the same period in 2007. There was also an average 8% growth in turnover for other businesses owned and operated by HSH. The number of passengers travelling on The Peak Tram was consistent with the same period in 2007. Peninsula Merchandising recorded a 15% increase in turnover, while turnover in the Cathay Pacific First and Business Class Lounges increased by 12%. Renovation Projects One of the Group's key business strategies is to improve its existing assets either through introducing new concepts or improving facilities, so as to enhance the Group's brand and augment the competitiveness of our hotels and properties. During the first six months, The Peninsula Beijing unveiled a new spa, swimming pool and fitness centre in May and also welcomed a new fleet of Rolls-Royces and BMWs in time for the Beijing Olympics. The Peninsula New York revitalised its rooftop bar by creating a new concept called Salon de Ning and is well underway in its extensive spa, gym and pool renovation. The Peninsula Beverly Hills renovated its roof terrace and swimming pool deck, which were re-opened in April. Newly commenced projects include The Peninsula Manila's renovation of all the guestrooms in the Ayala Tower and the Salon de Ning being created at The Peninsula Hong Kong. We are proceeding with the revitalisation of The Repulse Bay Arcade where the objective is to expand the facilities and enhance the mix of restaurants, shopping and entertainment. As the first phase of this, preliminary work for a new health wing commenced in March and finished in July. New hotel projects Substantial progress has been made in the construction of The Peninsula Shanghai, which is on schedule to open in late 2009. The hotel tower's superstructure works were completed by mid January 2008 and a topping-out ceremony took place in April. Since then, the apartment tower has been topped out and the structural works for the entire complex have been completed. Interior fitting out works have started and good progress is being made. Demand from top international brands has been strong for leasing of space in the retail arcade. The hotel's general manager has been appointed and recruitment of key executive personnel is underway. In July, the Group entered into a non-legally binding heads of agreement with Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company for a proposed hotel development in Paris, France. Under the heads of agreement, HSH has agreed to invest in a 20% minority interest in a building located on Avenue Kleber which housed the former Majestic Hotel and jointly with Qatari Diar to re-develop it into a Peninsula hotel. Outlook Looking ahead, Mr. Kwok said: "We expect that business conditions will
generally remain challenging for our hotel business in the second half
of the year, although the fourth quarter is traditionally a strong season
for hotels in New York, Hong Kong and Tokyo. The outlook for the market
in Beijing will be rather uncertain following the Olympic Games, taking
account of the large increase in the supply of luxury hotel rooms in the
city. Demand in Bangkok is currently negatively affected by the anti-government
protests taking place there."
"In this challenging environment, we will continue to focus our priorities on employee retention within the increasingly competitive markets; keeping costs under control in the light of rising wages and commodity prices; and continuing to find new revenue streams while enhancing our products and services." About HSH Incorporated in 1866 and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (0045),
The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited is a holding company whose subsidiaries
are engaged in the ownership and management of prestigious hotel, commercial
and residential properties in key destinations in Asia and the USA. The
hotel portfolio of the Group comprises the Peninsula hotels in Hong Kong,
New York, Chicago, Beverly Hills, Bangkok, Beijing, Manila, Tokyo, Shanghai
(opening 2009) and Quail Lodge Resort and Golf Club in Carmel, California.
The property portfolio of the Group includes The Repulse Bay Complex, The
Peak Complex and The Landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
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| Contact:
Irene Lau
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| Also See: | The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited Annual Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2007; The Peninsula New York Achieves an $814 Average Room Rate at 75% Occupancy / March 2008 |
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