Wharf

Wharf Group Limited (“Wharf”, stock code: 0004) was founded in 1886 and is the seventeenth registered company in Hong Kong. When Hang Seng Index was established in the 1960s, Kowloon Tong was included in the first batch of 30 companies. Over the years, the Group has been adhering to the concept of “creating tomorrow” and has demonstrated excellent management and execution capabilities. The Group's current business includes investment properties, hotels and development properties throughout Hong Kong and mainland China. Other businesses include modern cargo terminals operating logistics infrastructure and the Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminal. The Group's luxury hilltop property portfolio consists of rare and unique properties, and continues to cater to the needs of tasteful and valued customers with top custom quality and craftsmanship. By the end of 2022, the Group's total land reserves amounted to 2.8 million square feet, of which about 600,000 square feet were located at the top of the hill. Projects to be developed include Plantation Road 1, the Kowloon Tong residential project, the Kai Tak residential project (the Group holds 30% interest), and the Kowloon warehouse redevelopment project. In terms of investing in properties in the mainland, the Group began to achieve results from its incipient foundation about 20 years ago, and active efforts have begun to bear fruit, so that most of the land can generate reasonable returns according to the plan during the next 20 to 30 years of leasing. All of the Group's international financial centers are located at the core of the local central business district or the new central business district. After years of expansion, with their superior location, careful planning and design, excellent retail management, and the clustering effect of gathering retailers and customers, the Chengdu International Financial Center and the Changsha International Finance Center have now become new landmarks of local trends. By the end of 2022, the Group's land reserves for mainland development properties totaled 1.7 million square meters. Strict regulatory policies have put pressure on returns and increased investment risks, and the Group has become more cautious about purchasing new land. The Group manages 16 hotels in mainland China, Hong Kong and the Philippines, providing a total of more than 5,000 guest rooms and suites. Among them, five are award-winning luxury brand Niccolo Hotels, and the other 11 are Marco Polo Hotels, a business travel brand. The group owns three of the above hotels, and another one is owned through a joint venture with half of the interests. The Group owns and operates modern cargo terminals. The company is a major cargo terminal operator in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, and is also one of the founders of the Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminal. Both are important industries in which Hong Kong has maintained its position as an international trade and transportation hub over the past few decades. The concept of “creating tomorrow” in Jiulongchang also extends to the aspect of “encouraging society and enterprise together”. In addition to the “School Startup” program, the flagship school optimization project that continues to grow, the Group also supports a series of public welfare projects, promotes the concept of “community and enterprise mutual encouragement”, and benefits people from different social strata in China and Hong Kong. The Group has also been committed to incorporating sustainability practices into our business to build a more sustainable future. To support carbon neutrality, the Group is integrating green efforts and has set long-term goals for 2030 to reduce water use, carbon emissions, electricity intensity and waste. The Group received many awards in 2022 to commend the Group's performance in business and its enthusiasm for public welfare. The Group was awarded the 2nd highest fundraising agency of the year by the Community Chest for 2 consecutive years. It also maintained its position as a constituent stock in the Hang Seng Sustainability Enterprise Index series, and was rated AA+ by the Hang Seng Index ESG. In addition, it was also awarded the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency's Advanced Social Responsibility Index certification, and the “Ten Years+Business Show Care” logo issued by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service.