Jardine Matheson Holdings Ltd has announced a strong financial performance for the first half of 2025, with underlying net profit rising 45 per cent to $798 million.

The company said the results were driven by better performance across most of its businesses and ongoing efforts to improve strategy and investment decisions. Revenue for the period remained steady at $17.1 billion, only slightly lower than the same period last year.

Ben Keswick, executive chairman, said: “Jardines delivered a solid performance. We remain focused on driving long-term returns through active portfolio management and disciplined capital allocation.”

Underlying profit before tax rose 14 per cent to $2.1 billion, and parent free cashflow increased by 6 per cent to $585 million. This helped support an interim dividend of $0.60 per share, which will be paid on October 15.

Despite the positive results, Jardines reported $270 million in non-trading losses, mostly due to property revaluations and business disposals.

The group’s gearing, a measure of debt, improved to 11 per cent, down from 14 per cent at the end of 2024.

Leadership changes are also ahead. Lincoln Pan will become chief executive on December 1, replacing John Witt, who is retiring after 32 years with the company.

The group said it remains confident in its long-term outlook, with strong contributions from companies including Mandarin Oriental, Jardine Pacific and JC&C.