HKEx (00388) year net up 13% to HK$5.17bn; div HK$2.15

    Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEx) (00388) said its profit attributable to shareholders for the year ended 31 December 2014 rose 13.47% year-on-year to HK$5,165 million.
  Its basic and diluted earnings per share were HK$4.44 and HK$4.43.
  Revenue and other income amounted to HK$9,849 million, an increase of 12.9% from a year earlier. The overall growth in revenue and other income reflects increased trading volumes and related revenue as well as growth in all other categories of revenue and income. The launch of LME Clear in September 2014 also contributed to the revenue growth. The increase over 2013 was reduced by the impact of gains on the Group's investment in LCH.Clearnet Group Limited, which were $85 million higher in 2013.
  HKEx ranked second globally in IPOs with total equity funds raised of HK$232.5 billion, representing a 38% rise from 2013. 122 companies were newly listed on the HK market, compared to 110 in 2013. The listed companies also raised HK$710.2 billion through follow-on placements, an increase of 238% over 2013. Total funds raised of HK$942.7 billion represent a record for HKEx.
  The proposed final dividend is HK$2.15 (2013: HK$1.72) per share, payable on 5 June. The Board also proposes to offer a scrip dividend alternative to allow shareholders to elect to receive the final dividend wholly or partly in the form of new fully paid shares instead of in cash.