The blue-chip property developer ¨C which owns 49.9 percent of conglomerate Hutchison Whampoa Ltd, also controlled by Li ¨C posted a net profit of HK$18.08 billion (US$2.32 billion) for 2005, up from HK$14.00 billion in 2005.

The earnings contribution from Hutchison Whampoa rose 40 percent to HK$10.01 billion, from HK$7.17 billion in 2005.

Excluding Hutchison Whampoa's contribution, Cheung Kong's net profit was HK$8.07 billion, up 18 percent from HK$6.83 billion the previous year.

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