China Evergrande shares halted, set to release 'inside information'

Hong Kong

CHINA Evergrande Group shares have been suspended from trading on Monday (Jan 3) pending the release of "inside information", the embattled property developer said without elaborating.

Evergrande, the world's most indebted developer, is struggling to repay more than US$300 billion in liabilities, including nearly US$20 billion of international market bonds that were deemed to be in cross-default by ratings firms last month after it missed payments.

The property developer missed new coupon payments worth US$255 million due last Tuesday, though both have a 30-day grace period.

The firm has set up a risk management committee with many members from state companies, and said it would actively engage with its creditors.

Local media reported over the weekend a city government in the Chinese resort island of Hainan had ordered Evergrande on Dec 30 to demolish its 39 residential buildings within 10 days, due to illegal construction.

The buildings stretched over 435,000 square metres, the reports added, citing an official notice to Evergrande's unit in Hainan.

Evergrande did not respond to request for comment on the Hainan development.

On Friday, Evergrande dialled back plans to repay investors in its wealth management products, saying each investor in its wealth management product could expect to receive 8,000 yuan (S$1,698) per month as principal payment for 3 months irrespective of when the investment matures.

The move highlights the deepening liquidity squeeze at the property developer.

"The market is watching the asset disposal progress from Evergrande to repay its debt, but the process will take time," said Conita Hung, investment strategy director at Tiger Faith Asset Management.

"And the demolition order in Hainan will hurt the little homebuyer confidence remained in the company."

Evergrande said last week 91.7 per cent of its national projects have resumed construction after 3 months of effort. Many projects were halted previously after the developer failed to pay its many suppliers and contractors.

Shares of Evergrande shed 89 per cent last year, closing at HK$1.59 on Friday.

Its EV unit China Evergrande New Energy Vehicle Group reversed early losses to rise 14 per cent in early afternoon trade on Monday, while property management unit Evergrande Services also turned around from the red to rise 1 per cent. REUTERS