The company - run by Mr Li, one of Asia's richest men - said its net profit for the 12 months that ended Dec 31 was HK$30.6 billion (S$5.4 billion), up from HK$20.03 billion a year earlier.

The result was below the average HK$32.81 billion forecast of 12 analysts polled earlier by Thomson Financial.

Revenue rose 15 per cent to HK$308.8 billion from HK$267.7 billion. Hutchison's board proposed a final dividend of HK$1.22 per share, unchanged from a year earlier.

Hutchison's 3G operations posted a loss before interest and tax of HK$17.94 billion, compared with a loss of HK$20 billion in 2006. The company said it now has more than 17.6 million 3G subscribers worldwide.

Hutchison's performance helped boost the results of another one of Mr Li's companies, property developer Cheung Kong (Holdings) Ltd.

Cheung Kong said on Thursday its net profit for 2007 rose 53 per cent, boosted by stronger contributions from Hutchison Whampoa and higher investment income.

It said it posted net profit of HK$27.68 billion for the 12 months that ended Dec 31, up from HK$18.08 billion a year earlier.

The result was above the average forecast of HK$26.02 billion in a Thomson Financial poll of 16 analysts.

Revenue rose 0.5 per cent to HK$15.44 billion from HK$15.35 billion.

Cheung Kong's earnings contribution from Hutchison Whampoa was HK$15.29 billion, up 53 per cent from HK$10.01 billion in 2006.

Cheung Kong's board proposed a final dividend of HK$1.95, up from HK$1.74 a year earlier.

Mr Li is the chairman of both Hutchison Whampoa and Cheung Kong.

Hutchison has businesses in port services, property, retail, energy and telecommunications, among others. -- AP