Core Insights - Henglong Real Estate has signed a contract with Shanghai Jiubai Group to acquire the commercial operation project at 1038 Nanjing West Road, known as Meilong Town Plaza, with a total investment exceeding 2 billion RMB [1][3] - The project will be operated by Henglong under a 20-year lease, expanding its total building area on Nanjing West Road by approximately 96,000 square meters, increasing its overall property portfolio by about 44% to approximately 312,300 square meters [1][3] - The project will be transformed into a comprehensive commercial landmark integrating retail, hotel, and office spaces, with the commercial section expected to open in early 2027 and the hotel and office sections by May 2028 [3][4] Investment and Development Strategy - Henglong plans to invest no less than 500 million RMB for the renovation of the hotel, shopping mall, and office areas, contributing to the overall investment exceeding 2 billion RMB [1][3] - The hotel component will feature an international top-tier brand hotel with a total area of no less than 18,000 square meters, marking the introduction of a luxury hotel to the project [3][4] - The project aims to enhance the attractiveness and sustainability of Nanjing West Road, aligning with the strategic planning of the Jing'an District to develop a high-end service axis [3][4] Strategic Expansion - Henglong's CEO stated that the upgrade of the Nanjing West Road property portfolio is part of the "Henglong V.3" strategy, focusing on reinvestment in existing projects to expand scale, visibility, and accessibility in core markets [4][5] - Prior to acquiring Meilong Town Plaza, Henglong announced a new expansion project in Wuxi, collaborating with Wuxi Liangxi Urban Development Group to gain operational rights for a landmark commercial project [5] - The Wuxi project, formerly known as Wuxi New World Department Store, will add approximately 47,000 square meters of commercial space, increasing the total retail area of Wuxi Henglong Plaza by 38% to about 169,000 square meters [5]

去年8月起停止运营的原梅龙镇广场物业将迎来新的运营方。12月12日，恒隆地产宣布与上海九百（集 团）有限公司（简称"九百集团"）签约上海南京西路1038号商业运营项目（前身为梅龙镇广场）。项目 由恒隆以20年的营运租赁形式经营，将为恒隆在南京西路的项目增加约96,000平方米的总建筑面积，扩 大约44%至约312,335平方米。 ...

Core Insights - Isetan Department Store will exit Shanghai Meilong Town Plaza in June 2024, raising concerns about the future of this iconic retail space in Shanghai [1] - Hang Lung Properties has signed an agreement with Shanghai Jiubai Group to operate the landmark commercial project at 1038 Nanjing West Road for a 20-year lease [1] - The project will expand Hang Lung's presence in the Nanjing West Road area by approximately 96,000 square meters, representing a 44% increase in total building area [2] Company Developments - The Nanjing West Road 1038 project will be transformed into a comprehensive commercial landmark, featuring retail, hotel, and office spaces, with a super five-star hotel planned as a new landmark in the area [4] - Hang Lung Properties aims to create a complete ecosystem in the Nanjing West Road area, with both the Shanghai Hang Lung Plaza and the Nanjing West Road 1038 project catering to different consumer needs [5] - The total investment for the renovation of the Nanjing West Road 1038 project is estimated at 2.2 billion yuan, focusing on facade updates, interior renovations, and structural reinforcements [6] Industry Context - The Jing'an District, where the Nanjing West Road is located, is positioning itself as a core area for international consumption, with significant retail growth observed [5] - The retail sales growth in Jing'an District exceeded 12% from January to October this year, with the Nanjing West Road area contributing significantly to this increase [5] - The district aims to establish a "trillion-yuan business circle" by the end of the 14th Five-Year Plan period (by 2025), with ongoing developments enhancing the commercial landscape [5]

Investment Rating - The report initiates coverage with a "Buy" rating for the company [3][6][7]. Core Insights - The company focuses on high-end commercial properties, actively adjusting operations to improve performance. It has established itself as a benchmark in luxury retail, particularly in key urban areas [6][8]. - Revenue for 2024 is projected at HKD 11.2 billion, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 9%. The company has a stable financial outlook with a dividend payout ratio of 80% [6][7]. - The company’s investment properties (IP) are expected to contribute significantly to cash flow stability, with a focus on high-end markets and a gradual recovery in luxury retail [6][8]. Financial Data and Profit Forecast - Revenue and profit forecasts for the company from 2023 to 2027 are as follows: - Revenue: HKD 10.3 billion (2023), HKD 11.2 billion (2024), HKD 9.9 billion (2025E), HKD 10.1 billion (2026E), HKD 10.4 billion (2027E) [5]. - Net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders: HKD 3.97 billion (2023), HKD 2.15 billion (2024), HKD 2.52 billion (2025E), HKD 2.55 billion (2026E), HKD 2.64 billion (2027E) [5]. - Earnings per share: HKD 0.79 (2023), HKD 0.43 (2024), HKD 0.50 (2025E), HKD 0.50 (2026E), HKD 0.52 (2027E) [5]. - Return on equity (ROE): 3.0% (2023), 1.6% (2024), 1.9% (2025E), 1.9% (2026E), 2.0% (2027E) [5]. Business Structure - The company’s revenue structure is primarily derived from property leasing, which accounts for over 90% of total income. The revenue breakdown for 2024 is as follows: Mainland property leasing (64%), Hong Kong property leasing (30%), property sales (3%), and hotels (3%) [30][32]. - The company operates 10 investment properties in Mainland China and 24 in Hong Kong, with a total floor area of 2.27 million square meters in Mainland China [32][48]. Investment Properties - The company’s investment properties are positioned in high-end markets, with a focus on luxury retail. The rental income from Mainland properties is projected to be HKD 6.5 billion in 2024, with a year-on-year decline of 5% [6][48]. - The company is actively adjusting its retail offerings, with improvements in tenant sales observed since Q3 2024, indicating a potential stabilization in rental income [6][8]. Financial Health and Dividends - The company maintains a healthy financial position with a net debt ratio of 33.5% and a financing cost of 3.9%, which is at a historical low [6][7]. - The dividend payout has been consistent, with an 80% payout ratio, and is expected to return to a primarily cash-based distribution model in the future [6][7]. Target Price and Valuation - The target price for the company is set at HKD 11.7, with a projected price-to-earnings (PE) ratio of 18 for 2025 and 17 for 2027 [6][7].

Company Dynamics - Hang Lung Properties announced a collaboration with Wuxi Liangxi Urban Development Company to acquire the operating rights of a landmark commercial project adjacent to Wuxi Hang Lung Plaza through a long-term lease [1] - This project marks another significant advancement under the "Hang Lung V.3" strategy, which focuses on core cities, high capital efficiency, and selective reinvestment in existing projects [1] Strategic Insights - The expansion into Wuxi aligns with the company's strategy to consolidate its market position with relatively low investment in a competitive landscape [1] - The company has announced light-asset expansions or upgrades in four projects: Kunming, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Wuxi, which are expected to enhance retail space and improve customer experience [1] Performance Expectations - Wuxi Hang Lung Plaza has shown strong performance since its opening in 2013, with a successful transition to luxury retail since 2019, leading to significant growth in retail sales and rental income [2] - The new project is expected to increase the retail area of Wuxi Hang Lung Plaza by 38% (or 47,000 square meters) and introduce over 80 new brands, further strengthening its competitive advantage in dining, fashion, and lifestyle experiences [2] Financial Projections - The company maintains its profit forecasts and continues to rate the stock as outperforming the industry, with a target price of HKD 9.46 per share, corresponding to a 15x core P/E for 2025 and a 5.5% dividend yield [2] - The stock is currently trading at a 14.5x core P/E for 2025 and a 5.8% dividend yield [3]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article is that Hang Lung Properties has made significant progress in its V.3 strategy by partnering with Wuxi Liangxi Urban Development Company to secure the operating rights of a landmark commercial project adjacent to Wuxi Hang Lung Plaza [1] - The V.3 strategy, officially launched in September, focuses on core cities with high capital efficiency, selective reinvestment in existing projects, and expansion through partnerships [1] - The report indicates that in a relatively clear competitive landscape in core cities, consolidating market position with lower investment is a preferable strategic choice [1] Group 2 - Despite an annual increase in the fourth quarter, the company expects retail sales in mainland malls for October and November to continue the momentum from the third quarter, projecting a 10% year-on-year growth in retail sales for the third quarter [1] - Recent highlights from key projects include successful events at Shanghai Hang Lung Plaza, such as the Home-to-Luxury store celebration and the reopening of the Chanel store on the first floor [1] - The firm maintains its earnings forecast and valuation unchanged, with a rating of "outperforming the industry" and a target price of HKD 9.46 [1]

Group 1 - Citic Securities maintains a "Buy" rating for Kuaishou-W (01024.HK), highlighting the significant upgrade of Kuaishou's AI capabilities, which is expected to drive commercial growth and optimize platform ecology and profit margins [1] - CICC maintains an "Outperform" rating for Hang Lung Properties (00101.HK) with a target price of HKD 9.46, noting the company's strategic expansion in Wuxi, which will increase retail space by 38% and enhance its luxury positioning [1] - Citic Securities maintains a "Buy" rating for Giant Bio (02367.HK) with a target price of HKD 44, despite a downward adjustment in profit forecasts due to sales pressure during the Double Eleven shopping festival [1] Group 2 - Citic Securities maintains a "Buy" rating for Xiaomi Group-W (01810.HK), reporting a significant increase in automotive business revenue, which reached RMB 28.3 billion, a year-on-year growth of 197.9%, marking its first profitable quarter [2] - Citic Securities maintains a "Buy" rating for Kelun-Biotech (06990.HK), emphasizing the company's collaboration with Crescent on ADC and dual antibody development, which includes an upfront payment of USD 80 million and potential milestone payments of up to USD 1.25 billion [3] - Citic Securities maintains a "Buy" rating for Virginie (02199.HK) with a target price of HKD 3.5, reporting a 25.7% year-on-year growth in net profit despite tariff disruptions, driven by strong performance in activewear and new business expansions [4] Group 3 - Tianfeng Securities maintains a "Buy" rating for Jiangnan Buyi (03306.HK), forecasting a revenue and net profit growth of 4.6% and 6.0% respectively for FY25, supported by a growing high-spending membership base [5] - Tianfeng Securities maintains a "Buy" rating for Kelun-Biotech (06990.HK), projecting a narrowing of net losses to a profit of RMB 561 million by 2027, highlighting the potential of its ADC product [6] - Everbright Securities maintains a "Buy" rating for Laopu Gold (06181.HK) with a target price of HKD 804.64, reporting a substantial increase in revenue and net profit for the first half of 2025, driven by the growing market for traditional gold products [7][8]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article is that despite Hang Lung Properties (00101) prioritizing debt reduction in the next 1 to 2 years, it can still discover growth opportunities with lower risk, reaffirming its status as a preferred stock due to improving sales from tenants in mainland China [1] - Hang Lung Properties recently announced the acquisition of operational rights for a commercial project in the center of Wuxi through a long-term lease, marking the fourth expansion under its growth strategy "Hang Lung V.3" [1] - According to Morgan Stanley, referencing the latest rental levels at Hang Lung Plaza 66 shopping center, the expansion plan is expected to generate approximately 200 million RMB in annual rental income, assuming the company holds 60% of the operating lease with a profit margin of 30%, which could contribute about 1% to the annual revenue [1]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article is that despite a focus on reducing debt in the next 1 to 2 years, Hang Lung Properties (00101) can still discover growth opportunities with low risk, reaffirming its status as a preferred stock due to improving sales from tenants in mainland China [1] - Hang Lung Properties recently announced the acquisition of operational rights for a commercial project in the center of Wuxi through a long-term lease, marking the fourth expansion under its growth strategy "Hang Lung V.3" [1] - According to Morgan Stanley, based on the latest rental levels at Hang Lung Plaza 66 shopping center, this expansion is expected to generate approximately 200 million RMB in annual rental income, assuming the company holds 60% of the operating lease with a profit margin of 30%, which could contribute about 1% to the annual revenue [1]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article is that Hang Lung Properties has announced the acquisition of operational rights for a commercial project in the center of Wuxi through a long-term lease, marking the fourth expansion under its growth strategy, Hang Lung V.3 [1] - Morgan Stanley indicates that despite the company's potential focus on reducing debt in the next 1 to 2 years, it can still discover growth momentum with lower risk [1] - The report reaffirms Hang Lung Properties as a preferred stock, citing continuous improvement in sales for mainland tenants, with expectations for fourth-quarter sales to maintain a year-on-year growth of 10% following the third quarter [1] Group 2 - Morgan Stanley sets a target price of HKD 10 for Hang Lung Properties by June 2026 and maintains an "Overweight" rating [1]