Group 1 - The core index of the CSI Hong Kong-Shanghai-Shenzhen Connect Small Cap Consumer Index reported at 5488.14 points, showing a decline of 1.54% over the past month, an increase of 2.05% over the past three months, and a year-to-date increase of 3.77% [1] - The CSI Hong Kong-Shanghai-Shenzhen industry index series categorizes the CSI 500, CSI Hong Kong-Shanghai-Shenzhen Connect Small Cap Composite, and CSI Hong Kong-Shanghai-Shenzhen Connect Composite Index into 11 industries to reflect the overall performance of different industry companies [1] - The top ten holdings of the CSI Hong Kong-Shanghai-Shenzhen Connect Small Cap Consumer Index include Meihua Biological (2.53%), Zhengbang Technology (2.43%), Yanjing Beer (2.2%), Anjii Food (1.83%), Maogeping (1.79%), Hengan International (1.76%), Dabeinong (1.66%), Dekang Animal Husbandry (1.64%), First Pacific (1.57%), and Bairun Co. (1.55%) [1] Group 2 - The market share of the CSI Hong Kong-Shanghai-Shenzhen Connect Small Cap Consumer Index holdings is 41.28% from Shanghai Stock Exchange, 41.17% from Shenzhen Stock Exchange, and 17.55% from Hong Kong Stock Exchange [2] - The industry composition of the CSI Hong Kong-Shanghai-Shenzhen Connect Small Cap Consumer Index holdings shows that food accounts for 32.70%, breeding for 20.94%, liquor for 17.06%, planting for 8.99%, beauty care for 6.79%, soft drinks for 6.78%, and household goods for 6.75% [2] - The index sample is adjusted every six months, with adjustments implemented on the next trading day after the second Friday of June and December each year [2]

Group 1: Market Overview - The Guangzhou real estate market is showing signs of recovery, driven by high-quality development goals and the "12218" modern industrial system, which injects new momentum into the market [2][4] - The market is experiencing a structural adjustment with limited new demand for office spaces, leading to an increase in vacancy rates [4][8] - The retail sector is seeing a slowdown in brand expansion, with property owners diversifying promotional strategies to attract customers [5][8] Group 2: Office Market Insights - In the first half of 2025, eight new office projects were delivered, adding a total of 323,000 square meters to the market, with total Grade A office stock reaching 7.506 million square meters, a year-on-year increase of 6.1% [4] - The net absorption of office space recorded 37,000 square meters, a decline of 21.2% compared to the same period last year, resulting in an average vacancy rate of 22.6% [4][8] - Emerging business districts like the International Financial City and Pazhou are leading the market in absorption, contributing significantly to the overall demand [4] Group 3: Retail Market Trends - The retail market's total stock increased by 1.0% to 7.632 million square meters, with a new shopping center opening in the second quarter [8] - The average vacancy rate in retail spaces showed slight fluctuations, ending the second quarter at 12.7% [8] - The rental index for retail spaces remained stable compared to the first quarter, with an average rent of RMB 619.1 per square meter per month [8] Group 4: Residential Market Dynamics - The supply of new residential projects decreased by 0.5% year-on-year, with a total of 2.087 million square meters supplied in the first half of 2025 [6][8] - The second quarter saw a significant rebound in transaction volume, with a 35.8% increase in sales area, totaling 1.623 million square meters [8] - The average price for new residential properties reached RMB 44,494 per square meter, reflecting an 18.4% increase from the previous quarter [8] Group 5: Future Outlook and Opportunities - The Guangzhou real estate market is expected to see an influx of 398,000 square meters of new supply in the second half of 2025, pushing total stock to over 8 million square meters by year-end [8] - The trend of consumer preferences is shifting towards experiential and value-driven purchases, indicating potential growth in sectors like leisure and cultural brands [8] - The report on Chinese enterprises going global highlights the significant role of manufacturing in shaping global industrial patterns, with Southeast Asia emerging as a key investment destination [9]

Summary of Key Points Core Viewpoint - The LME (London Metal Exchange) reports a decrease in the inventory levels of various non-ferrous metals, indicating potential supply tightening in the market [1]. Inventory Changes - Copper inventory stands at 152,375 tons, down by 1,925 tons [1] - Aluminum inventory is at 375,075 tons, reduced by 2,250 tons [1] - Nickel inventory totals 200,142 tons, decreasing by 720 tons [1] - Zinc inventory is recorded at 141,375 tons, down by 2,075 tons [1] - Lead inventory is at 288,550 tons, with a reduction of 2,500 tons [1] - Tin inventory remains unchanged at 2,680 tons [1]

Summary of First Pacific Company Limited Investor Conference Company Overview - **Company Name**: First Pacific Company Limited - **Stock Symbols**: 142 (Hong Kong Stock Exchange), FPAFY (OTC Markets) [2] Key Industry Focus - **Geographical Focus**: Emerging Asia, identified as the fastest-growing region globally according to the IMF [5] - **Core Business Segments**: - Consumer food products - Infrastructure - Telecommunications - Natural resources [6] Financial Performance Highlights - **Gross Asset Value**: Approximately $5.3 billion as of March [10] - **Record Profits**: 2024 marked the fourth consecutive year of record high profits, leading to the highest dividends distributed to shareholders [12] - **Dividend Policy**: Commitment to a progressive dividend policy, expecting annual increases in dividends [12] - **Cash Position**: Opening cash of $71 million at the beginning of the year, with expectations for dividend income to exceed $300 million in the future [13][14] Business Segment Performance Indofood - **Revenue Growth**: Revenues rose 4% to over 100 trillion rupiah, with core profit increasing by 16% [17] - **Key Product**: Instant noodles, contributing 46% of total sales [21] - **Cash Reserves**: $2.4 billion in cash at the end of 2024, potential for strategic acquisitions [22] Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) - **Ownership**: Approximately 50% stake in MPIC, contributing 25% to gross asset value [24] - **Earnings Growth**: Consistent record highs in earnings, with contributions from power, toll roads, and water sectors [25][26] - **Upcoming IPO**: Mainalad, the largest water company in the Philippines, is set for an IPO in July [32] PLDT (Telecommunications) - **Market Position**: Over a quarter ownership in PLDT, the largest phone company in the Philippines [8] - **Revenue Drivers**: Growth in mobile and fixed-line data services [33] - **Digital Banking**: Maya, PLDT's fintech unit, has achieved profitability and is positioned to capture the unbanked population [35] Pacific Light Power (Power Generation) - **Performance**: Achieved record high earnings in 2023 due to favorable supply-demand dynamics [37] - **Future Projects**: Plans to build a 600 MW hydrogen-ready power plant by 2029 [37] Felix Mining Corporation - **Upcoming Production**: New mine expected to begin production in 2026, with significantly higher ore grades compared to current operations [40][41] Market Valuation and Analyst Coverage - **Share Price Performance**: Share price increased from $2.33 at the end of 2022 to approximately $5.40, reflecting growing confidence in earnings and dividends [42][44] - **Analyst Valuations**: Citi estimates gross asset value at $8.8 billion, with price targets significantly higher than current valuations [45][46] Conclusion - **Investment Outlook**: First Pacific Company Limited is positioned for continued growth across its diverse portfolio, with strong fundamentals and a commitment to shareholder returns. The company remains resilient against global trade challenges, particularly in the context of tariff fluctuations [12][13]

Core Viewpoint - First Pacific Company Limited is focused on defensive businesses in Southeast Asia and is set to present at the dbVIC - Deutsche Bank ADR Virtual Investor Conference on May 15, 2025, to engage with investors [1][2]. Company Overview - First Pacific is a Hong Kong-based investment holding company with operations in consumer food products, telecommunications, infrastructure, and mining [6]. - The company is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and offers shares in the U.S. through American Depositary Receipts (ADR) [6]. Financial Performance - The company has experienced six consecutive years of profit growth, with the last four years achieving record highs [3]. - First Pacific's share price increased by 25% in 2023 and 45% in 2024, with a recurring price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 3.6x for FY 2024 [5]. Strategic Focus - First Pacific's strategy emphasizes maximizing shareholder returns through investments in defensive industries that are not significantly affected by changes in foreign trade tariffs [3]. - The company maintains a focus on emerging economies in Southeast Asia and holds majority stakes in its investments to ensure control over cash flows [8]. Key Assets - First Pacific's portfolio includes major companies such as Indofood (largest maker of instant noodles), MPTC (largest privately owned toll road operator), Meralco (largest power company), PLDT (largest telecommunications company), and Maynilad (largest water company) in the Philippines [4]. - The company is also the largest shareholder in Philex Mining, which plans to open a second gold and copper mine in 2026 [4]. Financial Health - First Pacific has low borrowings with an interest coverage ratio of 4x and has maintained investment-grade credit ratings from Moody's and S&P Global for three years [5].

Financial Performance - Revenue for 2024 was $10,057.2 million, a decrease of 4.3% from $10,510.7 million in 2023[11] - Net profit for the year increased to $1,603.3 million, up 19.5% from $1,341.4 million in 2023[11] - Profit attributable to equity holders of the parent rose to $600.3 million, representing a 19.7% increase from $501.2 million in 2023[11] - Operating contribution from core operations was $776.5 million, an increase of 10.7% compared to $701.5 million in 2023[11] - Basic earnings per share increased to 14.15 cents, up from 11.82 cents in 2023, reflecting a growth of 19.7%[11] - The total revenue for the group decreased by 4% to $10.1 billion, primarily due to a decline in PLP's revenue, offset by increased water service charges from Maynilad and traffic volume from MPTC[41] - Regular profit increased by 11% to $672.5 million, driven by profit contributions from Indofood, MPIC, and PLDT[41] Assets and Liabilities - The total assets reached $673.95 million, an increase of 4.9% from $644.87 million in 2023[11] - Total assets increased to $28,677.9 million in 2024, up from $27,357.5 million in 2023, representing a growth of 4.8%[12] - Net debt rose to $9,098.5 million in 2024, compared to $8,450.3 million in 2023, indicating an increase of 7.7%[12] - The company's equity attributable to owners increased by 6% to $3,926.2 million in 2024 from $3,688.0 million in 2023[15] - The company's total debt as of December 31, 2024, is approximately USD 1.5 billion, with a net debt of about USD 1.3 billion and an average maturity of 3.5 years[47] Profitability Metrics - The gross profit margin improved to 36.34%, up from 32.11% in 2023[11] - The return on average equity was 17.66%, compared to 17.29% in 2023, indicating a slight improvement[11] - The adjusted net asset value per share rose to HKD 7.30 in 2024, compared to HKD 6.98 in 2023, marking a growth of 4.6%[12] - The average exchange rate for the Indonesian Rupiah against the USD decreased by 4.2% year-on-year, impacting the company's financial results[43] Dividends - The dividend payout ratio was 20.65%, consistent with the previous year, maintaining shareholder returns[11] - The dividend payout for the year is projected to reach $138.9 million, reflecting a commitment to returning value to shareholders[24] - The final dividend announced by the company is HKD 0.135 per share (USD 0.0173), an increase of 11% from HKD 0.230 per share (USD 0.0295) in 2023 to HKD 0.255 per share (USD 0.0327) in 2024[45] - The company plans to continue its progressive dividend policy to provide higher cash returns to shareholders[51] Market Outlook and Strategy - The company anticipates continued positive growth in its key markets, with Indonesia and the Philippines expected to exceed 5% growth in 2024[27] - The company plans to enhance productivity and strategically invest in new projects to capitalize on emerging opportunities[27] - The company's core business markets are expected to grow by over 5% in 2024, driven by investments in consumer goods, infrastructure, telecommunications, and natural resources[33] - The company's management is optimistic about sustainable profit growth despite potential challenges, with strategic planning in place to ensure continued profitability[34] Operational Highlights - Indofood contributed $333.3 million to the group's profit in 2024, reflecting a double-digit growth, while PLDT's profit contribution was $148.5 million, up from $143.2 million in 2023[38] - PLDT's fintech investment, Maya, recorded profitability in the last month of the year, significantly increasing its banking customer base and loan disbursements[33] - The company plans to build a 670 MW hydrogen-fueled combined cycle gas turbine facility, expected to start operations in January 2029, which will be the largest of its kind in Singapore[34] - Philex Mining's Silangan project is set to commence production by the end of Q1 2026, while the Padcal mine's operational period has been extended to 2028[34] Capital Expenditures - Capital expenditures reached $1,358.4 million in 2024, an increase of 12.9% from $1,203.5 million in 2023[12] - Capital expenditures for 2024 are projected to decrease by 8% to 78.2 billion pesos ($1.4 billion), with a target to achieve positive free cash flow[88] - Capital expenditures for Meralco rose by 52% to PHP 44.7 billion (USD 779 million), reflecting network upgrades and new solar power plant developments[128] - Capital expenditures for MPTC increased by 19% to PHP 18.2 billion (USD 31.65 million), primarily for the construction of C5 South Link and Candaba[131] Corporate Governance - The board includes independent non-executive directors with diverse backgrounds in finance and management, enhancing corporate governance[192][193][194][196] - The governance structure is designed to ensure accountability and transparency, which is crucial for investor confidence[192] - The board's experience in mergers and acquisitions can facilitate future growth opportunities for the company[194][200] - The company emphasizes the importance of financial oversight and strategic planning through its experienced board members[195] Challenges and Risks - The company recorded a net foreign exchange and derivative loss of $40.2 million in 2024, compared to a gain of $19.5 million in 2023[43] - PLP's profit contribution decreased by 18% to USD 9.69 million in 2024, reflecting a decline in core profit[144] - PLP's total revenue decreased by 27% to SGD 2 billion (USD 1.5 billion) due to a drop in average selling prices[149] - The exploration activities for Service Contracts 72 and 75 have been largely suspended since 2014 and 2015, respectively, due to force majeure declarations by the Philippine Department of Energy[176]

Core Insights - The 2024 Greater Bay Area office market is experiencing adjustments amid challenges, with new productivity trends emerging to drive development [1][6][38] Economic Growth and New Productivity - The Greater Bay Area's economy is projected to grow by 5.1% in 2024, surpassing the national average, although the growth rate has slowed by 1.1 percentage points compared to the previous year [1][6][11] - New productivity is becoming a significant driver of economic growth, with Shenzhen's strategic emerging industries seeing a value-added growth of 10.5% [1][6][11] Office Market Supply and Vacancy Rates - The office leasing market is in an adjustment phase, with new supply dropping to a near ten-year low of 1.203 million square meters, a year-on-year decrease of 46.5% [1][13][12] - The net absorption rate is at 530,000 square meters, with a vacancy rate rising to 28.0%, although the increase in vacancy rates has narrowed due to the development of emerging industries [1][17][18] Rental Market Strategies and Demand Trends - Cost reduction and efficiency enhancement are the dominant strategies in the leasing market, with emerging business districts attracting companies due to their cost-effectiveness [1][21][22] - Policy support is driving growth in new office demand, with state-owned buildings showing significant industry cluster effects [1][22] Rental and Price Trends - The rental index has decreased by 7.0% year-on-year, with a cumulative decline of 28.6% since the peak at the end of 2018 [2][29][30] - The price index has dropped by 9.4% year-on-year, with a cumulative decline of 28.0% since the end of 2018, indicating a more significant decrease in prices compared to rents [2][33][34] Future Market Outlook - The 2025 office market in the Greater Bay Area is expected to face both challenges and opportunities, with a projected supply peak of 4.237 million square meters [2][38] - Despite a challenging external environment, policy support is anticipated to stimulate endogenous demand, aiding market development [2][38]

Core Viewpoint - In the context of a slowing global economy and increasing geopolitical tensions in 2024, the company has demonstrated strong performance through quality growth, creating verifiable value from invested capital [1] Group 1: Business Resilience and Profit Quality - The company's core business has shown strong resilience, achieving significant breakthroughs in key metrics despite a complex economic environment. Regular profit increased by 11.4% year-on-year to $672.5 million, marking a four-year high [1] - The consumer food sector has become a major profit driver, with the Indofood brand contributing $333 million to profits, a 17% year-on-year increase. Product innovation and expanded distribution have enhanced profitability [3] - PLDT's business maintained stability with a profit contribution of $149 million, a 4% increase year-on-year, supported by a surge in data demand and operational efficiency [4] - The MPIC infrastructure segment saw a 16% year-on-year profit increase to $495 million, driven by strong energy sales and water price adjustments [4] Group 2: Financial Structure and Long-term Dividends - The company exhibits prudent capital management and strategic foresight, maintaining a healthy financial status with a cash interest coverage ratio above 4 times. Debt levels remain at $1.5 billion, with an average interest rate reduced from 5.4% to 5.1% [5] - Despite currency depreciation concerns, the company's core business has continued to achieve profit growth, supported by a robust structure. The Philippine peso and Indonesian rupiah depreciated by 9% and 11% respectively over the past six years, yet core business profits have consistently increased [5][7] - The company has a solid financial position and ample cash reserves, allowing for sustained dividend distributions. The board proposed a final dividend of 13.5 HK cents per share, an 8% increase year-on-year, with total dividends rising from 23.0 HK cents to 25.5 HK cents [8] Group 3: Growth Sustainability and Market Recognition - The company maintains a long-term dividend payout ratio between 5% and 8%, significantly higher than bank deposits and most fixed-income products, providing stable returns for investors [9] - The company has a history of stable and sustainable dividends, reflecting management's commitment to shareholder returns and effective strategic execution. Moody's and S&P have affirmed stable ratings of Baa3 and BBB- respectively, indicating market recognition of financial resilience [9][10] - The company's growth is characterized by certainty and sustainability, aligning with the traits of a "good company," thus warranting higher expectations from investors [10]

Core Viewpoint - In the context of a slowing global economy and increasing geopolitical tensions in 2024, the company has demonstrated strong performance through quality growth, creating verifiable value from invested capital [1] Group 1: Business Performance - The company's core business has shown resilience, achieving a recurring profit increase of 11.4% year-on-year to $672.5 million, marking a four-year high [1] - The Indofood brand has become the largest profit driver, contributing $333 million, a 17% increase year-on-year, through product innovation and expanded distribution [3] - PLDT's operations maintained stability with a profit contribution of $149 million, a 4% year-on-year increase, supported by a growing fiber network and a leading digital banking position [3] - The MPIC infrastructure segment reported a 16% year-on-year profit increase to $495 million, driven by strong energy sales and water price adjustments [4] Group 2: Financial Structure - The company exhibits prudent capital management, maintaining a cash interest coverage ratio above 4 times and reducing average debt interest rates from 5.4% to 5.1% [5] - Despite currency depreciation, the core business has continued to achieve profit growth, with the Philippine peso and Indonesian rupiah depreciating by 9% and 11% respectively over the past six years [5][6] - The company’s financial health and cash reserves support ongoing dividend distributions, with a proposed final dividend of 13.5 HK cents per share, an 8% increase year-on-year [6] Group 3: Dividend and Investor Confidence - The company maintains a long-term dividend payout ratio of 5%-8%, which is attractive compared to bank deposits and fixed-income products, providing stability for investors [7] - The company has a history of stable and sustainable dividends, reflecting management's commitment to shareholder returns and effective strategic execution [8] - Ratings from Moody's and S&P affirm the company's financial resilience, with stable outlooks, indicating a strong growth trajectory [8]

Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong residential market is facing pressure from excess inventory, despite a temporary boost in luxury property transactions due to interest rate cuts and discount offerings. Price adjustments are expected to continue into 2025, particularly affecting the luxury segment [1][2]. Group 1: Market Trends - The luxury property transaction volume in Q4 2024 doubled to 180 transactions, driven by interest rate cuts and an increase in discounted listings [1]. - The overall residential market is expected to see continued price adjustments in 2025, with predictions of a 5-10% decline for general residential properties [1]. - The supply of new units is projected to be high, with 107,000 new units expected over the next four years, contributing to ongoing price pressure [1]. Group 2: Developer Strategies - Developers are actively launching new luxury projects in response to improved market sentiment, despite the low average absorption rates for independent houses and luxury units [2]. - Financially stable developers may choose to hold onto their most valuable assets and only release them when market conditions and prices are favorable [2].