TOKYO, Sept. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lead Real Estate Co., Ltd (Nasdaq: LRE) (“LRE” or “the Company”), a Japanese real estate developer of luxury residential properties including single-family homes and condominiums across Tokyo, Kanagawa Prefecture and Sapporo, today announced that, on September 5, 2025, its Board of Directors approved the distribution of a dividend to shareholders of 10 JPY, or about $0.07, for each American Depository Receipt (ADR). One ADR is equal to one ordinary LRE share. The ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an annualized Return on Equity (ROE) of approximately 15% for the first half of 2025, with expectations upgraded to high teens for the full year [4][5] - Insurance revenue increased by 8.9% year-over-year to $930 million, driven by growth in gross premiums written [21] - The undiscounted combined ratio was 97.8%, with a discounted ratio of 87.4%, indicating strong underwriting performance despite significant industry losses [22][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The reinsurance segment saw stable market conditions, with growth in property reinsurance through core clients, while casualty business is largely at scale [14][15] - The specialty reinsurance book is expanding, particularly in marine energy and terror reinsurance, while property insurance faces headwinds requiring portfolio adjustments [15][16] - Premiums grew nearly 6% in the first half of 2025, reflecting a disciplined growth strategy [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The global insured natural catastrophe losses for the first half of 2025 were about $80 billion, the second highest recorded for that period [10] - The insurance market remains favorable, with most lines well-priced, although a softening market is beginning to emerge [12][5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes disciplined growth and active capital management to deliver sustainable returns [6][7] - The focus remains on expanding in areas with strong margins while maintaining a diversified portfolio [18] - The company is not looking to expand its catastrophe footprint but is managing existing exposures carefully [67] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to deliver strong returns through the remainder of 2025 and beyond, despite the softening market [32] - The company is well-capitalized and prepared for the wind season, with a BSCR ratio over 257% [30][31] - The management highlighted the importance of underwriting results and returns in shaping market conditions moving forward [39][92] Other Important Information - The investment portfolio generated a return of 3.7% in the first half of the year, benefiting from higher yields and favorable currency movements [28][29] - The company has a five-year exemption from Bermuda corporate income tax, which will not significantly impact the overall tax charge until 2030 [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Development of combined ratios into 2026 - Management indicated that it is premature to predict combined ratios for 2026, as the market will be influenced by loss activity during the peak hurricane season [38] Question: Reserve releases and Hurricane Ian - Management clarified that Hurricane Ian was not included in the highlighted reserve releases, and the timing of reserve releases can vary based on new information [41][42] Question: Drivers for updated ROE target - The updated ROE target is a reflection of the strong Q2 performance, not indicative of changes in expectations for the second half of the year [47] Question: Growth strategy and areas of focus - The company is focusing on expanding its U.S. platform, particularly in energy liability, while remaining selective in other areas [49] Question: Timing of aviation contracts and growth expectations - The timing of aviation contracts is not expected to negatively impact growth, with opportunities anticipated in Q3 and Q4 [54] Question: Capital generation outlook for the second half - Management plans to assess capital returns post-wind season, maintaining a BSCR above 200% [78][112] Question: Onerous loss components in insurance liabilities - Onerous losses are considered immaterial and reflect conservative assumptions rather than expected loss-making contracts [81]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an annualized Return on Equity (ROE) of approximately 15% for the first half of 2025, with expectations upgraded to high teens for the year [3][4]. - Insurance revenue increased by 8.9% year-over-year to $930 million, driven by growth in gross premiums written [19][20]. - The undiscounted combined ratio was 97.8%, reflecting disciplined underwriting despite significant industry losses [21]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The reinsurance business saw stable market conditions, with growth in property reinsurance and a largely scaled casualty book [13][14]. - The insurance segment faced headwinds in property insurance, prompting adjustments in the portfolio, while marine and energy classes showed good momentum [15][16]. - Premiums grew nearly 6% in the first half of 2025, indicating a focus on disciplined growth ahead of rate [12]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The global insured natural catastrophe losses reached about $80 billion in the first half of 2025, the second highest recorded for that period [9]. - The insurance market remains favorable, with most lines well-priced, although early signs of a softening market are emerging [11][12]. - The company noted that terms and conditions in the market are broadly holding steady, which bodes well for future underwriting results [11]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on disciplined growth and active capital management to deliver sustainable returns [5][6]. - There is an emphasis on maintaining a healthy balance sheet to pursue selective growth opportunities [6]. - The strategy includes expanding capabilities in specialty reinsurance and building out the U.S. platform, particularly in energy liability [17][48]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to deliver strong returns through the remainder of 2025 and beyond, despite the competitive market conditions [32]. - The company remains cautious about the impact of potential losses during the peak hurricane season on future market conditions [38]. - Management highlighted that losses do not move markets; rather, margins do, indicating a stable outlook despite significant losses in the first half [98]. Other Important Information - The investment portfolio generated a return of 3.7% in the first half of 2025, benefiting from higher yields and falling treasury rates [27][29]. - The company remains well-capitalized, with a BSCR ratio of over 257%, allowing for flexibility in underwriting and capital returns [29][30]. Q&A Session Summary Question: How do you expect the combined ratios to develop into 2026? - Management indicated that it is premature to predict the combined ratios for 2026, as the market will be influenced by loss activity during the peak hurricane season [38]. Question: Can you clarify the reserve releases related to Hurricane Ian? - Management confirmed that Hurricane Ian has not been specifically called out in reserve releases, and the timing of reserve releases can vary based on new information [40][41]. Question: What are the underlying drivers for the updated ROE target? - The updated ROE target is a reflection of the strong Q2 performance, not related to expectations for the second half of the year [47]. Question: What areas are you looking to grow in? - The company is focusing on expanding its specialty reinsurance and U.S. platform, particularly in energy liability, while remaining selective in other areas [48][49]. Question: How do large loss events impact pricing? - Management stated that large loss events do not necessarily move markets; rather, it is the margins that are more significant [98][99].

Investor Presentation: Half-year 2025 Safe harbour statements NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: CERTAIN STATEMENTS AND INDICATIVE PROJECTIONS (WHICH MAY INCLUDE MODELLED LOSS SCENARIOS) MADE IN THIS PRESENTATION OR OTHERWISE THAT ARE NOT BASED ON CURRENT OR HISTORICAL FACTS ARE FORWARD-LOOKING IN NATURE INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, STATEMENTS CONTAINING THE WORDS "BELIEVES", "AIMS", "ANTICIPATES", "PLANS", "PROJECTS", "FORECASTS", "GUIDANCE", "INTENDS", "EXPECTS", "ESTIMATES", "PREDICTS", "MAY", ...

Core Viewpoint - Lead Real Estate Co., Ltd has engaged in significant transactions with Samurai Capital, selling long-term stay hotels and condominiums, indicating a strategic move to enhance its portfolio and operational capabilities in the luxury residential market in Japan [1][2][3]. Group 1: Transaction Details - The company has sold two long-term stay hotels, "Ent Terrace Akihabara" and "Ent Terrace Asakusa," and entered into trust beneficiary right purchase agreements for two condominiums, "Excelsior Shakujii-Koen" and "Excelsior Yokohama Enokicho," totaling approximately 5.3 billion yen in this round of transactions [2][3]. - The initial engagement with Samurai Capital began with a business alliance agreement on May 30, 2024, which included the first round of transactions worth over 4 billion yen [2]. Group 2: Future Prospects - On June 30, 2025, the company signed a memorandum of understanding for preferential negotiations regarding three long-term stay hotels currently scheduled for construction, indicating plans for future growth and development in the hospitality sector [4]. - The company aims to provide integrated services from planning to operation, enhancing customer satisfaction through a one-stop service model [4]. Group 3: Property Overviews - "Ent Terrace Akihabara" is an eight-room hotel in Chiyoda, Tokyo, featuring a building area of 4,870 square feet and designed for groups or families [6]. - "Ent Terrace Asakusa" is a nine-room hotel in Taito, Tokyo, with a building area of 8,719 square feet, offering both Japanese-style and Western-style rooms [9]. - "Excelsior Shakujii-Koen" is a 22-unit property in Nerima, Tokyo, with a building area of 13,021 square feet, located near Shakujii-Koen Station [11]. - "Excelsior Yokohama Enokicho" is a 30-unit property in Yokohama, Kanagawa, with a building area of 18,955 square feet, ideal for families due to its proximity to schools and parks [14]. Group 4: Company Overview - Lead Real Estate Co., Ltd specializes in luxury residential properties, including single-family homes and condominiums, across Tokyo, Kanagawa Prefecture, and Sapporo, and also operates hotels in Tokyo [15]. - The company's mission focuses on providing stylish, safe, and luxurious living, while its vision emphasizes continuous improvement and leveraging its strong market position in luxury residential properties [16].

Core Insights - Lead Real Estate Co., Ltd (LRE) has signed a sales contract for its planned hotel, ENT TERRACE Tsukiji 6 Chome, located in Tsukiji, Tokyo [2][10] - The hotel will feature eight extended-stay rooms and will be constructed with reinforced concrete, comprising nine floors above ground [3][9] - The Tsukiji District Community Development Project, initiated in March 2022, aims to revitalize the area into a "waterfront city" and enhance its cultural and historical significance [8][9] Company Overview - Lead Real Estate Co., Ltd specializes in luxury residential properties, including single-family homes and condominiums, across Tokyo, Kanagawa, and Sapporo [10][11] - The company operates hotels in Tokyo and leases apartment units in Japan and Dallas, Texas [10] - LRE's mission focuses on providing stylish, safe, and luxurious living, while its vision emphasizes continuous improvement and leveraging its strong market position [11] Project Details - ENT TERRACE Tsukiji 6 Chome will have a building area of 6,698 square feet and a land area of 1,016 square feet [3][9] - The total construction cost for the Tsukiji District Community Development Project is approximately 6 billion dollars [9] - The project site covers an area of 19 hectares and involves multiple participating companies, including Mitsui Real Estate and Toyota Automobile [9]

Company Overview - Lead Real Estate Co., Ltd is a Japanese developer specializing in luxury residential properties, including single-family homes and condominiums, across Tokyo, Kanagawa prefecture, and Sapporo [10] - The company also operates hotels in Tokyo and leases apartment units in Japan and Dallas, Texas [10] - The mission of the company is to provide stylish, safe, and luxurious living, while its vision focuses on continuous improvement and leveraging its strong market position in the luxury residential property market [11] Recent Developments - The company announced the signing of a sales contract for its planned luxury single-family home, REAL PRO Ookayama [1] - The REAL PRO SERIES Ookayama will be constructed from wood, featuring two floors above ground, with a building area of 2,029.3 square feet and a land area of 1,784.2 square feet [2] Location Highlights - Ookayama is known for its vibrant dining district, including the famous Ookayama Underground Dining Area, which has a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of the Showa Era [3][8] - The area is home to the prestigious Tokyo Institute of Technology, enhancing its appeal as a "Student Town" [5] - Ookayama Station provides direct access to major shopping districts, including Jiyugaoka and Futako-Tamagawa, both just 10 minutes away [5] Architectural Design - The architectural design of the REAL PRO SERIES is supervised by Pro Style Design Office Inc., known for its luxury architectural designs [6] - The design philosophy emphasizes creating high-density spaces that cater to the owner's lifestyle through the use of luxury brands in various aspects of living [6]

Company Overview - Lead Real Estate Co., Ltd is a Japanese developer specializing in luxury residential properties, including single-family homes and condominiums, across Tokyo, Kanagawa prefecture, and Sapporo [11] - The company also operates hotels in Tokyo and leases apartment units in Japan and Dallas, Texas [11] - The mission of the company is to provide stylish, safe, and luxurious living, while its vision focuses on continuous improvement and leveraging its strong market position in the luxury residential property market [12] Project Announcement - The company announced the start of construction for its luxury single-family home, Naoi Style Nakameguro Yutenji 1 Chome, in February 2025 [1] - The property is located in Yutenji 1-Chome, Meguro, Tokyo, and features a wooden structure with three floors above ground, covering a building area of 2,426 square feet and a land area of 1,322 square feet [2] Architectural Design - The architectural design is supervised by Naoi Architectural Design Office Ltd, known for its local and international design awards [6] - The design philosophy emphasizes creating unique proposals based on individual client needs, focusing on functionality, durability, and a universal architectural style [6] Location Features - Yutenji is described as a residential area that balances urban convenience with serenity, located between Nakameguro Station and Yutenji Station [9][10] - The area is characterized by a tranquil atmosphere due to the absence of large-scale commercial facilities, making it attractive for families [17]

Company Overview - Lead Real Estate Co., Ltd is a Japanese developer specializing in luxury residential properties, including single-family homes and condominiums, primarily in Tokyo, Kanagawa prefecture, and Sapporo [6][7] - The company also operates hotels in Tokyo and leases apartment units in Japan and Dallas, Texas [6] Recent Developments - The company announced the start of construction for its luxury single-family home, Naoi Style Nakameguro Yutenji 1 Chome, in February 2025 [1] - The property is located in Yutenji 1-Chome, Meguro, Tokyo, featuring a building area of 2,426 square feet and a land area of 1,322 square feet [2] Architectural Design - The architectural design is supervised by Naoi Architectural Design Office Ltd, known for its local and international design awards [3] - The design philosophy emphasizes creating unique proposals tailored to individual client needs, focusing on functionality and durability [3] Location Features - Yutenji is characterized by a tranquil atmosphere, providing a balance between urban convenience and serenity, making it attractive for families [5][11] - The area has limited large-scale commercial facilities, enhancing its appeal for residential living [11] Company Mission and Vision - The company's mission is to provide stylish, safe, and luxurious living environments [7] - The vision includes adopting a Kaizen approach for continuous improvement and leveraging its strong market position to create a global transaction platform for luxury properties [7]

Company Overview - Lead Real Estate Co., Ltd is a Japanese developer specializing in luxury residential properties, including single-family homes and condominiums, primarily in Tokyo, Kanagawa prefecture, and Sapporo [9] - The company also operates hotels in Tokyo and leases apartment units in Japan and Dallas, Texas [9] Project Announcement - The company announced the construction of a new income-producing freestanding condominium named EXCELSIOR SHAKUJII-KOEN, which commenced on March 21, 2025 [1] - This property will consist of 22 units, built from reinforced concrete, with six floors above ground, covering a building area of 13,021 square feet and a land area of 4,430 square feet [2] Location and Environment - EXCELSIOR SHAKUJII-KOEN is located in Shakujii 2-Chome, Nerima, Tokyo, an area known for its greenery and proximity to a large park, making it an attractive suburb [4] - The neighborhood offers a family-friendly environment with educational institutions, parks, hospitals, and community events, ideal for families seeking a safe living space [8] Accessibility and Amenities - The property is a five-minute walk from Shakujii Park Station, providing easy access to the city center [14] - The area features a variety of restaurants and shopping facilities, including Emio Shakujii Park, which offers a range of amenities from fashion to groceries [14]