WHARF REIC(HK:01997) Jin Rong Jie·2025-08-07 06:46Core Viewpoint - The financial performance of Kowloon Warehouse Properties in 2024 indicates unprecedented operational pressure, with significant declines in revenue and profit due to the ongoing downturn in the Hong Kong commercial real estate market [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - The company reported total revenue of HKD 12.912 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 3% [1] - Shareholder profit dropped to HKD 0.891 billion, down 81% from HKD 4.766 billion in 2023 [1] Group 2: Retail Sector Challenges - Core assets, Harbour City and Times Square, showed performance divergence; Harbour City saw a 2% increase in revenue, but operating profit remained stable [3] - Despite a high occupancy rate of 94%, tenant sales declined, impacting rental income [3] - Times Square experienced a 6% drop in both revenue and operating profit, despite efforts to attract new tenants [3] Group 3: Office Market Conditions - The office market faces oversupply and increased competition, leading to soft demand [4] - Overall occupancy rates improved to 90%, but rental rates are under downward pressure due to new supply [4] - Financial metrics showed a decline in earnings per share from HKD 2.67 to HKD 1.35, and return on equity fell from 2.50% to 0.47% [4] Group 4: Debt Management - The company effectively reduced net debt to HKD 34.2 billion, the lowest since its listing, improving its financial structure [5] - The debt-to-asset ratio decreased from 20.27% to 19.36% [5] - However, the company faces interest rate risks, with cash flow metrics indicating a negative financing cash flow of HKD 1.96 per share [5] Group 5: Future Outlook - The external environment remains complex, with trade conflicts and global economic uncertainties posing challenges [6] - The completion of the Hong Kong International Airport's three-runway system and government initiatives may support market recovery [6]