WHARF REIC(HK:01997) Ge Long Hui·2025-08-08 08:03Core Viewpoint - UBS report indicates that the mid-year performance of Wharf Real Estate Investment Company met expectations, with basic earnings remaining flat year-on-year at HKD 3.1 billion, which is 4% lower than the bank's forecast [1] Financial Performance - Basic earnings for the first half of the year were HKD 3.1 billion, unchanged from the previous year [1] - Interim dividend per share is HKD 0.66, representing a 3% year-on-year increase, in line with expectations [1] Management Outlook - Management maintains a cautious stance on retail rental income, anticipating a potential negative shift in rental returns [1] - Expected rental adjustments for Harbour City are projected to show a low single-digit decline, a reversal from positive adjustments seen in the first half of the year [1] Future Plans - Management revealed plans for significant asset enhancement or complete reconstruction of the Marco Polo Hotel, with construction expected to start after 2025 [1] - If it is an asset enhancement initiative (AEI), the required capital expenditure is approximately HKD 2 billion, with a disruption period of only two years, expected to have limited financial impact [1] - In the case of a complete reconstruction, concerns arise regarding the impact on luxury tenants on Canton Road due to increased competition from high-end malls like K11 MUSEA in Tsim Sha Tsui [1] Rating and Target Price - UBS maintains a "Neutral" rating on Wharf Real Estate Investment Company with a target price of HKD 20 [1]