Ge Long Hui·2026-02-01 05:58Core Viewpoint - The company reported a slight increase in 2025 performance compared to market expectations, with a focus on retail sales recovery and cost management strategies [1][2]. Financial Performance - In 2025, the company recorded revenue of HKD 9.95 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 11.5%, primarily due to fluctuations in property sales, while rental income fell by 1% [1]. - Shareholders' net profit reached HKD 3.2 billion, a year-on-year increase of 3.5%, slightly above market expectations, driven by reduced losses in property sales and a narrower decline in rental income [1]. - The final dividend was set at HKD 0.40, with a total annual dividend of HKD 0.52, corresponding to a dividend yield of 5.5%, in line with market expectations [1]. Retail Performance - The company's mainland shopping malls saw total retail sales increase by 4% year-on-year in 2025, with Q3 and Q4 growth rates of 10% and 18%, respectively, and Q4 retail sales reaching a historical high [1]. - Rental income in the second half of 2025 grew by 1% year-on-year, with a 3% increase in the latter half of the year [1]. - The company is enhancing consumer experience by strengthening categories such as personal care, beauty, dining, sports and leisure, and lifestyle, which has positively impacted occupancy rates and foot traffic [1]. Debt and Financing - The company achieved a property sales total of HKD 1.6 billion in 2025, the highest in the past eight years [2]. - The net debt ratio decreased by 0.7 percentage points year-on-year to 32.7%, aided by share-based dividends and accelerated asset disposals [2]. - The average financing cost fell by 0.5 percentage points to 3.8%, benefiting from a decline in risk-free rates and optimized debt structure [2]. Future Outlook - Retail sales are expected to continue a moderate recovery, with capital expenditures projected to gradually decrease [2]. - For January 2026, mainland shopping mall retail sales are anticipated to remain roughly flat year-on-year, reflecting a positive overall operational trend [2]. - The management forecasts unit growth in mainland shopping mall retail sales, particularly in luxury goods and dining experiences [2]. Earnings Forecast and Valuation - Adjustments to property sales settlement progress and interest expenses led to a 5% and 8% increase in earnings forecasts for 2026 and 2027, respectively, to HKD 3.2 billion and HKD 3.29 billion [2]. - The target price was raised by 12% to HKD 11.6, reflecting a 4.5% target dividend yield for 2026 and an 18 times core P/E ratio for 2026, indicating a 23% upside potential [2]. - The company is currently trading at a 5.5% expected dividend yield for 2026 and a 14.9 times core P/E ratio for 2026 [2].