Core 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]

Core Viewpoint - Kowloon Warehouse Properties is facing unprecedented operational pressure, with a significant decline in profits and revenue due to the ongoing downturn in the Hong Kong commercial real estate market [1][3]. Group 1: Financial Performance - The company's total revenue for 2024 was 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]. - Earnings per share fell from HKD 2.67 in 2023 to HKD 1.35 in 2024, indicating a decline in operational efficiency and profitability [4]. Group 2: Retail Sector Challenges - The core assets, Harbour City and Times Square, showed performance divergence, with Harbour City’s revenue increasing by 2% but operating profit remaining stable [3]. - Despite a high occupancy rate of 94%, tenant sales decreased, impacting overall revenue due to structural issues in the Hong Kong retail market [3]. - Times Square experienced a 6% decline in both revenue and operating profit, despite efforts to attract new tenants and adjust the tenant mix [3]. Group 3: Office Market Conditions - The office market is facing oversupply, leading to increased competition and soft demand [4]. - The overall occupancy rate improved to 90%, but rental rates are under downward pressure due to new supply entering the market [4]. - The financial data indicates a decrease in net asset return from 2.50% to 0.47%, reflecting weakened profitability [4]. Group 4: Debt Management and Financial Stability - The company successfully reduced its 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% in 2023 to 19.36% in 2024, indicating a more robust financial position [5]. - However, the company faces interest rate risks, with the actual borrowing rate rising, and cash flow from financing activities showing a negative trend [5]. Group 5: Future Outlook - The external environment remains complex, with trade conflicts and global economic uncertainties posing challenges to Hong Kong's growth [6]. - The completion of the Hong Kong International Airport's three-runway system and government initiatives may support market recovery [6]. - A potential shift in cyclical factors could boost the retail and hotel sectors if comprehensive measures are effective [6].