Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The core rental business revenue decreased by 3%, which was anticipated at the beginning of the year [7][9] - Mainland China rental revenue in renminbi terms decreased by 1%, but due to renminbi depreciation, it fell by 2% in Hong Kong dollars [9][10] - Overall, the company declared the same dividend for both Hang Lung Properties and Hang Lung Group [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The hotel and sales business accounted for 33% of total revenue, down by 6% [9] - Retail business revenue remained flat compared to a 3% decline in 2024, with base rent increases offsetting sales rent drops [12][13] - New letting increased by 36%, with first-in-town brands up by 57% compared to 2024 [18][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hong Kong rental revenue decreased by 4%, while residential and service apartment rentals improved by 11% [33] - The office segment saw a decline from -6% to -5%, with significant pressure in Shanghai due to high supply [29][30] - The overall sales in Hong Kong were down by only 2%, compared to the market's 4% decline [33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on enhancing customer experience and differentiating its offerings in a changing retail landscape [17][20] - Plans to launch a national program to improve efficiency and attract foot traffic in second-tier cities [17] - The company aims to maintain a cautious but optimistic outlook for the second half of the year, hoping for stability and potential growth [6][62] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the stability of the market and potential for growth in the second half of the year [6][62] - The company noted that external factors, such as improved stock market sentiment, contributed to better performance in the second quarter [67] - Management acknowledged the challenges in the office segment but emphasized the retention of quality tenants [30][32] Other Important Information - The company is at the peak of its CapEx cycle, with expectations for a decline in capital expenditures moving forward [36] - The net gearing ratio stood at 33.5%, with a slight increase of 0.1% compared to December [36] - The company is committed to sustainability, with 80% of projects in Mainland China powered by renewable energy [40] Q&A Session Summary Question: Future hybrid property models for retail expansion - Management indicated that hybrid models would be considered only when there is demand and synergy with existing projects [60] Question: Tenant sales trends in the next twelve months - Management anticipates a potential improvement from negative sales to mild growth in the second half of the year [62] Question: Improvement in second quarter despite trade war concerns - Management attributed the improvement to occupancy and traffic increases, as well as external factors stabilizing the market [67] Question: Dividend policy and potential return to cash dividends - Management stated that a return to cash dividends is possible after the Westlake 66 Mall opens, but it will depend on board discussions [83] Question: Rationale behind declassifying luxury and non-luxury tenants - Management explained the decision to avoid binary classifications to better reflect customer behavior and contributions from various tenant categories [85][88] Question: Drivers for tenants willing to pay higher base rent - Management noted that positive reversion is seen in seven out of ten malls, with the potential for improved sales driving higher base rents [92]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article highlights that Nanguo Real Estate Co., Ltd. reported significant revenue growth in 2024 but continued to face substantial net losses, indicating a "revenue increase without profit" situation [2][4][5] - In 2024, Nanguo achieved a revenue of 2.97 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 180.46%, while the net profit attributable to shareholders was -2.24 billion yuan, a decrease of 32.18% [2][5] - The company has been under financial pressure, with a net asset value of -1.75 billion yuan at the end of 2024, reflecting a year-on-year decrease of 461.52% [5][6] Group 2 - Nanguo's stock was suspended on April 29, 2024, and was subject to delisting risk warnings starting April 30 due to its negative net asset value and ongoing losses [3][6] - The controlling shareholder, China Electric Power Construction Group Real Estate Co., Ltd., plans to acquire Nanguo's real estate development assets and liabilities, which is expected to improve the company's asset quality and structure [3][7] - The real estate sector is undergoing significant adjustments, with many companies, including Nanguo, considering asset light transformations to reduce debt and adapt to market conditions [9]