Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company raised its net profit forecast from JPY 380 billion to JPY 440 billion, reflecting strong performance across all business categories [4] - Net income for the first half reached JPY 271.1 billion, a record high and an increase of 48% year-on-year [13] - ROE for the first half was 12.7%, up from 8.8% in the previous fiscal year [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Finance segment profit increased by 8% year-on-year to JPY 99.6 billion, driven by strong gross investment income [18] - Operation segment profit rose by 9% year-on-year to JPY 114.9 billion, benefiting from inbound tourism demand [18] - Investment segment profit surged by 117% year-on-year to JPY 194.9 billion, largely due to the sale of Green Corps Energy and other assets [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total group AUM reached JPY 88 trillion at the end of the first half, moving closer to the medium-term target of JPY 100 trillion [10] - The company aims to achieve 11% ROE and JPY 100 trillion in AUM by the fiscal year ending March 2028 [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on alternative investments and business solutions, with a long-term vision to achieve JPY 1 trillion in net profit by March 2035 [3] - A joint PE fund with the Qatar Investment Authority was established to enhance asset management capabilities [5] - The Osaka Integrated Resort project is set to open around fall 2030, with construction costs revised upwards due to inflation [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving midterm business plans and long-term vision through disciplined portfolio management and capital recycling [11] - The company is closely monitoring the impact of rising interest rates and inflation on its operations and asset management strategies [58] Other Important Information - The share buyback program was expanded from JPY 100 billion to JPY 150 billion, reflecting the company's commitment to shareholder returns [15] - The company has begun utilizing a dashboard for detailed visualization of its business portfolio status [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about joint investment with QIA - Management explained that the joint PE fund with QIA was established after two years of negotiation, aiming to leverage third-party funds for larger projects without significantly bloating the balance sheet [42][44] Question: ROE target and initiatives to achieve it - Management acknowledged the need for initiatives to achieve the 11% ROE target, emphasizing the importance of monitoring interest rates and their impact on profitability [50][52] Question: Outlook for next year's profit forecast - Management indicated that while the current year has seen significant one-off gains, they aim for sustainable profit growth and will begin discussions on next year's plans early next year [60][75] Question: Capital recycling forecast and segment profit balance - Management clarified that the capital gain forecast of JPY 200 billion is on track, with expectations for solid performance in the real estate market and private equity portfolio [66] Question: Concerns about significant impairment losses - Management reassured that while the second half's pre-tax profit forecast is lower, it is not due to expected significant losses but rather a return to regular profit levels [72][74]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total transaction volume increased by 34% year over year to $15.5 billion, driven by strong demand and increased supply of debt capital [4][5] - Revenues for Q3 reached $338 million, up 16% year over year, with diluted earnings per share at $0.98, a 15% increase [4] - Adjusted EBITDA grew 4% to $82 million, while adjusted core EPS increased 3% to $1.22 [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Capital markets segment revenues grew 26% year over year, with loan origination fees up 32% and property sales broker fees up 37% [13][15] - GSE lending volumes increased by 64% in Q3, with Freddie Mac lending up 137% to $3.7 billion and Fannie Mae volumes up 7% to $2.1 billion [5][13] - HUD lending volumes rose 20% to $325 million, despite challenges from the government shutdown [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Investment sales volume increased by 30% to $4.7 billion, outperforming the overall market growth of 17% [7][8] - The servicing portfolio remains strong at $139 billion, generating steady cash servicing fees that grew 4% [16] - The at-risk servicing portfolio performed exceptionally well, with only 10 defaulted loans totaling just 21 basis points [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its debt brokerage business and has split it into two units to target different market segments [24] - There is a strong emphasis on technology and data integration to enhance client services and differentiate from competitors [25][26] - The company aims to capitalize on the upcoming refinancing opportunities as shorter-duration loans mature over the next few years [21][58] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the commercial real estate market, citing strong transaction volumes and a favorable macroeconomic environment [19][20] - The company anticipates a gradual increase in capital markets activity, supported by a robust forward pipeline [4][19] - Management highlighted the importance of recycling capital as a key driver for transaction activity in 2025 [48][50] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with $275 million in cash, reflecting strong recurring revenues and capital markets activity [19] - A quarterly dividend of $0.67 per share was approved, payable to shareholders of record as of November 21 [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Context on loan repurchase requests and credit performance - Management clarified that the recent loan repurchase requests are isolated incidents and emphasized the overall strong credit performance of the portfolio [32][34] Question: Trends in Fannie Mae volumes - Management noted that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac volumes fluctuate, and both agencies are expected to hit their caps in 2025, which could lead to increased volumes [41][42] Question: Potential for a refinancing wave - Management indicated that the need to recycle capital is driving transaction activity, and they expect robust refinancing activity as shorter-duration loans mature [45][58] Question: New client acquisition data - Approximately 16% of transactions in Q3 were with new clients, while over 60% were new loans to existing clients [59][61] Question: Share performance concerns - Management acknowledged the disconnect between share performance and market conditions, emphasizing the focus on executing the business strategy and capitalizing on growth opportunities [64][67]

Core Viewpoint - Morgan Stanley has raised the earnings per share estimates for Swire Properties (01972) for the fiscal years 2025 to 2027 by 11%, 1%, and 2% respectively, reflecting the latest half-year performance and recent progress in capital recovery [1] Group 1: Earnings and Dividends - The full-year dividend forecast for 2025 to 2027 has been increased by 0.2%, indicating a year-on-year growth of 4.7%, 4.5%, and 4.5% during this period [1] - The target price has been raised by 11%, from HKD 18 to HKD 20, while maintaining a "market perform" rating [1] Group 2: Market Conditions - Despite the improvement in the company's operating environment, Morgan Stanley maintains a cautious outlook on the Hong Kong office market due to oversupply and declining demand [1] - Swire Properties' recurring income base from new commercial properties in mainland China, capital recovery measures, and a strong balance sheet are expected to withstand downward pressure [1]

Core Viewpoint - Morgan Stanley has raised its earnings per share forecasts for Swire Properties (01972) for the fiscal years 2025 to 2027 by 11%, 1%, and 2% respectively, reflecting the latest half-year performance and recent progress in capital recovery [1] Group 1: Earnings and Dividends - The full-year dividend forecast for 2025 to 2027 has been increased by 0.2%, indicating a year-on-year growth of 4.7%, 4.5%, and 4.5% during this period [1] - The target price has been raised by 11%, from HKD 18 to HKD 20, while maintaining a "market perform" rating [1] Group 2: Market Conditions - Due to oversupply in the office market and declining demand, Morgan Stanley maintains a cautious outlook on the Hong Kong office market [1] - Swire Properties' recurring income base from new commercial properties in mainland China, capital recovery measures, and a strong balance sheet are expected to withstand downward pressure [1]

Financial Performance Highlights - CSI made approximately HK$1,346 million in sales and had approximately HK$1,956 million of unrecognized contracted sales commitments for 1H FY2024[12] - Gross revenue from property business increased by 40% from HK$231 million in 1H FY2023 to HK$324 million in 1H FY2024[15] - Gross profit increased by 54% from HK$125 million in 1H FY2023 to HK$192 million in 1H FY2024[15] - Profit from property joint ventures/associates increased by 50% from HK$154 million in 1H FY2023 to HK$231 million in 1H FY2024[15] Balance Sheet and Credit Metrics - The company maintained a strong balance sheet with properties and related assets valued at HK$24,070 million as of September 30, 2023[16] - Cash and bank balances remained strong at HK$3,174 million as of September 30, 2023[16] - Net debt to total assets ratio was 269% as of 1H FY2024[18] - Net debt plus commitment to JVs /adjusted total assets plus JV assets was approximately 385% as of September 30, 2023[44] Strategies and Portfolio - The company focuses on managing a high-quality residential and commercial real estate portfolio[57] - The company aims to manage disposal pipeline to recycle capital & crystalize profit[57] - The company maintains prudent financing with strong asset coverage & liquidity[57] - Total bank borrowings amounted to HK$10,080 million, with 319% due within 1 year (HK$2,687 million) and 681% due between 1-5 years (HK$5,725 million)[40]