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UBS(UBS) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-08-28 09:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved a black zero in Q2 2025, indicating a return to profitability is expected in the second half of the year [4][6] - Earnings before tax improved by 47% in the first half of 2025, with an equity ratio back above 30% [6][7] - The successful issuance of a green hybrid increased equity above EUR 350 million, while net debt remained below EUR 550 million [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Residential sales doubled in the first half of 2025, with 208 apartments sold compared to 97 in the same period last year [8] - The company has a pipeline of 2,800 apartments over the next four years, ensuring steady income [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Newly started residential construction projects in Germany decreased by 85% since Q4 2022, leading to forecasts of fewer than 200,000 new apartments in 2025 [11] - Residential prices in Q2 2025 rose by 3.8% in Germany, 4% in Austria, and 17% in the Czech Republic, indicating a tightening supply [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes the importance of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors, which are expected to drive future growth in Europe [16][19] - The company aims to maintain its industry leadership in sustainability and is considering potential project rezoning from office/light industrial to residential to address the supply-demand imbalance [55] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about returning to profitability, citing a flight to real assets and a significant market shakeout as positive indicators [21][23] - The company anticipates a continued demand for residential properties due to a shortage of supply and rising prices [50] Other Important Information - The company has successfully managed its liquidity, with EUR 168 million available against repayment obligations of EUR 102 million for 2025 [13] - The hotel segment output was reported at EUR 43 million, with a different mix of contributions compared to the previous year [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on sales in Mainz - The company sold two apartments in Q2, maintaining a 50% sales rate, with ongoing reservations pending bank financing [29] Question: Letting process for Timber Pioneer in Frankfurt - The letting process is slow due to summer breaks, but management expects positive news in September [32] Question: Hotel segment performance - The hotel segment output is on par with last year, with Poland performing better, while Germany faced challenges due to the absence of extraordinary events [35] Question: Update on residential projects - The company plans to start construction on new residential projects next year, with a focus on smooth sales [36] Question: Potential reallocation of projects from office to residential - The company is considering rezoning projects based on market conditions and demand for residential properties [55] Question: Update on Kopinski Jockberg hotel sale - Exclusivity has been granted to one party for the sale, but no final agreement is expected before year-end [56] Question: Office lease lead times - Lead times for office leases have extended significantly, with management agreeing that it could take up to nine or ten months [68] Question: Personnel costs outlook - Personnel costs are expected to decrease in the second half due to a reduction in the workforce, potentially supporting overall results [76]