Investment Rating - The report indicates a cautious recovery in the Shenzhen Grade-A office market, with a focus on owner-occupiers driving the investment activity [7][24][26]. Core Insights - The Shenzhen Grade-A office market is experiencing a dual mode of "net absorption recovery under continuous rental pressure," with net absorption reaching 163,123 square meters in Q4 2025, the highest quarterly level for the year [5][18]. - The average effective rent has decreased to RMB 145.6 per square meter per month, reflecting a 1.9% quarter-on-quarter decline, although the rate of decline has slowed compared to previous quarters [5][12]. - The overall transaction volume for the year reached RMB 8.67 billion, indicating a robust recovery from a low valuation base [26]. Supply and Demand Summary - The total supply is expected to exceed 1.04 million square meters, with significant new projects in Qianhai and Shenzhen Headquarters Base [6][23]. - The market is characterized by a temporary interruption in supply due to project delays, leading to a net absorption of 314,000 square meters for the year, which is at the lower end of the past decade's range [18]. - The demand is primarily driven by the TMT sector (47.9%) and financial services (25.9%), with relocation transactions dominating at 54.2% of total activity [19][21][22]. Rental Trends - The average net effective rent for Grade-A offices has shown a continuous decline, with landlords shifting pricing strategies towards targeted incentives to attract tenants [12][15]. - The rental decline has been more pronounced in secondary markets, with Qianhai and Bao'an experiencing the largest decreases of 3.4% and 3.2% respectively [13][17]. - The rental trends indicate a potential for volatility but overall weakness, with future stability dependent on a shift from relocation-driven demand to more sustainable expansion-driven leasing [15][22]. Investment Market Overview - The investment market remains cautious, with owner-occupiers leading the activity, as evidenced by a notable transaction where Fuyao Technology acquired the entire Runrong Building for approximately RMB 710 million [24][25]. - The overall sentiment in the investment market is defensive, with a focus on price discounts and uncertainties in rental structures and cash flows [25].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comprehensive income after tax improved to $3.1 million from a loss of $30 million last year, primarily due to a lower fair value loss [12] - Funds from operations (FFO) increased by 6.7% to $161.4 million, with underlying FFO reflecting a rise of 3.3% to $0.54 per share [15][16] - The weighted average cost of debt at year-end was 5.2%, with interest coverage for the period at 2x [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Auckland office portfolio delivered like-for-like rental growth of 2.5%, while Wellington generated strong growth of around 6% [13] - Commercial Bay Retail generated an additional $1.3 million in income, reflecting good sales and improved occupancy levels [14] - The investment portfolio's occupancy increased to 97%, with approximately 12,000 square meters leased in the second half [33] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Auckland premium office market remains strong with a vacancy rate of 3.3%, while secondary markets are experiencing increased vacancy [36] - The retail center at Commercial Bay saw FFO up 8.3% and occupancy remaining at 97% [39] - The Wellington market remains subdued, primarily influenced by central government expenditure [38] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on capital management and has launched a process to seek a capital partner for 50% of PwC Tower [6] - The development pipeline currently sits at $3.7 billion, with a focus on residential and student accommodation projects [44] - The company aims to grow its capital partnerships from $1.6 billion to $4-5 billion over the medium term [32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The economic environment has been sluggish, particularly in Auckland and Wellington, but growth opportunities are beginning to emerge [6][7] - Management expects the broader economy to improve in the latter part of the year and into 2026 [8] - The company remains optimistic about capitalizing on opportunities in an improving economy [22] Other Important Information - The company has updated its dividend policy to a payout range of 80% to 95% of funds from operations, reflecting a more flexible approach [21] - The InterContinental Hotel sale resulted in a premium to book value, indicating strong pricing achieved [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on the PwC Tower process and potential standalone partnership - The process is in early stages with encouraging engagement from multiple parties, reflecting a positive investment case for premium office [47][48] Question: Likelihood of starting enabling works in Downtown in 2026 - The company anticipates commencing enabling works next year [53] Question: Clarification on one-off items affecting FFO - The adjustments include closure costs related to a hospitality venue and swap closeouts due to capital structure changes [54] Question: Guidance for FY 2026 and tax benefit adjustments - A small tax expense is expected, with conservative estimates around 30-40 basis points [56][57] Question: Update on inquiries for larger vacancies in the office portfolio - Advanced negotiations are ongoing for significant vacancies, with positive demand trends noted [78][80]