Boston, MA, Jan. 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) today announced a leadership transition within its Board of Directors. Ronald A. Homer, who has served as Chair of ICIC’s Board of Directors for the past five years, will step down from the Chair role at the end of 2025 and continue his service as a member of the Board. Jair K. Lynch, President and CEO of Jair Lynch Real Estate Partners, has been unanimously elected to succeed Ronald Homer as Chair of the Board. ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company recorded a profit of RMB 183 million in the first half of 2024, with profit attributable to shareholders at RMB 72 million, reflecting a significant year-on-year decline primarily due to a lack of residential property completions [7][18] - Total revenue was RMB 2 billion, down 68% year-on-year, largely due to lower property sales, which totaled RMB 143 million [14][16] - Rental income increased by 11% year-on-year to RMB 1.75 billion, supported by new property openings [15][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company did not launch any major new residential projects in the first half, resulting in recognized property sales of RMB 1.69 billion [32] - The commercial portfolio saw a rental income increase of 16% year-on-year, reaching RMB 1.76 billion, driven by strong performance from new projects [44] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Shanghai residential market showed resilience, with primary sales of housing units priced above RMB 10 million increasing by 57% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 [36][39] - Despite challenges in the office market, the occupancy rate for mature office properties remained stable at 91% [46] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage strengths in urban regeneration and implement a best-in-class product strategy to reinforce its leadership position in Shanghai [37] - A focus on sustainability and innovative solutions is emphasized to attract reputable tenants and maintain occupancy rates [49] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed a cautious outlook on the China real estate market, anticipating a slow recovery due to ongoing economic uncertainties and challenges within the sector [11][12] - The company plans to preserve cash and adopt appropriate debt management strategies to ensure sustainability [12][27] Other Important Information - The company has repaid over RMB 40 billion of offshore debt since 2021, reducing reliance on offshore financing from approximately 80% to about 47% [26][29] - No interim dividend was declared for the first half of 2024 [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the company's plans for new residential projects? - The company plans to launch more residential projects in the second half, including Riverview and Lakeview Phase 6, with approximately 240,000 square meters available for sale [33][40] Question: How is the company addressing the challenges in the office market? - The company is focusing on maintaining occupancy rates and attracting large, reputable tenants through innovative service offerings [51][52]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company recorded a revenue of RMB9.75 billion and a net profit of RMB1.4 billion for 2023, with profit attributable to shareholders amounting to RMB810 million [10][21] - Total rental and related income increased to RMB3.24 billion, representing a growth of 16% year on year [11][47] - The net gearing ratio increased slightly to 52%, while cash and bank deposits totaled RMB8.9 billion [11][27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Property sales amounted to RMB5.9 billion, primarily from the Panlong Qiandi project, with total contract sales of RMB11.4 billion [21][33] - Rental income increased by 16% year on year to RMB2.4 billion, driven by successful openings of commercial projects [21][47] - The company maintained a stable management area of 9 million square meters in property management [48] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The residential market showed a slow recovery, with a significant drop in residential sales area and record high national housing inventory [14] - In Shanghai, prime retail property vacancy rates and rents remained stable, with a slight 0.2% drop in rental rates year on year [15] - The office market faced challenges with a 27% drop in grade A office rents in Shanghai, leading to higher vacancy rates [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company will continue to adopt a prudent capital management strategy and maintain an asset-light approach, focusing on Tier one cities in the Yangtze River Delta and Greater Bay Area [6][17] - Emphasis on urban regeneration and mixed-use developments to capture unique market opportunities [18][44] - The company aims to strengthen its brand and enhance product quality in high-quality mixed-use communities [45] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management highlighted ongoing economic challenges, including geopolitical tensions, high interest rates, and sluggish market recovery [5][7] - Future market recovery is expected to be slow, with continued consolidation in the property sector [7][14] - The company remains optimistic about the Shanghai market, citing stable demand and opportunities for growth [7][43] Other Important Information - The company successfully issued the largest private green mortgage-backed onshore CMBS in April 2023 [12] - The Board recommended a final dividend of $0.58 per share, with a total full-year dividend of $0.90 per share [13][21] - Significant progress in sustainability efforts, with improved ESG ratings and over 96% of existing assets certified as green or healthy buildings [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the company's views on the current market conditions? - The company noted that the property sector is experiencing a downturn, with divergent performance among cities and regions, but top-tier cities are showing resilience [43][44] Question: How does the company plan to navigate the challenges in the office market? - The company aims to maintain high occupancy rates and focus on acquiring large tenants while enhancing service offerings [52][56] Question: What are the future plans for property development? - The company plans to launch several premium residential projects in Shanghai and continue to explore urban renewal opportunities [36][40][45]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Group revenue increased by 46% to RMB 6.4 billion in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022 [7] - Profit for the period rose by 17% year on year to RMB 913 million, while profit attributable to shareholders increased by 37% year on year to RMB 618 million [7][24] - The net gearing ratio increased slightly to 50% as of June 30, 2023, compared to 45% at the end of 2022 [9][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Property sales in the first half increased by 90% to RMB 4.6 billion, primarily driven by the Panlong Tiendi project in Shanghai [8][19] - Total rental and related income was RMB 1.5 billion, representing a growth of 3% year on year [8] - The recognized property sales for the first half amounted to RMB 34.7 billion when including joint ventures and associates [12][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The retail portfolio occupancy averaged 91% as of June 30, with rental reversions remaining positive [13] - The office portfolio maintained an average occupancy rate of 88%, with Shanghai achieving an average occupancy of 92% [13][45] - The K-shaped market trend was noted, with solid demand in top-tier cities and quality products remaining high in demand [11][32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain prudent but proactive capital management to ensure strong liquidity and explore additional onshore financing channels [15] - Long-term expansion plans focus on Shanghai and other first-tier cities, emphasizing urban regeneration projects [15][39] - The company is well-positioned to capitalize on urban renewal opportunities, particularly in Shanghai, supported by recent government policies [39][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management highlighted challenges such as geopolitical tensions, high inflation, and a poor economic outlook affecting consumer spending [4][5] - Despite these challenges, the company has seen an increase in profit and stable occupancy rates, indicating resilience [6][11] - The management expressed cautious optimism regarding urban regeneration policies that could provide new opportunities [5][39] Other Important Information - The company successfully issued the largest private green mortgage-backed onshore CMBS in April, valued at RMB 4.4 billion [9][29] - The interim dividend for 2023 was recommended at $0.32 per share, reflecting the group's financial performance [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the company's strategies in the current market? - The company will continue to adopt flexible leasing strategies and enhance service quality to improve occupancy rates [50] - There is a focus on strengthening competitive advantages in community products and urban retreat offerings [50] Question: How is the company addressing the challenges in the property market? - The company is leveraging its strong brand and track record in urban regeneration to navigate the current market correction [39] - The management noted the importance of maintaining a balanced portfolio and proactive asset management [45]