Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The leasing revenue decreased by 1% year-on-year, primarily due to the depreciation of the renminbi, while operating profit increased by 1% and underlying profit improved by 3% compared to 2024 [8][9] - The net gearing ratio decreased to 32.7%, lower than the previous year, aided by a scrip dividend arrangement and reduced capital expenditures [32][66] - Overall finance costs declined by 8% due to lower borrowing costs, although net finance costs increased by 3% due to a lower capitalization ratio [33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Mainland rental revenue remained flat year-on-year, with retail revenue up by 1% and office revenue facing headwinds, expected to continue for 18-24 months [10][20] - In Hong Kong, retail revenue decreased by 2%, but the decline was mitigated from a previous 4% drop in the first half of the year [9][24] - The residential segment showed positive momentum with significant sales in the Blue Pool Road project, indicating a recovery in the Hong Kong residential market [29][73] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The mainland market is experiencing structural and cyclical corrections, with a cautious outlook for the office sector due to increased supply and tenant bargaining power [7][20] - Hong Kong's retail market is seen as more structural, with a slower recovery expected compared to the cyclical nature of the mainland market [63][64] - The company reported record-high foot traffic and sales in Q4, driven by non-luxury segments, while luxury brands showed mixed performance [54][56] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company introduced its V3 strategy, focusing on scaling with minimal capital expenditure and faster project execution, aiming to enhance market share in key cities like Shanghai and Hangzhou [4][6][37] - The strategy emphasizes leveraging existing resources and relationships to improve return on investment and return on equity [6][37] - The company plans to continue enhancing its non-luxury offerings while maintaining a balanced approach to luxury retail [61] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the retail outlook in mainland China, with expectations for gradual recovery in tenant sales [54][56] - The company is preparing for potential foreign investment returns to China, which could positively impact the office market [23] - Management remains conservative about the luxury segment's recovery, noting that growth has primarily come from non-luxury categories [56][58] Other Important Information - The company is celebrating its 66th anniversary in 2026, planning to enhance consumer engagement through various marketing initiatives [18][55] - The company has achieved significant improvements in its ESG goals, including a 42% reduction in carbon emissions [36] Q&A Session Summary Question: CEO succession plans and qualities sought in a new CEO - The outgoing CEO clarified that retirement was a personal goal and not a surprise to the board, emphasizing the importance of family time [47][49] - The board is actively seeking a successor and will announce details when available, with an advisory role for the outgoing CEO confirmed [52][53] Question: Outlook for Mainland China retail and tenant sales - Management noted that Q4 performance exceeded expectations, with record-breaking sales and foot traffic, but remains cautious about future growth in luxury retail [54][56] Question: Leasing strategy for 2026 and performance stabilization in Wuhan and Shenyang - The company plans to continue adding experiential non-luxury spaces and is optimistic about stabilization in repositioned malls by 2026 or 2027 [77]