Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's revenue for 2023 is $3.2 billion, representing a 7% decrease from the previous year [7] - Retail occupancy stands at 97%, office occupancy at 89%, and residential occupancy at 60% [7] - The net gearing ratio is 27.2% with an effective interest rate of 4.2% [17] - The dividend per share for the year is $1.08 [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail turnover increased slightly despite 10% of retail space being closed for renovations [5] - The turnover rent grew by 45%, indicating a positive trend in retail performance [10] - The office sector remains under pressure, with occupancy stabilizing at 89% amidst a slow economic recovery [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The retail sector is experiencing a transformation, with a shift in tourist focus from shopping to experience-based tourism [9] - The demand for high-end retail and medical services has increased, now comprising over 12% of the portfolio [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on strategic rejuvenation and diversification of its tenant mix, particularly in high-end retail and service trades [5] - Investments in flexible workspaces are being made to complement the office portfolio [5] - The company is committed to sustainability, achieving a 38% reduction in carbon intensity and maintaining a significant portion of its buildings as green stratified [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the ongoing challenges in the external environment but remains optimistic about retail recovery and tenant demand [4][22] - The luxury retail segment is showing resilience, with increased inquiries from high-end brands for office space [23] - The company aims to reset its dividend policy to conserve cash for future growth opportunities [36][38] Other Important Information - The company has a minimal level of debt maturing in the next year, reducing refinancing pressure [17] - The Lee Garden renovations are expected to enhance rental income significantly, with anticipated increases in rental rates post-renovation [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the retail sales recovery rate in the second half of the year compared to pre-COVID levels? - Management indicated that retail sales growth is positive but not yet back to 2018 levels, with expectations for continued improvement as renovations are completed [21][22] Question: What are the plans regarding a tenant moving out from the office side? - Management noted an increase in inquiries from high-end brands for office space, indicating a positive outlook for tenant demand [23] Question: What is the rationale behind the dividend cut and future dividend policy? - Management explained the need for a conservative approach to conserve cash for future growth opportunities while maintaining a stable and progressive dividend policy [34][36] Question: What is the occupancy cost and rental recovery for Lee Gardens 1 and 5? - The overall occupancy cost is around mid-teens, and management expects a mid-single-digit increase in revenue from the newly renovated areas [52][53] Question: Update on Shanghai's occupancy and future prospects? - Management reported a current occupancy of 30% in Shanghai, with ongoing discussions for an additional 30% to 40% of space, indicating potential for increased occupancy [60][61]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the first half of 2023, total revenue reached $611 million, with a year-on-year increase in retail turnover rent of 67% [4][5] - Shareholders' fund decreased by approximately 2% to $4.3 billion, and NAV per share also dropped by about 2% to $67 [13][14] - Interim dividend remained stable at $0.27, consistent with the previous interim period [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail occupancy was reported at 98%, office occupancy at 89%, and residential occupancy at 61% [4] - The retail sector showed a recovery with a 20.7% year-on-year increase in Hong Kong retail sales, while the office and residential sectors continued to face pressure [4][5] - Approximately 11% of retail area was under major enhancement, impacting retail revenue [5] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hong Kong's GDP growth resumed year-on-year, with the employment rate dropping to 2.9% [4] - The recovery of tourist arrivals and spending is expected to further boost the retail sector [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on rejuvenating Lee Garden to cater to diverse customer needs, including luxury and family-oriented segments [6][10] - A dual engine business model is being employed to balance retail and office performance, with ongoing renovations aimed at enhancing customer experience [9][10] - Sustainability initiatives are being prioritized, with a board-level sustainability committee established to address climate change and social well-being [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted ongoing global economic uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions and high inflation, but noted signs of improvement in Hong Kong's economy [3][4] - The company remains optimistic about the retail sector's recovery, driven by inbound tourism and enhanced customer experiences [5][6] - The office market continues to face challenges, with negative rental reversions expected to persist [40][41] Other Important Information - The company has a strong liquidity position with approximately $4.3 billion in cash, sufficient to cover maturing debt over the next three years [15][16] - The effective interest rate for the debt portfolio is 3.9%, with a net gearing ratio of about 26% [16][17] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does tenant sales recovery compare to pre-COVID levels? - Tenant sales have shown a year-on-year increase, with luxury tenants experiencing a nearly 30% increase compared to the first half of 2019, while F&B sales have returned to pre-COVID levels [20][22] Question: What is the current occupancy cost and its outlook? - The overall occupancy cost for the retail portfolio is 15%, with discussions ongoing with luxury tenants regarding their bargaining power [29][30] Question: How does the company view the competitive landscape in Hong Kong retail? - The company emphasizes its strong local customer base and unique community offerings to differentiate itself from competitors [35][36] Question: Will there be any impact on the payout policy due to AEI and office market headwinds? - The company aims to maintain a stable dividend policy, considering operating performance, CapEx requirements, and economic outlook [38][39] Question: What is the outlook for rental reversion in retail and co-working spaces? - Overall rental reversion is negative, but there are signs of improvement, particularly in areas undergoing renovations, while co-working space demand remains strong [50][53]