Core Insights - Morgan Stanley emphasizes that the market is significantly underestimating the speed of "non-linear" improvements in AI capabilities and their disruptive impacts [1][7] - The comprehensive adoption of AI is projected to generate approximately $920 billion in long-term benefits for S&P 500 companies, with potential market value creation ranging from $13 trillion to $16 trillion, exceeding 25% of the expected pre-tax total revenue for S&P 500 companies in 2026 [2][6] Economic Potential of AI Adoption - Morgan Stanley quantifies the economic benefits of AI adoption, predicting around $920 billion in long-term gains for S&P 500 companies and a potential market value increase of $13 trillion to $16 trillion [2][5] - This opportunity is equivalent to over 25% of the adjusted pre-tax total revenue forecast for S&P 500 companies in 2026 [2] Key Beneficiary Industries - The value creation potential from AI is expected to be most significant in essential consumer goods distribution/retail, real estate management and development, transportation, and healthcare equipment and services [8][14] - Manufacturing applications are highlighted as a major area of benefit, with a conservative estimate of value creation that does not fully account for future non-linear improvements in AI capabilities [6] Non-linear Capability Improvements - Morgan Stanley believes that the market generally underestimates the "non-linear" speed of AI capability improvements, which is crucial for generating significant alpha opportunities [7] - The report cites independent AI assessment data indicating that the length of tasks AI agents can complete has been growing exponentially, doubling approximately every seven months over the past six years [7][10] Employment Market Transformation - The report highlights that around 90% of jobs will be affected by AI automation and enhancement, leading to a fundamental restructuring of the employment market [14][16] - Historical precedents show that technological changes, like the introduction of spreadsheets, can eliminate certain jobs while creating new ones, suggesting a similar but potentially more drastic transformation due to AI [14] Job Market Trends - In sectors most impacted by AI, there has been a notable slowdown in hiring for entry-level positions, with software development jobs for 22 to 25-year-olds declining by nearly 20% from late 2022 to mid-2025 [15][16] - Customer service roles are experiencing similar downward trends, indicating a shift in job availability due to automation [15] Cost Efficiency in Manufacturing - Human-like robots are expected to further reduce costs in manufacturing, with AI-enhanced robots costing approximately $5 per hour compared to the average wage of $36 per hour for factory workers in the U.S. [18]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported an underlying profit of HKD 4.4 billion, an increase of 15% year on year, primarily driven by capital recycling of non-core assets in Miami [4] - Recurring underlying profit decreased by 4% to HKD 3.4 billion, largely due to softness in the Hong Kong office market, offset by resilient rental income from the retail portfolio and contributions from the Chinese Mainland [5][18] - The interim dividend per share was declared at HKD 0.35, a 3% increase from the previous year, marking nine consecutive years of sustainable dividend growth [5][21] - The valuation of the investment properties portfolio stood at HKD 169.4 billion, reflecting a 1% decrease from December 2024, primarily due to fair value losses from office properties in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Hong Kong office sector experienced a 5% decline in attributable gross rental income, with overall occupancy at 91% across the office portfolio [10][19] - The retail portfolio in Hong Kong maintained 100% occupancy, with a slight 2% decrease in attributable gross rental income year on year [11][20] - In the Chinese Mainland, retail rental income increased by 1% in renminbi terms, with a steady CAGR of 11% over the past decade [12][20] - The hotel portfolio showed steady performance, with occupancy and rates improving in the Chinese Mainland [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The office market in Hong Kong remains challenging due to oversupply, but there are signs of a capital markets-led recovery [9] - Retail sales in the Chinese Mainland grew by 1% year on year, significantly ahead of 2019 levels, with high occupancy rates across the portfolio [14] - The company anticipates a stabilization in the retail market in the Chinese Mainland as consumer sentiment improves [33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to a HKD 100 billion investment plan, with 67% already committed, focusing on retail-led mixed-use projects in Tier one and emerging Tier one cities in the Chinese Mainland [8] - The strategy includes active capital recycling and continuous investment in core markets to deliver sustainable dividend growth [32] - The company aims to maintain a balanced portfolio with a focus on premium residential projects in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Southeast Asia [9][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's resilience despite the challenging operating environment, supported by a strong balance sheet and quality properties [32] - The outlook for the Hong Kong office sector remains subdued, but there is an increase in inquiries, particularly at Pacific Place [34] - The residential market sentiment in Hong Kong is gradually improving, supported by policy measures [34] Other Important Information - The company has made significant progress in sustainability, achieving top rankings in global sustainability indices and committing to net zero emissions by 2050 [27][28] - The company has a robust liquidity position, with cash on hand increasing to RMB 24.3 billion and a stable gearing ratio of 15.7% [25][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Future capital recycling plans - Management confirmed ongoing efforts in capital recycling, including the divestment of non-core assets in Hong Kong and Miami [41][42] Question: Share buyback program considerations - Management emphasized that share buybacks are part of a broader capital allocation strategy, prioritizing sustainable dividend growth [43][44] Question: Investment plan and project completions - Management indicated a focus on execution quality for the HKD 100 billion investment plan, with potential for accelerated acquisitions if opportunities arise [49][50] Question: Tenant sales performance in Mainland China - Management noted strong retail sales performance in the Chinese Mainland, attributing it to effective management and continuous upgrades to shopping malls [54] Question: Office inquiries and cap rates - Management reported a 30% increase in inquiries, with interest from various sectors, and explained the rationale behind the reduction in cap rates for certain office properties [60][63] Question: Asset held for disposal and Miami redevelopment - Management clarified that the asset held for disposal relates to the 40 Third Floor of 1 Island East, and they are evaluating options for the Mandarin Oriental site in Miami [67][68]