Core Viewpoint - The performance of Swire Properties in 1H25 met market expectations, with a revenue increase of 20% year-on-year to HKD 8.72 billion, while the recurring net profit attributable to shareholders decreased by 4% to HKD 3.42 billion, but increased by 15% to HKD 4.42 billion when considering asset disposal gains [1][2] Financial Performance - Revenue for 1H25 rose by 20% to HKD 8.72 billion - Recurring net profit attributable to shareholders decreased by 4% to HKD 3.42 billion - Basic profit attributable to shareholders increased by 15% to HKD 4.42 billion, aligning with market expectations - Interim dividend declared at HKD 0.35 per share, a 3% increase year-on-year, corresponding to a current dividend yield of 1.66% [1] Operational Highlights - Retail sales in mainland shopping centers improved, with a 1% year-on-year increase in 1H25, compared to a decline of 7% in 1H24 - Notable retail sales growth in Shanghai Taikoo Hui (+14%) and Beijing Sanlitun Taikoo Li (+7%) - Rental income from mainland shopping centers increased by 2% to HKD 2.27 billion in 1H25 - Hong Kong office rental income decreased by 5% to HKD 2.46 billion, with an occupancy rate of 88% [1][2] Asset Disposal and Financial Strategy - The company recorded asset disposal gains of HKD 1 billion in 1H25, primarily from the Miami shopping center and adjacent land, with a total consideration of up to USD 760 million - The net debt ratio remained stable at 15.7% compared to the end of 2024 [2] Investment Plans - The company has a HKD 100 billion investment plan, with HKD 50 billion allocated to the mainland market, of which HKD 46 billion is already earmarked - Upcoming projects include the phased opening of Guangzhou Julong Bay Taikoo Li by the end of 2025, the opening of Sanya Taikoo Li in 2026, and the completion of Xi'an Taikoo Li in 2027 [2] Shareholder Returns and Financial Safety - The company reiterated its guidance for a mid-single-digit annual growth in dividends, supported by asset disposals and residential sales - The company has confirmed or planned asset disposals for the second half of the year, including the Miami site and the sale of the 43rd floor of the Eastern Island Center [2] Earnings Forecast and Valuation - Earnings forecasts remain largely unchanged, with expected recurring net profit for 2025 and 2026 projected to decrease by 5% and increase by 17% to HKD 6.17 billion and HKD 7.20 billion, respectively [2] Rating and Target Price - The company maintains an outperform rating with a target price of HKD 23.8 per share, implying a 30% target NAV discount and a 4.8% target dividend yield for 2025, indicating a 13% upside potential [3]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article highlights that Swire Properties reported a strong performance for the first half of 2025, with revenue reaching HKD 87.23 billion, a 20% year-on-year increase, and a 15% rise in shareholder profit to HKD 44.2 billion [1] - The company plans to focus on enhancing shareholder value through capital flow strategies and reallocating funds to high-growth potential markets, including Hong Kong, mainland China, and Southeast Asia [1] - Retail sales in mainland China showed signs of stabilization, with rental income from investment properties totaling HKD 30.73 billion, remaining stable compared to the same period in 2024 [1] Group 2 - Swire Properties has initiated a HKD 100 billion investment plan, with 67% of the funds already allocated, primarily targeting Hong Kong, mainland China, and Southeast Asia [2] - The company plans to invest HKD 50 billion in the mainland market, with 92% of this already secured, focusing on large-scale development projects such as Lujiazui Swire Source and the expansion of Qiantan Swire [2] - Swire Properties is enhancing its commitment to sustainable development and community building in projects like Beijing Taikoo Li, while also advancing innovative retail projects in Sanya and establishing a retail-focused Taikoo Li project in Xi'an [2]

Core Viewpoint - Swire Properties emphasizes that a talented team is crucial for implementing its HKD 100 billion investment plan, with recent management changes aimed at enhancing its retail business in mainland China [1][9]. Group 1: Management Changes - Swire Properties has announced a series of internal appointments, promoting executives with extensive experience in the mainland market, particularly in the management teams of its Taikoo Li projects in Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu [1]. - Yu Guoan, previously in charge of Beijing Sanlitun Taikoo Li, has been appointed as General Manager of Retail Business (New Projects) for mainland China [1][5]. - Gu Yuzhen, General Manager of Shanghai Qiantan Taikoo Li, has been appointed as General Manager of Retail Business (Shanghai Pudong) [1][5]. - Wu Yushan, General Manager of Chengdu Taikoo Li, has been promoted to General Manager of Retail Business for mainland China, while continuing to lead Chengdu Taikoo Li [1][8]. Group 2: Investment Strategy - The recent management changes are closely linked to Swire Properties' HKD 100 billion investment plan, with approximately HKD 50 billion allocated to the mainland market [9]. - The company aims to double its total floor area in mainland China by 2032, reflecting its long-term commitment to the market [9]. - Retail business is a key focus area for Swire Properties, with several new or expanded retail projects planned [9]. Group 3: Retail Performance - In 2024, retail business accounted for 51.2% of Swire Properties' total revenue, marking a 2.5 percentage point increase from 2023 [9]. - Rental income from retail properties in mainland China rose by 7% to HKD 4.489 billion, with an average foot traffic increase of about 5% [10]. - The rental income for Beijing Sanlitun Taikoo Li increased by 12%, reaching a historical high since its opening, while Shanghai Qiantan Taikoo Li saw a 7% growth [10]. Group 4: Market Outlook - The company is optimistic about the mainland retail market, anticipating a steady growth in retail sales driven by domestic demand and ongoing renovations of its shopping centers [10]. - The mainland is expected to become one of the largest luxury goods markets globally, supported by a continuous increase in luxury sales [10].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Recommended" rating for Swire Properties (1972.HK) with a target price of HKD 21.55 [2][8]. Core Insights - The company's Q1 performance met expectations, with improvements in the operation of shopping centers in mainland China. Retail sales in key locations such as Shanghai and Beijing showed positive growth, while declines in other areas were significantly reduced compared to 2024 [2][8]. - The report highlights the strong competitive advantage of Swire Properties due to its prime location shopping centers and robust leasing capabilities, which are expected to drive rental income growth in the coming years [8]. Financial Summary - Total revenue is projected to reach HKD 14,428 million in 2024, with a slight decline of 2.1% year-on-year, followed by a recovery with growth rates of 1.3%, 2.6%, and 24.3% in the subsequent years [4]. - The net profit attributable to shareholders is expected to recover from a loss of HKD 766 million in 2024 to HKD 2,676 million in 2025, reflecting a significant growth of 449.3% [4]. - Earnings per share (EPS) is forecasted to improve from -0.13 HKD in 2024 to 0.46 HKD in 2025, indicating a positive turnaround [4]. Market Performance - The report notes that Swire Properties' shopping centers in Hong Kong maintained full occupancy, with slight improvements in retail sales growth compared to the previous year [8]. - The overall rental market for office spaces in Hong Kong remains under pressure due to oversupply, with an occupancy rate of 89% in Q1 [8]. Investment Recommendations - Swire Properties is characterized as a commercial real estate company that generates stable cash flows through holding assets with a competitive moat. The expected growth in net profit and consistent dividend growth of 5% per year supports the investment thesis [8].