Core Viewpoint - The commercial real estate industry in 2024 faces a dual challenge, with sales-driven developers experiencing significant profit declines and asset impairments, while operation-oriented companies see stable rental growth and improved financial structures [1] Group 1: Profit Divergence and Cash Flow - The financial reports of commercial real estate in 2024 show a stark contrast, with some companies facing substantial losses while others maintain profitability through consistent rental income [2][3] - Sales-driven companies like Vanke and Baolong are struggling, with Vanke reporting a net loss of 49.4 billion yuan, marking its first significant loss since listing, and Baolong's loss expanding to 5.5 billion yuan [3] - In contrast, companies like China Resources Land and Longfor Group are maintaining profitability, with China Resources Land achieving a net profit of 25.42 billion yuan, despite an 8.5% year-on-year decline [3] Group 2: Rental Income and EBITDA - Rental income has become a critical cash flow source, with China Resources Land reporting rental income of 23.3 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 8.4% [4] - EBITDA is emerging as a new valuation anchor, with Longfor Group's operating cash flow exceeding 6 billion yuan, indicating strong operational stability [5][6] - Companies like Baolong and New Town Holdings show weaker EBITDA coverage, relying on asset disposals or financing to sustain operations [5] Group 3: Financial Structure and Risk Resistance - The net debt ratio has become a key indicator of a company's ability to withstand risks, with companies like Swire Properties maintaining a low net debt ratio of 4.4% [8] - A cash-to-short-debt ratio above 1.2x indicates a strong ability to cover short-term liabilities, while ratios below 0.8x may lead to credit rating changes [11] - Companies with a net debt ratio above 70% face high risks and may rely on asset sales for survival [8] Group 4: Strategic Models and Organizational Capability - The industry is witnessing a shift from project-based thinking to systematic capabilities, with companies needing to establish replicable cash flow models to enhance future valuations [23][30] - Three strategic models are emerging: long-term operational, mixed development and holding, and transitioning from heavy to light asset structures [24] - Companies like Swire and Hang Lung are exemplifying pure operational strategies, while others like Vanke and Baolong are struggling to find a clear path in their transitions [25][27] Group 5: Valuation Logic and Market Perception - The valuation logic in commercial real estate is shifting from land appreciation expectations to the sustainability of cash flows, with investors focusing on the ability to generate predictable cash [31][35] - Shopping centers are becoming the few assets still attracting positive valuation expectations, with China Resources Land's shopping center rental income reaching 19.3 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 8.4% [32] - The ability to securitize rental income is becoming crucial for future valuations, with companies needing to demonstrate clear cash flow structures and exit mechanisms [35][36] Group 6: Future Outlook and Recommendations - The future of companies in the commercial real estate sector will depend on their ability to convert properties into predictable cash flows and establish robust organizational capabilities [45][46] - Companies are advised to shift focus from project-centric strategies to developing standardized cash flow and asset securitization models [43] - Investors should prioritize evaluating EBITDA, rental recovery cycles, and interest coverage capabilities over traditional metrics like sales and profit margins [43]