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]

Core Insights - Guangzhou, a historical commercial hub, is experiencing a resurgence in high-end commercial development, primarily driven by Hong Kong capital [1][24] - The entry of notable Hong Kong enterprises into Guangzhou's commercial market signifies a shift from a "commercial depression" to a "traffic hub" for investment [1][24] Group 1: Hong Kong Capital's Influence - Hong Kong enterprises dominate the high-end commercial landscape in Guangzhou, with successful projects like Taikoo Hui and K11 leading the market [1][19] - Recent reports indicate that Hong Kong-listed Link REIT's property revenue in mainland China has seen significant growth, highlighting the robust performance of retail assets in Guangzhou [19] - The operational excellence of Hong Kong commercial entities has established them as industry leaders, creating immersive consumer experiences that differ from traditional shopping centers [19][25] Group 2: New Developments and Projects - The new Xinqing Cement Factory project, a collaboration involving Ruian New World and renowned architect Jean Nouvel, aims to revitalize an industrial site into a cultural and tourism destination [3][6] - The Guangzhou Poly Bay Taikoo Li, set to be the first waterfront Taikoo Li in the region, is expected to open in phases starting in 2027, enhancing the city's commercial offerings [8][10] - K11 Select, the first of its kind in the Greater Bay Area, is positioned as a mixed-use development that integrates residential, commercial, and high-end office spaces [10][12] Group 3: Urban Renewal and Market Potential - Guangzhou's urban renewal initiatives, including a planned investment of over 100 billion RMB for village renovations, present ample opportunities for Hong Kong enterprises to engage in redevelopment projects [21][24] - The city's consumer market is projected to exceed 1.1 trillion RMB in retail sales, with a steady growth rate of 4.5% over the past four years, indicating a vibrant economic environment [20][25] - The availability of old industrial sites for redevelopment, such as the Xinqing Cement Factory, provides a strategic advantage for Hong Kong investors looking to capitalize on urban renewal [23][24]

Core Viewpoint - Swire Properties is actively investing in mainland China, having committed 92% of its HKD 500 billion investment plan, amounting to approximately HKD 460 billion, within three years [2] Group 1: Investment Progress - Swire Properties has made significant progress in its investment plans, with a focus on project implementation [2] - The first residential project in mainland China, located in Shanghai's Lujiazui, is set to launch sales in 2024, with the first batch of 50 units achieving a subscription rate of 250% [2] - The company is also developing a mixed-use complex in Qiantan, which includes four residential buildings [2] Group 2: New Brand Introduction - Swire Properties is introducing a new brand, Taikoo Place, in the mainland market, with a significant investment in the Beijing Taikoo Place project, which will be renamed in November 2024 [2][3] - The project is the largest single investment by Swire Properties in mainland China, primarily focused on office space [3] Group 3: Future Projects and Expansion - In Guangzhou, Swire Properties acquired a cultural center site for HKD 2.1 billion, planning to renovate it as part of the Guangzhou Taikoo Hui retail portfolio, expected to be completed by 2027 [3] - The Guangzhou Panyu Bay Taikoo Li project is set to begin trial operations by the end of this year, with full completion anticipated in mid-2027 [3] - Swire Properties is also developing commercial complexes in cities like Xi'an and Sanya, with the Xi'an Taikoo Li exhibition hall scheduled to open in 2025 [3] Group 4: Market Outlook - The company maintains a long-term optimistic view on the mainland market, particularly in retail, with expectations of steady sales growth into 2025 [3][4] - Despite some brands slowing their expansion, Swire Properties is experiencing overall rental income growth and a 5% increase in average foot traffic for its mainland projects in 2024 [3]