Core Viewpoint - Hong Kong Hang Lung Properties reported a 23.07% year-on-year decline in total revenue for the first half of 2025, amounting to HKD 4.968 billion (approximately RMB 4.541 billion) [1] Revenue Breakdown - Rental income from properties decreased by 2.95% to HKD 4.678 billion (approximately RMB 4.276 billion) [1] - Shanghai Hang Lung Plaza and Hong Kong Plaza maintained stable or slightly increased rental income, while Wuxi, Kunming, and Dalian showed the best performance with revenue growth of 8%, 7%, and 10% respectively [1] - Wuhan and Shenyang Hang Lung Plazas experienced the worst performance, with declines of 36% and 37% respectively [1] Future Investments - Hang Lung Properties is pursuing new project investments despite operational challenges, including a potential 20-year lease for the south and north buildings of Hangzhou Department Store starting in April 2028, with an initial quarterly rent of HKD 37.5 million [1][3] - If approved, this lease will add approximately 42,000 square meters of retail space to Hangzhou Hang Lung Plaza, increasing its size by 40% [1] Market Context - The high-end retail sector is facing challenges, as evidenced by LVMH's 4% revenue decline to EUR 42 billion and a 22% drop in net profit to EUR 5.7 billion for the same period [4] - Kering Group's revenue fell by 15% to EUR 3.7 billion, while Hermès only saw a 1.5% growth in Asian markets excluding Japan [4] Competitive Landscape - Hangzhou Hang Lung Plaza is located in a competitive area with established players like Hangzhou Tower and Hangzhou Yintai, which attract significant foot traffic [10] - The new project will need to differentiate itself by exploring categories like sports and lifestyle brands to attract younger consumers [10][12] Challenges Ahead - The design of Hangzhou Hang Lung Plaza may limit consumer access and brand visibility, potentially affecting tenant interest [6][8] - The success of the new project will depend on attracting market-leading brands and innovative operational strategies to enhance consumer experience [13]

Core Viewpoint - Hang Lung Group is making a significant investment in the luxury market of Hangzhou by signing a major leasing contract for the Hangzhou Department Store, indicating a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the high-end retail sector [2][5][11]. Group 1: Leasing Agreement Details - The leasing contract involves the property located at 546 Yan'an Road, Hangzhou, with a total area of approximately 42,000 square meters, set to be leased to Hang Lung Business Operation (HK) Limited for 20 years starting from April 1, 2028 [5][6]. - The rental fee is set at RMB 37.5 million per quarter, with a 4.5% increase every three years, amounting to a total rental payment of over RMB 3 billion over the 20-year period [5][8]. - The rental agreement includes a rent waiver for the first two years, allowing for three months of rent to be waived each year [5][6]. Group 2: Market Context and Competition - The luxury retail market in Hangzhou is competitive, with established players such as Hangzhou Tower, Hangzhou MixC, and Lakeside Yintai in77, all of which have reported significant sales figures [14][16][18]. - Hangzhou Tower achieved sales of RMB 14 billion in 2023, while Hangzhou MixC reported sales of RMB 11.2 billion in the same year, indicating a robust luxury market [16][18]. - The upcoming Hang Lung Plaza, located near the leased property, is expected to create a combined luxury retail space of over 300,000 square meters, further intensifying competition in the area [11][29]. Group 3: Strategic Implications for Hang Lung - Hang Lung's decision to invest heavily in Hangzhou reflects its confidence in the city's economic potential, driven by a strong consumer base and a favorable business environment [31][35]. - The company has a history of successful operations in mainland China, with a significant portion of its revenue derived from retail leasing, which underscores its strategic focus on high-end commercial properties [30][35]. - The expansion in Hangzhou is part of a broader strategy to enhance its market position in key cities, leveraging its existing assets and brand reputation to capture a larger share of the luxury retail market [35].