2025-07-30 09:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The core rental business saw a decline of 3%, which was anticipated at the beginning of the year, with hopes for improvement in the second half [7][8] - Overall revenue contribution from property sales and hotel business accounted for 33% of total revenue, down 6% [8] - The Mainland China rental revenue decreased by 1% in renminbi terms, but due to RMB depreciation, it was down by 2% in Hong Kong dollars [9][10] - Hong Kong rental revenue decreased by 4%, with the core rental business representing 94% of total operations [10][11] - Net gearing stood at 33.5%, with a slight increase of 0.1% compared to December [35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Rental revenue in Mainland China improved from a decline of 4% in 2024 to a decline of 1% in 2025 [11] - Retail business remained flat compared to a decline of 3% in 2024, with seven out of ten projects showing positive growth [12] - The hotel business was reclassified under property, contributing to the overall revenue decline [10] - New letting increased by 36%, indicating strong demand despite market challenges [17] - The occupancy rate improved from 83% to 88% in certain properties, reflecting effective management strategies [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The retail landscape in Mainland China has evolved, with athleisure brands performing better than luxury brands [16] - The company is focusing on enhancing customer experience through events and tenant management to adapt to changing consumer behavior [16] - The luxury retail segment saw a decline of 12%, while other segments showed resilience [90] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage its strengths and adapt to market changes, focusing on customer-centric strategies and enhancing tenant offerings [16][18] - Plans to launch a national program to improve operational efficiency and attract foot traffic in second-tier cities [16] - The company is exploring hybrid models for expansion, particularly in cities where it already has a presence [61] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the stability and potential uplift in the market, with expectations for mild growth in the second half of the year [6][62] - The sentiment in the property sector has stabilized, contributing to improved occupancy and traffic [66] - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by competition and the need for differentiation in the retail space [76] Other Important Information - The company is committed to sustainability, with 80% of projects in Mainland China powered by renewable energy [39] - The company is focusing on maintaining a strong balance sheet and managing finance costs effectively [36][38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Future expansion using high room property models - Management indicated that expansion will only occur when there is demand and synergy with existing projects [60] Question: Tenant sales trend in the next twelve months - Management anticipates a potential improvement from negative sales to mild growth in the second half of the year [62] Question: Reasons for improvement in the second quarter - Factors included improved occupancy, traffic, and external market conditions stabilizing [66] Question: Dividend guidance for the full year - Management intends to maintain a flat dividend, with discussions ongoing regarding future cash dividends [83][84] Question: Potential issuance of convertible bonds - Management is cautious about dilutive instruments and is monitoring the market but does not plan to issue convertible bonds at this time [72][73] Question: Transition progress in specific projects - Management reported improvements in occupancy and traffic, with a focus on enhancing the tenant mix and customer experience [74][75]