2025-09-04 11:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The group's underlying profit for the year ended June 30, 2025, was approximately HKD 21.9 billion, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 0.5% driven by high profits from trading and investment properties and lower finance costs, partially offset by impairment provisions of four development properties [3][4] - Reported profit increased by 1.2% year-on-year to HKD 19.3 billion, with underlying earnings per share up 0.5% to HKD 7.54 and reported earnings per share up 1.2% to HKD 6.65 [4][5] - The group's net debt as of June was HKD 93.3 billion, with a net gearing ratio improved to 15.1% from 17.8% in December [5][6] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - Property Development profit increased by 5.6% to approximately HKD 8.3 billion, mainly due to higher contributions from the Mainland [4] - Net rental income from the Property Rental segment decreased by 3.2% to around HKD 18.4 billion, attributed to a 3.5% drop in net rental income from the Hong Kong portfolio and a 3.2% decrease from the Mainland portfolio [4][14] - The hotel business recorded an operating profit of HKD 615 million, down from HKD 650 million in FY 2024 [5][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The group's total land bank in Hong Kong was about 57.4 million square feet, including 37.7 million square feet of completed properties and 19.7 million square feet under development [9] - Contracted sales in Hong Kong increased by 6% year-on-year to HKD 26 billion, with major contributors including Yoho West Phase 1 and Novo Land Phase 3B [11] - The Mainland's recognized property sales rose by 214% year-on-year to about HKD 8.4 billion, primarily due to higher sales volume of residential units [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain a stable base of recurring income while leveraging its quality brand and products to drive sales [7][31] - Future projects include Kuala Lumpur Sky Mall and High Speed Rail West Kowloon Terminus development, with a focus on high asset turnover in property development [32][42] - The company plans to adopt a proactive leasing approach and strengthen relationships with tenants to enhance competitive edge [31][43] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management noted that the global environment remains volatile, but monetary easing and a growing tourism industry in Hong Kong are expected to drive moderate economic growth [30] - The residential market in Hong Kong is showing signs of stabilization, with expectations of improved buyer confidence and transaction volumes [30][38] - The company remains confident in the long-term prospects of both the Mainland and Hong Kong markets, supported by proactive fiscal and monetary measures [46][47] Other Important Information - The group achieved a significant reduction in net finance costs by 24% year-on-year, driven by lower debt and borrowing costs [6] - The company has been recognized for its commitment to ESG, with an upgraded ESG rating to AA [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for the Hong Kong residential market and pricing strategy - Management believes the residential market is nearing a bottom, with low interest rates and rising rents encouraging renters to become buyers [52] Question: Contract sales target for Hong Kong in FY 2026 - The target is set at RMB 30 billion, with several projects planned for launch [55] Question: Expectations for government policy support measures - Management anticipates potential relaxation of stamp duty, which could benefit the residential market [58] Question: Land banking appetite and preferences - The company is focused on acquiring residential land in prime locations while also considering commercial investments [59] Question: Prioritization between new investment, debt repayment, and shareholder returns - The company will focus on paying down debt while looking for the right opportunities for investment [64] Question: Dividend policy and share buyback considerations - The company maintains a policy of paying 50% of underlying profit as dividends and does not currently plan for share buybacks [65] Question: Interest cost adjustments and financing strategies - Interest costs have decreased from 4.4% to 3.7%, with a significant portion of debt at fixed rates [66] Question: Preleasing rates for Shanghai ITC and tenant replacement plans - The Shanghai ITC project is progressing well, with Tower A achieving around 80% occupancy [81]