2026-01-30 09:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue from core leasing business decreased by 1% due to depreciation of the renminbi, while operating profit increased by 1% and underlying profit improved by 3% compared to 2024 [8][9] - Overall proceeds from properties reached HKD 1.6 billion, the highest in the last eight years, with HKD 264 million booked in revenue [24][25] - Net gearing ratio decreased to 32.7%, lower than the previous year, aided by a scrip dividend arrangement and reduced CapEx [31][67] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Mainland rental revenue remained flat year-on-year, with retail revenue up by 1% and office revenue facing headwinds, down by 8% [10][19] - In Hong Kong, overall revenue decreased by 2%, with retail impacted by a single tenant's lease expiration [22][23] - New letting increased by 15% and renewal increased by 5%, indicating effective tenant management [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The mainland office market is expected to face challenges for another 18-24 months due to high supply and tenant bargaining power [20][21] - Hong Kong retail is seen as more structural, with a slower recovery expected compared to the cyclical nature of mainland retail [64][66] - Footfall and occupancy rates reached record highs, particularly in Q4, indicating a positive trend despite overall cautious outlook [57][59] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on its V3 strategy, which aims to expand with minimal capital expenditure and faster project execution [4][6] - Emphasis on enhancing existing properties and leveraging established teams and relationships to increase market share in key cities like Shanghai, Hangzhou, Wuxi, and Kunming [5][6] - The company plans to continue diversifying its retail offerings, focusing on non-luxury segments to capture growth opportunities [57][62] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges ongoing corrections in both Hong Kong and mainland markets, with a mix of structural and cyclical shifts [7] - There is cautious optimism for 2026, with expectations for tenant sales to improve, particularly in non-luxury segments [47][55] - The company is preparing for potential foreign investment returns to China, which could positively impact the market [22] Other Important Information - The company is committed to sustainability, achieving its 25/25 ESG goals and aiming for net-zero emissions by 2030 [35][36] - The company is planning significant expansions in key locations, with a projected RMB 1 billion investment for V3 projects [38][39] Q&A Session Summary Question: CEO succession plans and qualities sought in a new CEO - The current CEO plans to retire at 55, emphasizing personal goals and family time, with the board already informed a year in advance [48][50] - The board is actively seeking a successor, with no specific timeline announced yet [54] Question: Outlook for Mainland China retail in 2026 - Management remains cautiously optimistic, noting strong Q4 performance but still cautious about luxury brand recovery [55][56] - January sales are expected to be stable, with potential for good performance due to the timing of Chinese New Year [61] Question: Leasing strategy for 2026 and performance stabilization in Wuhan and Shenyang - The company plans to continue adding experiential, non-luxury spaces while monitoring luxury performance [76] - Stabilization in underperforming markets is anticipated by 2026 or 2027, with ongoing repositioning efforts [76] Question: Dividend considerations with lower gearing and CapEx - Future dividend increases will depend on earnings recovery, with no specific scenarios outlined yet [76]