Pacific Basin Shipping (SEHK:02343) Q3 2025 Earnings Call October 16, 2025 06:00 AM ET Speaker0Welcome to today's Pacific Basin twenty twenty five Third Quarter Trading Update Conference Call. I'm pleased to present the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Martin Fragaard and Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Jimmy Ng. For the first part of this call, all participants will be in listen only mode.And afterwards, there will be a question and answer session. Mr. Fragaard, please begin.Speaker1Thank you. Yes, and welcome, l ...

J&T Global Express (SEHK:01519) Q3 2025 Earnings Call October 13, 2025 08:30 PM ET Speaker0Hello everyone and good day. Welcome to joint J&T Global Express Q3 2025 business performance meeting announcement. I'd like to remind you that during this conference call everyone will be muted. Before the end there will be a Q and A section where you are able to press Star one and one on the Chinese line to ask the question. Now I would like to hand over to the moderator Silvia Yang. Hello everyone. Welcome to J&T G ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a loss attributable to shareholders of HKD 16.3 billion for FY 2025, with a second-half loss of approximately HKD 9.7 billion, which exceeded the first half's loss of HKD 6.6 billion, primarily due to noncash provisions and one-off losses [18][19][71] - Core operating profit decreased by 13% year on year, while segment results declined by 4% year on year [17] - Total debt decreased by HKD 5.7 billion from HKD 151.6 billion in June 2024 to HKD 146 billion in June 2025, and net debt fell by HKD 4.5 billion [22][26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The property business achieved annual sales of HKD 26 billion, meeting its target despite market uncertainties [6] - The investment properties segment recorded a 24% year-on-year growth in overall segment results, with K11 segment results also growing by 24% [45] - In Hong Kong, attributable contracted sales for FY 2025 reached HKD 11 billion, with strong performance from multiple projects [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted improvements in market sentiment and transaction volume for Hong Kong real estate in the latter half of FY 2025, although property prices remained weak [19] - In Mainland China, the group’s contracted sales reached RMB 14 billion, exceeding adjusted annual targets [41] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company will continue to focus on its core business, actively manage finances, and enhance operational efficiency [8] - Plans include advancing asset disposal, enhancing rental returns, and unlocking the value of farmland holdings [13][14] - The company aims to leverage market improvements and maintain prudent operations amid ongoing uncertainties [9] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating challenges and emphasized the importance of cash flow recovery and debt reduction [9][60] - The company acknowledged the impact of interest rate cuts on financing costs, projecting significant savings with further rate reductions [87] Other Important Information - The company has temporarily suspended dividend payments to preserve cash [15][54] - A significant refinancing of HKD 88.2 billion was completed, enhancing liquidity and extending loan maturities [24][55] Q&A Session All Questions and Answers Question: What are the company's concrete goals for debt reduction and timetable? - The company aims for steady progress in reducing total debt and net debt, having already achieved initial success in FY 2025 [58][59] Question: When will the company resume payments for deferred perpetual bonds? - The company will adhere to contractual terms and make announcements at appropriate times regarding coupon payments [61][62] Question: How does the new bank loan align with the goal of reducing indebtedness? - The new bank loan will be used to meet debt-related needs, and the company has successfully controlled net debt, indicating improved cash flow [65][66] Question: Will the majority shareholder consider injecting capital? - There are currently no plans for capital injection from the majority shareholder [68] Question: What is the company's outlook on achieving profitability? - Management indicated that profitability improvements depend on market conditions and ongoing operational efficiency enhancements [71][72] Question: How will recent rate cuts affect interest expenses? - A 1% decrease in interest rates could save the company around HKD 800 million in annual interest expenses [87]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Adjusted Operating Profit (AOP) for FY2025 increased by 7% year on year to $4.5 billion, and excluding two businesses, it rose by 9% to $4.5 billion [10][11] - Profit attributable to shareholders increased by 4% year on year to $2.2 billion [17] - Cash on hand amounted to $20.2 billion, with total available liquidity close to $30 billion [18] - The net gearing ratio was 37%, remaining stable compared to the previous year [18][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Roads segment AOP decreased by 8% year on year to $1.4 billion, but excluding four roads with expired concessions, it increased by 1% [11][30] - Financial services segment AOP rose by 29% to $1.24 billion, driven by the rebranding and expansion of services [11][30] - Logistics business AOP increased by 3% to $740 million, with occupancy rates in Hong Kong logistics properties at 80% [11][36] - Construction segment AOP was $790 million, slightly decreasing by 7% when excluding YQ due to project completions [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The proportion of government-related projects in the construction segment increased from 40% to 61% [14][41] - The backlog of contracts increased by 24% to $38 billion, indicating a strong pipeline for future work [40] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on portfolio optimization, including divestments and acquisitions, to strengthen its business segments [6][9] - The financial services segment aims to leverage the Chow Tai Fook brand to enhance wealth management offerings [9][30] - The logistics segment will target undervalued assets in the Greater Bay Area and Yangtze River Delta [8][13] - The construction segment will continue to focus on government projects, especially in light of recent policy initiatives [14][43] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining stable results despite geopolitical tensions and economic challenges [9] - The company anticipates continued growth in various segments, particularly in financial services and logistics, to offset potential declines in toll road revenues [70] - The management emphasized the importance of strategic acquisitions to enhance cash flow and profitability [70] Other Important Information - The company maintained a progressive dividend policy, with total dividends for the year amounting to $0.95 per share [17][23] - The company has issued convertible bonds to enhance liquidity and restore public float [20][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Updates on the roads segment and potential disposals - Management indicated that while there have been approaches regarding toll road assets, there are no immediate plans for disposals unless the price is right [57] Question: Impact of not investing further in toll roads on the dividend policy - Management reassured that the next major toll road concession expiry is in 2029, and they expect to replenish lost cash flow through growth in other segments [70][71] Question: Logistics occupancy targets and market conditions - Management acknowledged that reaching 90% occupancy in Hong Kong will be challenging but expressed confidence in achieving 85% [61][64] Question: Strategic value of Sunshine Esther acquisition - Management highlighted that the acquisition enhances competitive bidding capabilities and allows for more accurate cost calculations in tenders [66][68]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Adjusted Operating Profit (AOP) for FY 2025 increased by 7% year on year to $4.5 billion, and excluding the Free Duty and YQ businesses, AOP rose by 9% to $4.5 billion [10][18] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 1% to $7.3 billion, while profit attributable to shareholders rose by 4% to $2.2 billion [18] - The total dividend for the year amounted to $0.95 per share, maintaining an attractive dividend yield of 8.3% based on the latest closing price [18][19] - Cash on hand was $20.2 billion, with total available liquidity close to $30 billion, indicating a healthy financial position [19][20] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - The financial services segment, rebranded from insurance, saw AOP increase by 29% to $1.24 billion [11][30] - The logistics business AOP rose by 3% to $740 million, while the construction segment reported AOP of $790 million, slightly decreasing by 7% when excluding YQ [11][12] - The facilities management segment reported AOP of $89 million, with a 16% increase when excluding Free Duty [11] - Strategic investments surged over 1,000% to $237 million, reflecting aggressive portfolio optimization [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The occupancy rate for logistics properties in Hong Kong decreased from 96% to 80%, attributed to the renewal of a major client's lease [35] - The occupancy rate for the seven logistics properties in China was maintained at 87%, while the occupancy rate for the Suzhou property dropped to 40% due to tenant termination [35][36] - The construction segment's backlog increased by 24% to $38 billion, with newly awarded contracts rising by 9% to $23.9 billion [39] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance its diversified business portfolio through acquisitions and disposals, focusing on the fast-growing wealth management business [3][9] - The logistics segment will target undervalued assets in the Greater Bay Area and Yangtze River Delta, seeking properties with strong cash flow [8][13] - The construction segment will focus on government-related projects, which now account for 61% of the total projects in progress [16][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining stable results despite geopolitical tensions and economic challenges, highlighting operational excellence across diversified business lines [9][12] - The financial services segment is expected to leverage the Chow Tai Fook brand to enhance service delivery and expand its wealth management platform [9][30] - The company anticipates continued growth in AOP and cash flow, with strategic acquisitions planned to replenish profits lost from expiring toll road concessions [67][68] Other Important Information - The company has maintained a progressive dividend policy for 22 consecutive years, with a commitment to consistent dividend distribution [10][23] - The company has shifted a substantial portion of its debt to lower-cost renminbi borrowing, resulting in a decline in average borrowing costs from 4.7% to 4.1% [20][21] - The company has implemented an ESG strategy, achieving a 19% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions compared to FY 2023 [47][49] Q&A Session Summary Question: Updates on the roads and potential disposals - Management indicated that while there have been inquiries about toll road assets, there are no immediate plans for disposal unless the price is right [56] Question: Impact of not investing further in toll roads - Management confirmed that without further investment, the concession period will decrease, but they are confident in replenishing profits through other business segments [67][68] Question: Logistics occupancy targets - Management expressed confidence in reaching an occupancy rate of 85% in Hong Kong, with a longer-term goal of exceeding 90% [60][62] Question: Strategic value of Sunshine Esther acquisition - Management highlighted that integrating Sunshine Esther into the construction group enhances competitive bidding capabilities, particularly for design and build contracts [63][65]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Adjusted Operating Profit (AOP) for FY25 increased by 7% year on year to $4.5 billion, and excluding the Free Duty and YQ businesses, AOP rose by 9% to $4.5 billion [10][18] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 1% to $7.3 billion, while profit attributable to shareholders rose by 4% year on year to $2.2 billion [18] - The total dividend for the year amounted to $0.95 per share, maintaining an attractive dividend yield of 8.3% based on the latest closing price [18][19] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - The financial services segment, rebranded from insurance, saw AOP increase by 29% to $1.24 billion [11][32] - The logistics business AOP rose by 3% to $740 million, while the construction segment reported AOP of $790 million, a slight decrease of 7% when excluding YQ [11][12] - The facilities management segment recorded AOP of $89 million, with a 16% increase when excluding Free Duty [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The occupancy rate for ATL in Hong Kong decreased to 80%, but the average rental increased by 8% [37] - The occupancy rate for the seven logistics properties was maintained at 87%, while the occupancy rate for the Shuzhou property decreased to 40% due to tenant issues [37][39] - The construction segment's backlog increased by 24% to $38 billion, with newly awarded contracts rising by 9% to $23.9 billion [40] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance its financial services segment by leveraging the Chow Tai Fook brand and expanding its wealth management platform [9][13] - The logistics segment will focus on acquiring undervalued assets in the Greater Bay Area and Yangtze River Delta [8][39] - The construction segment will prioritize government-related projects, which now account for 61% of the total projects in progress [15][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining stable results despite macroeconomic headwinds, with a focus on optimizing the business portfolio [9][23] - The company plans to continue its progressive dividend policy and aims to enhance shareholder value through strategic acquisitions and optimizations [10][24] - Management highlighted the importance of domestic consumption recovery for the logistics segment's performance in the coming year [65] Other Important Information - The company has maintained a strong cash position with $20.2 billion in cash on hand and a net gearing ratio of 37% [19][22] - The company has issued convertible bonds and exchangeable bonds to enhance liquidity and public float [25][28] - The ESG initiatives have progressed, with 39% of bonds and loan facilities coming from green financing and a 19% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions [48][50] Q&A Session Summary Question: Updates on the roads segment and potential disposals - Management indicated that while there have been inquiries about toll road assets, there are no immediate plans for disposals unless the price is right [58] Question: Impact of not investing further in toll roads on the dividend policy - Management reassured that continued growth in other business segments would compensate for any potential loss in cash flow from toll roads, maintaining the dividend policy [70][71] Question: Insights on the construction business and Sunshine Esther acquisition - Management explained that the acquisition enhances competitive bidding capabilities and allows for more accurate cost calculations in tenders [66][68]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Adjusted Operating Profit (AOP) for FY2025 increased by 7% year on year to $4.5 billion, and excluding two businesses, it rose by 9% to $4.5 billion [9][16] - Profit attributable to shareholders increased by 4% year on year to $2.2 billion [16] - Cash on hand amounted to $20.2 billion, with total available liquidity close to $30 billion [17] - The net gearing ratio was 37%, remaining stable compared to the previous year [17][20] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - Roads segment AOP decreased by 8% year on year to $1.4 billion, but excluding four roads with expired concession periods, AOP increased by 1% [10][29] - Financial services segment AOP increased by 29% to $1.24 billion, driven by the rebranding and expansion of services [10][30] - Logistics business AOP rose by 3% to $740 million, with occupancy rates in Hong Kong logistics properties targeted to increase from 80% to above 85% [10][36] - Construction segment AOP was $790 million, with a 24% increase in backlog to $38 billion [10][41] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The occupancy rate for ATL in Hong Kong decreased from 96% to 80% due to tenant changes, but is expected to recover [36] - The average rental for logistics properties increased by 8% [36] - The proportion of government-related projects in the construction segment increased from 40% to 61% [13][42] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance its financial services segment by leveraging the Chow Tai Fook brand and expanding its wealth management platform [8][12] - The logistics segment will focus on acquiring undervalued assets in the Greater Bay Area and Yangtze River Delta [12][39] - The construction segment will prioritize government-related projects, especially in light of recent policy initiatives [13][44] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining stable results despite macroeconomic headwinds and emphasized the importance of operational excellence across diversified business portfolios [7][8] - The company plans to continue optimizing its portfolio and exploring creative acquisitions to sustain growth [8][71] - Management highlighted the potential for growth in the financial services and logistics segments, driven by strong cash flow generation [20][71] Other Important Information - The company maintained a sustainable and progressive dividend policy, with a total dividend of $0.95 per share for the year [16][21] - The company has issued convertible bonds to enhance liquidity and restore public float [19][23] - The company reported a significant increase in strategic investments, up over 1,000% to $237 million [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Updates on the roads segment and potential disposals - Management indicated that while there have been inquiries about toll road assets, there are no immediate plans for disposals unless the price is right [58] Question: Impact of not investing further in toll roads on the concession period - Management acknowledged that without further investment, the concession period will decrease, but they are confident in replenishing profit and cash flow through other segments [71] Question: Challenges in increasing logistics occupancy from 85% to 90% - Management noted that while reaching 90% occupancy is challenging, they are optimistic about recovering occupancy rates due to strategic positioning and market conditions [62] Question: Strategic value added by the acquisition of Sunshine Esther - Management explained that the acquisition enhances competitive advantage in project bidding, particularly for design and build contracts, allowing for more accurate cost calculations [66][68]

Financial 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]

Financial 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, alongside lower finance costs, partially offset by impairment provisions of HKD 4 billion on development properties [2] - Reported profit increased by 1.2% year-on-year to HKD 19.3 billion [2] - Underlying earnings per share rose by 0.5% to HKD 7.54, while reported earnings per share increased by 1.2% to HKD 6.65 [3] - The net debt as of June was HKD 93.3 billion, with a net gearing ratio improved to 15.1% from 17.8% [4][5] - Interest coverage improved to around six times compared to 4.6 times a year ago, with net finance costs dropping by 24% year-on-year [5] 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 [3] - 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 [3] - The hotel business recorded an operating profit of HKD 615 million, unchanged from FY 2024 [4] - The Group's total operating profit for FY 2025 was slightly down to about HKD 32.2 billion [4] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Group's total land bank in Hong Kong was about 57.4 million square feet, with 37.7 million square feet completed and 19.7 million square feet under development [7] - Recognized property 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 [9] - Contracted sales not yet recognized amounted to HKD 35.6 billion, with around HKD 30.1 billion expected to be recognized in FY 2026 [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 [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The Group aims to maintain a stable base of recurring income and leverage its quality brand and products to drive sales [6] - The strategy includes a proactive leasing approach to strengthen competitive edge and cultivate long-term relationships with tenants [30] - New projects in Hong Kong include Kuala Lumpur Sky Mall and High Speed Rail West Kowloon Terminus development, while in Shanghai, three ITC projects are under development [31][44] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The global economic environment is expected to remain volatile, but monetary easing and lower interest rates may favor economic growth [29] - In Hong Kong, the residential market shows signs of stabilization, with rising home rents and improved buyer confidence anticipated [29] - The Mainland economy is expected to maintain steady growth supported by proactive fiscal and monetary measures [29] - The Group remains confident in the long-term prospects of both the Mainland and Hong Kong markets [44] Other Important Information - The Group's ESG initiatives have been recognized, with an upgrade to AA in the MSGI ESG rating [27] - The Group has introduced innovative retail formats and family-friendly facilities in its malls to enhance shopper experience [15][16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for the Hong Kong residential market and pricing strategy - Management believes the market is nearing a bottom due to low interest rates and rising rents, which may lead renters to become buyers [50] - Upcoming launches may see more aggressive pricing, especially for projects like Koolen and Sky [52] Question: Contract sales target for Hong Kong in FY 2026 - The target is set at HKD 30 billion, influenced by potential uncertainties in project approvals [54] Question: Expectations for government policy support - Management anticipates potential relaxation of stamp duty, which could benefit the residential market [56] Question: Land banking appetite and focus - The Group is interested in acquiring residential land, particularly in prime locations, while also considering commercial investments [57] Question: Prioritization between new investments, debt repayment, and shareholder returns - The focus is currently on paying down debt and improving liquidity, with land acquisition prioritized when opportunities arise [62] Question: Dividend policy and share buyback considerations - The Group maintains a policy of paying 50% of underlying profit as dividends and does not plan to initiate share buybacks at this time [63] 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 [63] Question: Preleasing rates for Shanghai ITC and tenant replacement plans - The Shanghai ITC project is progressing well, with Tower A achieving around 80% occupancy, and management is in talks with potential new tenants for vacant spaces [80][81]

Financial Data and Key Indicator Changes - The bank achieved a net operating income of RMB 169.9 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 1.73% [5] - Net profit attributable to shareholders was RMB 74.9 billion, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 0.25% [5] - Return on average assets (ROAA) and return on average equity (ROAAE) were 1.21% and 13.85% respectively, maintaining industry-leading levels [6] - Net interest margin (NIM) was 1.88%, a decrease of 12 basis points year-on-year [6] - Non-interest income was RMB 63.8 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 6.77% [6] Business Line Data and Key Indicator Changes - Retail loans accounted for 51.68% of total loans, a decrease of 1.23 percentage points [10] - Net operating income from retail business accounted for 56.6% of total, representing a year-on-year increase of 1.12 percentage points [11] - Wealth management fee and commission income increased by 11.89% year-on-year, reversing a downward trend since 2022 [6] Market Data and Key Indicator Changes - Total assets amounted to RMB 12.66 trillion, an increase of 4.16% [7] - Total loans and advances reached RMB 7.12 trillion, up by 3.31% [8] - Total deposits from customers were RMB 9.42 trillion, an increase of 3.58% [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The bank will continue to advance its value creation strategy, focusing on quality, profitability, and scale [31] - Emphasis will be placed on enhancing asset and liability management and optimizing resource allocation [32] - The bank aims to strengthen its retail finance position and expand its wealth management business [32][33] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management acknowledged challenges such as low interest rates and intensified competition but expressed confidence in achieving steady progress in the second half of the year [40] - The bank plans to balance business development across different lines and improve wealth and fee-based income [40] - Management highlighted the importance of technology and AI in enhancing operational efficiency and customer service [46][48] Other Important Information - The bank's capital adequacy ratios showed slight declines, with CET1 CAR at 14%, Tier 1 CAR at 17%, and total CAR at 18.56% [11] - The non-performing loan (NPL) ratio was 0.93%, a decrease of 0.02 percentage points [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can CMB continue its positive growth trend in the second half? - Management expressed confidence in maintaining steady progress and achieving budget goals despite challenges in the first quarter [39] Question: How will CMB carry out its retail strategy amidst challenges? - Management emphasized focusing on deposit and settlement services, enhancing technology integration, and applying AI to improve efficiency in retail banking [44][46] Question: What is the outlook for NIM and funding costs? - Management noted that while NIM is under pressure, it remains higher than the industry average, and efforts will be made to manage funding costs effectively [56][58] Question: How does the anti-evolution policy impact the bank's operations? - Management indicated that the anti-evolution policy aims to stabilize competition and improve asset quality, which is beneficial for the bank's sustainable development [74][75] Question: What opportunities exist in corporate finance amidst market recovery? - Management highlighted the bank's strong customer base and unique financing perspectives, indicating potential growth in M&A and restructuring opportunities [78][80]