
Financial Performance - Total revenue for 2024 was HKD 11,760 million, a decrease of 8.5% from HKD 10,881 million in 2023[9]. - Rental income from properties was HKD 10,033 million, down 6% from HKD 10,725 million in 2023[12]. - The company recorded a basic earnings per share of HKD 1.71, a decline of 20.5% from HKD 2.15 in 2023[10]. - Shareholders' attributable basic leasing profit decreased by 14% to HKD 2.53 billion, and net profit attributable to shareholders after property portfolio revaluation decreased by 43% to HKD 1.61 billion[28]. - The Group recorded a net revaluation loss of HKD 714 million, compared to a net revaluation loss of HKD 120 million in 2023, resulting in a total net profit attributable to shareholders of HKD 16.13 billion, down 43% from HKD 28.11 billion in 2023[198]. - Basic earnings per share decreased to HKD 1.18, down from HKD 2.06 in 2023[198]. - The Group's overall operating profit decreased by 12% to HKD 6.83 billion, down from HKD 7.79 billion in 2023[199]. - The decline in rental income and operating profit was attributed to a weak retail and office leasing market in both mainland China and Hong Kong[198]. Shareholder Returns - The dividend per share remained unchanged at HKD 0.86 for both 2024 and 2023[10]. - The board proposed a final dividend of HKD 0.65 per share, maintaining the same level as in 2023, resulting in a total annual dividend of HKD 0.86 per share for 2024[200]. - The company plans to maintain a total dividend of HKD 0.86 per share for the year ending December 31, 2024, subject to shareholder approval[28]. Market Challenges - The company anticipates challenges in the operating environment, marking the first decline in rental income from mainland China in 24 years[27]. - The current market sentiment is influenced by weak real estate prices, rising unemployment, and a sluggish stock market, creating a difficult retail environment[38]. - The company is facing challenges from various fronts, including financing, leasing, and marketing, necessitating resilience and adaptability in operations[40]. - The retail environment in China is increasingly competitive, with a zero-sum growth scenario where sales increases in one mall lead to declines in another, particularly in saturated luxury markets[37]. - The company observed that consumer confidence has dropped to recent lows, with no clear signs of improvement in the market[32]. Property Development and Expansion - The newly opened Kunming Hotel in August 2024 reflects the company's commitment to excellence and world-class living spaces[4]. - The company has diversified its property portfolio across nine mainland cities, including Shanghai and Wuhan[6]. - The expansion of Shanghai Hang Lung Plaza will add 13% more retail space, enhancing customer experience and positioning it as a luxury destination[48]. - The company is expanding its hotel portfolio, with the Kunming Junyue Hotel set to open in August 2024, alongside several other hotel projects in the coming years[188]. - The company plans to enhance its luxury residential brand series and promote completed properties effectively[179]. Retail Performance - Retail sales in Shanghai's malls saw a significant decline of approximately 20%, while overall high-end mall sales decreased by a more moderate 15%[33]. - The company noted that luxury brand tenants are significantly impacted, with sales rents based on tenant sales revenue decreasing[29]. - The luxury retail sector is experiencing aggressive price competition, with some brands resorting to discounts of around 20% to attract consumers[37]. - The company is focusing on optimizing tenant mix in the retail sector, particularly in jewelry, beauty, and dining, to counteract market competition[148]. - The retail occupancy rate at Kunming Hang Lung Plaza is 98%, while the office occupancy rate stands at 86%[128]. Future Outlook - The company aims for a single-digit growth target for rental income in 2025, reflecting a cautious outlook amidst ongoing market challenges[39]. - The company anticipates cautious investment attitudes from retail brands in the coming year despite government stimulus measures improving market sentiment[87]. - The company aims to leverage government upgrades to enhance shopping experiences and attract potential tenants in Shenyang[98]. - The company plans to further optimize its brand mix in Tianjin to enhance competitiveness and attract more foot traffic[118]. - The company aims to provide more value to tenants by increasing sales and foot traffic as a primary strategy for 2025[37]. Sustainability Initiatives - The company aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with specific targets set for 2025[7]. - Jinan IFC is the first commercial property in Shandong province to achieve net zero carbon emissions in annual electricity consumption for both owners and tenants, fully utilizing renewable energy since January 1, 2023[56].