
Financial Performance - Total revenue for 2021 was HKD 10,919 million, an increase from HKD 9,526 million in 2020, representing a growth of 14.6%[10] - Operating profit for 2021 was HKD 7,898 million, up from HKD 6,880 million in 2020, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 14.8%[10] - Shareholders' basic earnings per share for 2021 was HKD 2.20, compared to HKD 1.80 in 2020, marking a growth of 22.2%[11] - Basic net profit attributable to shareholders increased by 6% to HKD 2.991 billion, with basic earnings per share rising to HKD 2.20[23] - Shareholders' net profit was HKD 2.589 billion, compared to a net loss of HKD 1.541 billion last year[23] - The overall rental income for the group surged by 15% to HKD 10.919 billion, with a rental margin of 68%[190] - The company proposed a final dividend of HKD 0.65 per share, bringing the total dividend for the year to HKD 0.86 per share[188] Rental Income and Property Performance - Rental income from mainland China was HKD 7,402 million in 2021, up from HKD 5,694 million in 2020, showing a significant increase of 30%[10] - Rental income from mainland properties increased by 30% to HKD 7.402 billion, while rental income from Hong Kong properties decreased by 7% to HKD 3.517 billion[187] - High-end shopping mall rental income increased by 30%, while tenant sales surged by 55%[23] - The total rental income from the mainland shopping mall portfolio was RMB 4.662 billion, reflecting a 25% year-on-year increase[194] - The occupancy rate for high-end malls reached 100% in major locations such as Shanghai and Wuxi[194] - The rental margin and occupancy rate slightly increased, despite weak unit rent and rent adjustments[23] Debt and Financial Strategy - The net debt to equity ratio increased to 22.3% in 2021 from 20.1% in 2020, indicating a rise in leverage[12] - The net debt-to-equity ratio remains relatively low at 22.3%, with total borrowings classified as sustainable financing increasing by 11% compared to the previous year[24] - The company maintains a low leverage ratio, contrasting with other developers who are heavily leveraged, which positions it favorably amidst the ongoing market challenges[27] Market Expansion and Development Strategy - The company continues to expand its property portfolio in key cities in mainland China, including projects in Hangzhou based on the success of existing developments[5] - The company is positioned to benefit from the financial crisis faced by many domestic real estate developers, as its business model focuses on high-end commercial properties rather than mass residential developments[27] - The company has previously capitalized on opportunities to acquire land at reasonable prices during market downturns, indicating a proactive approach to land acquisition[27] - The company is actively pursuing new strategies for market expansion and property development, reflecting a commitment to growth and innovation in the real estate sector[182] Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility - The company aims to achieve 25 sustainability targets by the end of 2025 as part of its long-term commitment to sustainable development[5] - The company achieved significant progress in sustainable development, with a clear roadmap towards its 2030 goals outlined in the "25 x 25 Sustainable Development Indicators"[42] - The company’s sustainable development team, though small, has made notable achievements in a challenging year, reflecting its commitment to core values[41] Retail and Consumer Trends - The luxury goods consumption market in mainland China remains strong, contributing positively to the company's performance[23] - Tenant sales have shown considerable growth despite challenges from the pandemic, with a strong performance in luxury goods sales due to domestic consumption recovery[30] - The company anticipates that rental income will remain stable, supported by high-quality tenants, unless there is a severe resurgence of the pandemic[30] - The competitive landscape in the high-end retail market remains favorable, with the company significantly outperforming its closest competitors in key cities[32] Future Outlook and Projections - The company expects 2022 to be a fruitful year, contingent on the control of the pandemic and a rebound in rental prices in Hong Kong[33] - The company anticipates continued growth in tenant sales at Shanghai Hang Lung Plaza in 2022, driven by ongoing expansions of high-end brands and exclusive marketing activities[103] - The company plans to enhance tenant welfare in its office buildings by upgrading facilities and improving service levels in 2022[104] - The company plans to optimize tenant mix and improve lease renewal processes to attract more businesses to Wuxi in the coming year[120] Property Management and Tenant Relations - The company has signed contracts with over 100 top luxury brands in the past four years, positioning itself as a leader in the luxury market[37] - The "Henglong Club" initiative has received positive feedback from tenants and customers, effectively boosting customer loyalty and sales[106] - The company is focused on expanding its luxury brand offerings and enhancing customer experiences across its shopping malls[64][71][75] Specific Property Developments - The company plans to launch the pre-sale of high-end apartments in Wuhan and Wuxi later this year, followed by units in Kunming[33] - The company has several major development properties with a total floor area of 1,000,000 square meters, including projects in Wuhan, Wuxi, and Hangzhou, with completion dates ranging from 2023 to 2027[178] - The company is expanding its market presence with new projects in cities like Shenyang and Kunming, indicating a strategic focus on mainland China[178]