CICC Report: SWIRE PROPERTIES (01972.HK) Demonstrates Strong Performance in Chinese Malls; Hong Kong Properties Stay Robust
Performance Improvement: SWIREPROPERTIES reported significant growth in retail sales for its HKRI Taikoo Hui and Taikoo Li Sanlitun, with increases of 49.6% and 11.2% year-on-year, respectively, attributed to luxury brand store renovations.
Occupancy Rates: Despite high vacancy rates in Hong Kong's office market, the overall occupancy rate for SWIREPROPERTIES' office buildings in Hong Kong stands at 91%, with Pacific Place at 96% and Taikoo Place at 89%.
Profit Forecast: CICC has maintained its profit forecast for SWIREPROPERTIES, rating it as Outperform with a target price of $26.5, indicating a potential upside of 8%.
Dividend Yield: The target price corresponds to a dividend yield of 4.3% for 2025 and 4.5% for 2026, reflecting the company's stable financial outlook.
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Market Overview: The Hong Kong real estate sector began 2026 positively, with several stocks nearing historical highs, prompting UBS to adopt a selective investment strategy due to rising valuations.
Preferred Stocks: UBS favored stocks with low net gearing ratios, including SINO LAND, CK ASSET, and KERRY PPT, citing lower risks of equity-related issuance amid slow industry deleveraging.
Dividend Focus: The broker also highlighted stocks with sustainable high dividends, such as SWIREPROPERTIES, SINO LAND, and KERRY PPT, while identifying potential valuation re-rating opportunities for stocks with low PB ratios.
Target Price Adjustments: UBS raised target prices for several stocks, including SINO LAND and CK ASSET, while maintaining a cautious stance on HENDERSON LAND, HYSAN DEV, and MTR CORPORATION.

Investor Sentiment: BofA Securities reports that investors are optimistic about the real estate market's recovery, leading to an average 10% increase in target prices for several real estate stocks due to strong sales in Hong Kong.
Stock Preferences: The broker favors CK ASSET and SINO LAND for their earnings sensitivity to property price growth, while SWIRE PROPERTIES and HANG LUNG PPT are preferred for their higher dividend yields amidst resilient luxury retail in mainland China.
Non-Consensus Pick: LINK REIT is highlighted as a non-consensus laggard due to its widened valuation gap with peers and short-term challenges in e-commerce, despite a high dividend yield.
Market Outlook: BofA Securities has adjusted its FY25-28 EPS forecasts for HYSAN DEV and provided detailed ratings and target prices for Hong Kong property developers and landlords in a separate table.

Performance Improvement: SWIREPROPERTIES reported significant growth in retail sales for its HKRI Taikoo Hui and Taikoo Li Sanlitun, with increases of 49.6% and 11.2% year-on-year, respectively, attributed to luxury brand store renovations.
Occupancy Rates: Despite high vacancy rates in Hong Kong's office market, the overall occupancy rate for SWIREPROPERTIES' office buildings in Hong Kong stands at 91%, with Pacific Place at 96% and Taikoo Place at 89%.
Profit Forecast: CICC has maintained its profit forecast for SWIREPROPERTIES, rating it as Outperform with a target price of $26.5, indicating a potential upside of 8%.
Dividend Yield: The target price corresponds to a dividend yield of 4.3% for 2025 and 4.5% for 2026, reflecting the company's stable financial outlook.

Citi Research Insights: Citi Research highlights that investors are focusing on the potential upside of the Hong Kong real estate market for 2026-2027, despite last year's subdued performance, with a polarized rental outlook between luxury homes and office spaces.
Developer vs. Landlord Potential: The report suggests that developers may have greater earnings per share (EPS) upside compared to landlords, benefiting from improved profit margins and new land acquisitions.
Stock Recommendations: Recommended stocks include SHK PPT, SINO LAND, and HANG LUNG PPT, while UBS has made adjustments to its top picks, adding SINO LAND and removing HENDERSON LAND.
Dividend Outlook: The report indicates stable dividends for several companies, with SWIREPROPERTIES and Hongkong Land aiming for mid-single-digit growth, while LINK REIT and others may see a decrease in dividend per unit (DPU) due to negative rental growth.

Survey Findings: UBS's survey indicates that Hong Kong residents are exhibiting cautious investment and consumption intentions, with a decline in positive economic outlook over the next year.
Stable Financial Situation: Despite the cautious sentiment, respondents reported a stable financial situation over the past year, leading to consistent investment intentions.
Stock Recommendations: UBS has updated its top stock picks, replacing HENDERSON LAND with SINO LAND due to better dividend visibility, while maintaining a positive view on the real estate and financial sectors.
Additional Stock Picks: Other stocks included in UBS's recommendations are AIA, SWIRE PROPERTIES, GALAXY ENT, and WYNN MACAU, each with varying short selling ratios.
Market Performance: Hong Kong-listed developers showed strong performance, with SHK PPT reaching a four-and-a-half year high, CK ASSET hitting a two-and-a-half year high, and other developers like HANG LUNG PPT and NEW WORLD DEV also experiencing gains.
Short Selling Activity: Short selling figures varied among developers, with SHK PPT and CK ASSET having significant short selling ratios, while HENDERSON LAND experienced a decline in its stock price despite high short selling activity.
Investor Sentiment: A Citi research report indicated positive investor sentiment towards Hong Kong property, favoring companies like SHK PPT, Hongkong Land, and HANG LUNG PPT.
Trading Volume: The trading volumes for these developers were substantial, with SHK PPT leading at HKD514 million, indicating strong market interest and activity.





