Swire Properties (SEHK: 01972) Chief Executive Officer Tim Blackburn stated at the interim results briefing that the negative rent reversion rate for Hong Kong office leases narrowed in the first half of the year, and he expects this trend to continue in the second half. Blackburn added that Pacific Place currently has a 98% occupancy rate, and it is anticipated that lease renewal rent adjustments will turn positive next year. The occupancy rate at Taikoo Place is also above 90%, but lease renewal rent adjustments remain negative.

Regarding the mainland China market, Blackburn noted that the retail portfolio performed strongly in the first half. Although July saw a slight slowdown due to weather impacts, the overall performance remains healthy, and the company is confident about the outlook for the remainder of the year. He also mentioned that the retail portfolio has not been significantly affected by the trend of residents traveling north to consume, as core customers still find the retail experience interesting and stimulating.

Swire Properties reported its 2026 interim results, with revenue of HK$9.413 billion, up 8% year-on-year. Underlying profit attributable to shareholders reached HK$4.9 billion, an 11% increase, while recurring underlying profit surged 36% to HK$4.661 billion. The company declared an interim dividend of HK$0.37 per share, up nearly 6% from HK$0.35 in the same period last year.

At the interim results conference, Swire Pacific (SEHK: 00019 & 00087) Chairman Merlin Swire stated that Swire Properties will continue to seize opportunities to sell non-core assets. He also noted that the group's subsidiaries, including Cathay Pacific (SEHK: 00293), HAECO, and Swire Coca-Cola, all have large-scale investment plans, with investments concentrated in core markets such as Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia. The group is comfortable with this investment direction and sees no reason to stop investing.

In the performance report, Swire Coca-Cola indicated that uncertainties remain regarding raw material prices over the next six months. Swire Coca-Cola President Karen So stated that the company has purchased raw materials in advance to mitigate cost and overall business impacts. When asked about potentially reducing its stake in Cathay Pacific, Chairman Merlin Swire expressed strong confidence in the airline, emphasizing that the group has significant investments in Cathay and will not reduce its holdings.