Mei Ri Jing Ji Xin Wen·2025-08-23 02:25Core Viewpoint - Dongfeng Group Holdings (00489.HK) announced that its subsidiary, Lantu Automotive, will go public in Hong Kong through an introduction listing, while Dongfeng Group will simultaneously complete its privatization and delisting [1][3]. Group 1: Transaction Details - The transaction involves a combination of "equity distribution + absorption merger," where Dongfeng Group will distribute its 79.67% stake in Lantu Automotive to all shareholders, followed by Lantu's listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange [3]. - The overall acquisition price is set at HKD 10.85 per share, comprising a cash consideration of HKD 6.68 per share and an equity consideration of HKD 4.17 per share [4]. Group 2: Financial Performance - Dongfeng Group's market capitalization has been significantly below its net asset value, with a total market value of HKD 39.12 billion and a closing price of HKD 4.74 per share, resulting in a price-to-book (PB) ratio of only 0.25 [4]. - In the first half of the year, Dongfeng Group sold approximately 824,000 vehicles, a year-on-year decrease of 14.7%, while achieving a sales revenue of CNY 54.53 billion, a year-on-year increase of 6.6% [4][5]. Group 3: Lantu Automotive's Growth Potential - Lantu Automotive has shown promising growth, with a significant reduction in losses, moving closer to profitability. In 2023, it reported a tax-adjusted net loss of CNY 1.472 billion, down from CNY 1.98 billion in the previous year [7]. - The company aims to achieve annual sales of 200,000 vehicles, having sold approximately 56,100 vehicles in the first half of the year, marking an 85% year-on-year increase [7]. Group 4: Strategic Implications - The listing of Lantu Automotive is expected to enhance its financing channels, brand image, and international expansion, potentially unlocking significant value creation opportunities [8]. - The transaction is anticipated to shift the valuation logic for Dongfeng Group, allowing for a clearer investment value discovery for Lantu Automotive, which has been underappreciated within the broader group [8].