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【港股通】“雄安第一股”IPO缘何受冷?

Core Viewpoint - Hebei Construction, known as the "first stock of Xiong'an," is facing a disappointing IPO with a subscription rate of only 0.99 times, raising concerns about its market reception in Hong Kong [1][2][8]. Company Overview - Hebei Construction primarily engages in construction contracting, accounting for over 95% of its revenue, and has been recognized as a significant player in the industry, ranking 366th in the "China Top 500 Enterprises" and 20th in the "Top 80 Chinese Contractors" [3][4]. - The company has established partnerships with the Xiong'an government to develop three companies aimed at the Xiong'an New Area, indicating its strategic involvement in major regional developments [4]. Financial Performance - In the first half of 2017, Hebei Construction reported revenues of 20.218 billion RMB and a net profit of 500 million RMB, suggesting a relatively strong financial position [5]. - The company's IPO will result in a total share capital of 1.733 billion shares, with an issue price of 4.46 HKD, leading to a market capitalization of 7.73 billion HKD [7]. Market Sentiment - The Hong Kong market is characterized by a cautious approach to stock pricing, with investors often requiring tangible evidence of performance before committing [6][8]. - Despite Hebei Construction's low price-to-earnings (PE) ratio of 6.45 and price-to-book (PB) ratio of 2.65, these valuations may not attract investors in a market where lower valuations are available [7][8]. Financial Structure and Risks - The company has a high debt ratio of approximately 95%, which is likely to deter mainstream investors in the Hong Kong market [12]. - The IPO proceeds will be allocated primarily to unfinished projects and public-private partnership (PPP) projects, which are often seen as financial black holes due to their long construction periods and delayed revenue generation [14][15]. - The cash flow situation appears challenging, with significant outflows reported in the first half of 2017, indicating potential difficulties in maintaining liquidity [16].