Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2025-11-21 06:41Core Viewpoint - CK Hutchison Holdings (00001) is considering a dual listing for its subsidiary, Watsons, one of the largest health and beauty retailers globally, potentially raising up to $2 billion [1] Group 1: IPO Plans - The groundwork for Watsons' listing in Hong Kong and the UK is already underway, with an IPO planned for the first half of next year [1] - If successful, Watsons' valuation could exceed $30 billion, making it one of the largest consumer retail IPOs in Hong Kong in recent years [1] Group 2: Company Performance - Watsons Group, founded in 1841, operates over 17,000 stores across 31 markets, serving more than 6 billion customers annually through both offline and online platforms [1] - According to CK Hutchison's financial report for the first half of 2025, the retail segment, which includes Watsons, generated total revenue of HKD 98.84 billion, reflecting an 8% year-on-year increase [1] - However, revenue in China amounted to HKD 6.666 billion, showing a decline of 3.1% year-on-year, with ongoing challenges expected in the health and beauty product sector in the second half of the year [1] Group 3: Parent Company Overview - Watsons Group is a member of CK Hutchison Holdings, which operates in 50 countries and regions, focusing on four core businesses: ports and related services, retail, infrastructure, and telecommunications [1] - As of November 21, CK Hutchison's total market capitalization reached HKD 205 billion [1] Group 4: Previous Listing Discussions - In 2024, there were previous discussions regarding Watsons' potential listing, with Temasek, a sovereign wealth fund holding shares in Watsons Group, confirming that the listing plan remains intact, although the final decision on timing and fundraising details lies with Watsons' board and management [2]