Xin Lang Cai Jing·2026-01-19 03:25Core Viewpoint - Citigroup has upgraded the rating of China COSCO Shipping Holdings (01919) from "Sell" to "Buy," raising the target price from HKD 12.1 to HKD 15.9, despite negative investment sentiment in the container shipping industry expected until the end of 2025 [6]. Group 1: Company Analysis - The upgrade reflects a positive outlook on the risk-return profile for shipping companies in the Asia-Pacific region [6]. - China COSCO Shipping Holdings has a net cash per share of HKD 12, which supports its valuation [6]. Group 2: Industry Outlook - The shipping industry is expected to face negative sentiment due to concentrated demand in the first half of 2025 and the resumption of traffic through the Suez Canal [6]. - Citigroup anticipates that freight rates will rise in the first half of 2026, driven by inventory replenishment demand in Western economies and managed supply [6]. - The overall valuation of Asia-Pacific shipping companies is attractive, with forecasted price-to-book ratios ranging from 0.6 to 0.8 times [6]. - The impact of weak domestic transportation demand in China and pressure from U.S. port fees is gradually diminishing [6].