证券时报·2025-07-22 23:52Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent trend of stock buybacks among Hong Kong-listed companies, particularly in light of the new inventory stock mechanism introduced by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, which allows companies to hold repurchased shares as inventory rather than mandatorily canceling them [2][3]. Group 1: Stock Buyback Trends - As of July 21, 2024, a total of 209 companies have repurchased their shares, with a cumulative buyback amount of 1,034.28 million HKD [2]. - In 2024, 279 Hong Kong-listed companies engaged in stock buybacks, totaling 2,655.13 million HKD [2]. - Despite a decrease in buyback activity in the recovering market, the total buyback amount remains above 1,000 million HKD this year [2]. Group 2: Regulatory Changes - The Hong Kong Stock Exchange revised its listing rules in April 2023, introducing a new inventory stock mechanism that allows companies to hold repurchased shares as inventory, enhancing buyback efficiency [2][3]. - This regulatory change is expected to increase the willingness of companies to repurchase shares, with estimates suggesting that buyback amounts in the second half of 2024 will remain around 1,000 million HKD [3]. Group 3: Major Players in Buybacks - Leading companies such as Tencent Holdings, HSBC Holdings, and AIA Group have been significant participants in stock buybacks, with Tencent leading at 400.43 million HKD in buybacks this year [3]. - Tencent has announced plans to repurchase at least 800 million HKD worth of shares in 2025, continuing its trend of substantial buybacks [3]. Group 4: Market Impact - Stock buybacks signal management's confidence in the company's future, helping to stabilize investor sentiment and enhance market confidence [4]. - The influx of capital from buybacks contributes to increased market liquidity and trading activity, supporting overall market stability [4].