门庭若市港交所

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the resurgence of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) as a leading platform for AI companies, highlighting a significant shift from traditional sectors to technology-driven firms, particularly in AI and semiconductor industries [6][9][12]. Group 1: IPO Trends and Market Dynamics - Wall Street's IPO market has seen a drastic decline from approximately 310 billion HKD in 2021 to just over 100 billion HKD in 2022, a drop of about 65% [6]. - In 2023, the HKEX recorded only 68 IPOs, raising around 46 billion HKD, marking the lowest level since 2013 [6]. - The first two weeks of 2026 witnessed an unprecedented AI IPO wave, with companies like Wallran Technology experiencing a 2348 times oversubscription and raising 130 billion HKD [9]. Group 2: Financial Performance of HKEX - The HKEX reported a 41% increase in major business revenue from 14,542 million HKD in 2024 to 20,438 million HKD in 2025 [10]. - The net profit attributable to shareholders rose by 45%, from 9,270 million HKD in 2024 to 13,419 million HKD in 2025 [10]. - The EBITDA for the first three quarters of 2025 reached 17,164 million HKD, a 48% increase compared to the previous year [10]. Group 3: AI Companies and Their Financial Needs - AI companies often have R&D expenditures that are several times their revenue, with companies like Zhipu spending over eight times their revenue on R&D in the first half of 2025 [11]. - Wallran Technology's revenue surged from less than 500,000 HKD in 2022 to over 300 million HKD in 2024, but its R&D expenses reached 830 million HKD, indicating a cash burn situation [11]. - The need for continuous funding is critical for AI companies, as they require a sustainable capital pool to support ongoing operations and development [12]. Group 4: Advantages of HKEX for AI Companies - The HKEX has adapted its listing rules to accommodate frontier technology companies, allowing unprofitable firms to list if they have technological barriers and top-tier capital backing [13][14]. - The minimum market capitalization requirements for companies have been lowered, benefiting many AI firms [13]. - The HKEX's approval process has been streamlined, reducing the time from 8-12 months to 4-6 months, enhancing its attractiveness for tech firms [14]. Group 5: Future Outlook and Market Sentiment - The article suggests that the HKEX will continue to attract more technology-focused companies, with several AI and semiconductor firms already in the pipeline for IPOs [16]. - The success of AI companies is paradoxical; as they succeed, they require more capital, which may lead to prolonged periods of unprofitability [17]. - Investors are betting on the potential of AI companies, despite uncertainties regarding their profitability and market sustainability [18].