Core Viewpoint - Chevalier International (00025) has entered into an asset purchase agreement to sell certain business assets, indicating a strategic move to streamline operations and focus on core business areas amid challenges in the Canadian automotive industry [1][2] Group 1: Asset Sale Details - The seller, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company, has agreed to sell non-property assets related to the business, including unsold new cars, used cars, display vehicles, parts, and goodwill [1] - The sale is seen as an excellent opportunity to realize the investment value in the business, especially given the recent challenges in the Canadian automotive sector, such as rising interest rates and increased new car costs [1] Group 2: Strategic Implications - The board believes that exiting this business will allow the company to streamline operations, reduce risks associated with market volatility, and reallocate resources to areas with higher growth potential [1] - The asset purchase agreement is conducted on standard commercial terms and is not expected to have a significant adverse impact on the company's operations or financial condition [2]

Core Viewpoint - Dongwu Cement (00695) has announced the sale of its entire stake in the subsidiary Oriental Chengzheng Rare Earth, with a transaction value of 10 million HKD, aiming to streamline operations and improve financial performance [1] Group 1: Company Actions - Dongwu Cement's share price increased by 3.11%, reaching 6.3 HKD, with a trading volume of 11.45 million HKD [1] - The company has entered into a sale agreement with buyer Jia Yi Holdings, which conditionally agrees to acquire the entire issued share capital of the target company [1] - Following the completion of the sale, Dongwu Cement will no longer hold any shares in the target company, and the target will cease to be a subsidiary [1] Group 2: Financial Performance - The target company has reported significant losses over the past two years, with after-tax losses of approximately 9.15 million HKD for the year ending December 31, 2023, and 27.77 million HKD for the year ending December 31, 2024 [1] - The losses are attributed to a downward trend in magnetic material prices and insufficient production scale of the sold group [1] Group 3: Strategic Focus - The company believes that the sale will allow it to concentrate financial resources on its cement business, thereby improving cash flow liquidity and financial flexibility [1] - This strategic move is aimed at streamlining operations and enhancing overall financial performance [1]

Core Viewpoint - Starbucks is facing multiple bids for its China business, with Tencent among the potential buyers, as the company seeks to navigate slow economic growth and intense competition from local brands [1][3]. Group 1: Bidding and Valuation - Multiple bidders have submitted offers as high as $5 billion, making this potential transaction one of the most valuable divestitures in the consumer goods sector in recent years [2]. - The valuation of Starbucks China is estimated at around 10 times its expected EBITDA of $400 to $500 million for 2025, with at least one bidder offering a multiple as high as 15 times, corresponding to a valuation of $7.5 billion [5]. - Competitors like Luckin Coffee are valued at about nine times their projected EBITDA for the next 12 months, indicating a competitive landscape for Starbucks in China [5]. Group 2: Market Challenges - Starbucks is experiencing challenges in its China operations, with its market share dropping to 14% in 2023 from 34% in 2019 [6]. - To counteract competition, Starbucks has taken steps to lower prices on certain non-coffee beverages and accelerate the launch of new products tailored for the Chinese market [6]. - Despite these challenges, Starbucks reported a 2% increase in same-store sales in China for the quarter ending June 29, compared to zero growth in the previous quarter [6]. Group 3: Company Strategy and Future Steps - Starbucks has expressed a cautious approach regarding the sale of its China business, stating it does not consider a full divestiture and intends to retain a significant stake [5][6]. - The company has not clarified the specific scale of the shares to be sold or the next steps in the sale process, indicating ongoing uncertainty [6].

Core Viewpoint - Star Group (01560.HK) has announced a conditional agreement to sell its wholly-owned subsidiary, Star Credit Limited, for a total consideration of HKD 14.56 million, aiming to reduce debt and enhance operational liquidity [1]. Group 1: Transaction Details - The transaction involves the sale of the only issued share and debt of the target company, Star Credit Limited, which is registered in Hong Kong and primarily engaged in financing activities [1]. - The agreement is set to be completed by August 27, 2025, with the seller being an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the company [1]. Group 2: Strategic Rationale - The decision to sell is based on the current financial condition of the group and the cost-effectiveness of maintaining a small loan portfolio [1]. - The board believes that this is an appropriate time to divest the business, which will help reduce the group's borrowing and interest burden while enhancing general working capital [1].

Core Viewpoint - Star Finance (BVI) Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Star Group (01560), has entered into a conditional sale agreement with Yuhe Group Limited to sell its entire issued share capital and debt of Star Credit Limited for a total consideration of HKD 14.56 million [1] Group 1: Transaction Details - The sale agreement was announced on August 27, 2025, after trading hours [1] - The total consideration for the sale is HKD 14.56 million [1] Group 2: Rationale for Sale - The target company, Star Credit Limited, was incorporated into the group on November 10, 2016, to provide financing for property buyers [1] - The board believes that the current financial situation of the group and the cost-effectiveness of maintaining a small loan portfolio make this an appropriate time to sell the business [1] - The sale is expected to reduce the group's borrowing and interest burden while enhancing general working capital [1]

Core Viewpoint - China Silver Group (00815) reported a revenue of RMB 2.33 billion for the six months ending June 30, 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 0.5% [1] - The profit attributable to shareholders reached RMB 54.91 million, a significant increase of 167.13% year-on-year, with earnings per share at RMB 0.02 [1] Revenue and Profit Analysis - The substantial increase in net profit is primarily attributed to the jewelry new retail business segment, operated by Zhumeng Gold Group, which saw a remarkable increase of approximately 1058.7% in gold product sales for the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 [1] - The significant rise in gold prices during the first half of 2025, along with the fact that most gold products sold were from inventory with lower procurement and/or processing costs, led to a substantial increase in gross profit margin for gold product sales [1] - Overall gross profit for the group increased significantly by approximately 103.0% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 [1] Business Divestiture - On January 13, 2025, the group completed the sale of its fresh food retail business segment, previously operated by Zhumeng Gold Group, which generated approximately RMB 11.5 million in revenue after distributing related earnings to non-controlling interests [1]

Core Viewpoint - Asia Television Holdings (00707) plans to sell 100% equity of Asia Television (China) Holdings Limited to Mr. Li Xinding for a consideration of HKD 100,000, expecting to recognize a gain of approximately HKD 7.3 million from the sale [1] Group 1: Transaction Details - The sale is set to be completed by July 31, 2025 [1] - The target group primarily engages in media and entertainment services in mainland China [1] - The transaction price is significantly low compared to the expected gain, indicating a strategic divestment [1] Group 2: Financial Performance - The target group has incurred losses over the past three fiscal years [1] - In the most recent fiscal year, the target group reported a net liability [1] - The company aims to divest the loss-making business to focus on better-performing segments, thereby improving its financial condition [1]

Group 1 - The company, Asia Television Holdings (00707), announced the sale of 100% equity in Asia Television (China) Holdings Limited to Mr. Li Xinding for a consideration of HKD 100,000, expected to confirm a gain of approximately HKD 7.3 million from the sale [1] - The target group primarily engages in media and entertainment services in mainland China and has reported losses over the past three fiscal years, with a net liability in the most recent fiscal year [1] - The company aims to divest its loss-making business and concentrate resources on better-performing segments to improve its financial condition [1]

Core Viewpoint - Sony Group is exploring the sale of its cellular chipset business to focus more on the entertainment sector [1] Group 1: Business Overview - The cellular chipset division generates approximately $80 million in recurring revenue annually [1] - The estimated valuation for the sale of this business is around $300 million [1] Group 2: Market Interest - The potential sale is expected to attract interest from financial sponsors and participants in the semiconductor industry [1]

Core Viewpoint - Walgreens Boots Alliance reported a narrower-than-expected loss of $175 million in its third quarter, as the company approaches the end of its tenure as a publicly traded entity [2][3]. Financial Performance - For the fiscal third quarter ending May 31, Walgreens experienced a 7% increase in sales, reaching $39 billion, despite a loss of $175 million, which is a decrease of $519 million compared to net earnings of $344 million in the same period last year [3]. - The U.S. Retail Pharmacy segment sales rose nearly 8% to $39.7 billion compared to the previous year, although retail sales within that segment decreased by 5%, leading to a 30% drop in adjusted operating income to $350 million from $501 million [5]. Strategic Developments - Walgreens is in the process of completing a sale to Sycamore Partners for over $10 billion, with a special shareholder meeting scheduled for July 11 to vote on the deal [3][4]. - The Sycamore deal includes a payment of $11.45 per share, which is 29% above the stock price from December [4]. - The total value of the Sycamore deal exceeds $23 billion when including debt and other items [7]. Operational Challenges - The company has faced significant challenges, including a disastrous rollout of in-store clinics, leading to numerous pharmacy closures and a decline in stock value [4][9]. - Walgreens has lost more than $3.2 billion, or $3.81 per share, for the nine-month period ending May 31, compared to a loss of $5.6 billion, or $6.53 per share, in the previous year [10]. Future Outlook - The CEO emphasized the need for a turnaround plan that requires time and a balanced approach to manage future cash needs while making necessary investments [6].