Core Viewpoint - CITIC Securities has raised the target price for Cheung Kong Holdings (01113) by 9% from HKD 31.3 to HKD 34.1 while maintaining a "Hold" rating, reflecting a more favorable outlook for the company's performance [1] Summary by Relevant Sections - **Target Price Adjustment**: The target price for Cheung Kong Holdings has been increased to HKD 34.1, which is a 9% increase from the previous target price of HKD 31.3 [1] - **Valuation Extension**: The valuation has been extended to 2026, with a necessary yield spread reduction of 1 percentage point to 1%, indicating higher expectations for interest rate cuts and a decrease in the drag from Hong Kong residential properties [1] - **Profit and Dividend Performance**: The group's core profit is expected to grow by 1.2% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, with interim dividends per share remaining stable, aligning with expectations [1] - **Revenue Resilience**: Despite a decline in rental income, the group's recurring revenue remains resilient due to robust growth in bar operations and infrastructure projects [1] - **Future Outlook**: It is anticipated that the drag from Hong Kong residential properties on profitability will lessen starting in 2026, as the group plans to launch major projects and make sufficient provisions by the end of 2025 [1]

Core Viewpoint - Record cash returns are expected to continue growing in China, driven by policies, conservative cash return traditions, strong cash flow, and ample cash reserves [2][3]. Cash Returns and Growth Investment Synergy - Chinese listed companies are categorized into "Old China" (traditional industries) and "New China" (new economy industries), with differing investor preferences for cash returns and growth investments [3]. - For "Old China" companies, a 10% allocation of cash spending to dividends/buybacks leads to a 14% average valuation increase [3]. - "New China" companies see a more balanced capital allocation, with a 10% cash spending on growth investments resulting in a slight 2% valuation increase [3]. - Growth investment is expected to increase by 1% in 2025, driven mainly by AI technology and the private sector [3]. Surge in Demand for Cash Returns - In a low-interest environment, cash return strategies (dividends, buybacks) are more attractive than bonds, helping to attract yield-oriented investors [4]. - Domestic institutional demand for high-stability yield stocks is estimated to reach 4 trillion yuan [5]. Capital Utilization of China's Cash Strategy - The Shareholder Returns Portfolio includes 30 stocks across 16 GICS industry groups, focusing on companies that actively return cash or respond to policies by increasing dividends [6]. - The portfolio has shown a total return of 43% over the past two years, outperforming the MSCI China Index by 11 percentage points and the CSI 300 Index by 34 percentage points [6]. High Dividend Policies Driven by Regulations - Following the "Nine Measures" policy in April 2024, companies with low dividend payments are penalized, encouraging more frequent dividend distributions [11]. - In 2024, over 4,300 companies in the A/H/ADR markets paid a total of 2.7 trillion yuan in dividends, a 7% increase from the previous year [11]. - The dividend payout ratio (excluding loss-making companies) increased to 39% in 2024, up from 37% in 2023 [11]. Expansion of Buyback Scale - In 2024, A-share and offshore companies (excluding financials) executed buybacks totaling approximately 1.6 trillion yuan and 300 billion yuan, representing year-on-year increases of 56% and 79% respectively [14]. - The total buyback is expected to reach 600 billion yuan in 2025, driven by low debt costs and high equity costs [15]. Preferences for Dividends and Buybacks - Traditional industries and state-owned enterprises prefer dividends, while new economy sectors favor buybacks [16]. - A significant number of companies engage in both dividends and buybacks, indicating a non-binary choice in capital return strategies [18]. Lessons from Japan and South Korea - Japan and South Korea have successfully attracted foreign investment by prioritizing shareholder returns and implementing transparent reforms [20]. Investor Preferences for Cash Returns - Domestic institutional demand for high-yield stocks is projected to reach 4 trillion yuan, with significant allocations from insurance companies and pension funds [21]. - Government-owned enterprises increasing dividend payouts can provide substantial revenue for the government, with a potential 10% increase in dividend payout rates yielding an additional 220 billion yuan [21].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the effectiveness of focusing on dividends for generating returns, challenging traditional financial theories that downplay their importance [1][2]. Group 1: Dividend Preference - Investors prefer dividend-paying stocks because they perceive them as providing higher returns with lower volatility compared to non-dividend stocks, as evidenced by a 9.2% annualized return for dividend-paying stocks versus 4.3% for non-dividend stocks over the past 50 years [2]. - The psychological aspect of dividends is significant; investors treat dividends similarly to wages, viewing them as income they can spend without touching their principal [1][2]. Group 2: Long-term Wealth Growth - From 1973 to 2024, dividend-paying companies are projected to increase wealth tenfold before taxes, significantly outperforming non-dividend companies [5]. - The best-performing stocks historically have not always paid dividends, indicating that high returns can also come from companies that reinvest profits rather than distribute them [6]. Group 3: Characteristics of Dividend-Paying Companies - Dividend-paying companies often exhibit characteristics of "value and quality," which are crucial for long-term investment success [6][7]. - Companies that pay dividends tend to be more cautious with cash not distributed to shareholders, which can lead to better financial management [7].

Group 1 - The Combined General Meeting of Compagnie de l'Odet took place on June 17, 2025, with 92.49% of the capital participating in the voting [2] - All resolutions submitted to the meeting were approved by between 99% and 100% [2][3] - The company announced a dividend of 4.40 euros per share, representing a 10% increase from the previous year's dividend [4] Group 2 - The meeting was chaired by Vincent Bolloré, and the directorships of several key individuals were renewed [3] - The dividend payment is scheduled for June 26, 2025 [4]

Core Insights - Nike, Carter's, and Wendy's will trade ex-dividend on 6/2/25, with respective dividends of $0.40, $0.25, and $0.14 [1] - The estimated annualized yields for these companies are 2.59% for Nike, 2.99% for Carter's, and 5.01% for Wendy's [3] Dividend Details - Nike's quarterly dividend of $0.40 will be paid on 7/1/25 [1] - Carter's quarterly dividend of $0.25 will be paid on 6/20/25 [1] - Wendy's quarterly dividend of $0.14 will be paid on 6/16/25 [1] Stock Price Impact - Nike shares are expected to open 0.65% lower, Carter's 0.75% lower, and Wendy's 1.25% lower on 6/2/25 due to the dividend payouts [2] - Current trading performance shows Nike shares down about 1.7%, Carter's up about 3.3%, and Wendy's down about 0.3% [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net investment income (NII) of $16.6 million or $0.45 per share for Q1 2025, down from $20.5 million or $0.55 per share in Q4 2024, primarily due to lower base rates, the roll-off of one-time items, and reduced dividend income from the Logan JV [5][23][24] - The increase in loans on non-accrual rose to 3.5% of debt investments at cost and fair value, with four new names added, representing less than 1.2% of the total portfolio at fair value [6][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gross deployment in Q1 totaled $105 million, with 98% in first lien investments, compared to approximately $78 million in exits, resulting in a net deployment of approximately $27 million [17] - The weighted average yield of income-producing securities at cost decreased by 50 basis points quarter over quarter to 10.4% [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a slowdown in M&A activity due to tariff announcements, leading to a backlog of deal activity [8] - The overall direct material exposure of the portfolio to tariffs is modest at 4%, with a focus on service businesses with low material costs [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to focus on first lien loans, which represent 91% of the portfolio at fair value, and aims to invest in non-cyclical industries [11] - The management emphasized a disciplined credit underwriting approach and capital preservation, particularly in light of market volatility [30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed that the current earnings reflect a near-term baseline, with potential tailwinds from asset-based facility repricing and rightsizing completed at the beginning of the quarter [6][7] - The company remains optimistic about its ability to weather potential volatility due to its diversified portfolio and strong relationships with private equity sponsors [20] Other Important Information - The company declared a regular dividend of $0.42 per share for Q2 2025, along with a special dividend related to undistributed taxable income [12][29] - The stockholders' equity was reported at $727 million, resulting in a net asset value per share of $19.62 [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding the new accruals this quarter, specifically New Era of Technology - Management clarified that the mark reflects the latest view on earnings outlook and that the company has not yet restructured [34][36] Question: What is Crescent's approach to resolving non-accrual situations? - Management stated that the primary goal is to preserve capital, and they consider various options including restructuring or selling the company [42][44] Question: Can you explain the significant decline in the Logan dividend? - Management explained that the decline was due to timing mismatches in cash distributions and the impact of overcollateralization tests within the CLO structure [50][56] Question: What percentage of the portfolio consists of Crescent-led deals? - Management indicated that about 8% of the total fair value consists of acquired assets, while 92% are loans originated by Crescent [46] Question: What is the sentiment towards the overall market and outlook for spreads? - Management noted significant inflows into non-traded BDCs, which are putting pressure on spreads, but they remain selective in their investment approach [78][82]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net investment income (NII) of $16.6 million or $0.45 per share for Q1 2025, down from $20.5 million or $0.55 per share in Q4 2024, primarily due to lower base rates, the roll-off of one-time items, and reduced dividend income from the Logan JV [5][23][24] - The weighted average yield of income-producing securities at cost decreased by 50 basis points quarter over quarter to 10.4% [20] - GAAP earnings per share for Q1 2025 was $0.11, with stockholders' equity at $727 million, resulting in a net asset value (NAV) per share of $19.62 [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Gross deployment in Q1 totaled $105 million, with 98% in first lien investments, compared to approximately $78 million in exits, resulting in a net deployment of approximately $27 million [16][17] - The investment portfolio consists primarily of first lien loans, representing 91% of the portfolio at fair value, with a focus on non-cyclical industries [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a slowdown in M&A activity due to tariff announcements, leading to a wait-and-see approach from sponsors [7] - The overall direct material exposure of the portfolio to tariffs is modest at 4%, with most businesses serving domestic markets [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes a disciplined credit underwriting approach, capital preservation, and strong free cash flow generation to navigate market volatility [30] - The focus remains on high-quality assets and maintaining a stable NAV rather than chasing yield [82] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the market, noting that while there are attractive investment opportunities, the recent tariff announcements have created uncertainty [8][78] - The company anticipates potential near-term tailwinds from asset-based facility repricing and rightsizing completed at the beginning of the quarter [6] Other Important Information - The company declared a regular dividend of $0.42 per share for Q2 2025, along with a special dividend related to undistributed taxable income [12][29] - The weighted average loan-to-value across investments is 39%, indicating a conservative approach to leverage [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding the new accruals this quarter, does it reflect the restructuring recently announced for that company? - Management clarified that the company has not yet restructured and that the mark reflects the latest view on earnings outlook [34][37] Question: What is Crescent's overall approach to working toward a resolution for non-accruals? - The company prioritizes capital preservation and may consider various options, including restructuring or selling the company, depending on the situation [42][43] Question: How much of the portfolio consists of Crescent-led or originated deals? - Approximately 8% of the total fair value consists of acquired assets, while 92% are loans originated by Crescent [45] Question: Can you explain the significant sequential decline in the Logan dividend? - Management explained that the decline was due to timing mismatches in cash flows and the nature of the equity tranche, which can be volatile during the deleveraging period [48][54] Question: Were there any warning signs for the new non-accruals? - Management indicated that the non-accruals were previously on the watch list, and developments at the respective borrowers warranted the classification [59]

Group 1 - SoftBank Group reported a net profit of 517.8 billion yen for the fourth fiscal quarter, contrasting with an expected loss of 108.1 billion yen [1] - The company declared a dividend of 22.00 yen for the fourth fiscal quarter [1] - For the full year, SoftBank Group achieved a net profit of 1.15 trillion yen, exceeding the forecast of 709.69 billion yen [1] Group 2 - The total sales revenue for the full year reached 7.24 trillion yen, slightly above the expected 7.16 trillion yen [1] - SoftBank Group anticipates a total dividend of 44.00 yen for the year, while the market had estimated it to be 48.55 yen [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Group revenue increased by 4.2% to $2.1 billion on a like-for-like basis, while adjusted EBITDA decreased by 2% to $104.8 million [4][5] - Adjusted net income was $33.1 million, with adjusted EPS down to $0.35 from $0.43 in Q1 2024, primarily due to the decrease in adjusted EBITDA [5][17] - The company announced a 6.25% increase in dividend to $0.85 per share, marking the first dividend increase since 2021 [5][23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fresh Fruit segment reported adjusted EBITDA of $63.3 million, exceeding expectations despite challenges from Tropical Storm Sarah [6][18] - Diversified EMEA segment achieved adjusted EBITDA of $27.7 million, with strong growth driven by the UK, Spain, and the Netherlands [9][19] - Diversified Americas segment saw a like-for-like revenue decline of 6.8%, primarily due to lower export pricing for Southern Hemisphere products [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America experienced good volume growth in bananas, while European markets showed stable performance with volume growth in bananas and improved pineapple performance [8][9] - The company noted a favorable balance in supply and demand for bananas and pineapples, with expectations of robust demand continuing throughout the year [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on exploring internal and external investment opportunities to drive growth, particularly in the Diversified EMEA segment [10][25] - Capital allocation will be influenced by the outcome of the fresh vegetable division's strategic review, with ongoing projects in automation technology and facility expansions [40][44] - The company aims to maintain a baseline capital expenditure of approximately $100 million while anticipating increased spending related to reinvestments in Honduras [25][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating macroeconomic challenges, revising full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance upwards to at least $380 million [24][52] - The company is monitoring evolving international trade dynamics and believes existing trade deals will remain favorable [24] - Management acknowledged potential short-term disruptions but emphasized the resilience of the business model [25] Other Important Information - The company completed a €1.2 billion refinancing of its credit facility, enhancing financial flexibility [5][21] - Free cash flow from continuing operations was an outflow of £131.6 million, primarily due to seasonal working capital trends [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Follow-up on EBITDA guidance and tariff impacts - Management indicated that the EBITDA guidance reflects better-than-expected Q1 performance and considers current tariffs [28][29] Question: Fresh vegetables business exit strategy - Management is actively working on a strategic exit for the fresh vegetables business, emphasizing the complexity of the process [31][33] Question: Capital allocation policy and growth initiatives - Management stated that all capital allocation options are on the table, with a focus on internal development projects and potential acquisitions [39][41] Question: Performance drivers in Diversified Americas - Management highlighted strong performance in North American distribution and handling businesses, with a return to normal market conditions in South America [46][48] Question: Incremental CapEx for reinvestment in Honduras - Management estimated additional CapEx for reinvestment in Honduras to be around $10 million to $12 million, aimed at improving yields and flood protections [49]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Group revenue increased by 4.2% to $2.1 billion on a like-for-like basis, while adjusted EBITDA decreased by 2% to $104.8 million [4][5] - Adjusted net income was $33.1 million, with adjusted EPS at $0.35 per share, down from $0.43 in Q1 2024 [5][17] - The company announced a 6.25% increase in dividend to $0.85 per share, marking the first dividend increase since 2021 [5][23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fresh Fruit segment reported adjusted EBITDA of $63.3 million, exceeding expectations despite challenges from Tropical Storm Sarah [6][18] - Diversified EMEA segment achieved adjusted EBITDA of $27.7 million, with strong growth driven by the UK, Spain, and the Netherlands [9][19] - Diversified Americas segment saw a like-for-like revenue decline of 6.8%, primarily due to lower export pricing for Southern Hemisphere products [20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American operations showed good volume growth in bananas, with stable performance in Europe despite challenging pricing conditions [6][8] - The company noted a favorable balance in supply and demand for bananas and pineapples, with expectations of robust demand continuing throughout the year [9][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on exploring internal and external investment opportunities to drive growth, particularly in the Diversified EMEA segment [10][42] - There is an ongoing evaluation of the fresh vegetables business, with a commitment to finding a strategic outcome that benefits all stakeholders [32][34] - The company aims to maintain a capital expenditure level in line with depreciation expenses, while also planning for increased CapEx related to reinvestments in Honduras [26][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating macroeconomic challenges, revising full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance upwards to at least $380 million [24][50] - The company is monitoring evolving international trade dynamics and believes existing trade deals will remain favorable [25][26] - Management highlighted the importance of a resilient and diverse business model in facing current economic volatility [24][50] Other Important Information - The company completed a €1.2 billion refinancing of its credit facility, enhancing financial flexibility [5][21] - Free cash flow from continuing operations was an outflow of £131.6 million, expected to unwind as the year progresses [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Follow-up on EBITDA guidance and tariff impacts - Management acknowledged the complexity of forecasting in the current environment, attributing the guidance raise to better-than-expected Q1 performance and favorable foreign exchange translation [30][31] Question: Fresh vegetables business exit strategy - Management confirmed ongoing efforts to find a strategic exit for the fresh vegetables business, emphasizing the complexity of the process and the importance of stakeholder interests [32][34] Question: Capital allocation policy and growth initiatives - Management stated that all capital allocation options are on the table, with a focus on internal development projects and potential acquisitions [40][42] Question: Performance drivers in Diversified Americas - Management highlighted strong performance in North American distribution and handling businesses, with a return to normal market conditions in South America [46][47] Question: Incremental CapEx for Honduras reinvestment - Management indicated that additional CapEx for reinvestment in Honduras would be in the range of $10 million to $12 million, aimed at improving yields and flood protections [48]