Core Viewpoint - Li Ka-shing, at 92 years old, made a rare statement to deny rumors of selling strategic ports to American capital, coinciding with a significant U.S.-China agreement to gradually remove punitive tariffs imposed since 2018 [1][3][4] Group 1: Market Response - Following the U.S.-China joint statement, the Hong Kong capital market reacted with speculation about potential re-engagement in the market [4] - Li Ka-shing's swift and direct response was unusual for him, indicating a strategic positioning rather than a typical defensive reaction [5][6] Group 2: Strategic Importance of Ports - Li Ka-shing has maintained a low profile regarding his extensive global port holdings, which are crucial logistical assets [7] - The ports in question, Balboa and Cristobal, are strategically located at the Panama Canal, a vital shipping route where one in every 17 containers globally passes through, with over 20% of traffic being Chinese vessels [8] Group 3: Implications of the Statement - The rumors of selling port assets to BlackRock raised questions about Li Ka-shing's alignment amid U.S.-China tensions, but his denial leaves room for potential future transactions [8][10] - Li Ka-shing's history of strategic asset management reflects a long-term vision rather than short-term profit motives, suggesting a focus on asset continuity and navigating future economic cycles [12][13] Group 4: Asset Structure and Family Legacy - Long-term trends in Li Ka-shing's financial reports show a decreasing reliance on mainland China, with a shift towards European and Commonwealth markets [14] - The next generation, represented by his grandson, may prefer stable cash flows over complex political negotiations, indicating a strategic withdrawal from intricate assets like ports [14][15] Group 5: Overall Strategy - Li Ka-shing's recent actions are seen as a calculated move rather than a reaction to immediate pressures, signaling a clear understanding of market dynamics [15][16] - His approach emphasizes strategic foresight, avoiding overt political stances while maintaining a focus on viable business paths [17][18]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Buy" (maintained) [4] Core Views - The company is continuously improving its asset layout, and its toll road operations are stable [4] - The company reported a total operating revenue of 4.782 billion yuan in Q1 2025, a year-on-year increase of 37.66%, while the net profit attributable to shareholders decreased by 2.88% [7] - The company is focusing on its core business and enhancing its asset layout, with ongoing projects expected to release incremental revenue [7] Financial Summary - For 2023, the company expects operating revenue of 15.192 billion yuan, with a year-on-year growth rate of 14.61% [5] - The projected net profit attributable to shareholders for 2025 is 5.211 billion yuan, with a corresponding PE ratio of 15.31 [5][7] - The company’s gross profit margin for Q1 2025 was 34.67%, a decrease of 12.58 percentage points year-on-year, primarily due to an increase in construction projects with zero gross margin [7]