Core Viewpoint - SITC International reported strong 1H25 results, with revenue and net profit significantly exceeding expectations, driven by high freight rates and robust container shipping volume growth [1][2]. Financial Performance - Revenue for 1H25 increased by 28.0% YoY to US$1,664 million, while net profit attributable to shareholders rose by 79.7% YoY to US$630 million, resulting in an EPS of US$0.24 [1]. - The gross margin and net margin improved notably YoY, with gross margin rising by 9.3 percentage points and net margin increasing by 10.9 percentage points in 1H25 [1]. Dividend Policy - The company announced an interim dividend payout ratio of approximately 70%, which aligns with its 2024 interim payout ratio, offering attractive dividend yields of 9.5% for 2025 and 7.9% for 2026 [2]. Market Trends - There is a tight supply in the market for small vessels below 3,000 TEU, with only 5.4% of current orders for such vessels, while 11.2% of the fleet consists of vessels older than 25 years [3]. - Demand for small vessels in the container shipping industry has strengthened, leading to high time charter rates and longer charter periods, diverging from spot freight rate trends [4]. Intra-Asia Trade Growth - China's imports and exports to ASEAN countries and Japan grew by 9.4% and 4.5% YoY in the first seven months of 2025, indicating strong intra-Asia freight volume growth [5]. - As a leading player in intra-Asia routes, the company is expected to benefit from this growth, with Clarksons estimating a 3.6% and 3.0% YoY increase in intra-Asia container freight volume for 2025 and 2026, respectively [5]. Financial Forecasts - Due to better-than-expected freight rates, the company's net profit forecasts for 2025 and 2026 have been raised by 38.9% each to US$1.26 billion and US$1.06 billion, respectively [6]. - The stock is currently trading at 7.4x 2025 estimated P/E and 8.8x 2026 estimated P/E, with a target price increase of 15.2% to HK$28, implying 7.7x 2025 estimated P/E and 9.2x 2026 estimated P/E [6].