06823 Overview

Morgan Stanley's Market Strategy: The report highlights new additions to the focus list for Hong Kong and Chinese markets, including GIGADEVICE and SINOPEC CORP, while removing SUNNY OPTICAL and ESPRESSIF.

Stock Performance: Notable stock movements include SINOPEC CORP and CHALCO showing gains, while GIGADEVICE and SUNNY OPTICAL experienced declines, with significant short selling activity reported across various stocks.

Stock Performance Overview: Various stocks are showing mixed performance, with Alibaba (BABA.US) up by 17.8% and CHALCO (601600.SH) increasing by 20.7%, while others like DUALITYBIO-B (09606.HK) and NARI (600406.SH) are experiencing slight declines.

Short Selling Activity: Significant short selling is noted in several stocks, including Tencent (00700.HK) with $1.04B and a ratio of 13.981%, indicating investor skepticism about these stocks.

Earnings Reports: HKEX (00388.HK) has posted strong earnings last quarter, maintaining an "Overweight" rating from JPM, suggesting positive investor sentiment.

Market Trends: The overall market shows a mix of gains and losses, with some stocks like SUNNY OPTICAL (02382.HK) and PING AN (02318.HK) experiencing modest increases amidst varying short selling ratios.

China's Technological Self-Reliance: The "15th Five-Year Plan" emphasizes high-level technological self-reliance, with Hong Kong expected to contribute significantly through innovation and technology development, particularly in the Lok Ma Chau Loop and Northern Metropolis.

AI Facility and Research Center: A new AI facility and research center has been established in the Lok Ma Chau Loop to enhance cross-border connectivity and data flow in the Greater Bay Area, addressing the growing demand for fiber optics.

Collaboration and Business Outlook: The group plans to collaborate with research institutions to apply research results practically, expressing optimism about AI's positive impact on the telecom industry and the government's smart city initiatives.

Market Competition: China Mobile Hong Kong's entry into the market with affordable 5G plans is intensifying competition, but the group remains committed to fair competition and is cautious about its market strategies.

Annual Results: PCCW reported a narrowed loss of $253 million for the year ended December 2025, compared to a loss of $300 million the previous year, with a loss per share of $3.27 cents.

Dividends: The company declared a final dividend per share of $28.48 cents, maintaining the same level as last year, resulting in a total annual dividend of $38.25 cents, unchanged year-over-year.

Revenue Growth: PCCW's total revenue for 2025 reached $40.252 billion, reflecting a 7.2% increase year-over-year, with HKT-SS revenue rising by 5% to $36.553 billion.

Segment Performance: The OTT Business revenue grew by 5% to $2.579 billion, while revenue from Free TV & Related Business decreased by over 2% to $1.034 billion year-over-year.

Hong Kong's Sci-Tech Initiatives: The Group is preparing for Hong Kong's enhanced focus on sci-tech self-reliance, highlighted by the establishment of a new AI facility and R&D center in the Lok Ma Chau Loop to support the Northern Metropolis.

Cross-Border Data Flow: This initiative aims to improve cross-border interconnection and data flow within the Greater Bay Area, addressing the growing demand for fiber optics due to data center expansions and urban developments.

AI's Impact on Telecom: AI is expected to benefit the telecom industry by enhancing network services and increasing demand for AI-driven platforms and management services, according to Susanna Hui, Managing Director of HKT-SS.

Cautious Business Outlook: While optimistic about future growth driven by smart city advancements and increased hardware purchases, the Group remains cautious and plans to manage its debt levels carefully.

HKT-SS and PCCW Joint Announcement: HKT-SS has received an acquisition offer from CM Capital to buy an additional 9% equity interest in Regional Link Telecom Services from PCCW, along with 9% of certain shareholder receivables.

Investment Terms Under Finalization: The involved parties are currently finalizing the terms of the investment, although it is uncertain whether the investment will proceed.