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Fosun International Demonstrates Resilience in its Interim Results and Receives “Buy” Ratings from Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 1 September 2022 – On 1 September 2022, after Fosun International Limited (HKEX stock code: 00656, “Fosun International”), together with its subsidiaries (“Fosun” or the “Group”) announced its 2022 interim results on 30 August, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Daiwa Capital Markets and CICC issued research reports and unanimously assigned “Buy” or “Overweight/Outperform” ratings to Fosun International.

The interim results show that in the first half of the year, Fosun achieved sustainable growth in its revenue, continued to develop in technology and innovation and strengthen its globalization strategy, its funds remained stable, and its capital structure continued to be optimized, demonstrating the resilience of sustainable development. Although the Group’s net profit in the first half of the year was affected by the pandemic, rising commodity raw material prices and fluctuations in the capital market, many major banks believe that the Group’s performance was in line with market expectations, and they are unanimously optimistic about Fosun International’s stock.

Goldman Sachs reiterated its “Buy” rating on Fosun International with a target price of HK$11.2 in its latest research report. Goldman Sachs believes that Fosun International in the first half of the year continued to maintain steady revenue growth, up 18% year-on-year. Although the profits of the Health and Wealth segments fell year-on-year due to investment losses dragged by market fluctuations, the loss of the Happiness segment narrowed significantly, mainly due to the strong recovery of overseas tourism business. The report pointed out that Fosun is committed to a balanced investment and divestment strategy, continues to optimize the capital structure, has sufficient liquidity and cash on hand with a stable leverage ratio, and actively manages liquidity and financing cost. It has also strengthened cooperation with two major banks, ICBC and HSBC China recently, highlighting its advantages in credit metrics management and allowing it to seize potential investment opportunities in the market. Goldman Sachs therefore believes that Fosun International is recently trading at a low level, sees high potential in Fosun International and maintained its “Buy” rating.

Morgan Stanley expressed that although Fosun International’s net profit fell in the first half of the year, it was within expectation, and reiterated its “Overweight” rating with a target price of HK$11.4. The firm pointed out Fosun’s financial position is solid, with ample and increased cash position. As of the end of the reporting period, the company’s cash, bank balances and term deposits increased by approximately RMB21.0 billion to RMB117.65 billion, covering 45% of its total consolidated debt position; the debt to capital ratio was 56.8%. It believes that the Group’s balance sheet still largely stable.

Daiwa Capital Markets also reiterated its “Buy” rating on Fosun International with a target price of HK$10.8. Daiwa Capital Markets believes that Fosun International’s performance in the first half of the year is in line with the firm’s expectations, and expects Fosun’s debt to be optimized continuously. As of the end of the reporting period, the debt to capital ratio was 56.8%, and the Group’s average financing cost was at a low level of 4.5%. The firm expects that Fosun’s key financial indicators to be further optimized over the period from 2022 to 2025, and expects the Group to steadily lower debts year on year, extend the duration of debts duration, increase the dividends from subsidiaries, and control headquarter overheads, thereby steadily optimizing the Group’s credit indicators. The firm expects Fosun to continue to optimize its asset portfolio, and dispose “non-strategic and non-core” assets in a timely fashion to improve its cash and liquidity position, allowing it to weather macro and market fluctuations. In addition, the firm expects that with the improved market sentiment, and benefiting from Fosun’s diversified business portfolio and global presence, Fosun International will continue to demonstrate the resilience of sustainable development. Therefore, the firm remains optimistic about Fosun International and assigned a “Buy” rating on Fosun International.

In addition, CICC reiterated its “Outperform” rating on Fosun International, with a target price of HK$8.50 in its research report. CICC believes that Fosun International’s main businesses achieved steady growth, and pointed out that Fosun has continuously strengthened the management of investments and divestments to strike a balance, improved the capital structure and enhanced liquidity. In the first half of the year, Fosun completed the disposal of Tsingtao Brewery and continued to promote the balance between investments and divestments. CICC believes that the asset divestments carried out by Fosun are all non-core secondary market positions, which will not affect the business structure, and will optimize the capital structure and help strengthen the financial position.

The interim results announced on 30 August shows that in the first half of 2022, Fosun’s total revenue reached RMB82.89 billion, representing an increase of 17.7% over the same period in 2021; enterprise operation profit reached RMB2.33 billion, representing an increase of 35.5% year-on-year; investment in technology and innovation amounted to RMB4.6 billion, representing an increase of 21% year-on-year.

Fosun has been steadfastly fulfilling its mission of “creating happier lives for families worldwide”, strengthening its presence in four business segments: Health, Happiness, Wealth and Intelligent Manufacturing. It is also one of the few companies in China which has global operation and investment capabilities and has accumulated profound technological innovation capabilities. Fosun maintained a stable leverage ratio, high risk tolerance with its multi-currency debts and stable debt maturity, and it is in a healthy financial position. At the interim results presentation held on 31 August, the management of Fosun International said that after entering the second half of the year, thanks to the Group’s long-term adherence to profound industry operations, the financial and operational indicators of companies in multiple segments have rapidly shown signs of a steady recovery.

Hashtag: #Fosun

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Fosun

Founded in 1992, Fosun is a global innovation-driven consumer group dedicated to providing high-quality products and services for families around the world in Health, Happiness, Wealth, and Intelligent Manufacturing segments. In 2007, Fosun International Limited was listed on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (stock code: 00656.HK). As of 30 June 2022, Fosun International’s total assets amounted to RMB849.7 billion. Fosun International ranks No.589 on the 2022 Forbes Global 2000 List, with a MSCI ESG rating of AA.

Suicide Bombing by Drug Dealer Kills 3 Cops in Luang Prabang

Three police were killed in suicide bombing.

Four people including three police officers died in Viengkham District following the arrest of a drug dealer earlier on Thursday.

Laos and Cambodia Military Chiefs Meet to Celebrate 66 Years of Diplomatic Ties

Lieutenant General Hun Manet and Khamliang Outhakaysone, Deputy Minister of National Defence and Chief of the General Staff of the Lao People’s Army, salute honour guards in Vientiane Capital on 30 August (HUN MANET VIA FACEBOOK).
Lieutenant General Hun Manet and Khamliang Outhakaysone, Deputy Minister of National Defence and Chief of the General Staff of the Lao People’s Army, salute honour guards in Vientiane Capital on 30 August (HUN MANET VIA FACEBOOK).

Military personnel from the two countries will continue to cooperate in issues pertaining to border security and humanitarian assistance in the region. 

Dee Sao Lao To Debut As First Lao Pro MMA Fighter

The Laotian Times interviews boxer and Muay world champion Dee Sao Lao, who will make her debut in Koh Lat, Thailand, this Saturday as the first professional Lao MMA fighter fighting out of Laos. 

Flooding Wrecks 90% of the Agricultural Land in Oudomxay

Crops have been destroyed by flooding in Oudomxay Province.

Tropical storm MA-ON has severely damaged 90 percent of agricultural lands and irrigation systems in some districts of Oudomxay Province.

WWF and Partners Launch “Love Ling Lao” Campaign

Lar-Gibbon (Photo: Christy Williams WWF-Myanmar).

“Love Ling Lao” aims to enhance national pride for the 19 species that call Laos home and build support for urgently-needed conservation of threatened primates.

DHL Express secures #1 Great Place to Work® title in Asia for four consecutive years

  • Fourth consecutive win and the sixth time in the past seven years to top the Asia list for workplace culture
  • In 2021, DHL Express Asia Pacific received 37 different awards for its workplace and corporate culture, bringing the total number to 325 awards since 2014

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 1 September 2022 – DHL Express has defended its number one position on the Best Workplaces in Asia™ list, published annually by the Great Place to Work® Institute. It acknowledges the international express service provider’s strong company culture of fairness and camaraderie, underpinned by its values of “Respect and Results”.

“This achievement is a remarkable and important recognition of everyone’s steadfast effort to build a cohesive and inclusive team, even through tough times. Our “As One” spirit is stronger than ever, and I am privileged to work alongside such a passionate team that always gives their all every day. Obtaining four consecutive wins is not easy, but we will not rest on our laurels. With a people strategy, our employees are key assets. We will continue to invest in our people, and create a great workplace not just for a few, but for all,” said Ken Lee, CEO, DHL Express Asia Pacific.

“It is truly an honor to be named the best workplace in Asia once again. We would like to take the opportunity to celebrate our people, as we couldn’t have done it without the support from them. Our employees make a conscious effort every day to be inclusive and motivated. Employees today are showing a preference for companies that demonstrate commitment to creating a positive workplace culture. It is therefore important for companies to promote inclusion and equal opportunities to retain and attract talents,” said Mateen Thiruselvaam, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, DHL Express Asia Pacific.

An engaged and inclusive workforce

To ensure employees remain motivated, DHL Express provides equal learning and development opportunities to keep employee satisfaction high. Its “Shift Up a Gear” program, aims to provide female employees with guidance, networking and career development opportunities. Through the program, female workers can connect with senior internal and external leaders to gain different perspectives on career paths or be mentored.

DHL Express also regularly organizes the Certified International Specialist and Certified International Manager training programs, where employees learn about company products and services and what is necessary to deliver excellent service. By the end of 2021, employees across the region underwent over 370,000 CIS and CIM modules.

Employees united by a single platform and purpose

As a global organization with 120,000 employees across more than 220 countries and territories, DHL Express is focused on enhancing employee engagement. Its social intranet, Smart Connect, is a mobile and online platform where employees gain access to various services and content, such as company and HR resources, news, campaigns and engagement programs. Employees also bond through the platform’s social walls, where they can post updates and leave comments.

Additionally, employees are guided and united by a common purpose, “Connecting people, improving lives”, which creates long-term value and gives people a sense of belonging. Employees are given opportunities to volunteer for initiatives they care about, such as climate protection. For example, over 100,000 employees worldwide are participating in a series of marathons to raise funds for Conservation International and plant 100,000 trees.

Since 2014, DHL Express Asia Pacific has received 325 awards for its workplace and corporate culture, and in 2021 alone, the company received a total of 37 awards.

Hashtag: #DHL

DHL – The logistics company for the world

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With about 380,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.

DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 81 billion euros in 2021. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. Deutsche Post DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

PolyU scholar wins APEC top young scientist award for his contribution to bio-circular-green practice research

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 1 September 2022 – Dr REN Jingzheng, Associate Professor of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), won the 2022 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Science Prize for Innovation, Research and Education (ASPIRE). He was awarded the prize of USD 25,000 at a ceremony hosted in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in late August. Thailand chairs APEC 2022.

Dr Ren Jingzheng, Associate Professor of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering of PolyU, was awarded the 2022 APEC Science Prize for Innovation, Research and Education at a ceremony hosted in Chiang Mai, Thailand, late August.

Dr Ren was selected the region’s top young science researcher of the year for “unfolding new methods to promote an integrated development of the economy, environment and society, including through bio-circular-green practice.” PolyU is the only higher education institution in Hong Kong to have had two young scientists honoured with this prestigious award in a decade.

Dr PASIT Lorterapong, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, said, “Dr Ren’s research, especially on the development of the circular economy, recycling, industrial systems and supply network optimization, provides us with knowledge and helps us address future environmental and economic challenge.”

Prof. Christopher CHAO, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, congratulated Dr Ren and remarked, “PolyU is dedicated to conducting cutting-edge research to achieve sustainable development. As a member of the PolyU Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality, Dr Ren has greatly contributed to sustainability through his influential research, promoting the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. We are proud of our pioneering young scholars who are applying innovative solutions to bring societal advancement to the Asia Pacific region and the world.”

The annual ASPIRE awards recognise young scientists aged below 40 who display excellence in scientific research, as evidenced by scholarly publication and cooperation with scientists from other APEC member economies.

Annually, each APEC economy is invited to nominate one young scientist to be considered for the ASPIRE Prize. Dr Ren stood out among the 13 nominees from other APEC economies in the 2022 ASPIRE exercise, themed “Innovation to achieve economic, environmental, and social goals”.

Dr Ren Jingzheng considers it a great honour to have won the ASPIRE award. He said, “This good news heartens me and gives me renewed impetus to develop carbon-neutral processes for turning waste into wealth, and to achieve zero-waste systems and carbon-neutrality.”

He has proposed innovative processes that can be applied for sustainable design and optimisation of complex industrial systems, energy conservation and emissions mitigation of wastewater treatment processes, valorisation of medical waste and sewage sludge, as well as converting agricultural waste into energy or value-added products.

He plans to promote his new concept of waste-to-energy processes to energy-intensive industries and waste recycling industries of APEC member economies to help their economies transition to bio-circular-green economies.

Dr Ren added, “I am also enthusiastic about organically combining ‘hard technologies’ with ‘soft science’ in order to innovatively break through the limitations of the traditional thinking in industry, and develop carbon-neutral and zero-waste oriented decision support tools and industrial processes to achieve zero carbon emission and 100% waste recycling in industrial systems.”

Dr Ren has published more than 180 journal papers and authored a book, and been cited extensively. He was ranked in the World’s Top 2% Scientists on the Stanford University List in 2020 and 2021.

Hashtag: #PolyU