The Group remains committed to enhancing long-term Shareholder value through the development of a well-diversified business portfolio comprising the food and beverage business and the financial business. The recent expansion of the Group’s insurance and wealth management businesses represents further progress towards our long-term strategic objective of establishing the Group as a comprehensive financial services institution.

The global and regional economic outlook continues to be volatile. Persisting macroeconomic challenges, including ongoing policy uncertainties under the current United States administration, the prolonged downturn in Mainland China’s property sector, and intensified geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, have weighed on overall market sentiment. Locally, structural changes in consumption patterns, an oversupply in the market, and heightened competition within the food and beverage industry have further intensified operating pressures. The macroeconomic conditions in Hong Kong are expected to remain challenging, constraining overall consumer spending and business growth momentum. Furthermore, global procurement costs are anticipated to stay elevated as a result of prolonged protectionist measures and rising tariffs. Against this backdrop, the Group will continue to adopt a prudent and disciplined approach in managing and developing its food and beverage business. Notwithstanding the short-term uncertainty in the external environment, the Group remains confident in its long-term growth potential, underpinned by its solid client base and diversified portfolio of reputable international suppliers. Looking ahead, the Group will continue to enrich its product portfolio and pursue the development of sustainable, high-quality products that align with evolving market trends and meet customers’ emerging preferences.

Investor confidence has been steadily improving, particularly in Hong Kong and Mainland China, where equity markets have delivered a strong rebound. As global investors increasingly diversify their portfolios beyond the United States and look towards Asia’s resilient and fast-evolving markets, Hong Kong stands out as a premier regional wealth and asset management hub, ideally positioned to meet this growing demand. We see compelling opportunities across Asia, underpinned by powerful structural trends – including rapid advances in technology, youthful and expanding demographics and resilient consumer spending. The deepening connectivity between Mainland China and Hong Kong’s capital markets, coupled with the rise of transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, is driving a new wave of innovation and unlocking fresh growth potential. Building on our strong foundation and market insights, our financial business is committed to capturing these emerging opportunities. We will continue to invest in innovation, drive strategic growth, and create lasting value for our shareholders in the years ahead.

Amid heightened global uncertainty, market conditions are likely to remain volatile. In navigating this environment, we will continue to adopt a prudent and disciplined approach when considering investments in securities and other financial products.

To create sustainable value for our shareholders, the Group will continue to review the performance of its existing businesses and identify areas with strong growth potential. Backed by a solid cash position, the Group is well placed to respond with agility and resilience, including diversifying into new business areas should attractive opportunities arise. The Company will make formal announcements and fulfil all reporting obligations in accordance with the Listing Rules as required.