UBS has issued a research report indicating that SWIRE PACIFIC A (00019) announced it will sell its stake in CATHAY PAC AIR (00293) through a placement at HKD 11.74 per share, generating proceeds of HKD 1.789 billion. SWIRE PACIFIC A stated that the share placement is intended to restore its holding in CATHAY PAC AIR to a level closer to historical norms, following the airline's repurchase of a 9.6% stake previously held by Qatar Airways. After the sale, SWIRE PACIFIC A's effective stake in CATHAY PAC AIR is expected to decrease to approximately 45.12%. UBS estimates that the disposal will increase SWIRE PACIFIC A's market capitalization by about 0.7%, while its consolidated net debt ratio is likely to improve from 20.6% at the end of last year to 20%. The bank noted that this sale is similar to the recent disposal of CATHAY PAC AIR shares by another strategic shareholder, AIR CHINA (00753), and emphasized that SWIRE PACIFIC A remains confident in its aviation business.
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