COSCO SHIPPING Ports Limited (Stock Code: 1199) declared a first interim dividend of HK15.1 cents per share for the financial year ending 31 December 2025. According to the announcement, shareholders whose names appeared on the register of members on 18 September 2025 can opt to receive new fully paid shares instead of cash, or a combination of both.

The reference price for the new shares has been set at HK$5.60 per share, derived from the average closing prices over five consecutive trading days beginning 10 September 2025 (the ex-dividend date). Based on this price, a maximum of 104,466,329 new shares may be issued, representing approximately 2.70% of the existing issued share capital as at the Record Date.

The register of members was closed from 12 September to 18 September 2025. The deadline for shareholders to submit their election forms to the company’s branch share registrar is 4:30 p.m. on 6 November 2025. Per the announcement, the newly issued shares are expected to be dispatched on 21 November 2025, with dealing in these shares on the Stock Exchange tentatively commencing on 24 November 2025, subject to approval by the listing committee.

The board stated that offering a scrip option allows shareholders to further participate in the company’s equity while enabling the company to retain cash. The scrip shares, when issued, will rank pari passu with existing shares but will not be entitled to this interim dividend. Shareholders are advised to review the announcement and consult their professional advisers regarding the choice between cash dividends or scrip shares. The company underscores the responsibility of shareholders outside Hong Kong to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations should they opt for the scrip option.