HUABAO INTL (00336) gained more than 4% during early trading sessions. As of press time, the stock was up 5.43% to HK$4.27, with trading volume reaching HK$15.6985 million.

On the news front, HUABAO INTL recently announced the grant of 148 million share options to eligible participants under its 2024 share option scheme. The performance targets require revenue growth of no less than 10%, 20%, and 30% for 2026, 2027, and 2028 respectively, compared to 2025 levels.

According to reports, HUABAO INTL achieved revenue of RMB 1.621 billion in the first half of the year, representing a 2.5% year-on-year increase. Net profit attributable to shareholders reached RMB 118 million, surging 298% year-on-year, while adjusted period profit stood at RMB 192 million, up 2.1% compared to the same period last year.

An analyst report noted that HUABAO INTL's operations are gradually stabilizing, with strong growth in tobacco raw materials business. The company serves as a core upstream raw material supplier in both domestic and international HNB (heated-not-burned) industry chains.

Looking ahead to the second half of 2025, the company plans to accelerate its internationalization efforts and intensify overseas market development. It will strengthen supply chain management and pursue dual-engine growth through mergers and acquisitions to provide additional growth momentum. For reference, the company held cash plus trading financial assets totaling RMB 6 billion in the first half of 2025.