Shares of WH GROUP (00288.HK) surged 6.23% in intraday trading, reaching HK$8.36, their highest level since March 2020. The stock emerged as the top gainer on the Hang Seng Commerce & Industry Index, which itself rose 1.4%.

The significant uptick comes on the heels of the pork group's impressive first-half results. WH GROUP reported an 8.9% year-on-year increase in revenue, while operating profit climbed 10.4%. Net profit before biological fair value adjustments rose by 4.5%. The company also saw a 7.5% increase in pork sales volume, although packaged meats sales volume declined by 3.3%.

Adding to the positive sentiment, WH GROUP's U.S. subsidiary, Smithfield Foods, raised its annual operating profit forecast. Smithfield cited a rebound in its hog business and the resumption of U.S. pork exports to China, which had previously been hampered by tariffs. Citi reiterated its "Buy" rating on WH GROUP, noting that the company's second-quarter operating profit growth was in line with estimates and that the outlook for the second half of 2025 is positive. The management's decision to lift the U.S. 2025 operating profit guidance by 4% further bolstered investor confidence. Year-to-date, WH GROUP's stock has appreciated by an impressive 42.3%.