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Red chips, also known as H-shares, are a type of stock that's traded in Hong Kong. They're a popular investment choice for those looking to diversify their portfolio.
Red chips are typically issued by large, well-established companies listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. These companies often have significant business operations in mainland China.
Investors can expect to see a mix of Chinese and international investors among red chip shareholders. This diversity can bring a unique perspective to the company's decision-making process.
Red chips often have a higher listing requirement than other stocks, which can make them more attractive to serious investors. This higher barrier to entry can also lead to a more stable and less volatile market.
What Are Red Chips?
Red chips are shares of mainland China companies listed in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. These companies are incorporated outside mainland China.
Red chip shares belong to companies controlled by the provincial or municipal governments of the Peoples’ Republic of China. They are based in mainland China but listed in Hong Kong.
There are 138 red chip companies listed in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, up from 25 in February 2015. This number is growing rapidly.
The term "red chip" was coined in 1992 by Alex Tang, a Hong Kong economist, who chose the word "red" because it's the official color of the Communist party.
Understanding Red Chips
A red chip stock is not the Chinese version of a blue chip, despite the similar name. Instead, it's a type of stock that has a sizable Chinese government stake in the company.
Red chips take their name from China's red flag, which reflects the Chinese government's partial ownership of the company.
Red chips must be incorporated outside mainland China, which sets them apart from H-shares that can be incorporated in mainland China.
A distinguishing feature of a red-chip stock is the Chinese government stake, which is a key characteristic that differentiates it from other types of stocks.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Red Chips
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Red chips offer access to the growing Chinese market, which can be a major advantage for investors. They also combine easy access for foreign investors with the discipline of global financial markets.
Red chips are listed in Hong Kong, which ensures adherence to developed market financial reporting standards. This provides a level of transparency and accountability that's reassuring for investors.
Government support for red chips guarantees a relatively friendly regulatory regime. This can be a major draw for companies looking to navigate the complexities of the Chinese market.
However, government support also means that red chips may pursue goals other than profit maximization. The largest shareholders for red chips are often Chinese state-owned enterprises, which can influence the company's priorities.
Red chips work for their shareholders, but the priorities of those shareholders may not always align with profit maximization. This can be a drawback for investors who are looking for companies that focus solely on making a profit.
Requirements for Investing in Red Chips
To invest in red chips, you'll need to understand their specific requirements.
Red chips are firms that meet certain criteria, including having Chinese government-affiliated organizations own at least 30% of the company.
These organizations can include the government of the People's Republic of China, Chinese provincial governments, municipal governments in China, and Chinese state-owned enterprises.
More than 55% of the firm's revenue must come from the People's Republic of China, or the firm must have over 55% of its assets in China.
The firm must also be incorporated outside of mainland China.
And, the company's stock must be listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Here's a quick rundown of the requirements:
Example of Red Chips
China Mobile is a prime example of a red-chip company. As of May 2021, it was the largest red-chip company with a market capitalization of over 1 trillion Hong Kong dollars.
Its shares are listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, which is a requirement for red-chip status. This is a key characteristic of red-chip companies.
Red-chip companies like China Mobile are incorporated outside of mainland China. China Mobile was incorporated in Hong Kong in 1997, making it a classic example of a red-chip company.
A significant portion of China Mobile is owned by a Chinese state-owned enterprise. As of December 2020, 72.72% of the company was held by China Mobile Communications Group Co., Ltd.
Stock Index and Red Chips
Red chips are a fascinating topic, and understanding stock indexes is a great place to start.
The Hang Seng China-Affiliated Corporations Index (HSCCI) is a stock market index of 25 red chip companies.
Red chips are listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange, and they have a significant presence in this index.
This index is a great way to track the performance of these companies, which are often major players in the Chinese economy.
The HSCCI is a widely followed index, and its performance can have a significant impact on the overall market.
Red chips are a key part of the Hong Kong stock exchange, and this index is one of the most important measures of their performance.
List of Companies with Red Chips
As of 30 September 2020, there were 267 red chip companies. This number is a significant indicator of the growth and popularity of red chip companies.
Some notable red chip companies include APT Satellite Holdings, China Aerospace International Holdings, and China Development Bank International Investment. These companies are leaders in their respective industries.
Here's a list of some of the notable red chip companies:
- APT Satellite Holdings
- China Aerospace International Holdings
- China Development Bank International Investment
- China Energine
- China Mobile Ltd
- China Overseas Land and Investment
- China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation
- China Resources Enterprise
- China Telecom Corp., Ltd.
- China Unicom (Hong Kong) Limited
- China Zheshang Bank
- Chongqing Iron and Steel Company
- Cosco Shipping
- Goldwind
- Guangzhou Automobile Group Co Ltd
- Lenovo
- Peking University Resources (Holdings)
- PetroChina
- SMIC
- Tong Ren Tang
- Tsingtao Brewery
- Zijin Mining Group
- ZTE Corporation
Key Differences from Blue Chips
Red chips are often misunderstood as being similar to blue chips, but they have some key differences.
Red chips are typically listed on the Growth Enterprise Market (GEM) of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, whereas blue chips are usually listed on the main board.
Red chips are often state-owned enterprises that have undergone restructuring and privatization, giving them a unique character compared to blue chips.
One key difference is that red chips are subject to more stringent listing requirements than blue chips, which can make it harder for them to go public.
Red chips are also often characterized by their strong growth potential, which can make them attractive to investors looking for high returns.
Blue Art Investment
Blue art investment is a safer bet for those looking for stability. It's a better investment if you're willing to pay a premium for established artists.
Red-chip art, on the other hand, carries more risk but offers lower entry costs and a chance of attractive returns. More and more people are leaning towards red-chip art.
At Christie's, a blue-chip art piece by Andy Warhol sold for $7.4m back in 2014. This sale marked a shift from blue-chip to red-chip art.
Our team at Grove Gallery can help you navigate the art market and choose the best art to add to your collection. We can also help you understand the art market and make informed decisions.
If you're unsure whether to invest in blue-chip or red-chip art, we can provide guidance to help you make the right choice.
Blue
Blue is a color that's often associated with calmness and trustworthiness.
The calming effects of blue can be seen in the way it's used in interior design, where blue walls can create a sense of serenity in a room.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between red-chip and h share?
Red-chip and H-share refer to companies listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, with the key difference being that Red-chip companies are incorporated outside mainland China, while H-share companies are incorporated in mainland China
Sources
- https://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/redchip.asp
- https://marketbusinessnews.com/financial-glossary/red-chip-shares/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_chip
- https://grovegallery.com/blogs/articles/red-chip-vs-blue-chip-art
- https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2021/01/08/blue-chip-artists-move-over-here-come-the-red-chips
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