$HSBC HOLDINGS(00005.HK) has recently started focusing on some traditional star stocks in the Hong Kong market again. HSBC's continuous strength is widely believed to be closely related to its large-scale share buybacks and strategic restructuring measures.

Since 2024, HSBC has launched multiple buyback plans, with a cumulative amount exceeding $7 billion. Among them, the $3 billion buyback announced in October 2024 was the largest in seven years. In early 2025, the company continued to ramp up buybacks, repurchasing shares twice in January with HKD 162 million and HKD 200 million, respectively. The underlying logic is to boost earnings per share by reducing the number of outstanding shares, signaling management's belief that the stock is undervalued and that the company has ample cash flow.

If there's any further catalyst for HSBC, it's likely the upcoming global layoff plan in Asia (details can be found in my recent post), especially focusing on streamlining senior positions. Although the effects of layoffs may not reflect in business performance in the short term, combined with the dual strategy of buybacks and restructuring, HSBC might score another win and maybe organically return to being a "red-chip stock"! @Barefoot Fund Manager @Neozzz @Qi Tian Bi Ma Wen