GLONGHUI, August 31 | UBS released a report saying that COSCO Shipping Port's net profit for the first half of the year fell 15% year-on-year, accounting for 44% of the bank's annual net profit forecast. The payout rate remained at 40%, and the interim interest rate was 1.74 US cents, which was lower than the bank's expectations. According to the report, although the prospects for global economic growth are weak, the company's management believes that container throughput will increase year-on-year in the second half of the year as domestic trade and volume of goods from Southeast Asia remain strong. Management is optimistic about revenue and TEU growth. The bank lowered its target share price from HK$5.1 to HK$5, maintaining a “neutral” rating to reflect lower profit forecasts of 7% and 1% for this year and next two years, respectively, due to lower performance in the first half of the year than expected.