The caution from Hong Kong-listed Sinotrans Shipping along with its state-owned parent, Beijing-based Sinotrans & CSC, comes on the heels of speculation and mostly positive analyst readings of the group's prospects.

But very little is settled, the company warns in an announcement late last week. Discussions are still ongoing about what assets or business areas will be the subject of restructuring, any plan that is decided on will take time to fulfill, and any solution will still be subject to approval of regulators and investors.

Analysts