PRESS DIGEST - Hong Kong - May 14

HONG KONG, May 14 (Reuters) - These are some of the leading stories in Hong Kong newspapers on Wednesday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

APPLE DAILY

-- Certain fund houses believe that fourth-quarter earnings for HSBC Holdings (0005.HK: Quote, Profile, Research) (HSBA.L: Quote, Profile, Research) and the drop in provisions for the period were seasonal and that the annual provision costs will still be higher. JP Morgan has reduced its earnings forecast for the banking giant for this year and next year.

-- Reports say interested buyers have emerged for stakes in listed free-to-air broadcasting firm TVB (0511.HK: Quote, Profile, Research) held by chairman Sir Run Run Shaw.

HONG KONG ECONOMIC TIMES

-- At least five new listing candidates are in line for stock market debuts in Hong Kong for June to raise a combined HK$15.3 billion.

-- Sun Hung Kai's (0016.HK: Quote, Profile, Research) board will discuss the resumption of duties by chairman Walter Kwok, who has been absent following a family feud.

SING TAO DAILY

-- Mergers and acquisitions in the Asia Pacific financial sector dropped by nearly 40 percent in the first quarter, according to a survey by PricewaterhouseCoopers. However, for mainland China, half of the financial enterprises are expected to have major M&A movements this year.