Core Viewpoint - China Oriental Education (00667.HK) has received national recognition as two of its affiliated schools have been selected as training bases for the 48th World Skills Competition, highlighting the company's commitment to high-quality vocational education and skill development [1][8]. Group 1: Recognition and Achievements - Anhui New Oriental Culinary Senior Technician School has been designated as the national training base for the culinary (Western cuisine) project, marking a historic breakthrough as it is the first such base in Anhui Province [2][9]. - Ningxia New Oriental Technician School has successfully retained its status as the training base for sugar art/pastry making for two consecutive sessions, demonstrating its ongoing leadership in this field [2][9]. - A total of seven students from China Oriental Education have been selected for the Chinese training team for the 48th World Skills Competition, covering five areas including culinary (Western cuisine), 3D digital game art, sugar art/pastry making, beauty, and hairdressing [4][11]. Group 2: Training and Development System - The success of the students is attributed to China Oriental Education's unique "Five Educations in Parallel, Competition and Teaching Integration" talent cultivation system, which integrates industry standards, competition regulations, and daily teaching [4][11]. - The company has established a progressive training model of "Foundation-Enhancement-Competition," providing personalized growth paths and practical training environments for students [4][11]. - The training bases are positioned as key incubators for nurturing Chinese skill talents as the 2026 World Skills Competition approaches, emphasizing the company's long-term commitment to high standards and quality development in vocational education [6][13].

Group 1: Higher Education Sector - The higher education sector is expected to see a reversal of difficulties due to a combination of bottoming fundamentals and policy advancements, with a focus on improving educational quality and encouraging the expansion of high-quality private colleges [5][6] - The reintroduction of profit-oriented classification management in Hunan Province in 2025 may serve as a pilot for nationwide implementation, providing a stable policy environment for private colleges to expand and meet the growing demand for higher education [5][6] - Key indicators of educational quality, such as student-to-teacher ratios and per-student funding, have met standards after five years of increased investment, suggesting that the investment cycle is peaking and operational efficiency in higher education companies is likely to recover [5][6] - Companies to watch in this sector include Yuhua Education, Zhongjiao Holdings, New Higher Education, China Kepei, Neusoft Ruixin, Xijiao International Holdings, and Zhonghui Group [5][6] Group 2: Vocational Education Sector - The demand for vocational training is surging, driven by an increasing number of university graduates and high school students entering the labor market, leading to a projected market size of 80 billion yuan in 2025 with a penetration rate of only 5% [6][7] - The youth unemployment rate, particularly among those aged 16 to 24, is higher than the urban average, indicating a growing need for vocational skills training [6][7] - Companies to focus on in the vocational education sector include China Oriental Education and Fenbi [6][7] Group 3: Education Industry Trends - The education industry has undergone significant changes due to the "double reduction" policy, resulting in a 96% reduction in capacity in the academic training sector, with a limited number of operational licenses being redistributed [7] - The shift towards competency-based training is gaining momentum, with institutions leveraging their operational qualifications to expand their market share through non-academic training services [7] - The industry is moving towards a "franchise" model, which is expected to enhance revenue and profit growth for compliant institutions [7] Group 4: Investment Recommendations - The report recommends focusing on Hong Kong-listed vocational education companies, particularly China Oriental Education, which is adapting its operational strategy to cater to the needs of high school graduates [9] - In the higher education sector, the potential reintroduction of profit-oriented options is expected to enhance the revenue-sharing certainty for private colleges, with companies like Yuhua Education, Zhongjiao Holdings, and China Kepei being highlighted for their growth potential [9] - The report also suggests monitoring Chinese education companies listed in the US, such as New Oriental, TAL Education, and others, which are showing strong enrollment data [9]

Market Overview - The US CPI annual rate decline has led to a rise in US stocks, boosting risk market sentiment [1] - The Hang Seng Index opened higher and closed up 0.75%, with the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index and Hang Seng Tech Index rising by 0.68% and 1.12% respectively [1][2] Sector Performance - Major technology stocks saw collective gains, with Tencent up 1.49%, Kuaishou up 1.45%, and Meituan up 1.28% [4] - Pharmaceutical stocks were active, with WuXi AppTec and other related stocks rising [2] - Gaming stocks continued to rise, with MGM China leading with a 6.6% increase [2][5] - AI-driven demand boosted optical fiber and cable stocks, with Yangtze Optical Fiber rising 12% [2] - Automotive, wind power, education, photovoltaic, insurance, and Apple-related stocks also experienced gains [2] Notable Stock Movements - Xpeng Motors rose 7.65%, Horizon Robotics up 7.04%, and Li Auto up 3.81% [4][10] - Electronic cigarette stocks saw significant increases, with China Tobacco Hong Kong up 6.68% [5] - Chinese brokerage stocks rose, with China International Capital Corporation up over 4% [7] - Intelligent driving concept stocks surged, with Youjia Innovation up 31.22% [8] Weak Performers - Heavy machinery stocks faced declines, with China National Heavy Duty Truck Group down over 6% [13] - Gold and precious metal stocks were weak, with several companies experiencing declines of over 2% [16] - Oil stocks also fell, with China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation down 1.52% [15] Capital Flows - Southbound funds recorded a net purchase of HKD 3.371 billion, with net selling from Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect and net buying from Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect [18] Market Outlook - CITIC Securities suggests that after a strong performance in September, Hong Kong stocks are undergoing a mid-term adjustment, with quality assets entering a high-value zone [18]

Core Viewpoint - China Oriental Education Group has been recognized as one of the "2025 Good Brands 100" due to its continuous efforts and innovative practices in the vocational education sector [1][6]. Group 1: Award Recognition - The "2025 Good Brands 100" award ceremony was held in Shanghai, organized by Shanghai Media Group and Zhitong Finance [1][6]. - The selection process involved 100 industry experts voting across 100 dynamic sectors, highlighting brands with significant achievements and innovative capabilities [3][8]. Group 2: Company Strategy and Vision - Mao Chaosheng, Secretary of the Board of China Oriental Education, emphasized the company's commitment to deep integration of industry and education, ensuring that students' learning aligns with market needs [3][8]. - The company plans to focus on innovation as a core driver, exploring deeper integration in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence and new energy [3][8]. - China Oriental Education aims to build vocational education industrial parks nationwide to contribute to the high-quality development of the Chinese economy [3][8]. Group 3: Industry Impact - The "Good Brands 100" project, now in its seventh year, has become a credible and influential annual event in the field of brand evaluation in China [5][10]. - This year's evaluation particularly focused on sustainable innovation, social value creation, and industry leadership, showcasing brands that are making steady progress amid transformation [5][10]. - The recognition of China Oriental Education not only highlights its leading position in the vocational education sector but also serves as a model for industry-education integration and support for the real economy [6][10].

Investment Rating - The report assigns an "Outperform" rating to the company, with a target price of RMB 9.0, equivalent to HKD 9.9 [3][8]. Core Insights - The company is a leading vocational training institution in China, leveraging its extensive national presence and brand strength to meet the strong demand for skilled labor [8]. - Projected net profits attributable to shareholders for 2025-2027 are RMB 798 million, RMB 1.00 billion, and RMB 1.13 billion, with EPS of RMB 0.36, RMB 0.45, and RMB 0.51 respectively [8]. - The company is expected to experience significant revenue growth, with a 10.2% year-on-year increase in revenue for the first half of 2025 [15]. Financial Summary - For the first half of 2025, the company reported revenue of RMB 2.19 billion, a 10.2% increase year-on-year, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of RMB 403 million, up 48.4% year-on-year [15]. - The gross profit margin improved to 57.3%, reflecting effective cost control and business expansion [15]. - The company’s revenue segments showed overall positive performance, with culinary technology revenue increasing by 11.4% year-on-year and fashion and beauty revenue soaring by 90.2% year-on-year [16]. Segment Performance - Culinary technology revenue reached RMB 1.02 billion, with a gross profit margin of 60.5% [16]. - The fashion and beauty segment saw a remarkable growth of 90.2% year-on-year, with a gross profit margin of 61.4% [16]. - The company operates 234 schools and centers across almost all provinces in mainland China and Hong Kong, indicating a strong national footprint [17].

Core Viewpoint - China Oriental Education (00667.HK) has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with JD Technology Group to enhance vocational education and align it with industry needs, focusing on talent cultivation and course development [1][10]. Group 1: Strategic Cooperation - The partnership will focus on building industry colleges, talent training, course development, and internship employment [1][10]. - Both parties aim to create an integrated e-commerce talent training system that includes course learning, practical training, skill certification, and employment output [11][12]. Group 2: Educational Innovation - The collaboration will emphasize the development of e-commerce specialty programs and the formulation of digital economy talent training plans [11][12]. - Discussions at the "JD Industry College Strategic Cooperation Exchange Conference" highlighted innovative models for school-enterprise cooperation and modern industry college construction [12]. Group 3: Industry Integration - The cooperation is seen as a significant step towards deepening the integration of education and industry, aligning educational content with technological advancements in the industry [15]. - China Oriental Education aims to provide a learning platform that closely meets the real needs of enterprises, contributing to the cultivation of skilled talents [15].

Core Viewpoint - China Oriental Education (00667) is recognized as a leading vocational training institution in China, leveraging its strong national presence and brand power to meet the robust demand for high-skilled talent in the labor market. The company is projected to achieve net profits of 798 million yuan, 1.004 billion yuan, and 1.128 billion yuan for the years 2025-2027, with corresponding EPS of 0.36 yuan, 0.45 yuan, and 0.51 yuan. A target price of 9.0 yuan (approximately 9.9 HKD) is set based on a 20X PE valuation for 2026, maintaining a "Buy" rating [1]. Financial Performance - In the first half of 2025, the company's revenue grew by 10.2%, reaching 2.186 billion yuan, while net profit increased significantly by 48.4% to 403 million yuan. The adjusted net profit was 416 million yuan, reflecting a 49.5% year-on-year growth. The gross margin improved to 57.3%, up by 4.3 percentage points. The expense ratios for sales, management, and finance were 22.47%, 10.79%, and 2.51%, showing decreases of 0.94, 2.11, and 0.60 percentage points respectively [2][3]. Segment Performance - Revenue from culinary technology reached 1.024 billion yuan, up 11.4%, with a gross margin of 60.5% (an increase of 5.2 percentage points). Western pastry and cuisine generated 182 million yuan, growing by 14.3% with a gross margin of 60.4% (up 6.6 percentage points). Information technology and internet technology revenue declined by 3.0% to 367 million yuan, but the gross margin improved to 57.6% (up 3.5 percentage points). Automotive services revenue was 492 million yuan, a 9.6% increase, with a gross margin of 54.7% (up 0.6 percentage points). Fashion and beauty services saw a remarkable growth of 90.2% to 77 million yuan, with a gross margin of 61.4% (up 8.8 percentage points). Other business revenue increased by 18.2% to 44 million yuan, but the gross margin was negative at -8.6% (up 23.6 percentage points) [4]. Business Expansion - As of the first half of 2025, the company operates 234 schools and centers across almost all provinces in mainland China and Hong Kong, having recently acquired Shanxi Metallurgy Technician College. The average number of trainees for long-term courses was 134,100, reflecting a 4.9% year-on-year increase, accounting for 87.8% of total trainees. However, there was downward pressure on long-term training participants, with 1-2 year, 2-3 year, and 3-year participants showing year-on-year changes of +85.4%, -8.1%, and -0.4% respectively. New enrollments reached 83,500, a 7.1% increase compared to the previous year [5].

Core Viewpoint - China Oriental Education (00667) is recognized as a leading vocational training institution in China, leveraging its strong national presence and brand power to meet the robust demand for high-skilled talent in the labor market [1] Financial Performance - In the first half of 2025, the company's revenue reached 2.186 billion yuan, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 10.2%, while the net profit attributable to shareholders was 403 million yuan, marking a significant increase of 48.4% [3] - The gross profit margin improved to 57.3%, an increase of 4.3 percentage points, indicating effective cost control alongside business expansion [2][3] Segment Performance - Revenue from culinary technology was 1.024 billion yuan, up 11.4%, with a gross margin of 60.5% [4] - Revenue from pastry and western cuisine reached 182 million yuan, growing 14.3%, with a gross margin of 60.4% [4] - Information technology and internet technology revenue declined by 3.0% to 367 million yuan, but the gross margin increased to 57.6% [4] - Automotive services generated 492 million yuan, a 9.6% increase, with a gross margin of 54.7% [4] - Fashion beauty industry revenue surged by 90.2% to 77 million yuan, with a gross margin of 61.4% [4] - Other business revenue was 44 million yuan, up 18.2%, but with a negative gross margin of 8.6% [4] Business Expansion - As of the first half of 2025, the company operates 234 schools and centers across almost all provinces in mainland China and Hong Kong, having acquired Shanxi Metallurgy Technician College during the period [5] - The average number of trainees for long-term courses was 134,100, a year-on-year increase of 4.9%, accounting for 87.8% of total trainees [5] - New enrollments reached 83,500, reflecting a 7.1% increase compared to the previous year [5]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for China Oriental Education, indicating a positive outlook for the company's stock performance relative to the local market index [14][21]. Core Insights - The company is expected to experience a dual improvement in performance and valuation, driven by its strong brand influence in various training sectors such as culinary arts, pastry, information technology, and automotive services [2][14]. - Revenue for the first half of 2025 is projected to grow by 10.2%, with a gross margin increase to 57.3%, reflecting effective business expansion and cost control [2][14]. - The company operates 234 schools and centers across mainland China and Hong Kong, with a steady increase in training participants [4][14]. Financial Summary - Revenue projections for the years 2024 to 2027 are as follows: - 2024: 4,116 million RMB - 2025: 4,585 million RMB (up 11%) - 2026: 5,088 million RMB (up 11%) - 2027: 5,591 million RMB (up 10%) [5][12] - Net profit forecasts for the same period are: - 2024: 513 million RMB - 2025: 798 million RMB (up 56%) - 2026: 1,004 million RMB (up 26%) - 2027: 1,128 million RMB (up 12%) [5][12] - Earnings per share (EPS) estimates are: - 2024: 0.24 RMB - 2025: 0.36 RMB - 2026: 0.45 RMB - 2027: 0.51 RMB [5][12]. Market Performance - The stock price has fluctuated between 2.43 and 9.05 HKD over the past 52 weeks, with a current market capitalization of 13,808 million HKD [8][12]. - The report suggests a target price of 9.0 RMB, equivalent to approximately 9.9 HKD, based on a 20X PE valuation for 2026 [14].

Group 1 - The "2025 Science and Technology Investment Conference" was held in Hefei, Anhui, focusing on the integration of technology innovation and industrial innovation to drive high-quality development [1][5] - The conference gathered nearly a thousand representatives from government, industry, investment, and research sectors to discuss the cultivation of future industries through patient capital [1][3] Group 2 - China Oriental Education Holdings Limited was awarded the "Anhui Influential Company (Hong Kong Stock)" for its continuous innovation and contributions in vocational education and skills training [6][10] - The award reflects the recognition of the company's brand value and development achievements by the capital market and industry [6][11] Group 3 - The Anhui provincial government emphasizes the importance of vocational education as a key bridge connecting talent cultivation and industrial demand, aligning with national strategies for technological self-reliance and innovation [3][8] - Anhui aims to create a favorable innovation environment and high-quality industrial ecosystem, fostering collaboration among various enterprises and providing more investment opportunities [3][8]