Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Outperform" rating with a target price of 15.52 HKD per share [4][13]. Core Insights - The company has shown strong performance in its payment business, with a total payment volume (TPV) growth of 94% year-on-year in global payments and a significant increase in net profit due to substantial investment gains [4][15]. - The company is strategically investing in the Web3.0 ecosystem, allocating 50% of the funds raised from a recent share placement to blockchain innovations in global payments [4][16]. Financial Summary - Revenue for H1 2025 reached 783 million RMB, up 26.8% year-on-year, while net profit turned positive at 1.51 billion RMB, primarily due to the sale of a subsidiary stake [4][14]. - The gross margin stood at 51.9%, with a slight decrease of 0.7 percentage points year-on-year, and overall expense ratios showed significant optimization [4][14]. - The company forecasts revenue growth for 2025-2027, with total revenues projected at 1,652 million RMB in 2025, 2,089 million RMB in 2026, and 2,577 million RMB in 2027, reflecting growth rates of 25.7%, 26.4%, and 23.4% respectively [3][4]. Business Performance - The digital payment segment generated 684 million RMB in revenue for H1 2025, marking a 26.2% increase year-on-year, with total TPV reaching 2.1 trillion RMB, up 32.0% year-on-year [4][15]. - The company has a robust customer base of 7.9 million, supported by 65 global payment licenses, indicating strong future growth potential in transaction volumes [4][15]. Web3.0 Ecosystem Investment - The company completed a share placement in July 2025, raising 387 million HKD, with plans to invest in blockchain technology for global payments [4][16]. - The acquisition of a Hong Kong VATP license positions the company to enhance its digital asset capabilities and ecosystem [4][16].

股份發行人及根據《上市規則》第十九B章上市的香港預託證券發行人的證券變動月報表 截至月份: 2025年8月31日 狀態: 新提交 致：香港交易及結算所有限公司 公司名稱: 連連數字科技股份有限公司 呈交日期: 2025年9月3日 I. 法定/註冊股本變動 | 1. 股份分類 | 普通股 | 股份類別 | H | | 於香港聯交所上市 (註1) | | 是 | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 證券代號 (如上市) | 02598 | 說明 | H股 | | | | | | | | | 法定/註冊股份數目 | | | 面值 | | 法定/註冊股本 | | | 上月底結存 | | | 457,068,764 | RMB | | 1 RMB | | 457,068,764 | | 增加 / 減少 (-) | | | 0 | | | RMB | | 0 | | 本月底結存 | | | 457,068,764 | RMB | | 1 RMB | | 457,068,764 | | 2. 股份分類 | 普通股 | 股份類別 | 其他類別 ...

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the company with a revised SOTP target price of HKD 17.7, up from HKD 17.3 [1][4][14] Core Insights - The company reported a 27% year-on-year revenue growth in the first half of 2025, driven by a 94% increase in global payment TPV and a 28% increase in domestic payment TPV [1][2][3] - The digital payment business shows a stable growth trend, with significant improvements in profitability, particularly in global payments [3][4] - The company has obtained a license for leveraged foreign exchange trading, which is expected to enhance user engagement and business barriers [3] Financial Performance - Total revenue for 1H25 was RMB 780 million, slightly above expectations, with global and domestic payment revenues contributing 65% and 24% respectively [2][4] - Gross profit reached RMB 410 million, with a gross margin of 52%, indicating stable profitability in digital payments [2][4] - The adjusted EBITDA profit forecast for the year has been increased by 2% due to the strong performance in the first half [4][5] Business Segments - Global payment TPV increased by 94% to RMB 198.5 billion, with a stable gross margin of 73% [3][12] - Domestic payment TPV grew by 28% to RMB 18.7 trillion, maintaining a stable fee rate [3][12] - The company’s digital payment services continue to dominate revenue, accounting for 87% of total income [12][13] Financial Projections - The company expects total revenue to reach RMB 1.672 billion in 2025, with a year-on-year growth of 27% [5][13] - The adjusted net profit is projected to be RMB 1.346 billion in 2025, reflecting a significant turnaround from previous losses [5][13] - The overall TPV is expected to grow by 28% year-on-year, with global payment TPV projected to reach RMB 442 billion [4][13] Valuation - The SOTP valuation indicates a target price of HKD 17.7, suggesting a potential upside of 54% from the current share price of HKD 11.48 [4][14] - The valuation is based on a revenue multiple of 10.0 for the core business and includes the valuation of the company’s stake in a subsidiary [14]

Core Viewpoint - The company reported strong financial performance in 1H25, with significant revenue growth and a return to profitability, driven by strategic asset sales and robust payment processing activity [1][2]. Financial Performance - 1H25 revenue increased by 27% year-on-year to 780 million yuan, with net profit turning positive at 151 million yuan compared to a net loss of 35 million yuan in 1H24, largely due to over 1.6 billion yuan in gains from the sale of a stake in a subsidiary [1][2]. - Adjusted recurring operating profit was 6.258 million yuan, a significant improvement from a loss of 8.88 million yuan in 1H24, indicating enhanced core business profitability [2]. Business Trends - Total Payment Volume (TPV) for 1H25 grew by 32% year-on-year to 2.1 trillion yuan, outpacing revenue growth of 27% [1]. - Global payment TPV surged by 94% to 198.5 billion yuan, while domestic payment TPV rose by 28% to 1.9 trillion yuan, with stable fee rates contributing to revenue growth [1]. - Value-added services revenue increased by 34% to 90 million yuan, driven by virtual card offerings and the expansion of digital products [1]. Profitability Metrics - Gross profit for 1H25 rose by 25% to 410 million yuan, maintaining a high gross margin of 52% [2]. - The gross margin for global payments was 72.7%, while domestic payments stood at 19.9%, with a slight decline in value-added services margin attributed to lower profitability in virtual card operations [2]. Strategic Outlook - The company anticipates steady growth in payment business, projecting TPV to continue increasing and revenue growth to exceed 20% in the coming years, with a target recurring operating profit of nearly 70 million yuan in 2025 [3]. - The company plans to allocate 30% of its fundraising to enhance global licensing and local service capabilities, while 50% will focus on blockchain technology innovations in cross-border payments [3]. Market Position - As a leading cross-border payment service provider, the company is well-positioned to benefit from Web3 payment innovations and has obtained a VATP license, which opens new growth avenues [3]. Valuation and Forecast - Revenue forecasts for 2025 and 2026 have been raised by 2% to 1.65 billion yuan and 2.02 billion yuan, respectively, while maintaining adjusted profit estimates [4]. - The target price has been increased by 3.3% to 15.8 HKD, reflecting a potential upside of 39% based on a price-to-sales ratio of 9x for 2025 and 8x for 2026 [4].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the company, with a target price of HKD 13.90, representing a potential upside of 23.6% from the current price of HKD 11.25 [1][6][14]. Core Insights - The company has demonstrated robust growth in its core business, with total revenue reaching HKD 783 million in the first half of 2025, a year-on-year increase of 26.8%. The gross margin improved to 51.8%, reflecting effective cost control and a higher proportion of high-margin business [3][9]. - The domestic payment business is steadily expanding, with total payment transaction volume reaching HKD 1.87 trillion, a 27.6% increase year-on-year. The international payment business saw a remarkable growth in total payment volume (TPV), which nearly doubled to HKD 198.5 billion, a 94.0% increase [4][10][11]. - The value-added services segment is showing synergistic effects, with total revenue of HKD 89.59 million, up 34.2% year-on-year. The company is enhancing its blockchain technology applications in cross-border payments, which could open new revenue streams [5][12][13]. Financial Performance Summary - For the fiscal years 2025 to 2027, the company is projected to achieve revenues of HKD 1.61 billion, HKD 1.96 billion, and HKD 2.37 billion, respectively, with year-on-year growth rates of 22.4%, 21.9%, and 20.8% [6][7][14]. - The net profit for 2025 is expected to reach HKD 1.53 billion, significantly boosted by the sale of equity in a joint venture with American Express [14].

Core Viewpoint - CICC maintains a "outperform industry" rating for Lianlian Digital (02598.HK) and raises the target price by 3.3% to HKD 15.8 due to improved market sentiment [1] Financial Performance - Lianlian Digital's 1H25 performance met expectations, with revenue increasing by 27% year-on-year to CNY 780 million, and net profit turning positive to CNY 1.51 billion [1] - Total Payment Volume (TPV) rose by 32% year-on-year to CNY 2.1 trillion, outpacing the revenue growth of 27% [1] - Gross profit increased by 25% year-on-year to CNY 410 million, maintaining a high gross margin of 52% [1] Future Projections - CICC has adjusted revenue forecasts for 2025 and 2026 upwards by 2% each to CNY 1.65 billion and CNY 2.02 billion respectively, anticipating steady growth in TPV and payment revenue [1] - The company is expected to achieve a recurring operating profit of nearly CNY 70 million in 2025 [1] Competitive Advantages - Lianlian Digital has significant advantages in licensing compliance, having recently obtained SFC Type 3 license for regulated leveraged foreign exchange trading, as well as in technological innovation and global network [1] - The company is continuously enhancing its global licensing layout and local service capabilities overseas [1] - As a leading cross-border payment service provider, Lianlian Digital is poised to benefit from Web3 payments and VATP licenses, which open up growth opportunities [1]

Core Viewpoint - The report from Industrial Securities initiates coverage of Lianlian Digital (02598.HK) with a "Buy" rating, highlighting its position as a leading digital payment solution provider in China [1] Group 1: Company Overview - Lianlian Digital specializes in cross-border payment services, catering to Chinese and overseas merchants and enterprises [1] - As of June 30, 2025, the company has served a total of 7.9 million clients and holds 65 licenses across major markets including China, the US, EU, UK, Southeast Asia, and South America, ensuring compliance in the global payment market [1] Group 2: Financial Performance - For the first half of 2025, the company reported a total payment volume (TPV) of 2.1 trillion yuan, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 32.0% [1] - Total revenue for H1 2025 reached 783 million yuan, up 26.8% year-on-year, with gross profit of 406 million yuan, representing a 25.0% increase and a stable gross margin of 51.9% [1] - The adjusted profit and loss showed a turnaround with a figure of 1.656 billion yuan [1] Group 3: Business Segments - Global payment business achieved a TPV of 198.5 billion yuan, marking a significant year-on-year increase of 94.0%, with revenue of 473 million yuan, up 27.0% [2] - Domestic payment business saw a TPV of 1.9 trillion yuan, growing 27.6% year-on-year, and revenue of 211 million yuan, an increase of 24.6% [2] - Value-added services revenue grew by 34.2% year-on-year, focusing on traffic services and cross-border communication [2]

Core Viewpoint - The report from Industrial Securities initiates coverage of Lianlian Digital (02598.HK) with a "Buy" rating, highlighting its position as a leading digital payment solution provider in China [1] Group 1: Company Overview - Lianlian Digital specializes in cross-border payment services, catering to Chinese cross-border merchants and enterprises, overseas merchants and enterprises, as well as domestic companies [1] - As of June 30, 2025, the company has served a cumulative total of 7.9 million clients [1] - The company has obtained 65 licenses across major markets including China, the US, the EU, the UK, Southeast Asia, and South America, ensuring compliance in the global payment market [1] Group 2: Financial Performance - For the first half of 2025, the company reported a total payment volume (TPV) of 2.1 trillion yuan, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 32.0% [1] - Total revenue for 2025 H1 reached 783 million yuan, an increase of 26.8% year-on-year [1] - Gross profit amounted to 406 million yuan, with a year-on-year growth of 25.0%, resulting in a stable gross margin of 51.9% [1] - Adjusted profit and loss showed a turnaround with a profit of 1.656 billion yuan [1] Group 3: Business Segments - Global Payment Business: The company restructured its payment infrastructure and actively expanded into Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, achieving a global payment TPV of 198.5 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 94.0%, with revenue of 473 million yuan, up 27.0% [1] - Domestic Payment Business: The company enhanced its SaaS collaboration and strengthened system service capabilities for private domain e-commerce clients, with domestic payment TPV reaching 1.9 trillion yuan, a year-on-year growth of 27.6%, and revenue of 211 million yuan, an increase of 24.6% [1] - Value-Added Services: The company expanded its ecosystem around traffic services and cross-border communication, with revenue from value-added services growing by 34.2% year-on-year in 2025 H1 [1]

Core Viewpoint - The report from CICC indicates a significant increase in the Total Payment Volume (TPV) for Lianlian Digital, leading to an upward revision of revenue forecasts for 2025 and 2026 by 2% to 1.65 billion and 2.02 billion HKD respectively, while maintaining adjusted profit estimates unchanged [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - In 1H25, Lianlian Digital's revenue increased by 27% year-on-year to 780 million HKD, with net profit turning positive at 151 million HKD compared to a net loss of 350 million HKD in 1H24, largely due to over 1.6 billion HKD in gains from the sale of part of its stake in LianTong [2] - The TPV for 1H25 rose by 32% year-on-year to 2.1 trillion HKD, outpacing the revenue growth of 27% [3] - Gross profit for 1H25 increased by 25% year-on-year to 410 million HKD, maintaining a high gross margin of 52% [4] Group 2: Business Segments - Global payment TPV surged by 94% year-on-year to 198.5 billion HKD, although the overall fee rate declined to 24 basis points due to higher growth in lower-fee service trade and B2B sectors [3] - Domestic payment TPV grew by 28% year-on-year to 1.9 trillion HKD, with a stable fee rate of 1.1 basis points [3] - Value-added services revenue increased by 34% year-on-year to 90 million HKD, primarily driven by contributions from virtual card services [3] Group 3: Strategic Initiatives - The company plans to allocate 50% of the funds raised from placements to enhance blockchain technology applications in cross-border payments, aiming to improve efficiency and security [7] - The company has received approval for the VATP virtual asset trading platform license, which is expected to expand its service capabilities in cross-border payments [7] - The company anticipates steady growth in TPV and payment revenue, projecting a near 700 million HKD in regular operating profit for 2025 [6]

Core Viewpoint - The report from CICC indicates a strong performance for Lianlian Digital, with an upward revision of revenue forecasts for 2025 and 2026 by 2% to 1.65 billion and 2.02 billion HKD respectively, while maintaining adjusted profit estimates unchanged [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - In 1H25, Lianlian Digital's revenue increased by 27% year-on-year to 780 million HKD, with net profit turning positive at 1.51 billion HKD compared to a net loss of 350 million HKD in 1H24, largely due to over 1.6 billion HKD in gains from the sale of part of its stake in LianTong [2] - The total payment volume (TPV) for 1H25 rose by 32% year-on-year to 2.1 trillion HKD, outpacing the revenue growth of 27% [3] - Gross profit for 1H25 increased by 25% year-on-year to 410 million HKD, maintaining a high gross margin of 52% [4] Group 2: Business Segments - Global payment TPV surged by 94% year-on-year to 198.5 billion HKD, with a decline in overall fee rates to 24 basis points due to higher growth in lower-fee service trade and B2B sectors [3] - Domestic payment TPV grew by 28% year-on-year to 1.9 trillion HKD, with stable fee rates at 1.1 basis points [3] - Value-added services revenue increased by 34% year-on-year to 90 million HKD, contributing 11% to total revenue, driven by virtual card services and the expansion of digital products [3] Group 3: Strategic Outlook - The company expects steady growth in payment business, with TPV projected to increase and payment revenue maintaining a growth rate of over 20% in the next 2-3 years [6] - The company plans to allocate 50% of its fundraising to enhance blockchain technology in cross-border payments, aiming to improve efficiency and security [7] - The recent approval of the VATP license opens up new growth opportunities in the Web3 payment sector, allowing the company to explore additional revenue streams [7]