Financial Performance - Lexin reported Q2 2025 revenue of RMB 3.59 billion, a 15.6% increase quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) [1] - Non-GAAP EBIT profit reached RMB 670 million, up 15.2% QoQ and 116.4% year-over-year (YoY), marking the highest profit in 14 quarters [1] - The company's transaction volume in Q2 was RMB 52.86 billion, with total loans under management at RMB 105.78 billion and user count reaching 236 million [3] Asset Quality - Risk indicators improved for four consecutive quarters, with the First-payment default (FPD7) of newly added assets decreasing by approximately 5% QoQ [4] - The delinquency rate of all assets dropped by about 2% QoQ, and the 90+ day non-performing loan ratio fell by around 6% QoQ [4] - The profit margin in Q2 increased by 34 basis points compared to Q1, with consistent quarterly growth of over 20 basis points [6] Shareholder Returns - A cash dividend of US$0.194 per ADS will be distributed on September 15, representing approximately 25% of the first-half net profit, a 76% increase from the previous dividend [7] - The dividend payout ratio will increase from 25% to 30% of net profit starting in the second half of the year [7][8] - Lexin launched a US$60 million share-repurchase program to enhance shareholder returns [8] Strategic Initiatives - The company is focusing on a strategic transformation driven by risk and data, achieving refined operations and high-quality growth [9] - Lexin is aligning with government policies to boost consumption by enriching its product suite and optimizing user experience [10] - The Fenqile Mall upgraded its supply chain and saw a 139% YoY increase in GMV during the "6·18" promotion period [12] Inclusive Finance - Fenqile Inclusive upgraded its products using big data and AI, facilitating RMB 4.69 billion in loan disbursements to small and micro enterprises [14] - The company supports small enterprises with low-interest, high-limit financial products, enhancing their resilience [13] Digital Technology and Risk Management - Lexin invested RMB 160 million in R&D in Q2, up 10% YoY, focusing on risk control and operational resilience [18] - The company upgraded its risk control system using AI large models, improving decision-making efficiency and risk management accuracy [20] - Lexin's self-developed AI Agent positions increased to 50, with plans to expand to over 100, enhancing operational efficiency [21][22] Consumer Protection - Lexin is integrating consumer protection into its business chain, improving over 50 digital tools to enhance service response and user satisfaction [23]

Central Bank and Foreign Exchange Reserves - As of July 2025, China's foreign exchange reserves stood at $32,922 billion, a decrease of $252 billion from June, marking a decline of 0.76% [1] - The central bank has increased its gold reserves for the ninth consecutive month, reaching 7,396 million ounces (approximately 2,300.41 tons), with a month-on-month increase of 6,000 ounces (approximately 1.86 tons) [1] - The gold reserve balance increased by $10 billion to $243.985 billion, accounting for 7.41% of the foreign exchange reserves, up 0.09 percentage points from the previous month [1] Banking Sector Performance - Five banks, including Ningbo Bank and Hangzhou Bank, reported double-digit growth in both operating income and net profit for the first half of 2025 [1] - Ningbo Bank's total assets reached 3.47 trillion yuan, growing by 11.04% year-on-year, while Hangzhou Bank's total assets were 2.24 trillion yuan, up 5.83% [1] - As of June 2025, the total assets of Qilu Bank and Qingdao Bank were in the range of 700 billion to 800 billion yuan, and Changshu Bank's total assets exceeded 400 billion yuan, reaching 401.251 billion yuan [1] Retail Banking Developments - China Merchants Bank's retail assets under management (AUM) surpassed 16 trillion yuan, making it the first joint-stock commercial bank in China to achieve this milestone [2] - The bank's AUM growth accelerated, with the first 5 trillion yuan taking 9 years, the second 5 trillion yuan taking 5 years, and the latest 5 trillion yuan achieved in just over 3 years [2] - The bank's asset custody scale exceeded 24 trillion yuan, and its asset management scale approached 4.5 trillion yuan [2] Corporate Governance Changes - 18 listed banks have announced the cancellation or advancement of the dissolution of their supervisory boards, following a trend initiated by several state-owned banks [4] - This change is attributed to the implementation of the new Company Law in 2024 and regulatory guidance, indicating a shift in corporate governance practices [4] - The supervisory board's functions will be primarily taken over by the audit committee of the board of directors and employee directors, raising the governance standards for companies [4] Credit Card and Asset Management Innovations - China Bank will include litigation fees related to overdue credit card accounts in the billing statements starting September 14, 2025 [3] - The fees will cover various costs such as litigation, arbitration, and legal fees, with a pilot program starting in Shanghai [3] - Gansu Bank has sold non-performing assets to local asset management companies, with the latest sale valued at 14.922 billion yuan, resulting in a projected financial impact of 1.26 billion yuan [3] Insurance Sector Performance - 147 non-listed insurance companies reported a net profit exceeding 29 billion yuan in the first half of 2025, a significant increase from the previous year [4] - The number of loss-making insurance companies decreased from 30 to 21, with notable profits from companies like Taikang Life and Zhongyi Insurance [4] - Taikang Life's net profit surged by 164% year-on-year, reaching a historical high, while Zhongxin Insurance turned a profit after previous losses [4] Dividend Distribution by Major Insurers - Five major listed insurers announced a total cash dividend distribution of 907.89 billion yuan for 2024, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 20.21% [5] - China Insurance and New China Life announced significant cash dividends, with New China Life's total cash dividends for 2024 increasing by 197.6% compared to 2023 [5] Financial Technology Developments - Lexin's Q2 revenue reached 3.59 billion yuan, a 15.6% increase from the previous quarter, with a profit of 670 million yuan, marking a 116.4% year-on-year increase [9] - The company reported improved asset quality, with a decrease in various risk indicators for four consecutive quarters [9] - Yika's subsidiary in Japan achieved significant milestones, including registration for credit card business and compliance with global security standards [10]

Core Viewpoint - Lexin (LX.US) reported strong financial performance in Q2, with revenue of 3.59 billion RMB, a 15.6% increase quarter-over-quarter, and a GAAP net profit of 511 million RMB, up 19% quarter-over-quarter and 126% year-over-year, marking the highest profit in 14 quarters [1] Financial Performance - Q2 operating revenue reached 3.64 billion RMB, with significant contributions from credit facilitation service income and tech-empowered service income [3] - Financial net income increased from 1.818 billion RMB in the previous quarter to 2 billion RMB, reflecting a 10% growth [1][2] Risk Improvement - The company has shown continuous improvement in risk indicators, with new asset FPD decreasing by approximately 5% and the overall asset 90+ delinquency rate down by about 6% [4] - The positive change in the fair value of financial guarantee derivatives and loans has further contributed to profit, indicating improved risk levels [4][5] Strategic Adjustments - In response to the new lending regulations, Lexin proactively adjusted its risk strategy in Q2, enhancing risk identification and management for high-risk clients [5] - The company is leveraging technology upgrades to improve risk control capabilities and differentiate pricing strategies, leading to quality growth [5][6] Ecosystem Development - Lexin's ecosystem business is rapidly expanding, with significant growth in installment retail and e-commerce, achieving a 71% increase in gross profit to 97 million RMB and an 80% increase in GMV to 2 billion RMB [6][7] - The integration of technology and finance is seen as a long-term competitive advantage, with AI being embedded in various operational processes [8][9] Shareholder Returns - The company announced a dividend of 0.194 USD per ADS, a 76% increase from the previous period, and plans to increase the dividend payout ratio from 25% to 30% of net profit [10][11] - A stock buyback plan of up to 50 million USD is also in place, aimed at enhancing shareholder value and boosting stock performance [10][11] Valuation Perspective - Lexin's current PE ratio is below 4, and PB ratio is 0.67, indicating it is undervalued compared to peers, with potential for valuation premium as risk improves and technology integration progresses [11]

Core Insights - The overall performance of the seven fintech companies, including Lufax, Qifu Technology, Xinye Technology, Lexin, Xiaoying Technology, Jiayin Technology, and Yirendai, showed mixed results, but asset quality continued to improve [1] Performance Analysis - Lufax reported the highest revenue of 5.543 billion yuan in Q3 2024, but its revenue decreased by 31.14% year-on-year, with net profit declining by over 100% [2] - Jiayin Technology also experienced a decline in both revenue and profit, with Q3 2024 revenue at 1.445 billion yuan, down 1.46% year-on-year, and net profit at 270 million yuan, down 16.73% [3] - Qifu Technology achieved a revenue of 4.370 billion yuan in Q3 2024, with a year-on-year revenue growth of 2% and a net profit increase of approximately 50%, making it one of the few companies with positive growth [3] Asset Quality Improvement - Despite some companies facing performance pressures, the overdue rates indicated an improvement in asset quality across the fintech sector [4] - As of September 30, 2024, Xinye Technology's overdue rate for loans over 90 days was 2.50%, while Yirendai showed improvements in various overdue categories [4] - Qifu Technology's overdue rate for loans over 90 days decreased to 2.72% from 3.4% in the previous quarter, reflecting better risk management [4] Market Outlook - Analysts noted a divergence in financial indicators among the listed fintech companies, but a common trend of improving overdue rates and asset recovery was observed [5] - The companies are expected to focus on enhancing business quality and efficiency, while also consolidating less profitable marginal businesses [5]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Buy" with a target price of $12.00 [8][9]. Core Insights - The company's net profit for Q2 2025 reached 510 million RMB, showing a year-on-year increase of 126% and a quarter-on-quarter increase of 19%, aligning with the company's guidance for significant profit growth this year [1]. - The net profit take rate (NTR) improved to 1.92% from 1.59% in Q1 2025, driven by increased revenue from light capital and e-commerce businesses [1]. - The company has announced a share repurchase plan of $50 million and a management buyback plan of $10 million, indicating a commitment to shareholder returns [1]. - The main uncertainty for the future is the potential impact of the new lending regulations on the industry, which could affect profitability and loan risk performance [1]. Summary by Sections Quality - Risk indicators have shown continuous improvement, with a 2% decrease in the first-day overdue rate and a 5% decrease in the first payment default (FPD) rate for new loans [2]. - The company has been upgrading its risk control system since early 2024, and the improving loan quality is gradually validating these efforts [2]. - Despite positive forward-looking risk indicators, the company remains cautious in provisioning, with credit costs increasing by 13.6% quarter-on-quarter [2]. Scale - New loan issuance slightly increased to 5.29 billion RMB, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 3.5% and a quarter-on-quarter growth of 2.5% [3]. - The proportion of loans under the ICP model decreased to 15% from 24% in Q1 2025 due to stricter regulations, but the company's diversified business ecosystem helps mitigate related impacts [3]. - E-commerce GMV reached 2 billion RMB, a quarter-on-quarter increase of 80.2%, with 97% of consumers using installment services [3]. Profitability - The NTR increased to 1.92%, primarily driven by a 126 basis points increase in revenue take rate to 11.64% [4]. - Light capital income rose by 32.9% to 830 million RMB, significantly contributing to profitability [4]. - E-commerce gross profit also increased by 71% to 97 million RMB due to rapid growth in GMV [4]. - Factors negatively impacting profitability include a 27 basis points rise in funding costs to 4.2% and an increase in customer acquisition costs to 810 RMB [4]. Profit Forecast and Valuation - The company's performance is relatively stable, with minor adjustments to net profit forecasts for 2025, 2026, and 2027, now projected at 2.18 billion RMB, 3.21 billion RMB, and 3.60 billion RMB respectively [6]. - The average price-to-book (PB) ratio for comparable consumer loan platforms is estimated at 1.07x for 2025, and the company is assigned a PB of 1.15x based on its unique business ecosystem [6].

Core Insights - Lexin reported Q2 2025 unaudited financial results, achieving revenue of 3.59 billion yuan, a quarter-on-quarter increase of 15.6% [1] - Profit reached 670 million yuan, a year-on-year increase of 116.4% and a quarter-on-quarter increase of 15.2%, marking five consecutive quarters of growth [1] - The company’s transaction volume for Q2 was 52.86 billion yuan, with a loan balance of 105.78 billion yuan and a user base of 236 million [1] Financial Performance - Revenue for Q2 2025 was 3.59 billion yuan, reflecting a 15.6% increase from the previous quarter [1] - Profit for the same period was 670 million yuan, showing a significant year-on-year growth of 116.4% and a quarter-on-quarter increase of 15.2% [1] - The company has achieved five consecutive quarters of quarter-on-quarter profit growth [1] Operational Highlights - In Q2, Lexin's transaction volume reached 52.86 billion yuan, with a management loan balance of 105.78 billion yuan [1] - The user base expanded to 236 million by the end of Q2 [1] - R&D investment in Q2 was 160 million yuan, a year-on-year increase of 10% [1] Strategic Initiatives - To boost consumption, Lexin upgraded its supply chain for the Fenqile Mall, introducing numerous well-known brand merchants [1] - The company enhanced operational models such as "Zhenpin Hui" and "Factory Store" to meet diverse user needs [1] - During the "6.18" shopping festival, the GMV of Fenqile Mall increased by 139% year-on-year [1] Shareholder Returns - In July, Lexin announced a share repurchase plan of 60 million USD [1] - Starting from the second half of the year, the dividend payout ratio will increase from 25% to 30% of net profit [1] - These measures are expected to further enhance shareholder returns [1] Management Outlook - CEO Xiao Wenjie stated that the company adheres to a prudent operating strategy, with steady growth in ecological business and improving asset quality [2] - In Q3, Lexin plans to continue its stable operations, leveraging ecological business synergies to enhance operational resilience [2] - The company aims to maintain a downward trend in risks while continuing to grow profits [2]

Core Viewpoint - Lexin will distribute a dividend of $0.194 per ADS for the first half of 2025, representing 25% of its net profit for the period, with a significant increase compared to the previous dividend of $0.11 per ADS for the second half of 2024, which is an increase of approximately 76% [1] Summary by Category - **Dividend Announcement** - Lexin will conduct its dividend distribution on September 15, 2025, with a payout of $0.194 per ADS [1] - The upcoming dividend represents 25% of the company's net profit for the first half of 2025 [1] - **Comparison with Previous Dividends** - The current dividend amount shows a 76% increase from the $0.11 per ADS distributed in the second half of 2024 [1] - **Future Dividend Policy** - Starting from the second half of 2025, the company plans to increase its dividend payout ratio from 25% to 30% of its semi-annual net profit [1]

Core Viewpoint - Lexin will distribute a dividend of $0.194 per ADS on September 15, 2025, representing 25% of its net profit for the first half of the year, with a significant increase of approximately 76% compared to the previous dividend of $0.11 per ADS in the second half of 2024, driven by improved quarterly performance [1] Financial Performance - In Q2 2025, Lexin reported revenue of 3.59 billion yuan, a quarter-on-quarter increase of 15.6%, and a net profit of 511 million yuan, reflecting a quarter-on-quarter growth of 19% and a year-on-year increase of 126%, marking the highest performance in 14 quarters [1] Shareholder Returns - Starting from the second half of 2025, the company's dividend payout ratio will increase from 25% to 30% of net profit [1] - Lexin announced a $50 million stock repurchase plan and CEO Xiao Wenjie’s personal investment of $10 million, indicating a commitment to enhancing shareholder returns [1] - The management emphasized the importance of shareholder returns and plans to explore various ways to create value for shareholders as profits continue to grow [1]

Core Viewpoint - Lexin will distribute a dividend of $0.194 per ADS on September 15, 2025, representing 25% of its net profit for the first half of the year, with a significant increase of approximately 76% compared to the previous dividend of $0.11 per ADS [1] Financial Performance - In Q2 2025, Lexin reported revenue of 3.59 billion yuan, a quarter-on-quarter increase of 15.6% [1] - The net profit for Q2 2025 was 511 million yuan, reflecting a quarter-on-quarter growth of 19% and a year-on-year increase of 126%, marking the highest profit in 14 quarters [1] Shareholder Returns - Starting from the second half of 2025, the dividend payout ratio will increase from 25% to 30% of the semi-annual net profit [1] - The company announced a $50 million stock repurchase plan and CEO Xiao Wenjie’s personal investment of $10 million, indicating a commitment to enhancing shareholder returns [1] - Lexin's management emphasized the importance of shareholder returns and plans to explore various methods to create value for shareholders as profits continue to grow [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total GMV reached RMB52.9 billion, a quarter over quarter growth of 2.4% [6] - Revenue increased by 16% to RMB3.6 billion [7] - Net profit reached RMB511 million, representing quarter over quarter growth of 19% and year over year growth of 126% [7][24] - Cash dividend payout ratio raised from 25% to 30% starting from the second half of the year [7] - A $60 million share repurchase plan announced to be executed within the next twelve months [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - E-commerce GMV increased by 139% year over year during the June 18 Shopping Festival [9] - Net revenue of the credit business increased by 10% to RMB2 billion [25] - Net revenue of the e-commerce business increased by 71% to RMB97 million [25][33] - The capital heavy model accounted for 80% of GMV, up from 73% in the first quarter [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Day one delinquency ratio decreased by about 2% quarter over quarter [16] - Ninety-day delinquency ratio declined to 3.1% [30] - First payment default over seven days declined by about 5% compared to the previous quarter [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a business model driven by data analytics, risk management, and refined operations [6] - Plans to expand into lower-tier cities and enhance service capabilities for small and micro business owners [10][42] - Emphasis on maintaining a user-centric philosophy and enhancing consumer satisfaction [12] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management believes new regulations will foster a healthier industry environment, benefiting compliant platforms [14] - The company maintains its full-year guidance for significant year over year profit growth despite macroeconomic uncertainties [14] - Continued focus on risk management and enhancing operational efficiency [22] Other Important Information - The company has developed a proactive consumer rights protection system to enhance user satisfaction [13] - Significant investment in technology for consumer protection, refining over 50 digital tools [13] - The provision coverage ratio reached 270%, indicating a strong risk management position [49] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of new regulations on the company - The company observed funding supply tightness and increased funding costs due to new regulations, but believes it will lead to a healthier industry environment [40][41] Question: Development strategy and outlook of the ecosystem business - The company has made significant progress in its ecosystem, particularly in installment e-commerce, and plans to continue expanding into lower-tier cities [42][43] Question: Asset quality and risk management system - The company has tightened re-approval standards and improved early reminders for loan repayments to maintain asset quality amid regulatory changes [46] Question: Drivers of underlying net tariff improvement - The company has successfully improved its net profit take rate due to strong revenue growth from both credit and e-commerce businesses [50][52] Question: Shareholder return and buyback program - The management announced a $50 million share repurchase program and plans to enhance shareholder returns through dividends and buybacks [57][58]