Core Viewpoint - The 2025 China International Service Trade Fair, themed "Digital Intelligence Leading, Service Trade Renewed," showcases advancements in financial technology, particularly by Qifu Technology, under the national "Artificial Intelligence+" strategy [1][4]. Group 1: Company Developments - Qifu Technology has aligned its technological advancements with national policies, focusing on integrating AI into financial services, aiming for over 70% application penetration by 2027 [1][4]. - The company has invested nearly 10 billion in R&D, with over half of its nearly 1,000 patents related to AI, and has a research team exceeding 1,000 members [4]. - Qifu Technology has developed an AI Approval Officer that automates the loan application review process, achieving T+0 approval times and significantly enhancing efficiency while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements [4][6]. Group 2: Industry Trends - The financial sector is viewed as a prime testing ground for AI technologies, with Qifu Technology aiming to transform AI from a tool into a productive factor through intelligent applications [4][6]. - The company plans to enable one-third of its core business demands to be met through intelligent agents by the end of 2025, indicating a shift towards deeper integration of AI in financial operations [6]. - The evolution of financial intelligent agents is moving from auxiliary roles to core decision-making functions, reflecting a broader trend in the industry towards enhanced efficiency and safety in financial services [6].

Core Viewpoint - Qfin Holdings, Inc. (QFIN), formerly known as Qifu Technology, is highlighted as a promising fintech stock with strong growth, value, and long-term potential [1]. Company Analysis - QFIN is recognized for its favorable position in the fintech sector, suggesting a bullish outlook for the company's future performance [1]. - The analyst emphasizes a focus on fundamental analysis, indicating that QFIN's long-term prospects are more significant than short-term fluctuations [1]. Industry Context - The article reflects a broader interest in fintech stocks, particularly in the context of growth and value, which aligns with current trends in the financial technology industry [1].

Core Viewpoint - The leading lending platforms have shown significant growth in Q2, with a focus on adapting to the upcoming regulatory changes in the lending industry, which are expected to accelerate industry consolidation and enhance risk control and consumer protection requirements [1][2][3]. Overall Performance Growth - The top three platforms, Qifu Technology, Lexin, and Xinye Technology, reported loan balances of 140.08 billion, 105.78 billion, and 75.4 billion RMB respectively, with year-on-year growth rates of 13.4%, -8.1%, and 17.4% [2]. - Lexin achieved a net profit of 510 million RMB in Q2, a 126% increase year-on-year, while Qifu Technology and Xinye Technology reported revenues of 5.216 billion and 3.578 billion RMB, reflecting year-on-year growth of 25.38% and 12.94% respectively [2]. - Qifu Technology's net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders reached 1.734 billion RMB, up 25.6% year-on-year, and Xinye Technology's net profit was 751.3 million RMB, a 36.35% increase [2]. Changes in Business Models - The business structure of platforms has shifted, with a decrease in loan volume under the light capital model due to the upcoming regulatory changes, leading to increased funding costs for both light and heavy capital models [4][5]. - Lexin reported a decrease in the light capital model's share of GMV from 27% in Q1 to 20% in Q2, while the heavy capital model's share increased from 73% to 80% [4]. - Qifu Technology's total loan volume reached 84.609 billion RMB, a 16.1% increase year-on-year, but a 4.8% decrease from the previous quarter, with light capital loans accounting for 41.4% of the total [5]. New Growth Opportunities - Platforms are actively seeking new growth points outside traditional loan facilitation, with Xinye Technology reporting international market revenue of 1.5072 billion RMB in H1 2025, a 30.2% year-on-year increase [7]. - Lexin's credit facilitation service revenue was 2.27 billion RMB, down 15.0% year-on-year, while technology-enabled service revenue grew by 55.3% to 830 million RMB [8]. - Qifu Technology emphasizes AI-driven financial technology as its core growth potential, with its subsidiary achieving a 150% year-on-year growth in business scale [8]. Industry Trends - The industry is expected to focus on three main directions: deepening scenario finance, enhancing small and micro finance services using AI models, and strengthening data asset operations to improve risk control accuracy [8][9]. - The upcoming regulatory changes are anticipated to accelerate industry consolidation, favoring platforms with strong compliance capabilities and high technological barriers [9].

Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Buy" for both US and HK stocks [6]. Core Insights - The company experienced a slight fluctuation in risk during 2Q25, with loan volume decreasing by 4.8% quarter-on-quarter to 84.6 billion RMB, and net profit attributable to shareholders decreasing by 3.7% to 1.73 billion RMB [1][2]. - The implementation of the "New Regulations on Internet Lending" on October 1 is expected to be the biggest uncertainty for the industry, potentially affecting business models and profitability, but may lead to a more optimized competitive environment in the long term as non-compliant small platforms are phased out [1][3]. - The company aims to provide stable shareholder returns, having utilized 277 million USD of its 450 million USD buyback plan as of August 14 [3]. Loan Quality - In 2Q25, the risk slightly increased, with C-M2 rising to 0.64% (from 0.60% in 1Q25), and the first-day overdue rate increasing to 5.1% (from 5.0% in 1Q25) [2]. - The 30-day repayment rate decreased to 87.3% (from 88.1% in 1Q25), indicating potential short-term volatility in risk due to liquidity tightening from the new regulations [2]. Loan Volume - The new loan volume in 2Q25 was 84.6 billion RMB, reflecting a quarter-on-quarter decrease of 4.8% but a year-on-year increase of 16.1% [2]. - The company has reduced its light capital loan volume ratio to 41% (from 49% in 1Q25), indicating a more cautious approach from funding sources [2]. Funding Costs - Current funding costs are at a relatively low level, with limited potential for significant further reductions in the future [2]. Profit Forecast and Valuation - The company maintains its net profit forecasts for 2025, 2026, and 2027 at 6.93 billion RMB, 7.49 billion RMB, and 7.93 billion RMB respectively [4]. - The target prices are set at 53.7 USD for US stocks and 210.5 HKD for HK stocks, based on a PE of 6.5x for 2025 [4][10].

Group 1 - Qfin Holdings Inc. - Sponsored ADR (QFIN) has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a more favorable earnings estimate revision trend compared to Blackstone Inc. (BX), which has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [3] - Value investors utilize various traditional metrics to identify undervalued companies, including P/E ratio, P/S ratio, earnings yield, and cash flow per share [4] - QFIN's forward P/E ratio is 4.30, significantly lower than BX's forward P/E of 34.29, suggesting QFIN may be undervalued [5] Group 2 - QFIN has a PEG ratio of 0.31, while BX has a PEG ratio of 1.39, indicating QFIN's expected earnings growth is more favorable relative to its price [5] - QFIN's P/B ratio is 1.42, compared to BX's P/B of 6.38, further supporting QFIN's valuation as more attractive [6] - QFIN's overall Value grade is A, while BX's Value grade is D, highlighting QFIN as the better option for value investors [6]

Core Viewpoint - QFIN's stock opened up 3.18% on August 25, reaching $32.45 per share, with a total market capitalization of $4.297 billion. The company reported a total revenue of 9.907 billion RMB for the period ending June 30, 2025, representing a year-on-year growth of 19.17%, and a net profit of 3.534 billion RMB, up 38.88% year-on-year [1][2]. Group 1: Company Overview - QFIN is a leading credit technology platform in China, focused on providing innovative credit services to financial institutions, enabling consumers and small businesses to access personalized credit solutions [2][3]. - The company collaborates with 133 financial institutions, including state-owned and regional banks, to enhance credit assessment and risk management [2]. Group 2: Target Audience - The company targets consumers who are underserved by traditional financial institutions, particularly those with short credit histories and high potential for growth [3][4]. - QFIN also focuses on small and micro enterprises that lack sufficient credit history or collateral, offering tailored loan products to meet their needs [4]. Group 3: Service Offerings - QFIN provides two main types of services: credit-driven services and platform services, both designed to improve the lending process and enhance credit assessment [4][5]. - Credit-driven services involve matching potential borrowers with financial institutions, where QFIN assumes some credit risk [5][6]. - Platform services include a range of technology solutions throughout the loan lifecycle, such as borrower acquisition and credit assessment, without assuming credit risk [6][7]. Group 4: Technology and Innovation - The company utilizes its proprietary Intelligent Credit Engine (ICE) to provide smart marketing services and assist financial institutions in initial credit screening [6][7]. - QFIN has also introduced a risk management SaaS service to help financial institutions improve their credit assessment processes [7].

Core Viewpoint - QFIN's stock price increased by 2.39% on August 21, 2023, reaching $30.389 per share, with a total market capitalization of $4.024 billion. The company reported a total revenue of 9.907 billion RMB for the period ending June 30, 2025, representing a year-on-year growth of 19.17%, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of 3.534 billion RMB, reflecting a growth of 38.88% year-on-year [1][2]. Financial Highlights - As of June 30, 2025, QFIN's total revenue was 9.907 billion RMB, up 19.17% year-on-year [1]. - The net profit attributable to shareholders was 3.534 billion RMB, showing a year-on-year increase of 38.88% [1]. Dividend Announcement - On August 18, 2023, QFIN announced a mid-term dividend distribution of $0.76 per ADR, with the ex-dividend date set for September 8, 2025, and the payment date on September 30, 2025 [2]. Company Overview - QFIN is a leading credit technology platform in China, focused on providing credit technology services to financial institutions, enabling consumers and small enterprises to access more convenient and personalized credit services [2][3]. - The company collaborates with 133 financial institutions, including state-owned and regional banks, as well as consumer finance companies, to enhance credit assessment and risk management [2]. Target Market - QFIN targets consumers who are underserved by traditional financial institutions, particularly those with short credit histories but stable incomes and high growth potential [3]. - The company also focuses on small and micro enterprises that lack sufficient credit history and collateral, offering tailored loan products to meet their needs [4]. Service Offerings - QFIN provides two main types of services: credit-driven services and platform services, both designed to enhance the lending process and improve credit assessment [4][5]. - Credit-driven services involve matching potential borrowers with financial institutions, where QFIN assumes credit risk for certain loan products [4]. - Platform services include a range of technology solutions throughout the loan lifecycle, such as borrower acquisition, credit assessment, and post-loan services, without assuming credit risk [5][6]. Technology Solutions - The company utilizes its "Intelligent Credit Engine" (ICE) to provide smart marketing services and assist financial institutions in preliminary credit screening [6]. - QFIN also offers risk management SaaS services to help financial institutions improve their credit assessment processes [7].

Core Viewpoint - QFIN's stock price increased by 2.21% to $30.56 per share, with a total market capitalization of $4.047 billion as of August 19. The company reported a total revenue of 4.691 billion RMB for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, representing a year-on-year growth of 12.94%, and a net profit of 1.8 billion RMB, reflecting a significant increase of 54.62% [1][2]. Company Overview - QFIN is a leading credit technology platform in China, focused on providing innovative credit services to financial institutions, enabling consumers and small businesses to access personalized credit solutions [2][3]. - The company collaborates with 133 financial institutions, including state-owned and regional banks, to enhance credit assessment and risk management processes [2]. Target Consumers - The company targets consumers who are underserved by traditional financial institutions, particularly those with limited credit histories but stable incomes and high growth potential [3][4]. - QFIN utilizes advanced technology and credit analysis capabilities to identify low-risk borrowers, thereby expanding the borrower base for financial institutions [3]. Small and Micro Enterprises - Since late 2020, QFIN has tailored loan products for high-quality small and micro enterprises, which are often overlooked by traditional banks [4]. - The company leverages data analysis to identify small businesses with low default risks, facilitating their access to credit [4]. Service Offerings - QFIN provides two main types of services: credit-driven services and platform services, both designed to enhance the lending process and improve credit assessment [4][5]. - Credit-driven services involve matching potential borrowers with financial institutions, where QFIN assumes some credit risk [4][6]. - Platform services offer customized technological solutions throughout the loan lifecycle, including borrower acquisition and credit assessment, without assuming credit risk [5][6]. Technology Solutions - The company employs a light capital model, providing a comprehensive suite of technology-driven services that cover the entire loan lifecycle [6]. - QFIN's Intelligent Credit Engine (ICE) offers smart marketing services to financial institutions, enhancing borrower matching and initial credit screening [6][7]. - The company also provides risk management SaaS services to help financial institutions improve their credit assessment processes [7].

Financial Performance - Q2 net revenue reached 5.2159 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 25.4% [1] - Net profit attributable to the company was 1.734 billion, up 25.6% year-on-year [1] - Total loan facilitation and initiation in Q2 amounted to 84.609 billion, an increase of 16.1% compared to the previous year [1] Customer and Partnership Growth - As of June 30, 2025, the platform has connected with 165 financial institution partners [1] - The number of potential credit demand consumers reached 275.8 million, a growth of 11.4% from 247.6 million in the previous year [1] Dividend Announcement - The company declared an interim dividend of 0.38 USD per A-class ordinary share or 0.76 USD per American depositary share [1] - This is an increase from the previous year's interim dividend of 0.30 USD per A-class ordinary share or 0.60 USD per American depositary share [1]

Core Viewpoint - The investment in Qifu Technology is driven by the vast market potential of China's fintech sector, the company's established compliance position, and its high growth potential post-business recovery [1] Short-term Expectations - Qifu Technology reported a revenue of 5.216 billion yuan in Q2, exceeding market expectations with a quarter-on-quarter growth of 11.2% and a year-on-year growth of 25.4% [1] - The company achieved a significant breakthrough in capital cost management, issuing 7.8 billion yuan through ABS financing, a 70% year-on-year increase, while reducing comprehensive funding costs by 10 basis points [2] - Core risk control indicators improved, with the FPD7+ (first 7 days overdue rate) decreasing by 5% in June, indicating better loan quality, and a 60% year-on-year increase in new borrowers [3] - The company has a high provision coverage ratio of 662%, reflecting a strong safety net for potential risks [3] - Qifu's strategy of proactively reducing high-risk business is expected to lay a solid foundation for long-term stability, despite short-term scale pressures [3] Mid-term Expectations - Qifu Technology is rapidly expanding its 2B business and exploring globalization, with a 150% year-on-year increase in empowered loan volume in Q2 [6] - The upgraded core product, "FocusPRO Credit Super Intelligent Agent," has achieved T+0 zero rejection approval and is being implemented in over 20 financial institutions [6][8] - The company is enhancing its technical ecosystem through partnerships and joint laboratories, which will improve its bargaining power and market penetration [8] - Successful completion of its first small-scale loan in the UK demonstrates the adaptability of its AI risk control model to international markets [9] Long-term Expectations - Qifu Technology aims to evolve its AI technology system into a foundational operating system for global financial infrastructure, representing its core competitive advantage [10] - The integration of 670 models and 7129 strategies in its end-to-end risk identification system has improved the AUC index to 64.6%, indicating significant risk management enhancements [10][12] - The company has gained recognition in global academic circles, which will support its credibility in future overseas market expansions [12][13] - Qifu's comprehensive financial operating system addresses the limitations of traditional banking systems and emerging economies, positioning it as a potential architect of global digital finance [13][15]