
Core Viewpoint - The banking sector is experiencing a resurgence, with significant stock price increases and a strong performance in 2024, leading to historical highs for several banks [1][2][3]. Group 1: Stock Performance - As of May 9, the banking sector rose by 1.46%, with a year-to-date increase of nearly 7%, outperforming other industry sectors [1][2]. - Among 42 bank stocks, 24 showed varying degrees of increase, with Qingdao Bank leading at a 3.4% rise, reaching a closing price of 4.86 yuan per share [2]. - The banking index has increased by 6.95% this year, making it the top performer among 30 sectors, with a cumulative rise of 43% in 2024, surpassing the CSI 300 index by 28 percentage points [2][3]. Group 2: Earnings and Financial Metrics - In Q1 2025, listed banks reported a 1.7% year-on-year decline in total operating income and a 1.2% drop in net profit attributable to shareholders, primarily due to reduced non-interest income and weakened profit smoothing [4]. - The net interest margin decreased by 13 basis points to 1.43%, with expectations of a slight narrowing of the decline to 10-15 basis points for the year [4]. - Total assets of listed banks grew by 7.5% year-on-year, indicating a return to normal growth levels, with city commercial banks maintaining higher growth rates [4]. Group 3: Dividend Trends - The banking sector is entering a dividend season, with total disclosed dividends for 2024 amounting to 616.13 billion yuan, of which the six major banks accounted for over 70% [6][7]. - Industrial and Commercial Bank of China led with a dividend of 109.77 billion yuan, followed by China Construction Bank with 100.75 billion yuan [7]. - Analysts highlight the importance of sustainable dividend policies, emphasizing that increasing dividend frequency can enhance investor confidence and stabilize stock prices [8].