
Core Viewpoint - Ping An Bank reported a decline in net profit, operating income, and PPOP for the first half of the year, but showed signs of marginal recovery in performance growth and improved asset quality [1][2]. Financial Performance - For the first half of the year, net profit, operating income, and PPOP decreased by 3.9%, 10.0%, and 10.3% year-on-year, respectively, with improvements of +1.7pct, +3.0pct, and +2.6pct compared to the first quarter [1]. - The bank declared a cash dividend of RMB 2.36 per 10 shares, representing 20.05% of net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders, with an annualized dividend yield of 3.91% [1][6]. Asset and Liability Management - As of June, total assets, loans, and deposits grew by 2.1%, -0.1%, and 3.5%, respectively, showing improvements from March [3]. - The bank adjusted its asset structure, with personal loans decreasing by 5.2% year-on-year and corporate loans increasing by 9.0% [3]. Non-Interest Income - Non-interest income for the first half of the year fell by 11.3%, but the decline rate improved by 8.5pct compared to the first quarter [4]. - Wealth management fee income increased by 12.8% year-on-year, with significant growth in personal insurance and wealth management services [4]. Asset Quality - As of June, the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio was 1.05%, and the provision coverage ratio was 238%, showing slight improvements from March [5]. - The bank's credit cost increased by 3bp to 1.43%, with a year-on-year decline in NPL generation rate [5]. Retail Transformation - The bank is deepening its retail transformation strategy, with a focus on optimizing retail asset composition [6]. - As of June, the proportion of mortgage loans in personal loans was 64.3%, indicating a shift towards more secure lending practices [6]. Valuation and Target Price - The bank's target price for 2025 is set at RMB 14.33, with a projected PB of 0.61 times, reflecting the ongoing retail transformation and pressure on interest margins [7].