Core Viewpoint - China Oriental Education (00667) is recognized as a leading vocational training institution in China, leveraging its strong national presence and brand power to meet the robust demand for high-skilled talent in the labor market. The company is projected to achieve net profits of 798 million yuan, 1.004 billion yuan, and 1.128 billion yuan for the years 2025-2027, with corresponding EPS of 0.36 yuan, 0.45 yuan, and 0.51 yuan. A target price of 9.0 yuan (approximately 9.9 HKD) is set based on a 20X PE valuation for 2026, maintaining a "Buy" rating [1]. Financial Performance - In the first half of 2025, the company's revenue grew by 10.2%, reaching 2.186 billion yuan, while net profit increased significantly by 48.4% to 403 million yuan. The adjusted net profit was 416 million yuan, reflecting a 49.5% year-on-year growth. The gross margin improved to 57.3%, up by 4.3 percentage points. The expense ratios for sales, management, and finance were 22.47%, 10.79%, and 2.51%, showing decreases of 0.94, 2.11, and 0.60 percentage points respectively [2][3]. Segment Performance - Revenue from culinary technology reached 1.024 billion yuan, up 11.4%, with a gross margin of 60.5% (an increase of 5.2 percentage points). Western pastry and cuisine generated 182 million yuan, growing by 14.3% with a gross margin of 60.4% (up 6.6 percentage points). Information technology and internet technology revenue declined by 3.0% to 367 million yuan, but the gross margin improved to 57.6% (up 3.5 percentage points). Automotive services revenue was 492 million yuan, a 9.6% increase, with a gross margin of 54.7% (up 0.6 percentage points). Fashion and beauty services saw a remarkable growth of 90.2% to 77 million yuan, with a gross margin of 61.4% (up 8.8 percentage points). Other business revenue increased by 18.2% to 44 million yuan, but the gross margin was negative at -8.6% (up 23.6 percentage points) [4]. Business Expansion - As of the first half of 2025, the company operates 234 schools and centers across almost all provinces in mainland China and Hong Kong, having recently acquired Shanxi Metallurgy Technician College. The average number of trainees for long-term courses was 134,100, reflecting a 4.9% year-on-year increase, accounting for 87.8% of total trainees. However, there was downward pressure on long-term training participants, with 1-2 year, 2-3 year, and 3-year participants showing year-on-year changes of +85.4%, -8.1%, and -0.4% respectively. New enrollments reached 83,500, a 7.1% increase compared to the previous year [5].