HTSC(601688) -·2025-01-17 02:53Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Huatai Securities with a target price of Rmb 26.44, indicating an expected upside from the current price of Rmb 16.77 [4][23]. Core Insights - The company is under manageable capital pressure, having released some regulatory requirements and received over Rmb 10 billion from the sale of AssetMark, which will support future capital needs [1]. - The brokerage business is seeing increased client engagement, with higher deposit and activation efficiencies compared to previous months [2]. - The company plans to initiate a comprehensive internationalization strategy starting in 2025, expanding cross-border integration across all business lines [3]. Summary by Sections Capital Management - The company has successfully navigated capital pressures through regulatory adjustments and significant cash inflow from asset sales [1]. Brokerage and Investment Activities - Client activity in the brokerage sector has surged, with a notable increase in margin financing demand amid competitive pricing pressures [2]. - The self-operated investment strategy has shifted towards a multi-strategy approach, with a focus on quantitative and hedging strategies [2]. International Strategy - Starting in 2025, the company will enhance its cross-border business integration, expanding beyond investment banking and FICC to include retail and wealth management [3]. Financial Projections - Revenue is projected to grow from Rmb 36.578 billion in 2023 to Rmb 51.601 billion in 2024, with net profit expected to rise from Rmb 12.751 billion to Rmb 17.685 billion in the same period [6]. - The report forecasts a significant increase in earnings per share, from Rmb 1.40 in 2023 to Rmb 1.95 in 2024 [6]. Valuation Metrics - The report utilizes a PB/ROE method to derive the target price, indicating a favorable valuation outlook for Huatai Securities [4].