Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Buy" with a target price of HKD 6.40 [6][11]. Core Insights - The company's net profit for 2024 is projected to be RMB 3.86 billion, a decrease of 38% year-on-year, which is below the expected RMB 4.76 billion. This decline is attributed to non-operating factors such as physical dividends and increased tax rates [1][2]. - The company has demonstrated resilience in its interest margin, with a net interest margin slightly decreasing to 4.48% in 2024 from 4.58% in 2023. The average balance of interest-earning assets is RMB 262.9 billion, down 3.7% year-on-year [3]. - The dividend payout ratio for the year reached 56%, exceeding expectations and highlighting the company's high dividend characteristics [1][5]. Financial Performance - The company's revenue and other income for 2024 is estimated at RMB 39.5 billion, a slight decrease of 0.4% compared to 2023 [16]. - The net profit attributable to the parent company for 2025 is projected to recover to RMB 4.73 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 22.5% [5][16]. - The company plans to extend the investment period for high-quality old clients, which is expected to support asset growth and improve profitability [3]. Business Segments - In the financial business segment, the average balance of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities is RMB 262.9 billion and RMB 231.3 billion, respectively, with a slight decline in both [3]. - The industrial operation segment shows a significant increase in capital expenditure for Hongxin Jianfa, rising to RMB 7.1 billion, which is a 250% increase year-on-year, aimed at supporting domestic and overseas business development [4]. - Hongxin Health reported a revenue of RMB 4.1 billion, a decrease of 3% year-on-year, but net profit improved by 35% to RMB 230 million due to ongoing cost optimization [4]. Valuation Metrics - The company’s price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio for 2024 is projected at 6.34, while the price-to-book (P/B) ratio is expected to be 0.47 [16]. - The return on equity (ROE) is forecasted to improve to 9.42% in 2025 from 7.80% in 2024 [16]. - The dividend yield is expected to increase to 11.70% in 2025 and 13.05% in 2026, reflecting the company's commitment to returning value to shareholders [16].
远东宏信：息差具有韧性，高股息特性凸显-20250310