
Investment Rating - The investment rating for the company is "Buy" (maintained) [5] Core Views - The report emphasizes a strategic shift for the bank, highlighting the potential for a "restart" in the banking sector due to declining risk-free rates and a relatively stable fundamental outlook, which may lower the opportunity cost for bank investments [1][2] - The bank is positioned to leverage artificial intelligence and financial technology to reshape its operational dynamics, aiming for performance that exceeds expectations and drives valuation recovery [2][5] - The chairman's vision includes transforming the bank's management approach from a departmental focus to a customer-centric model, enhancing collaboration across business lines to improve overall operational efficiency [3] - The bank aims to evolve from a digital banking model to a smart banking model, effectively utilizing vast amounts of financial data to enhance customer acquisition, asset allocation, and risk management [4] - The report identifies three revolutions—efficiency, risk control, and ecological service—as key drivers for the bank's performance and valuation recovery, with a focus on improving operational efficiency and reducing credit costs [5][10] Summary by Sections Financial Performance - The bank's revenue and net profit are projected to show slight declines and growth, respectively, with a forecasted revenue of 170,748 million in 2024, decreasing by 1.55%, and a net profit of 45,257 million, increasing by 23.31% [12] - The expected net profit growth rates for 2025-2027 are 12.08%, 6.19%, and 6.51%, respectively, with corresponding BPS values of 23.50, 24.69, and 25.96 [11] Valuation Metrics - The target valuation for the bank is set at 0.70x PB for 2025, corresponding to a target price of 16.45 per share, indicating a potential upside of 57% from the current price of 10.47 [11] - The report anticipates a recovery in ROE from 6.28% in 2024 to a potential 10.0% in the medium term, which could drive valuation improvements [10] Operational Strategy - The bank's strategy includes a shift towards a technology-driven operational model, aiming to enhance efficiency and reduce risks associated with human error [4] - The focus on building a smart banking ecosystem is expected to improve customer engagement and operational effectiveness, positioning the bank as a leader in the digital transformation of the banking sector [4][5]