Shenwan Hongyuan Securities·2025-05-06 11:18Investment Rating - The report maintains a positive outlook on the banking sector, highlighting it as a low-volatility dividend play in a counter-cyclical environment and a strong performer in absolute returns during a pro-cyclical phase [6]. Core Insights - The first quarter of 2025 saw a decline in both revenue and net profit for listed banks, with revenue and net profit down 1.7% and 1.2% year-on-year, respectively. The main reasons for this decline were the expected decrease in interest margins and pressure from non-interest income [3][12]. - Loan growth has remained stable, with a year-on-year increase of 7.9% in the first quarter. Notably, banks in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, as well as Chengdu, continue to show strong economic performance, while Chongqing has emerged as a new growth area with loan growth exceeding 16% [3][4]. - The average net interest margin for listed banks was 1.54% in the first quarter, reflecting a slight quarter-on-quarter increase of 2 basis points, supported by a decrease in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities [4][12]. - The non-performing loan (NPL) ratio for listed banks decreased to 1.23%, with an estimated annualized NPL generation rate of approximately 0.63% [5][19]. - The report emphasizes the importance of focusing on high-dividend yield banks, particularly those with solid provisions and growth opportunities in favorable policy environments [6][19]. Summary by Sections Performance Overview - The first quarter of 2025 saw a significant impact from the decline in interest margins and non-interest income, leading to a negative growth in both revenue and profit for listed banks [10][12]. - The report indicates that the performance of state-owned banks was below expectations, while city and rural commercial banks generally met expectations [3][19]. Loan and Credit Analysis - Loan growth has been stable, with a year-on-year increase of 7.9% in the first quarter. The report highlights that the demand for loans from small and medium-sized enterprises has weakened, affecting the growth rates of rural commercial banks [3][4]. Interest Margin and Cost Analysis - The report notes that the average net interest margin for listed banks improved slightly, with a quarter-on-quarter increase attributed to a reduction in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities [4][12]. Asset Quality and Risk Management - The NPL ratio for listed banks decreased to 1.23%, with proactive measures taken to manage and dispose of non-performing assets [5][19]. - The report indicates that the retail sector is experiencing some risk exposure, but overall asset quality remains stable [5][19]. Investment Recommendations - The report recommends focusing on banks with high dividend yields and solid fundamentals, particularly those that are well-positioned to benefit from favorable policy changes [6][19].