BANK OF SUZHOU(SZ:002966) HTSC·2025-07-01 06:26Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the company with a target price of 10.59 RMB [7][5]. Core Views - The major shareholder, Guofa Group, has increased its stake in Suzhou Bank to 15%, becoming the controlling shareholder, which reflects confidence in the bank's development prospects and long-term investment value [1][2]. - Guofa Group plans to further increase its holdings by no less than 400 million RMB over the next six months, indicating strong support for the bank's valuation [2]. - The bank has a clear strategic goal, stable performance growth, and excellent asset quality, which positions it well for future growth [1][4]. Summary by Sections Shareholder Actions - Guofa Group and Dongwu Securities have cumulatively increased their holdings by 13.358 million shares, amounting to over 800 million RMB since the beginning of the year, raising their stake from 14.0% to 15.0% [2]. - Guofa Group has received approval to hold more than 15% of the bank's shares, paving the way for further increases in ownership [2]. Strategic Development - The new leadership team at Suzhou Bank has implemented a comprehensive upgrade of the bank's strategy and organizational structure, leading to steady growth in various business indicators [4]. - The bank has a strong focus on small and medium-sized enterprises, leveraging the robust industrial foundation in Jiangsu province [4]. Financial Performance and Forecast - The report forecasts the bank's net profit for 2025 to be 5.384 billion RMB, with a year-on-year growth rate of 6.24% [5]. - The bank's asset quality remains strong, with a non-performing loan ratio of 0.83% and a provision coverage ratio of 447% as of Q1 2025, placing it among the top tier of listed banks [4]. - The estimated book value per share (BVPS) for 2025 is projected at 10.59 RMB, corresponding to a price-to-book (PB) ratio of 0.83 [5].