Core Viewpoint - In the context of sustained pressure on net interest margins, many small and medium-sized banks are initiating a new round of interest rate cuts, actively lowering the upper limit of deposit rates to create space for profit growth [1][5]. Group 1: Deposit Rate Adjustments - Some banks have begun to quietly ramp up deposit acquisition efforts as the year-end approaches, combining this with refined and tiered customer management to stabilize general deposits while effectively controlling liability costs [1][3]. - Recent interest rate cuts have led to most deposit products entering the "1.x" range, with major state-owned banks adjusting their deposit rates in May, resulting in rates of 1.05% for two-year deposits and 0.98% for one-year deposits at Postal Savings Bank [3][4]. Group 2: Marketing Strategies - Certain banks, like China Merchants Bank, are launching promotional activities to attract deposits, such as cash rewards for customers who meet asset thresholds [2][3]. - The marketing rhythm for year-end and new year strategies remains consistent across banks, with many emphasizing the importance of both year-end performance and the start of the new year [3][6]. Group 3: Liability Cost Management - The continuous narrowing of net interest margins has made liability cost management a key focus for banks, with regulatory guidance pushing for lower overall funding costs [4][5]. - Some banks are experiencing a phenomenon of interest rate inversion, where shorter-term deposits offer higher rates than longer-term ones, indicating a strategic response to anticipated future cost pressures [6][7]. Group 4: Targeted Deposit Strategies - Banks are increasingly adopting differentiated deposit strategies for specific customer segments, particularly targeting older clients with higher interest rates and lower minimum deposit thresholds [7]. - This approach not only optimizes the liability structure but also helps in acquiring stable long-term funding while fulfilling social responsibilities [7].

Core Viewpoint - In the context of sustained pressure on net interest margins, many small and medium-sized banks are initiating a new round of interest rate cuts, actively lowering the upper limit of deposit rates to create space for profit growth [1][5]. Group 1: Deposit Rate Adjustments - Some banks have quietly started aggressive deposit collection efforts as the year-end approaches, combining this with refined and tiered customer management to stabilize general deposits while effectively controlling liability costs [1][2]. - Since early October, several small and medium-sized banks have held fourth-quarter operational meetings, emphasizing the importance of achieving a successful year-end while preparing for a strong start in the first quarter of the following year [2][3]. - The recent adjustment of deposit rates has led to most market deposit products entering the "1" range, with major state-owned banks' two-year, three-year, and five-year fixed deposit rates set at 1.05%, 1.25%, and 1.3% respectively [3][4]. Group 2: Competitive Strategies - Some banks are offering cash rewards for customers who meet core asset thresholds, with activities designed to encourage customers to keep their deposits [2][3]. - The actual execution rates for certain term deposits have seen some upward adjustments compared to the listed rates, indicating a competitive landscape among banks [4][6]. - Banks are increasingly adopting differentiated deposit strategies targeting specific customer segments, particularly offering higher rates and lower minimum deposit thresholds for older customers [7]. Group 3: Market Trends and Challenges - The continuous narrowing of net interest margins is a common challenge faced by the banking industry, prompting a focus on managing liability costs more effectively [4][5]. - The People's Bank of China has emphasized the need to lower overall bank liability costs to alleviate pressure on net interest margins, which has led to recent adjustments in deposit rates [5][6]. - The phenomenon of interest rate inversion, where shorter-term deposits offer higher rates than longer-term ones, is emerging as banks anticipate future cost pressures on long-term liabilities [6][7].

Core Viewpoint - Ping An Bank reported a decline in revenue and net profit for the first three quarters of 2025, indicating ongoing challenges in the banking sector and the need for structural adjustments in its business operations [5][6]. Financial Performance - For the first three quarters of 2025, Ping An Bank achieved operating revenue of 100.7 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 9.8%, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of 38.3 billion, down 3.5% year-on-year [5]. - The weighted average return on equity was 11.09%, a decrease of 1.11 percentage points compared to the previous year [5]. Revenue Composition - The decline in revenue was primarily driven by a decrease in net interest income, which fell by 8.2% year-on-year, and non-interest income, which decreased by 12.6% [6]. - The reduction in net interest income was attributed to slower balance sheet expansion and narrowing interest margins, while non-interest income was affected by fluctuations in the bond market [6]. Asset Growth - As of the end of Q3 2025, interest-earning assets grew slightly by 0.5% year-on-year, with loans and financial investments increasing by 1% and 2.6%, respectively [7]. - The loan structure showed that corporate loans were the main driver of asset growth, with a total loan balance increase of 9.3 billion, primarily from corporate loans [7]. Liability Management - The growth rate of interest-bearing liabilities and deposits showed a slight decline, with interest-bearing liabilities decreasing by 0.4% and deposits increasing by 0.6% year-on-year [8][9]. - The composition of interest-bearing liabilities was negatively impacted by a reduction in deposits and interbank liabilities [8]. Interest Margin - The net interest margin for the first three quarters was 1.79%, a decrease of 1 basis point from the mid-year figure, but showed a slight recovery in Q3 compared to Q2 [10]. - The yield on interest-earning assets was 3.5%, while the cost of interest-bearing liabilities was 1.73%, indicating ongoing pressure on the interest margin [10].

Core Viewpoint - In the context of sustained pressure on net interest margins, many small and medium-sized banks are initiating a new round of interest rate cuts, actively lowering the upper limit of deposit rates to create space for profit growth [1][5]. Group 1: Deposit Rate Adjustments - Some banks have begun to quietly ramp up deposit acquisition efforts as the year-end approaches, combining this with refined and tiered customer management to stabilize general deposits while effectively controlling liability costs [1][2]. - Since early October, several small and medium-sized banks have held fourth-quarter operational meetings, emphasizing the importance of achieving a successful year-end while preparing for a strong start to the new year [2][3]. - The recent downward adjustments in deposit rates have led to most market deposit products now having rates in the "1" range, with major state-owned banks last adjusting their deposit rates on May 20, resulting in rates of 1.05% to 1.3% for various terms [3][4]. Group 2: Liability Cost Management - The continuous decline in deposit rates has made it challenging for risk-averse savers to find alternative investment options, leading to a sustained popularity of large-denomination certificates of deposit [4][6]. - The People's Bank of China has emphasized the need to further reduce the overall liability costs of banks to alleviate net interest margin pressures, with recent rate cuts providing banks with more room to improve their liability costs [5][6]. - Banks are increasingly adopting refined and tiered strategies for managing liability costs, with some banks experiencing interest rate inversion, breaking the traditional expectation that longer terms yield higher rates [6][7]. Group 3: Targeted Deposit Strategies - Banks are implementing differentiated deposit strategies for various customer segments, particularly offering higher rates and lower minimum deposit thresholds for older customers [7]. - This approach not only optimizes the liability structure and locks in stable long-term funds but also reduces liquidity management pressures and enhances customer acquisition efficiency [7].

Core Viewpoint - In the context of sustained pressure on net interest margins, many small and medium-sized banks are initiating a new round of interest rate cuts, actively lowering the upper limit of deposit rates to create space for profit growth [1][5]. Group 1: Deposit Rate Adjustments - Some banks have begun to quietly ramp up deposit acquisition efforts as the year-end approaches, combining this with refined and tiered customer management to stabilize general deposits while effectively controlling liability costs [1][3]. - Recent adjustments in deposit rates have seen most market deposit products enter the "1" range, with major state-owned banks' two-year, three-year, and five-year fixed deposit rates set at 1.05%, 1.25%, and 1.3% respectively [3][4]. - Some banks have implemented actual execution rates above the listed rates, with examples including Postal Savings Bank offering a one-year fixed deposit rate of 1.15% and large certificates of deposit at 1.25% [4]. Group 2: Marketing Strategies - Banks are employing various marketing strategies to attract deposits, such as cash rewards for customers who meet certain asset thresholds, as seen in activities launched by China Merchants Bank [2][3]. - The year-end "closing battle" and the beginning of the new year "opening red" strategy are emphasized by many banks, particularly in rural commercial banks in regions like Shanxi, Jiangsu, and Jiangxi [3][5]. Group 3: Liability Cost Management - The continuous narrowing of net interest margins has become a common challenge for the banking industry, leading to a focus on managing liability costs more effectively [4][6]. - The People's Bank of China has called for further reductions in overall bank liability costs to alleviate pressure on net interest margins, which has led to recent adjustments in deposit rates [5][6]. Group 4: Targeted Deposit Strategies - Banks are increasingly adopting differentiated deposit strategies for specific customer segments, particularly for older clients, offering higher interest rates and lower minimum deposit thresholds [7]. - This approach not only optimizes the liability structure but also helps in acquiring stable long-term funds while reducing liquidity management pressure [7].

Core Viewpoint - The A-share listed banks are expected to show overall revenue and net profit growth or a narrowing decline in their Q3 2025 reports, with improved asset quality across the board [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Performance - Four A-share listed banks, including Chongqing Bank and Wuxi Bank, reported revenue and net profit growth exceeding 10% and 3% respectively in the first three quarters of the year [2]. - Ping An Bank's net profit for the first three quarters was 38.339 billion yuan, a year-on-year decline of 3.5%, but the decline was narrower compared to the first half of the year [2]. - Huaxia Bank reported a net profit of 17.982 billion yuan for the first three quarters, down 2.86% year-on-year, with a decline of 5.09 percentage points compared to the first half [2]. Group 2: Asset Quality - Asset quality has improved for most banks, with Chongqing Bank's non-performing loan (NPL) ratio at 1.14%, down 0.11 percentage points from the end of the previous year [3]. - Huaxia Bank's NPL ratio was 1.58%, a decrease of 0.02 percentage points, while Ping An Bank's NPL ratio stood at 1.05%, down 0.01 percentage points [3]. Group 3: Interest Margin and Revenue - Analysts predict that the net interest margin (NIM) decline will narrow, supporting positive growth in bank performance [4]. - The overall revenue and net profit for A-share listed banks are expected to grow by 0.4% and 1.1% year-on-year respectively for the first three quarters of 2025 [4]. - The improvement in net interest income and non-interest income, particularly from fees and commissions, is anticipated to continue [4][5]. Group 4: Market Outlook - The banking sector is viewed positively by multiple institutions, with expectations of steady performance and growth potential in the context of a recovering economy [5]. - As of October 24, 2023, 37 bank stocks have shown positive growth since the beginning of the year, with some exceeding 30% [5].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Recommendation" rating for Chongqing Bank, with a target price of 13.17 CNY / 9.90 HKD [2][4]. Core Insights - Chongqing Bank reported a revenue of 11.74 billion CNY for the first three quarters of 2025, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 10.4%. The net profit attributable to shareholders reached 4.879 billion CNY, up 10.19% year-on-year. The non-performing loan (NPL) ratio decreased by 4 basis points to 1.13%, while the provision coverage ratio remained stable at 248% [2][4]. - The bank's net interest income exceeded expectations, with a quarterly revenue of 4.081 billion CNY in Q3 2025, a year-on-year increase of 17.38% [7]. - The asset quality improved, with the NPL ratio declining and the net profit growth outpacing revenue growth due to improved revenue streams [7]. Financial Performance Summary - **Revenue and Profit Growth**: The bank's revenue growth is supported by strong demand for corporate loans in the Sichuan-Chongqing region, with a significant increase in net interest income [7]. - **Loan Performance**: Corporate loans saw a substantial increase, with new corporate loans amounting to 21.38 billion CNY in Q3 2025, while retail loan demand weakened [7]. - **Net Interest Margin**: The net interest margin stabilized and increased by 17 basis points to 1.40% in Q3 2025, driven by stable asset pricing and reduced funding costs [7]. - **Asset Quality**: The NPL ratio improved, with a decrease in the net generation rate of non-performing loans, indicating a reduction in credit risk [7]. Financial Projections - **Revenue Forecast**: Projected total revenue for 2025 is 14.758 billion CNY, with a year-on-year growth rate of 7.9% [8]. - **Net Profit Forecast**: The net profit attributable to shareholders is expected to reach 5.555 billion CNY in 2025, reflecting an 8.6% increase [8]. - **Key Ratios**: The projected price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio for 2025 is 6.36, and the price-to-book (P/B) ratio is expected to be 0.63 [8].

Investment Rating - The investment rating for Ping An Bank is maintained at "Neutral" [6][4]. Core Views - The report indicates that the decline in revenue and profit has slightly narrowed, with operating income for the first three quarters of 2025 at 100.7 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 9.8%, which is a 0.2 percentage point improvement compared to the first half of the year. The net profit attributable to shareholders for the same period is 38.3 billion yuan, down 3.5% year-on-year, narrowing by 0.4 percentage points from the first half [2]. - The bank's total assets at the end of the third quarter are 5.77 trillion yuan, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 0.4%, remaining stable compared to the beginning of the year. Deposits increased by 0.6% to 3.55 trillion yuan, while total loans grew by 1.3% to 3.42 trillion yuan, with corporate loans increasing by 10% [2]. - The net interest margin has rebounded on a quarter-on-quarter basis, with an average net interest margin of 1.79% for the first three quarters, down 14 basis points year-on-year but up 3 basis points from the second quarter. This improvement is attributed to a decrease in interest rates on deposits and liabilities [3]. - The asset quality remains stable, with a non-performing loan ratio of 1.05%, a slight decrease from the beginning of the year, and a provision coverage ratio of 230%, although it has decreased by 21 percentage points year-to-date [3]. Financial Summary - The forecast for net profit attributable to shareholders for 2025-2027 is 42.1 billion, 42.5 billion, and 43 billion yuan respectively, with year-on-year growth rates of -5.5%, 1.1%, and 1.2%. The diluted EPS is projected to be 2.02, 2.04, and 2.07 yuan for the same years [4][5]. - The price-to-earnings ratio (PE) is expected to be 5.7, 5.7, and 5.6 times, while the price-to-book ratio (PB) is projected at 0.50, 0.47, and 0.44 times for 2025-2027 [4][5].

Investment Rating - The investment rating for Chongqing Bank is "Outperform the Market" [5] Core Views - The bank's revenue and net profit for the first three quarters of 2025 grew by 10.40% and 10.42% year-on-year, respectively, with significant quarterly growth of 17.38% in revenue and 20.54% in net profit [1] - The bank's net interest income increased by 15.2% year-on-year, benefiting from accelerated asset expansion and improved net interest margin [2] - The bank's asset quality remains stable, with a non-performing loan ratio of 1.14%, down 11 basis points from the beginning of the year [2] - The bank's net profit forecasts for 2025-2027 are 53.9 billion, 57.3 billion, and 62.9 billion yuan, with corresponding year-on-year growth rates of 5.3%, 6.4%, and 9.8% [3] Summary by Sections Financial Performance - For the first three quarters of 2025, Chongqing Bank achieved a total revenue of 117.4 billion yuan and a net profit of 48.8 billion yuan, both showing a year-on-year increase of over 10% [1] - The total assets reached 1.02 trillion yuan, with loans and deposits growing by 19.4% and 16.9% year-to-date, respectively [1] Asset Quality - The non-performing loan ratio decreased to 1.14%, indicating a positive trend in asset quality [2] - The provision coverage ratio stood at 248.1%, remaining stable compared to previous periods [2] Profitability and Valuation - The annualized net interest margin for the first three quarters was 1.32%, showing a slight improvement from the previous half [2] - The bank's price-to-book (PB) ratios for 2025-2027 are projected at 0.53x, 0.49x, and 0.46x, respectively [3]

Investment Rating - The investment rating for Ping An Bank is "Accumulate" (maintained rating) with a target price not specified [5]. Core Views - The profitability of Ping An Bank is steadily improving, with a reported revenue of approximately 100.67 billion yuan for the first three quarters of 2025, representing a year-on-year decline of 9.78% but a slight increase of 0.26 percentage points compared to the first half of 2025 [2]. - The net interest margin has stabilized at 1.79%, with a slight decrease of 1 basis point from the first half of 2025. The yield on interest-earning assets is recorded at 3.50%, down 5 basis points from mid-2025, while the cost of interest-bearing liabilities has improved significantly, decreasing by 6 basis points to 1.73% [2][3]. - The asset quality remains robust, with a non-performing loan ratio of 1.05% as of the third quarter of 2025, unchanged from the previous quarter. The loan provision coverage ratio stands at 229.6%, reflecting a decrease of 8.88 percentage points [3][4]. Financial Performance Summary - For the first three quarters of 2025, the net interest income was 66.55 billion yuan, accounting for 66.11% of total revenue, while non-interest income was 34.12 billion yuan, representing a year-on-year decline of 12.63% [2]. - The total interest-earning assets amounted to 5.61 trillion yuan, with a year-on-year growth of 0.60%. The loan segment grew by 1.24% year-on-year, while interbank and central bank deposits saw declines of 7.29% and 6.34%, respectively [3][19]. - The total interest-bearing liabilities were 4.97 trillion yuan, down 0.98% year-on-year, with deposits decreasing by 3.06% [3][20]. Profit Forecast and Valuation - The forecast for net profit attributable to shareholders for 2025-2027 is projected to decline by 3.09% in 2025, followed by growth of 2.33% in 2026 and 2.70% in 2027. The corresponding book value per share (BPS) is expected to be 23.24 yuan, 24.93 yuan, and 26.65 yuan for the respective years [4][22].