Investment Rating - The investment rating for Chengdu Bank is "Buy" with a target price of 21.12 CNY per share, indicating an upside potential of 18% from the current price of 17.86 CNY [5][7]. Core Insights - Chengdu Bank's H1 2025 earnings growth has improved, with revenue and net profit attributable to shareholders increasing by 5.9% and 7.3% year-on-year, respectively [2][5]. - The bank's asset quality remains strong, with a non-performing loan (NPL) ratio stable at 0.66% and a provision coverage ratio of 453% as of the end of Q2 2025 [4][5]. - Future growth is supported by strong regional economic vitality and robust credit demand, which is expected to sustain rapid profit growth [3][5]. Summary by Sections Earnings Performance - Chengdu Bank's revenue and net profit for H1 2025 increased by 5.9% and 7.3% year-on-year, with quarter-on-quarter growth rates improving by 2.7 percentage points and 1.6 percentage points, respectively [2][5]. - The bank's total assets grew by 14.3% year-on-year, with loans increasing by 18.0% [2][5]. Interest Margin and Cost of Deposits - The net interest margin for Q2 2025 slightly decreased by 2 basis points to 1.58%, but improved by 1 basis point year-on-year, primarily due to a reduction in deposit costs [3][4]. - The cost of deposits improved to 1.96% in H1 2025, down from 2.16% in 2024, benefiting from interest rate cuts [3][4]. Asset Quality - The NPL ratio remained stable at 0.66%, while the attention loan ratio increased slightly to 0.44% [4][5]. - The TTM generation rate for NPLs and attention loans decreased by 14 basis points to 0.27%, indicating continued improvement in asset quality [4][5]. Profit Forecast and Valuation - Chengdu Bank's net profit is projected to grow by 7.95%, 7.35%, and 9.52% for 2025, 2026, and 2027, respectively, with corresponding book values per share of 21.12, 23.60, and 26.35 CNY [5][12]. - The target valuation for 2025 is set at a price-to-book (PB) ratio of 1.0x [5].

Investment Rating - Industry Rating: Outperform the market (maintained rating) [4] Core Insights - The pricing of bank assets and liabilities this year shows a trend of "stable loan rates and improved deposit costs," effectively alleviating NIM pressure and laying a solid foundation for achieving annual profit targets [9][18] - The bank's gold market trading and allocation segments are facing certain pressures this year compared to last year's "bull market," primarily due to increased interest rate volatility affecting capital gains and a "preserve capital, minimal profit" state for allocation [2][19] - The contribution of the bank's lending and deposit segment is significant, while the gold market segment faces pressure in completing KPIs, leading to a weaker motivation to realize floating profits through selling old bonds in September [3][36] Summary by Sections Section 1: Asset and Liability Pricing - The trend of stable loan rates and improved deposit costs has been observed, with new corporate loan and mortgage rates stabilizing at 3.2% and 3.1% respectively [9][10] - The average deposit cost rate for listed banks is expected to decline to 1.6-1.65% in the first half of 2025, with a potential further decrease due to the expiration of high-interest fixed deposits [12][36] Section 2: Gold Market Performance - The performance of the bank's gold market trading and allocation segments is under pressure, with capital gains ability significantly weakened due to increased interest rate volatility [2][22] - The allocation segment may continue to face a "preserve capital, minimal profit" state, influenced by the strong liability attributes of CDs and mismatches in loan and deposit growth rates [23][26] Section 3: Contribution of Lending and Deposit Segment - The lending and deposit segment is expected to contribute significantly to overall bank profits, with a narrowing of interest margin declines anticipated [31][36] - The gold market segment's KPI completion faces challenges, and the motivation to sell old bonds for profit realization is weak as the year progresses [3][36]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses allegations of unpaid overtime at Hangzhou Bank's Chengdong branch, highlighting the broader issue of work pressure in the banking industry amid declining profitability and performance metrics [3][7]. Group 1: Allegations of Overtime - An anonymous post on social media claims that employees at Hangzhou Bank's Chengdong branch are required to work unpaid overtime on weekends, with management absent [3][7]. - The bank's initial response indicates no evidence of mandatory weekend work, although some employees may work weekends as needed [7]. Group 2: Industry Performance Metrics - The banking sector is experiencing pressure on performance, with the net interest margin for commercial banks dropping to 1.42% in Q2 2025, a decrease of 0.01 percentage points from Q1 and 0.12 percentage points year-on-year [8]. - The cumulative net profit for commercial banks in 2025 is reported at 12,423 billion yuan, reflecting a year-on-year decline of 1.2% [8]. Group 3: Hangzhou Bank's Financial Performance - For the first half of 2025, Hangzhou Bank reported operating income of 20.093 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 3.89%, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of 11.662 billion yuan, up 16.67% from the previous year [8]. - As of June 30, 2025, Hangzhou Bank's total assets reached 2,235.595 billion yuan, a growth of 5.83% from the end of the previous year, with total loans and deposits increasing by 7.67% and 5.17%, respectively [9]. - The bank's non-performing loan ratio stands at 0.76%, with a provision coverage ratio of 520.89%, and its core Tier 1 capital adequacy ratio is 9.74%, reflecting improvements from the previous year [9].

Investment Rating - The industry is rated as "Recommended" with a positive outlook for the sector's fundamentals, expecting the industry index to outperform the benchmark index [2][35]. Core Insights - As of June 2025, the total deposit scale in China reached 280.7 trillion, with household deposits at 162 trillion and corporate deposits at 118.7 trillion. The growth rates from 2018 to mid-2025 show household time deposits increased by 165.4%, significantly outpacing corporate deposits [5][9][24]. - The estimated maturity of time deposits in 2025 is approximately 105 trillion, with a year-on-year increase of 14 trillion. This includes about 45 trillion maturing in the first quarter, indicating a substantial liquidity source for the capital market [15][30]. - The re-pricing of time deposits maturing from 2022 to 2024 is projected to reduce the annualized cost of liabilities for banks by approximately 1.5 trillion, contributing positively to the banks' interest margins [24][30]. - The liquidity impact of maturing time deposits is expected to create significant market expectations, with potential inflows into the capital market if market sentiment aligns [30][31]. Summary by Sections Current Deposit Scale and Structure - As of June 2025, total deposits in China are 280.7 trillion, with household deposits at 162 trillion and corporate deposits at 118.7 trillion. The growth rates from 2018 to mid-2025 indicate a significant increase in household time deposits [5][9][24]. Maturity Scale and Rhythm of Time Deposits - The estimated total maturity of time deposits in 2025 is around 105 trillion, with a notable increase in the first quarter. The data suggests a growing trend in the maturity of time deposits, which is crucial for liquidity in the capital market [15][30]. Impact on Interest Margins from Maturing Time Deposits - The re-pricing of time deposits maturing from 2022 to 2024 is expected to lower banks' annualized liability costs by about 1.5 trillion, positively affecting interest margins. This is anticipated to alleviate pressure on banks' interest margins starting in the second half of 2025 [24][30]. Liquidity Impact of Maturing Time Deposits - The large scale of maturing deposits is expected to create significant liquidity impacts, with potential inflows into the capital market. However, the transition of wealth into the capital market is viewed as a long-term process rather than an immediate outcome [30][31].

Core Viewpoint - The A-share banking sector has shown positive mid-year performance for 2025, with several banks reporting significant growth in both operating income and net profit, indicating a robust financial environment [1][2]. Group 1: Performance of Listed Banks - Five listed banks have reported positive growth in operating income and net profit for the first half of 2025, with four banks achieving double-digit growth in net profit [1][2]. - Notable performances include Hangzhou Bank with a net profit growth of 16.67% and Changshu Bank with an operating income growth of 10.10% [2][3]. - Ningbo Bank leads with an operating income of 371.60 billion yuan and a net profit of 147.72 billion yuan [2][3]. Group 2: Asset Quality and Capital Adequacy - As of June 2025, all five banks reported positive growth in total assets, with Ningbo Bank's total assets reaching 3.47 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 11.04% [2][3]. - The non-performing loan (NPL) ratios for the banks remained stable or slightly decreased, with Hangzhou Bank maintaining the highest provision coverage ratio at 520.89% despite a year-on-year decline of 20.56 percentage points [5][6]. - Capital adequacy ratios for Ningbo Bank and Hangzhou Bank improved, with Ningbo Bank's capital adequacy ratio at 15.21% and core Tier 1 capital ratio at 9.65% [6][7]. Group 3: Non-Listed Banks Performance - Non-listed banks, including Chengdu Rural Commercial Bank, have also reported positive results, with Chengdu Rural Commercial Bank achieving an operating income of 95.37 billion yuan and a net profit of 42.31 billion yuan, both showing year-on-year growth [8][9]. - Other non-listed banks such as Tai Long Bank and Qin Nong Bank reported declines in net profit, indicating mixed performance across the sector [10]. Group 4: Future Outlook - Hangzhou Bank anticipates a better overall decline in interest margins for 2025 due to rapidly decreasing external funding costs and ongoing business structure optimization [5]. - Both Ningbo Bank and Hangzhou Bank expressed confidence in maintaining stable asset quality despite potential risks in small and micro loans [7].

Core Viewpoint - The June LPR remains unchanged at 3.0% for the 1-year rate and 3.5% for the 5-year rate, which aligns with market expectations following the previous monetary policy adjustments [1][2]. Group 1: LPR Stability - The stability of the June LPR is attributed to the recent monetary policy changes, where a 10 basis point reduction was implemented in May, leading to a corresponding adjustment in LPR rates [1][2]. - Experts indicate that the current economic conditions do not necessitate further immediate adjustments to the LPR, as the policy rates are expected to remain stable [2][3]. Group 2: Market Expectations - Analysts believe that the unchanged LPR reflects the lack of significant changes in the factors influencing LPR pricing, thus meeting market expectations [2]. - The chief economist from China Minsheng Bank noted that the recent financial policies aim to stabilize market expectations, contributing to the current LPR stability [2]. Group 3: Future Outlook - While there may be potential for future LPR reductions, market participants are advised to temper their expectations regarding the timing and extent of such adjustments [3]. - The ongoing reduction of deposit rates by major banks is expected to continue, which may impact the LPR if further reductions are pursued [3]. - Experts suggest that the focus should be on reducing overall financing costs rather than solely relying on LPR adjustments, especially in light of external factors such as the Federal Reserve's monetary policy [3].

Core Viewpoint - The Loan Prime Rate (LPR) remained unchanged in June, with the 1-year LPR at 3.0% and the 5-year LPR at 3.5%, following a previous reduction of 10 basis points in May. This stability aligns with market expectations, and while there is no immediate need for further policy adjustments, a potential decrease in LPR later this year is anticipated [1][2][3]. Group 1: Current LPR Situation - The LPR's stability in June was expected due to unchanged policy rates and LPR pricing foundations [2][3]. - The recent financial policies, including a 10 basis point reduction in policy rates, have led to a stable LPR, with no significant changes in influencing factors [3][4]. Group 2: Banking Sector Implications - The continuous decline in credit rates has pressured bank interest margins, with the net interest margin for commercial banks dropping to a historical low of 1.43%, down 9 basis points from the previous quarter [4]. - Banks are focusing on managing liability costs and optimizing asset structures to stabilize interest margins amid declining revenue capabilities [4][5]. Group 3: Future Outlook for LPR - Industry experts believe there is still room for LPR adjustments in the second half of the year, particularly to support domestic demand and stabilize the real estate market [7]. - The potential for further LPR reductions may be influenced by external uncertainties and the need to lower financing costs for enterprises and residents [7][8]. - The timing for additional policy measures may shift to August or the fourth quarter, depending on economic conditions and the need to address demand pressures [8][9].

Group 1 - The Loan Prime Rate (LPR) remains stable with the 1-year LPR at 3.0% and the 5-year LPR at 3.5% after a 10 basis points reduction last month [1] - The recent monetary policy emphasizes balancing support for the real economy while maintaining the health of the banking system, indicating that stabilizing net interest margins is now a key objective [2] - The net interest margin for commercial banks has dropped to a historical low of 1.43%, down 9 basis points from the previous quarter, affecting banks' ability to serve the real economy and manage risks [2] Group 2 - The downward pressure on banks' funding costs is limited due to the increasing trend of term deposits, with 74.3% of household deposits and 74% of corporate deposits being term deposits as of April 2025 [3] - The average interest rate for newly issued corporate loans is approximately 3.2%, down about 50 basis points year-on-year, while personal housing loans average around 3.1%, down about 55 basis points [3] - The potential for new incremental policies may be delayed until after August or even into the fourth quarter, with a focus on establishing new policy financial tools to stimulate investment [4][5]

Industry Investment Rating - The investment rating for the banking industry is "Outperform the Market" and is maintained [1] Core Viewpoints - The recent round of deposit rate cuts is expected to have a positive impact on net interest margins for listed banks, with a static assessment indicating that a 10 basis point (BP) reduction in the Loan Prime Rate (LPR) and deposit rate cuts would affect net interest margins by -6.15 BP and +8.33 BP respectively [4][15][19] - The report emphasizes the importance of maintaining reasonable net interest margins to better serve the real economy, suggesting that a reasonable margin could be around 1.45% if the provision coverage ratio is lowered to 150% [5][24][26] - Future regulatory measures may include self-discipline mechanisms to standardize deposit and loan pricing, and to control the average repricing cycle of deposits [6][27] Summary by Sections 1. Impact of New Deposit Rate Cuts - The new round of deposit rate adjustments began on May 20, with various rates reduced by 5 to 25 BP across different terms [14][16] - The expected positive impact on net interest margins is based on the assumption that 80% of term deposits are within a 2-year period [15] 2. Importance of Protecting Bank Interest Margins - Protecting interest margins is crucial for banks to maintain stable operations and support the real economy [5][24] - The report calculates that if the provision coverage ratio is adjusted to 150%, the reasonable interest margin would be approximately 1.45% [26] 3. Future Regulatory and Asset-Liability Management Outlook - The report outlines potential future actions, including self-regulation to avoid excessive competition in deposit and loan pricing [6][27] - It highlights the importance of matching the repricing cycles of loans and deposits to stabilize interest rates [27] 4. Investment Recommendations - The report suggests focusing on state-owned banks like Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, China Construction Bank, and Bank of Communications due to their expected performance in a declining interest rate environment [36] - It also recommends regional banks such as Chongqing Bank and Chengdu Bank, which may benefit from fiscal policy support [36]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the banking sector, indicating a relative strength of over 5% compared to the market benchmark index [6][19]. Core Insights - The banking sector is expected to benefit from a period of intensive policy implementation aimed at stabilizing growth, with monetary easing leading the way, followed by fiscal measures that are anticipated to significantly impact the banking fundamentals in 2025 [2][6]. - The downward adjustment of deposit rates is expected to provide important support for bank net interest margins, despite short-term pressure from broad interest rate declines [2][6]. - 2025 is projected to be a year of solidifying asset quality for banks, with improved risk expectations in real estate and urban investment properties underpinned by policy support [2][6]. Summary by Sections Investment Recommendations and Targets - Focus on two main investment lines: high-dividend stocks and city commercial banks with strong fundamentals and regional advantages [7]. - Recommended banks include Agricultural Bank of China, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, China Merchants Bank, and others [7]. Interest Rate Adjustments - On May 20, 2025, the 1-year and 5-year Loan Prime Rate (LPR) were both lowered by 10 basis points, with state-owned banks also reducing deposit rates across various terms [6][14]. - The impact of the recent interest rate cuts on bank net interest margins is expected to be neutral, with a projected increase of 3.1 basis points for listed banks in 2025 [6][14]. Deposit Rate Trends - The report highlights a trend of decreasing deposit rates since October 2024, with significant reductions across various terms, indicating a shift in the banking landscape [8][9]. - Despite the pressure from high-interest deposits maturing, the overall deposit growth remains stable, with a net increase of 1.12 trillion yuan in new resident deposits from January to April 2025 [6][14]. Asset Quality and Risk Management - The report anticipates a significant improvement in asset quality for banks in 2025, particularly in sectors previously under stress, such as real estate [2][6]. - The ongoing adjustments in deposit rates are expected to mitigate the risks associated with deposit disintermediation, with a controlled outflow of deposits to non-bank financial products [6][14].