Core Insights - The report focuses on the evolution and optimization of profitability evaluation indicators, particularly the Return on Equity (ROE) within the PB-ROE framework, utilizing DuPont analysis to dissect the structure and potential issues of the ROE metric [1][4] - The report introduces a comprehensive profitability factor by optimizing the indicator system based on the analysis of ROE, aiming to enhance the dual optimization of the PB-ROE strategy framework in both valuation and profitability aspects [1][4] Section Summaries 1. In-depth Exploration of ROE and Profitability Styles - The PB-ROE strategy combines valuation levels with shareholder return rates, reflecting a company's ability to generate profits from shareholder capital, which directly influences net asset growth [10][14] - The relationship between ROE and GDP indicates that listed companies, as a significant part of the economy, have shown substantial growth in revenue, with the total revenue of A-share companies exceeding 72 trillion yuan in 2024, compared to 3.37 trillion yuan in 2004 [14][15] - ROE is categorized under quality style in investment factors, reflecting a company's financial health, profitability, reliability, and long-term growth potential [22][26] 2. ROE and DuPont Analysis - ROE is tested using both quarterly and TTM (Trailing Twelve Months) metrics, with the quarterly ROE factor showing a higher average Rank IC of 4.06% compared to 2.78% for TTM [28][29] - Historical high ROE stocks tend to underperform in future price performance, while portfolios constructed based on future ROE show significant excess returns, indicating the importance of ROE stability [33][34] - DuPont analysis breaks down ROE into three components: net profit margin, total asset turnover, and equity multiplier, providing a comprehensive assessment of a company's profitability, operational efficiency, and leverage [42][46] 3. ROE De-leveraging Analysis - The report discusses the linear separation of leverage factors from ROE, highlighting the economic relationship between ROA and ROE, and the limitations of ROA as a profitability measure [3][15] - The introduction of RONOA (Return on Net Operating Assets) and FCFFIC (Free Cash Flow Return on Invested Capital) aims to provide more accurate profitability assessments by excluding non-core operating activities and mitigating earnings management risks [4][6] 4. Comprehensive Profitability Factor - The integration of stable ROE, stable ROIC, stable RONOA, and FCFFIC forms a comprehensive profitability factor, enhancing the performance of the PB-ROE strategy [4][6] - The active quantitative stock selection strategy based on the PB-ROE framework has achieved an annualized return of 20.42% since 2010, significantly outperforming benchmarks like the CSI 800 [4][6]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the complexity of understanding bank profitability, highlighting that traditional metrics like interest margin, cost of expenses, and asset impairment losses do not provide a complete picture of a bank's true earning capacity [4][20][22]. Group 1: Understanding Bank Profitability - The profitability of banks cannot be solely determined by analyzing interest margins and impairment losses, as these metrics do not allow for effective peer comparison [4][22]. - For example, Bank A with a 2.5% interest margin and Bank B with a 2% interest margin can both achieve the same net profit of 1%, indicating that higher interest margins do not necessarily equate to better profitability [5][6][7]. - The article discusses the importance of understanding the underlying business model and risk management strategies of banks, particularly in the context of small and micro loans [14][18][19]. Group 2: Risk and Business Models - The article presents a case where high-interest loans can be associated with low risk, particularly in regions with strong micro-enterprise demand, suggesting that local knowledge can mitigate risks [11][13]. - It argues that small banks are better positioned to manage small and micro loans due to their flexibility and closer ties to local businesses [18][19]. - The discussion includes the notion that a bank's risk profile cannot be judged solely on its loan portfolio size or interest margins; rather, it requires a deeper analysis of the specific business practices and regional economic conditions [60][66]. Group 3: Financial Metrics and Valuation - The article introduces the concept of Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE) as critical metrics for evaluating bank performance, with ROA being influenced by interest margin, cost of expenses, and impairment losses [25][31][48]. - A comparison of two banks, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) and Hangzhou Bank, reveals that despite ICBC having a larger asset base, Hangzhou Bank demonstrates a higher ROA and ROE due to its effective use of leverage [34][48][55]. - The article concludes that Hangzhou Bank's higher valuation should be reflected in its price-to-book (PB) ratio compared to ICBC, suggesting that current market valuations may not accurately represent the banks' underlying performance [76][78].