Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Outperform" rating for the banking industry [5] Core Viewpoints - The Zhejiang Rural Credit System has demonstrated significant reform and operational effectiveness, maintaining a strong focus on supporting agriculture and small enterprises, leading to a notable market presence in terms of deposits and loans [1][49] - The system's return on equity (ROE) consistently exceeds that of listed banks, indicating superior cyclical resilience despite a general decline in ROE across both sectors [2][50] - The growth in net profit for the Zhejiang Rural Credit System was 12.5% and 10.0% year-on-year for 2022 and 2023, respectively, driven primarily by rapid expansion and improved non-interest income [3][51] Summary by Sections Reform and Operational Effectiveness - The Zhejiang Rural Credit System has evolved since the establishment of the first rural credit cooperative in 1952, culminating in the formation of the Zhejiang Rural Commercial Bank in 2022, which serves as a model for national reform [1][49] - By the end of 2024, the system's total deposits and loans reached 4.78 trillion yuan and 3.78 trillion yuan, respectively, with market shares of 20.88% and 15.92% [20] Profitability Analysis - The high ROE of the Zhejiang Rural Credit System is attributed to a higher net interest margin compared to the industry, although this advantage has been narrowing due to increased competition from larger banks [2][50] - The system's non-interest income has improved, particularly from investment returns, which have helped offset the pressure from declining net interest margins [3][50] Growth Potential - The Zhejiang Rural Credit System has maintained a loan growth rate exceeding 15%, supported by a strong demand from small and micro enterprises in a robust regional economy [38] - The system's asset quality remains strong, with a non-performing loan ratio of 0.85% and a provision coverage ratio of 486.7% as of the end of 2024, indicating a solid risk management framework [20][47] Asset Quality - The system's non-performing loan ratio has remained low, benefiting from a favorable economic environment and effective risk management practices [44] - Despite a slight increase in non-performing loans due to economic pressures, the overall asset quality remains superior compared to national averages [44][47] Investment Recommendations - The report suggests a focus on high-dividend stocks in a low-interest-rate environment, recommending banks such as China Merchants Bank and Jiangsu Bank for long-term investment [53]