Core Viewpoint - Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) reported record-high revenues and profits in the first half of 2025, driven by increased trading activity in the stock market and derivatives [1][4]. Financial Performance - Total revenue for the first half of 2025 reached HKD 14.08 billion, a year-on-year increase of 32.5%, with Q2 revenue growing by 33.2% year-on-year and 5.3% quarter-on-quarter to HKD 7.22 billion [1]. - Net profit attributable to shareholders was HKD 8.52 billion, up 39.1% year-on-year, with Q2 net profit increasing by 40.8% year-on-year and 9.0% quarter-on-quarter to HKD 4.44 billion [1]. - EBITDA margin stood at 79%, reflecting a 6 percentage point increase year-on-year [1]. Revenue Breakdown - Trading fees, system usage fees, and settlement fees totaled HKD 8.06 billion, accounting for 57.3% of total revenue, with a year-on-year increase of 48.9% [2]. - Investment income netted HKD 2.88 billion, representing 20.4% of total revenue, with a year-on-year growth of 14.0% [2]. - Listing fee income was HKD 0.82 billion, making up 5.8% of total revenue, and increased by 12.6% year-on-year [2]. Market Activity - Average daily trading volume for stock securities reached HKD 222.8 billion, a half-year record, with a year-on-year increase of 122.1% [3]. - The derivatives market saw an average daily trading volume of HKD 17.4 billion, up 72.3% year-on-year [3]. - Northbound and southbound trading average daily transaction amounts were RMB 171.3 billion and HKD 111.0 billion, respectively, both achieving half-year highs [3]. New Listings - The number of new listings in Hong Kong reached 44 in the first half of 2025, a 46.7% increase year-on-year, raising a total of HKD 109.4 billion, which is a 716.4% increase [4]. - As of the end of Q2 2025, there were 207 listing applications pending, representing a 146.4% increase from the end of the previous year [4]. Investment Outlook - The company is viewed as a rare asset with balanced growth potential, maintaining a "buy" rating [4]. - The financial performance in the first half of 2025 has led to an upward revision of net profit forecasts for 2025-2027 [4].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the company [1] Core Insights - The company achieved record high revenue and profit in the first half of 2025, with total revenue of 14.08 billion HKD, a year-on-year increase of 32.5% [5] - The increase in revenue was primarily driven by heightened trading activity in the Hong Kong stock market, with average daily trading volume rising by 117.6% to 240.2 billion HKD [5][7] - The report projects continued growth in the second half of 2025, supported by favorable market conditions and increased listings from mainland companies [8] Financial Performance Summary - Total revenue for the first half of 2025 was 14.08 billion HKD, with a net profit of 8.52 billion HKD, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 39.1% [5] - The EBITDA margin improved to 79%, up by 6 percentage points compared to the previous year [5] - The company’s investment income netted 2.88 billion HKD, a 14.0% increase year-on-year, benefiting from non-recurring foreign exchange gains [6] Market Activity Summary - The average daily trading volume for stock securities reached 222.8 billion HKD, marking a 122.1% increase year-on-year [7] - The derivatives market also saw significant growth, with average daily trading volume increasing by 72.3% [7] - The number of new listings in Hong Kong rose to 44 in the first half of 2025, a 46.7% increase year-on-year, with total funds raised amounting to 109.4 billion HKD [8] Earnings Forecast - The report revises the company's net profit forecasts for 2025-2027 to 17.3 billion, 18.5 billion, and 19.5 billion HKD respectively, reflecting an optimistic outlook based on current performance [8][9]

Core Viewpoints - Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) reported a significant increase in market activity, with the average daily turnover (ADT) reaching HKD 2,376.77 billion in Q2 2025, a year-on-year increase of 95.46% [1][2][3] - The influx of southbound capital has contributed to high trading volumes, with a total net purchase of HKD 2,728.63 billion from April to June 2025, marking a 24.77% increase year-on-year [3][4] - The number of new IPOs in Q2 2025 rose to 27, up by 9 from the same period last year, with total IPO fundraising amounting to HKD 880.43 billion, a year-on-year increase of 906.67% [1][3][5] Market Performance - As of June 2025, the market capitalization of the Hong Kong securities market stood at HKD 42.68 trillion, reflecting a 6.84% increase quarter-on-quarter and a 32.82% increase year-on-year [2] - The Hang Seng Index increased by 4.12% in Q2 2025, while the Hang Seng Tech Index experienced a slight decline of 1.70% [2] IPO and Trading Activity - The surge in IPO activity was driven by major A-share companies listing in Hong Kong, including notable firms like CATL and Hengrui Medicine, which collectively raised HKD 737.72 billion, accounting for 83.79% of the total IPO fundraising in Q2 [3][5] - Derivatives and commodity contracts saw increased trading volumes due to heightened demand for risk hedging, with average daily trading volumes for futures and options reaching 1.54 million contracts in Q2, a 15.34% increase year-on-year [3][4] Investment and Future Outlook - Despite a decline in investment returns due to lower HIBOR rates, the overall yield remains high, with expectations of continued growth in Q2 performance [4][5] - The company maintains a "buy" rating, projecting a target price of HKD 480.08 per share based on a 40x PE ratio for 2025, indicating a favorable outlook for future market activity and valuation recovery [7]