Core Insights - Deutsche Bank achieved a record net profit of €1.3 billion in Q4 2025, representing a significant year-on-year increase, with revenues reaching €7.73 billion, up 7.1% [1] - The strong performance was primarily driven by robust results in the fixed income and foreign exchange trading sectors [1] Recent Events - On January 27, 2026, Frankfurt prosecutors conducted a raid at Deutsche Bank's headquarters as part of an investigation into transactions related to money laundering from 2013 to 2018, which has put short-term pressure on the bank's stock price [2] Performance and Operations - Management plans to propose a dividend of €1 per share for the fiscal year 2025 at the annual shareholders' meeting in May 2026, marking an approximate 50% increase from 2024 [3] - The bank also announced a €1 billion share buyback program, bringing total shareholder returns to 50% of 2025 profits [3] Future Development - Deutsche Bank anticipates revenues to rise to approximately €33 billion in 2026, primarily driven by growth in loan and fee income, with expected increases in advisory and capital markets within the investment banking sector [4] - Non-interest expenses are projected to be slightly above €21 billion, while the bank's CET1 capital ratio stood at 14.2% in Q4, indicating a solid capital position [4] - CFO James von Moltke noted a "very strong" start to 2026 and plans for additional dividends in the second half of the year [4]

Core Viewpoint - Daiwa has issued a "Buy" rating for Trip.com Group Ltd (09961) despite an ongoing investigation by China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) regarding alleged monopolistic practices [1] Group 1: Investigation Details - The SAMR's investigation focuses on exclusive agreements, traffic distribution mechanisms, and commission-related disputes [1] - Following the announcement, Trip.com experienced a significant drop in stock price, opening down 14.98% and reaching a low of 484.2 HKD, with early trading showing a decline of over 20% [1] Group 2: Market Competition - The domestic travel market in China is highly competitive, with multiple players in the hotel and transportation sectors [1] - Although Trip.com is the largest online travel platform by total transaction volume in China, competition from Meituan (03690) and Alibaba's Fliggy (09988) continues to impact market share dynamics and pricing strategies [1] Group 3: Long-term Outlook - Daiwa expresses a constructive long-term view on Trip.com due to factors such as international expansion, recovery trends in inbound tourism, and the domestic hotel inventory cycle [1] - Short-term regulatory uncertainties may negatively affect investor sentiment, but such phases often present entry opportunities once regulatory measures become clearer [1]