Core Viewpoint - The continuous inflow of southbound funds into Hong Kong stocks, particularly high-dividend stocks like CITIC Limited, reflects a strong market recognition of the company's low valuation and high dividend policy, indicating a reassessment of its profitability and growth potential [1][3][17]. Group 1: Southbound Fund Inflows - As of September 1, 2023, southbound funds have flowed into Hong Kong stocks amounting to approximately 990.9 billion HKD this year [1]. - CITIC Limited has seen its holdings by Hong Kong Stock Connect reach 1.295 billion shares, accounting for 26.31% of its free float, up from 15.37% at the beginning of the year [1][3]. - The stock has experienced a year-to-date increase of about 27%, with a market capitalization of 328.2 billion HKD, nearly doubling over the past four years [3]. Group 2: Dividend Policy and Valuation - CITIC Limited's dividend policy is highlighted as a benchmark, with cumulative dividends exceeding 140 billion RMB and a rolling dividend yield of 5.44%, significantly above the market average [4]. - The actual dividend payout ratio for 2024 is set to increase to 27.5%, with plans to exceed 30% by 2026 [6]. - Despite the stock price increase, the company's valuation remains low, with a price-to-book ratio of only 0.39 and a price-to-earnings ratio of 5.2, well below the industry median of 9.1 [6]. Group 3: Financial Performance - In the first half of the year, CITIC Limited reported revenues of 368.8 billion RMB and a net profit attributable to shareholders of 31.2 billion RMB, with a core operating profit growth of 0.4% year-on-year [6]. - The financial services segment remains a cornerstone, contributing 37.9% of total revenue, with a net profit of 28.4 billion RMB, reflecting a 1.8% increase [8]. - CITIC Bank has shown resilience with a net profit of 36.5 billion RMB, up 2.8%, despite industry challenges [8]. Group 4: Business Structure and Innovation - The company employs a "financial + industrial" dual-drive model, which has been key to maintaining performance stability [7]. - CITIC Limited is actively pursuing technological innovation, establishing a "2+4+N" innovation matrix to enhance its research and development capabilities [12]. - The internationalization strategy has led to a 15% increase in overseas revenue, with overseas assets growing by 5.79% [13]. Group 5: Future Outlook - The company is expected to continue leveraging its dual-drive model to enhance its global influence and operational resilience [17]. - With ongoing technological advancements and international expansion, CITIC Limited is positioned to deliver sustainable returns to investors [17].

Core Viewpoint - The continuous inflow of southbound funds into Hong Kong stocks, particularly high-dividend stocks like CITIC Limited, reflects a strong market recognition of the company's low valuation and high dividend policy, indicating a reassessment of its profitability and growth potential [1][3][17] Group 1: Southbound Fund Inflows - Southbound funds have significantly increased their holdings in CITIC Limited, with a total inflow of approximately HKD 990.9 billion year-to-date as of September 1 [1] - The number of shares held by southbound funds in CITIC Limited reached 1.295 billion, accounting for 26.31% of the free float and 4.46% of the total share capital, a substantial increase from 760 million shares at the beginning of the year [1][3] Group 2: Dividend Policy and Valuation - CITIC Limited has a benchmark dividend policy, with cumulative dividends exceeding RMB 140 billion over ten years and a rolling dividend yield of 5.44%, significantly above the market average [4] - The actual dividend payout ratio for 2024 is set to increase to 27.5%, with plans to exceed 30% by 2026, demonstrating a strong commitment to returning cash to shareholders [6] Group 3: Financial Performance - For the first half of the year, CITIC Limited reported revenue of RMB 368.8 billion and a net profit attributable to shareholders of RMB 31.2 billion, reflecting a stable operational performance despite a challenging environment [6] - The company's price-to-book ratio is only 0.39 and the price-to-earnings ratio (TTM) is 5.2, both significantly lower than the industry median, indicating substantial room for valuation recovery [6] Group 4: Business Structure and Growth - The comprehensive financial services segment remains a cornerstone for CITIC Limited, contributing RMB 139.8 billion in revenue, which is 37.9% of total revenue, and 90.97% of net profit [8] - CITIC Bank has shown resilience with a net profit of RMB 36.5 billion, growing 2.8% year-on-year, supported by fee income growth and effective cost management [8] Group 5: Internationalization and Global Strategy - CITIC Limited's international revenue reached RMB 65.8 billion, a 15% increase year-on-year, with overseas income accounting for 17.9% of total revenue [13] - The company has actively engaged in cross-border financial services, achieving significant growth in bond underwriting and cross-border loans, contributing to the internationalization of the Renminbi [13][14] Group 6: Innovation and Technology - The company has invested heavily in technology innovation, establishing a "2+4+N" innovation matrix to enhance its research and development capabilities [12] - CITIC Limited's focus on new industries, including digital technology and intelligent manufacturing, has opened new growth avenues, showcasing its strategic adaptability [11][12]