Core Viewpoint - The performance of China Merchants Bank (CMB) in 2024 is characterized by "stability, progress, and quality," with analysts maintaining a "buy" rating, although investors have mixed feelings depending on their focus on high dividends or growth potential [1][2]. Financial Performance - In 2024, CMB achieved operating revenue of 3375 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 0.48%, while net profit attributable to shareholders reached 1484 billion yuan, an increase of 1.22%, marking two consecutive years of profit growth without revenue growth [1][3]. - Total assets exceeded 12 trillion yuan, and deposits surpassed 9 trillion yuan, both growing by over 10% year-on-year [1]. - The bank proposed a cash dividend of 2 yuan per share, totaling over 500 billion yuan, with a dividend payout ratio of 35.32%, leading the industry [1][15]. Revenue Composition - Net interest income decreased by 1.58% to 2112.77 billion yuan, while non-interest income grew by 1.41% to 1262.11 billion yuan, accounting for 37.40% of total revenue [4]. - Investment income rose by 34.74% to 298.80 billion yuan, and fair value changes contributed an additional 60.85 billion yuan, reflecting a significant increase of 229.63% [6][7]. Cost Management - CMB focused on cost reduction, with operating expenses decreasing by 2.46% to 1584.69 billion yuan, and employee costs down by 3.21% [8][9]. - The average salary per employee fell to 582,600 yuan, a decline of 4.96% from the previous year, marking the third consecutive year of salary reductions [9]. Retail Banking Strategy - 2024 marked the 20th anniversary of CMB's retail banking strategy, with retail banking revenue reaching 1968.35 billion yuan, a growth of 1.29%, although pre-tax profit declined by 9.28% [10][11]. - The number of retail customers increased to 210 million, with high-net-worth clients also growing significantly [11]. Loan and Deposit Growth - Retail customer deposits reached 3.83 trillion yuan, up 15.43% year-on-year, while retail loans grew by 6.06% to 3.58 trillion yuan [13][14]. - Consumer loans saw the highest growth rate at 31.38%, while credit card transactions declined by 8.23% [14]. Market Position and Dividend Policy - CMB's dividend policy remains robust, with a proposed payout ratio of 35.32%, reflecting its commitment to shareholder returns [15][16]. - The return on equity (ROE) fell to 14.49%, the lowest in 20 years, attributed to low interest rates and competitive pressures [15][17].

Core Viewpoint - The banking industry in China is transitioning from a phase of rapid growth to one focused on resilience and high-quality development, with a notable emphasis on value creation despite ongoing challenges in the economic environment [1][4]. Group 1: Operating Performance - The banking sector is experiencing a trend of "low interest rates, low spreads, low profitability, and high risks," with the net interest margin for commercial banks dropping to a historical low of 1.52% by the end of 2024 [2]. - Despite facing significant pressures, China Merchants Bank (CMB) reported a net interest margin of 1.98% and a year-on-year net profit growth of 1.22%, significantly outperforming industry averages [2]. - CMB's asset quality remains strong, with a non-performing loan ratio of 0.95%, well below the industry average of 1.5% [2]. Group 2: Retail Banking Strategy - CMB's retail banking strategy, established 20 years ago, continues to be a cornerstone of its operations, with over 200 million retail customers and total managed assets nearing 15 trillion yuan [3]. - The bank's retail financial products have seen substantial growth, with retail wealth management product balances increasing by 12.38% to 3.93 trillion yuan [3]. - CMB has introduced innovative products and services, such as the "TREE Long-term Profit Plan," which quickly raised over 6 billion yuan in just ten trading days [3]. Group 3: Long-term Strategy and Resilience - CMB's management emphasizes the importance of long-term value creation over short-term gains, with a focus on maintaining core competitive advantages through high-quality customer service and technological investment [5][12]. - The bank's strategic approach includes a commitment to "four transformations": internationalization, comprehensive services, differentiation, and digital intelligence [7][10]. - CMB aims to enhance its global service capabilities to support Chinese enterprises' international expansion while leveraging technology to improve operational efficiency and customer experience [8][10]. Group 4: Financial Health and Risk Management - CMB maintains a strong financial position with a non-performing loan ratio consistently below 1% and a provision coverage ratio exceeding 400% [11]. - The bank's ability to manage low-cost liabilities and maintain a high net interest margin supports its financial stability [11]. - CMB's focus on enhancing its operational capabilities, including risk management and strategic execution, positions it well to navigate the challenges of a low-interest-rate environment [11][12].