Financial Data and Key Indicator Changes - In 2024, Ping An Bank achieved operating income of RMB 44.2 billion, down 10.9% year on year [5][23] - The net profit for the year was RMB 44.5 billion, reflecting a decrease but maintaining a strong provision coverage ratio of 251% [7][23] - Total assets increased steadily, with retail deposits rising by 3.7% compared to the beginning of the year [22][24] Business Line Data and Key Indicator Changes - Corporate Banking saw total assets increase by 3.3% and corporate loan balance grow by 12.4%, while personal loans decreased by nearly 11% due to a proactive reduction of high-risk businesses [6][27] - The proportion of mortgage-based loans increased by 4%, reaching 62.8% [7] - Retail Banking is undergoing restructuring, focusing on medium-risk products and customer-centric services [78][79] Market Data and Key Indicator Changes - The banking sector is experiencing a turning point from scale expansion to quality development, with net interest margins under pressure [2][3] - The overall market environment remains challenging, with increasing competition and pressure on net interest margins expected in 2025 [72] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to strengthening retail banking while refining corporate banking and interbank business, focusing on high-quality growth and risk management [9][12] - Ping An Bank aims to leverage technology and fintech to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency [8][12] - The strategic direction includes a balanced approach to business growth, integrating risk management and customer relationship management [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the challenges posed by the current economic environment but expresses confidence in the bank's ability to adapt and grow [19][72] - The focus will be on improving asset quality and reducing non-performing loans (NPLs), with expectations for a positive growth trajectory in retail loans by 2025 [91][92] - The bank plans to maintain a reasonable dividend level while balancing capital needs and shareholder returns [94][96] Other Important Information - The bank has implemented major initiatives in technology, green finance, and inclusive finance to support high-quality development [8][23] - Ping An Bank's core Tier 1 capital adequacy ratio remains robust despite a slight decrease [24][96] Q&A Session Summary Question: How will the adjustment affect the positioning and strategy of the Retail business? - Management has streamlined the retail strategy, focusing on risk management and reducing dependency on high-risk products [39][41] Question: What are the driving factors behind the reduction in NIM? - Factors include interest rate reductions and adjustments in high-risk loans, with expectations for further improvements in 2025 [51][53] Question: What is the outlook for retail asset quality and NPL trends? - The NPL ratio for retail assets is expected to improve, with management confident in a positive growth trajectory for retail loans in 2025 [88][91] Question: What is the reason for the decrease in dividend rates? - The decrease is attributed to capital pressures, but management aims to maintain a balanced approach to shareholder returns [94][96] Question: How is the bank evaluating the property market and its impact on asset quality? - Management believes the property market is stabilizing due to government support, which should positively impact asset quality moving forward [104]