Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (00388.HK) [1] Core Views - The company's performance slightly exceeded expectations, with record trading volumes across multiple markets [1] - In 2025, Hong Kong Exchanges achieved revenue of HKD 29.161 billion, a year-on-year increase of 30%, and a net profit attributable to shareholders of HKD 17.754 billion, up 36% year-on-year [1] - The report anticipates continued growth in net profit for 2026-2028, projecting HKD 20.155 billion, HKD 21.786 billion, and HKD 23.707 billion respectively, with corresponding EPS of HKD 15.91, HKD 17.17, and HKD 18.64 [4] Revenue Analysis - Trading fees in the cash market saw a significant increase, with average daily turnover reaching HKD 231.5 billion, a 93% year-on-year growth, and trading fee income rising by 87% [2] - The derivatives market reported a revenue increase of 11%, driven by a 55% rise in average daily turnover for structured products [2] - The LME (London Metal Exchange) achieved its best performance in history, with trading fees and settlement fees increasing by 11% and 12% respectively [2] Listing Fees - The primary market in Hong Kong was very active in 2025, with 119 new listings, an increase of 48 from the previous year, and a fundraising amount that grew by 226% [3] - Listing fee income in the derivatives market increased by 38%, attributed to a 50% and 27% rise in new listings of structured products and warrants respectively [3] Profit Forecast and Valuation - The report forecasts a net profit growth rate of 14%, 8%, and 9% for 2026, 2027, and 2028 respectively, with a corresponding PE ratio of 26, 24, and 22 times [4] - The expected revenue growth rates for the same period are 11%, 7%, and 8% [8]

Summary of Hong Kong Stock Exchange 2025 Earnings Call Company Overview - The report focuses on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) and its performance in 2025, highlighting significant growth in various segments and overall financial results. Key Financial Metrics - In 2025, HKEX achieved total revenue of HKD 29.161 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 30% [1] - The net profit attributable to shareholders was HKD 17.754 billion, up 36% year-on-year [1] - For Q4 2025, the net profit attributable to shareholders was HKD 4.335 billion, reflecting a 15% increase year-on-year but a 12% decrease quarter-on-quarter due to a slight reduction in trading activity [1] Business Segment Performance - Revenue growth by business line in 2025: - Cash Market: +56% (50% of total revenue) - Derivatives: +11% (24% of total revenue) - Commodities: +14% (11% of total revenue) - Data & Connectivity: +7% (8% of total revenue) - Company Projects: +17% (7% of total revenue) [1] Revenue by Fee Structure - Revenue growth by fee type: - Trading and trading system fees: +44% (35% of total revenue) - Listing fees: +21% (6% of total revenue) - Clearing and settlement fees: +49% (24% of total revenue) - Custody and agency services fees: +31% (5% of total revenue) - Market data fees: +8% (4% of total revenue) - Investment income: +4% (18% of total revenue) [2] Trading Activity Highlights - Cash Market: - Daily average trading volume reached a record high of HKD 231.5 billion, up 93% year-on-year [2] - Daily average trading volume for Hong Kong Stock Connect and Shanghai Stock Connect increased by 151% and 42% respectively, with corresponding trading fee income rising by 156% and 44% [2] - Derivatives Market: - Revenue from the derivatives segment increased by 11% year-on-year, with trading fees for structured products like warrants and callable bull/bear contracts rising by 48% due to a 55% increase in daily average trading volume [2] - Commodities Market: - The London Metal Exchange (LME) achieved its best performance, with trading fees and clearing fees increasing by 11% and 12% respectively, driven by an 8% increase in daily average trading volume of fee-paying contracts [2] IPO and Listing Activity - The primary market in Hong Kong was highly active in 2025, regaining the top position in the global IPO market with 119 new listings, an increase of 48 companies year-on-year, and a fundraising amount that grew by 226% [3] - As of the end of 2025, there were 345 IPO applications in process, more than four times the number in 2024 [3] - Revenue from listing fees increased by 38% due to a 50% increase in new listings of structured products [3] Future Outlook - In January 2026, daily average trading volume is expected to grow by 89%, with structured products showing significant increases in trading volume [3] - The company anticipates a net profit growth of approximately 10% year-on-year for 2026, with a current price-to-earnings ratio of about 26x [3]