Summary of HK Exchanges & Clearing Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: HK Exchanges & Clearing (0388.HK) - **Industry**: Financial Services, specifically focused on stock exchange operations in Hong Kong Key Financial Highlights - **2Q25 Revenue Growth**: Expected to increase by 28% year-over-year (YoY) to HK$6,933 million, driven by strong trading activity and higher fees [1][12] - **Profit Growth**: Anticipated profit growth of 32% YoY, with earnings per share (EPS) projected at HK$3.28, up from HK$2.49 in 2Q24 [1][12] - **Average Daily Volume (ADV)**: Recorded at HK$238 billion in 2Q25, representing a 95% increase YoY but a slight decline of 2% quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) [3][9] - **Net Investment Income**: Expected to rise by 8% QoQ, attributed to a larger margin fund size despite lower interest rates [4][9] Trading Activity Insights - **Southbound Trading**: Southbound ADV surged by 154% YoY, contributing significantly to overall trading volume, with its share of total HK turnover exceeding 50% in 2Q25 [3][20] - **Northbound Trading**: Northbound ADV increased by 17% YoY but fell by 20% QoQ, indicating a mixed performance [3] - **Derivatives Trading**: ADV for derivatives decreased by 17% QoQ, reflecting a more muted trading environment [3] Market Conditions and Outlook - **Interest Rates**: The average six-month HIBOR dropped to 3.89% in 2Q25 from 4.16% in 1Q25, impacting net investment income but offset by higher margin requirements [4] - **Future Projections**: The company raised its ADV assumption for 2025 to HK$225 billion, reflecting confidence in resilient trading activities and a favorable low-rate environment [5][28] - **Earnings Estimates**: EPS estimates have been adjusted slightly upward, with expected growth of 20% YoY for 2025 and 8% for 2026 [29] Valuation and Investment Thesis - **Price Target**: Maintained at HK$500, indicating a potential upside of 16% from the current price of HK$432.60 [7][32] - **Market Sentiment**: The company is viewed as an attractive investment due to reduced financial risks, a transition towards innovation-driven growth in China, and rising IPO volumes [38][39] - **Consensus Rating**: 89% of analysts rate the stock as Overweight, reflecting strong market confidence [40] Risks and Considerations - **Geopolitical Uncertainties**: Ongoing geopolitical tensions and trade tariff concerns could impact trading volumes and market sentiment [48] - **Interest Rate Fluctuations**: Potential further declines in interest rates may negatively affect net investment income in the latter half of 2025 [29] Additional Insights - **Cost-Income Ratio**: Improved to 23% in 2Q25, down from 27% YoY, indicating better operational efficiency [12] - **Future ADV Projections**: Expected to reach HK$240 billion in 2026 and HK$265 billion in 2027, reflecting continued growth in trading activity [30][43] This summary encapsulates the key points from the conference call, highlighting the financial performance, market conditions, and future outlook for HK Exchanges & Clearing.

Key Takeaways RJF is expected to have recorded higher Q3 revenues, while earnings might have dipped year over year. Strong IB and trading activity are likely to have driven fee income in a volatile market backdrop. Non-interest expenses are likely to have risen nearly 6% due to advisor hiring and inflationary pressures.Raymond James (RJF) is scheduled to announce third-quarter fiscal 2025 (ended June 30) results on July 23, after market close. The company’s earnings are expected to have declined marginall ...

Core Insights - Charles Schwab's second-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) reached $1.14, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.09, and reflecting a 56% year-over-year increase [1][8] - The company's shares rose nearly 2.4% in pre-market trading due to better-than-expected results driven by market volatility and higher interest rates [1] Financial Performance - The asset management business and trading revenues significantly contributed to the results, alongside higher net interest revenues (NIR) and an increase in brokerage accounts [2] - Quarterly net revenues were reported at $5.85 billion, a 25% increase year over year, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.70 billion [3][8] - Total non-interest expenses increased by 4% to $3.05 billion, while adjusted total expenses rose 5% year over year to $2.92 billion [3] Profitability Metrics - The pre-tax profit margin improved to 47.9% from 37.2% in the prior-year quarter [4] - Average interest-earning assets grew almost 1% to $422.7 billion, slightly above the estimate of $421.7 billion [4] - The annualized return on equity reached 19%, up from 14% in the prior-year quarter [4] Client Metrics - As of June 30, 2025, total client assets hit a record $10.76 trillion, marking a 14% year-over-year increase [5] - The company attracted $73.6 billion in net new assets during the quarter and added 1.1 million new brokerage accounts, bringing the total to 37.5 million active brokerage accounts [5][8] Shareholder Actions - During the reported quarter, Schwab repurchased 3.9 million shares for $351 million [6] Strategic Outlook - A decline in funding costs and lower rates are expected to support Schwab's margins, along with strategic acquisitions and increased advice solution fees [7] - However, rising expenses and macroeconomic challenges may pose risks to future performance [7]

Investment Rating - The report assigns an "Overweight" (OW) rating to HK Exchanges & Clearing (0388.HK) with a new price target of HK$500, reflecting a 24% upside potential from the current price of HK$402.40 [6][31]. Core Insights - The report highlights increased confidence in the financial system cycle bottom, which is expected to support trading volume and market sentiment in Hong Kong [9][44]. - Strong year-to-date (YTD) performance is noted, with average daily trading value (ADV) reaching HK$240 billion as of June 6, 2025, an 82% increase from HK$132 billion in 2024 [2][9]. - The report anticipates a robust IPO recovery, with funds raised reaching HK$78 billion in the first five months of 2025, up over 700% year-on-year [15][17]. Summary by Sections Financial Performance - The report raises ADV assumptions to HK$220 billion for 2025 and HK$240 billion for 2026, reflecting a more favorable market environment and increased IPO activity [4][26]. - Earnings forecasts have been adjusted upward, with EPS estimates increasing by 9.4% for 2025 and 10.6% for 2026 [27][30]. Market Dynamics - The financial system is believed to be in a properly regulated development mode, reducing market volatility and supporting capital market activity [3][10]. - The report identifies key drivers for trading volume, including a shift to an innovation-driven development model in China and easing trade tensions, which are expected to enhance market sentiment [11][14]. IPO Activity - A solid IPO pipeline is anticipated, with 138 deals in process as of May 30, 2025, and expectations for IPO volume to rise to HK$180 billion in 2025 and HK$310 billion in 2026 [15][19]. - The loosening of IPO criteria by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) is expected to further stimulate market activity [15][44]. Valuation and Price Target - The new price target of HK$500 is derived from applying a P/E multiple of 37.4x to the 2026 EPS estimate of HK$13.38, reflecting a bullish outlook on market conditions [31][38]. - The report outlines different valuation scenarios, with the base case target increasing to HK$468 and the bull case target rising to HK$630 [32][33].