China Merchants Group

1. Analyze Revenue: Look at the company's revenue growth over the past few years. Has it been consistently increasing or have there been significant fluctuations? Compare the revenue growth to that of the industry average to get a better understanding of the company's performance.
2. Study Profitability: Look at the company's profit margins, i.e. net profit as a percentage of revenue. Compare this to the industry average and the company's previous performance. A higher profit margin indicates better efficiency and management of costs.
3. Examine Cash Flow: Cash flow is an important indicator of a company's financial health. Analyze the company's operating, investing, and financing cash flows to understand how it manages cash, invests in growth, and finances its operations.
4. Assess Debt Levels: Companies in the Diversified investment and services industry may have high levels of debt due to the nature of their business. Examine the company's debt levels and compare them to its equity and cash flows. A high debt to equity ratio may indicate financial risk.
5. Look at Return on Equity (ROE): ROE measures a company's profitability relative to its shareholders' equity. A higher ROE indicates a more efficient use of shareholder's capital.
6. Consider Valuation Ratios: Compare the company's valuation ratios, such as price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio and price-to-book (P/B) ratio to its industry peers. A lower valuation ratio may indicate that the company is undervalued compared to its peers.
7. Analyze Management and Strategy: Evaluate the company's management team and their track record. Look at the company's growth strategy and plans for the future. A strong and experienced management team can drive growth and profitability.
8. Monitor Industry Trends: Keep an eye on industry trends and market conditions that may impact the company's financial performance. This can include economic factors, regulatory changes, and technological advancements.
9. Conduct Ratio Analysis: Use financial ratios like liquidity, solvency, and profitability ratios to get a more in-depth understanding of the company's financial health.
10. Review Analyst Recommendations: Read analyst reports and recommendations on the company's stock. This can provide insights on the company's financials, as well as its future prospects and potential risks.

The cost structures and profit margins in the diversified investment and services industry can vary significantly depending on the specific type of service being offered and the company's business model. However, some common cost structures and profit margins in this industry may include:
1. Management fees: Many diversified investment and services companies charge management fees for managing clients' investment portfolios. These fees are typically a percentage of the assets under management and can range from 0.5% to 3% or more.
2. Performance fees: Some companies may also charge performance fees, which are a percentage of the investment profits earned by the client. This fee structure is more commonly seen in hedge funds and private equity firms.
3. Commissions: In addition to management fees, some companies may also earn a commission on the products or services they sell, such as mutual funds, insurance, or other financial products.
4. Administrative expenses: Diversified investment and services companies may also incur administrative expenses, such as office rent, salaries, and technology costs.
5. Research and development costs: Companies that offer investment services may also spend significant resources on research and development to identify and analyze potential investment opportunities.
Profit margins in the diversified investment and services industry can also vary depending on the company's business model and market conditions. Some factors that may affect profit margins include the company's size, competition, and the overall performance of the markets.
For example, larger companies may have higher overhead costs, which can impact their profit margins. On the other hand, smaller or more specialized firms may have higher margins due to their niche focus and lower operating expenses.
In general, the profit margins in the diversified investment and services industry can range from 10% to 30%. However, this can vary significantly depending on the specific company and market conditions. Companies that are able to consistently generate strong returns for their clients may also have higher profit margins.