Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2025-11-18 08:25Core Viewpoint - The report from Shenwan Hongyuan indicates a significant trend of long-term capital, represented by insurance funds, increasingly allocating to the banking sector, with a potential inflow space of approximately 600 billion yuan if 40% of new funds are allocated to bank stocks [1][2]. Group 1: Capital Inflow and Allocation - The unprecedented low interest rate environment is driving incremental capital towards dividend sectors, with the banking sector offering superior value. The current banking index dividend yield is about 4.3%, significantly higher than the ten-year government bond yield, making it an attractive investment option [1]. - Assuming that 40% of the new capital is allocated to OCI and 40% to bank stocks, this could lead to a potential inflow of around 600 billion yuan. Additionally, public fund reforms are expected to increase capital allocation to underrepresented sectors, with bank stock holdings in public funds dropping to a near ten-year low of 1.74% in Q3 2025, suggesting an additional potential inflow of over 370 billion yuan if allocations align with the CSI 300 [2]. Group 2: Expected Changes in Banking Fundamentals - The central bank has explicitly stated its support for stabilizing net interest margins, linking this to the expansion of monetary policy's counter-cyclical adjustment space. It is anticipated that by 2026, bank interest margins may reverse their downward trend and show a slight year-on-year increase, with banks that can improve deposit costs expected to perform better than their peers [3]. - The importance of "high provisioning" is becoming more pronounced as banks' provisioning capacity is gradually consumed. While systemic risks from real estate and platforms may ease, risks in retail sectors still require provisioning. Focus should be on banks with low non-performing loans and high loan-to-deposit ratios, as well as those with clear asset quality improvements [3]. - Some small and medium-sized banks may face revenue growth challenges due to high base pressures in their capital market operations, with reduced non-interest income growth and declining financial investment yields [3]. Group 3: Capital Focus and Investment Recommendations - Bank capital is becoming a focal point, with banks that have strong internal capital generation or substantial reserves being better positioned for stable lending and dividends. External financing remains challenging, making convertible bonds a scarce resource [4]. - The banking sector is entering a new cycle of stable profitability, with long-term capital inflows ongoing. If the macro environment sees a gradual recovery in PPI and marginal increases in long-term interest rates, this will create favorable operating conditions for banks. Even under economic pressure, banks with clear risk thresholds and stable dividend expectations remain attractive dividend assets [5]. - The report recommends focusing on a dual strategy of "leading banks (state-owned and China Merchants Bank) as the foundation" and "bottom-tier joint-stock banks and quality city commercial banks as the performers." Leading banks are expected to see valuation recovery, while quality small and medium-sized banks with improving fundamentals are likely to exhibit stock price elasticity in response to economic recovery [5].