高盛：中国民营企业的回归第一部分：形势已然逆转

Investment Rating - The report indicates a favorable outlook for Chinese private-owned enterprises (POEs), suggesting selectivity is required for investment success in this sector [1][3]. Core Insights - Chinese POEs are in the process of regaining market strength after losing nearly US$4 trillion in market capitalization since late 2020, with a significant underperformance compared to state-owned enterprises (SOEs) [1][4]. - The importance of the private sector has been acknowledged by policymakers, with recent legislative support aimed at promoting private enterprises [3][19]. - Regulatory risks have eased, contributing to a more favorable investment environment for listed POEs [3][20]. - The ongoing advancements in AI and technology are expected to enhance growth prospects for POEs, which constitute 72% of the defined AI-Tech universe [3][40]. - POEs are increasingly leading China's "Going Global" strategy, allowing for organic growth and higher profit margins [3][41]. - Profitability metrics for POEs have shown improvement, with profits and return on equity (ROE) rising by 22% and 1.2 percentage points, respectively, since the lows of 2022 [3][47]. - There are early signs of renewed investment appetite within the POE sector, indicating a return of "animal spirits" [3][56]. - POEs are currently trading at valuation discounts compared to historical ranges and SOEs, with cash returns reaching record highs [3][62]. Summary by Sections Section 1: Market Performance - Listed Chinese POEs have lost almost US$4 trillion in market capitalization since their peak in 2020, reflecting a 32% decline [4][6]. - POEs represent 60% of the total market capitalization of the listed universe in China [6][19]. Section 2: Regulatory Environment - The regulatory cycle for POEs has shifted towards a more accommodating stance, reducing the perceived policy risk premium [3][20]. - Recent legislative actions, including the first-ever POE law, aim to support the private economy and enhance investor confidence [3][19]. Section 3: Technological Advancements - AI and technology breakthroughs are reshaping the growth narrative for POEs, with significant representation in the AI-Tech sector [3][40]. - Widespread AI adoption is projected to boost corporate earnings in China by 2.5% annually over the next decade [3][36]. Section 4: Global Expansion - POEs are increasingly diversifying their revenue sources, with non-domestic sales expected to reach nearly 20% of total sales by 2024 [3][46]. - The profitability of POEs in overseas markets is generally higher than in the domestic market, driven by better pricing and reduced competition [3][45]. Section 5: Profitability Recovery - POEs have shown signs of profitability recovery, with expectations for further improvement in ROE and net margins [3][55]. - The consensus forecast indicates a potential uplift in ROE to around 13%-14% in the coming years [3][55]. Section 6: Investment Opportunities - The report emphasizes the need for selectivity in investing within the POE universe, highlighting specific investment themes such as the Chinese Prominent 10 and GS China Select AI Portfolio [1][74]. - The thematic bias towards high-quality SOEs remains, particularly those with strong shareholder returns [1][74].