GOLDEN SUN SECURITIES·2025-09-02 07:05Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the construction and decoration industry, highlighting specific companies as key investment targets [4][7]. Core Insights - The construction sector has experienced significant fluctuations over the past sixteen years, with eight winning phases (40% of the time) and seven losing phases (60% of the time) [1][12]. - The current market environment is characterized by a gradual easing of policies since late 2021, which has historically correlated with better performance in the construction sector [1][3]. - The report emphasizes the importance of thematic influences, such as the "Belt and Road Initiative" and "PPP" projects, which have driven substantial short-term excess returns in the sector [2][3]. Summary by Sections 1. Historical Review of the Construction Sector - The report divides the historical performance of the construction sector from June 2008 to December 2024 into fifteen phases based on excess returns relative to the CSI 300 index [11]. - Winning phases include significant periods of policy easing and economic recovery, while losing phases often coincide with tighter monetary policies [1][12]. 2. Policy Cycle and Market Trends - The report identifies four major policy cycles since 2008, with the current phase being a gradual easing that began in late 2021 [1][3]. - The correlation between excess returns and macroeconomic indicators is noted to be weak, with expectations of policy changes being more influential [1][3]. 3. Thematic Characteristics and Valuation - The construction sector's valuation is currently low, with a price-to-book ratio (PB) of 0.8, which is below historical averages and indicates potential for rebound [2][3]. - The report highlights that the sector's performance is sensitive to thematic catalysts, suggesting that upcoming regional initiatives could provide investment opportunities [3][4]. 4. Comparison with Banking Sector - The construction sector is compared to the banking sector, noting similarities in business models and sensitivity to credit environment changes [3]. - The current price-to-book ratio of the construction sector relative to banks is at a critical point, suggesting potential for significant excess returns if historical patterns hold [3]. 5. Investment Recommendations - Key investment targets include leading companies benefiting from strategic infrastructure projects, such as Sichuan Road and Bridge, China Metallurgical Group, and China Communications Construction [4][7]. - The report also suggests monitoring local leaders in Xinjiang and companies involved in coal chemical projects as potential high-return investments [4].