Shenwan Hongyuan Securities·2025-12-31 11:51Investment Rating - The report maintains a positive outlook on the banking industry, indicating a "buy" rating for the sector during the "15th Five-Year Plan" period [1]. Core Insights - The banking sector is transitioning from a focus on quantity to quality, emphasizing risk management and efficiency in capital utilization. This shift is driven by the need to support the real economy while managing risks effectively [2][3]. - The report highlights that the return on equity (ROE) for listed banks has remained resilient, averaging around 10%, with city commercial banks leading at 11%-12% ROE, while state-owned banks maintain about 10% [2][3]. - Key changes observed during the "14th Five-Year Plan" include a shift away from scale-driven growth towards a balanced approach between capital and efficiency, a stabilization of net interest margins, and an increased focus on capital markets as a revenue source [2][3]. Summary by Sections 1. From Quantity to Quality - The banking industry has evolved through three five-year plans, with a core transformation focusing on risk and efficiency rather than mere volume [2][3]. 2. High-Quality Development During the "14th Five-Year Plan" 2.1 ROE: Resilience of State-Owned and City Commercial Banks - Listed banks' ROE has slightly declined but remains around 10%, reflecting operational pressures while showcasing resilience [23]. 2.2 Credit: Balancing Capital and Efficiency - The focus has shifted from merely increasing credit volume to optimizing the structure of credit distribution, with significant changes in loan allocation towards technology and green sectors [16][19]. 2.3 Net Interest Margin: Stabilization Efforts - Regulatory support is expected to stabilize net interest margins, which have reached record lows, with proactive measures to prevent further declines [2][3]. 2.4 Risk Management: Provisioning for Stability - The banking sector has moved past peak risk levels, with provisions supporting ROE stability, while new economic challenges require ongoing risk management [2][3]. 2.5 Capital Markets: A New Revenue Stream - Capital market activities have become increasingly important, with banks leveraging these for revenue amidst pressure on interest income [2][3]. 3. Investment Analysis Opinion - The report suggests a focus on stable, high-quality development, with an expectation for bank valuations to return to 1x price-to-book (PB) ratios. It emphasizes a dual strategy of investing in leading banks and quality city commercial banks [3][4].