Huachuang Securities·2026-01-04 23:30Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Recommended" rating for the banking sector, emphasizing continued high growth potential [1]. Core Insights - The banking sector is undergoing a "reduction and quality improvement" process, particularly among small and medium-sized banks, with over 400 banks having been approved for mergers, dissolutions, or cancellations in 2025 alone, surpassing the total from the previous three years [2][7]. - The insurance capital market is expected to see a significant influx of funds, with estimates suggesting an increase of around 1 trillion yuan in 2026, driven by a favorable investment environment and ongoing reforms in public funds [7]. - The investment logic for bank stocks is shifting from a focus on dividends to a dual focus on dividends and growth, with expectations of a recovery in bank valuations in 2026 [7]. Monthly Market Performance - In December 2025, the banking sector experienced a decline of 1.98%, underperforming the CSI 300 index by 4.3 percentage points, ranking 27th among 31 sectors [11][12]. - The valuation of state-owned banks decreased from a price-to-book (PB) ratio of 0.78 to approximately 0.75, while city commercial banks also saw a decline in their PB ratios [13][15]. - Notable stock performances in December included Shanghai Pudong Development Bank (+8.36%) and Xiamen Bank (+4.63%), while Qingdao Bank (-7.44%) and Minsheng Bank (-6.36%) faced significant declines [15][16]. Banking Fundamentals Tracking - The report highlights the ongoing trend of small and medium-sized banks undergoing consolidation and restructuring, with significant regulatory support aimed at enhancing financial stability [2][6]. - The insurance capital allocation is shifting, with a notable increase in the proportion of funds directed towards stocks and mutual funds, indicating a growing confidence in the equity market [2][7]. Investment Recommendations - The report suggests focusing on three main investment themes for 2026: 1. State-owned banks and leading commercial banks as the foundation of credit and dividends. 2. Quality joint-stock banks and city commercial banks that are expected to benefit from improved interest margins and credit cost reductions. 3. City commercial banks that are likely to benefit from regional policies and have significant performance upside [7].