国泰海通｜宏观：利润改善，结构分化

Core Viewpoint - The overall decline in corporate profits has narrowed in July, showing a differentiated structure primarily due to profit recovery relying on "anti-involution" policies leading to supply contraction and price increases, alongside demand support from certain high-end manufacturing sectors. However, downstream consumer demand remains weak, causing marginal profit shrinkage in downstream industries. The current inventory cycle is characterized by proactive destocking driven by policies. A comprehensive recovery in corporate profits will require policy efforts to boost downstream demand, transitioning profit recovery from structural to comprehensive [1]. Summary by Sections - Corporate Profit Trends: The decline in corporate profits has slowed down, indicating a potential recovery phase influenced by specific policies and market conditions [1]. - Structural Differentiation: The recovery is uneven, with high-end manufacturing benefiting while downstream sectors face challenges due to weak consumer demand [1]. - Inventory Cycle: The current phase is marked by proactive destocking, suggesting a strategic approach to inventory management under policy guidance [1]. - Future Outlook: A full recovery in corporate profits hinges on policy measures aimed at stimulating downstream demand, which is essential for transitioning from structural recovery to overall profit growth [1].