Investment Rating - The industry is rated as "Recommended" based on positive fundamental outlook and expected outperformance of the industry index compared to the benchmark index [3][8]. Core Insights - The report highlights an increase in the dry bulk market's performance, a focus on the valuation of Hong Kong infrastructure assets, an upward trend in the aviation industry's fundamentals for 2025-2026, and potential price competition and valuation recovery in the express delivery sector for 2025 [1][7][18][20]. Shipping - The container shipping market shows signs of recovery with slight price increases on the US routes, while the dry bulk market, particularly for Panamax vessels, has seen a notable rise in rates due to increased demand from coal and grain shipments [7][11][16]. - The report emphasizes the importance of monitoring trade agreements between the US and other countries, which could impact shipping volumes [12][16]. Infrastructure - The report indicates that Hong Kong infrastructure assets still have room for valuation improvement, with stable earnings and dividend expectations from leading highway assets [18]. - The yield on 10Y and 30Y government bonds has slightly increased, suggesting continued investment interest in dividend-paying infrastructure assets [18]. Express Delivery - The express delivery sector is expected to see a growth rate exceeding 20% in 2024, with a continued double-digit growth forecast for 2025 [20]. - The report notes a recent recovery in express delivery prices following a period of intense price competition, supported by regulatory measures against "involution" in the industry [20]. Aviation - Key performance indicators in the aviation sector are on the rise, with passenger volumes increasing and a low growth rate in supply, indicating a potential stabilization in revenue levels [21][74]. - The report recommends several airlines based on their performance metrics, including China Southern Airlines and Air China [21]. Logistics - The logistics sector shows a slight increase in cross-border transport volumes, with stable short-haul freight rates [22][87]. - The report highlights the potential for significant non-operating income for China National Foreign Trade Transportation Group in 2025, which could positively impact dividends [22].

Group 1 - The construction materials ETF (159745) has increased by over 1.0% [1] - Hunan Yunfeng Cement completed the transfer of 2500t/d cement clinker capacity on July 4, 2025 [1] - Gezhouba Cement's Xili Company won an industry award in Kazakhstan's Kyzylorda region for 2025 [1] Group 2 - The cement industry is currently facing challenges such as weak demand, overcapacity, and inventory pressure [1] - The China Cement Association has issued opinions to promote "anti-involution" and "stable growth" for high-quality development in the cement industry [1] - It is expected that cement prices will receive support and recovery, leading to improved profitability for companies [1] Group 3 - Leading companies are expected to shift from price competition to value creation through technological innovation [1] - Mergers and acquisitions will be utilized to extend the industrial chain and increase overseas expansion for further growth [1] - Enhanced industry self-discipline measures are anticipated to optimize the supply-demand structure and promote high-quality development in the industry [1] Group 4 - The construction materials ETF tracks the construction materials index, which reflects the overall performance of representative listed companies in the cement, glass, and ceramics sub-industries [1] - The index has a high degree of industry concentration and cyclical characteristics, providing a comprehensive view of market trends in the construction materials sector [1]

Summary of Conference Call on the Coating Industry Industry Overview - The conference focused on the **building coatings industry**, specifically the competitive dynamics between **Nippon Paint** and **Sankeshu** in 2024 and projections for 2025 [1][2][3]. Key Points and Arguments Price Competition and Market Dynamics - In 2024, a **price war** erupted between Nippon Paint and Sankeshu, particularly over products like "Moon White High Coverage Coating," leading to significant price reductions [1][2]. - Nippon Paint's sales volume increased by approximately **30%**, but revenue did not grow, indicating that profit sacrifices did not translate into market share gains [1][2]. - Sankeshu ceased the price war and adjusted its retail structure, increasing retail business share to over **40%**, which improved overall operating profit [1][3]. - Both companies are expected to engage in **price recovery** in 2025 due to the adverse effects of the price war on profitability [1][3]. Pricing Strategies - In 2024, Sankeshu maintained its factory price around **85 RMB** while Nippon Paint reduced prices for mid-to-low-end products to increase market share, with prices dropping to **65 RMB** for its Pro product [4]. - By 2025, Nippon Paint raised prices multiple times due to higher profits from deliveries to Singapore and increased market share for Sankeshu in rural areas [5]. Market Conditions and Challenges - The **ToC (Consumer-to-Business)** segment is shifting towards **ToB (Business-to-Business)** partnerships with large real estate companies, which are pressuring coating companies to lower costs, negatively impacting profit margins [10][14]. - The retail market is gradually recovering, particularly with improvements in second-hand housing sales and increased demand for high-quality residences [11]. Competitive Landscape - In the C-end market, Sankeshu focuses on lower-tier cities while Nippon Paint dominates first and second-tier cities, leading to a **differentiated competition strategy** [12][13]. - Both companies are exploring community store formats to reach consumers more effectively, although success rates remain uncertain [13]. Future Market Trends - The **water-based sand market** is expected to grow significantly, with rural housing renovation needs presenting substantial opportunities for coating companies [24][25]. - The overall market for rural self-built housing is projected to expand, with only Nippon Paint and Sankeshu currently possessing comprehensive competitive capabilities across all product categories [26]. Pricing Logic and Profitability - Nippon Paint's pricing is more transparent, typically at **2 to 2.5 times** the factory price, while Sankeshu's retail prices can reach **2.5 to 3 times** the factory price, indicating different pricing strategies [20][22]. - Both companies face challenges from the **full-package service model**, which requires maintaining high service quality to avoid negative customer feedback [22]. Long-term Outlook - Despite short-term challenges, the long-term outlook for the industry remains positive due to increasing demand for high-quality housing and supportive government policies [15]. - The combined market share of Nippon Paint and Sankeshu is expected to exceed **30%** in the next three years, driven by their scale advantages and cost control capabilities [32]. Additional Important Insights - The **current market for latex paint** is in a recovery phase, with demand still present across various price segments [8]. - The **price reduction trend** is primarily driven by Nippon Paint and Sankeshu's ability to lower costs through economies of scale [31]. - Future price increases are unlikely due to reduced raw material costs and already optimized profit margins [33].