Group 1: Core Insights - The current bottom line for the net interest margin (NIM) of major banks is approximately 1.2% to 1.3%, indicating limited room for further significant declines [1][6][84] - Maintaining a reasonable level of NIM is essential for economic growth and financial stability, as it relates to capital balance, breakeven points, and risk pricing mechanisms [6][20][21] Group 2: NIM Bottom Line Calculation - The projected nominal GDP growth during the "14th Five-Year Plan" period is estimated to be between 6.0% and 6.9%, which necessitates an M2 growth rate of about 7.0% to 8.0% [1][23][28] - The bottom line for NIM is calculated based on a required return on equity (ROE) of 7% to 8%, leading to a NIM bottom line of approximately 1.2% to 1.3% [36][84] Group 3: 2026 NIM Projections - If the Loan Prime Rate (LPR) decreases by 10 basis points (bps) and deposit rates remain unchanged, the NIM is expected to decline by approximately 5 to 8 bps in 2026 [2][85] - Without considering further interest rate cuts, the model predicts a decrease in loan rates by about 24 bps and deposit rates by 14 to 17 bps, resulting in a net interest margin contraction of about 2 to 5 bps [2][39][59] Group 4: Monetary Policy Outlook for 2026 - The monetary policy for 2026 is expected to be characterized by a "reasonable and ample" approach, with a likely LPR decrease of 10 bps and a reserve requirement ratio (RRR) cut of 50 bps [3][86] - The central bank's strategy will focus on balancing short-term and long-term goals, supporting economic growth while maintaining the health of the banking system [60][61] Group 5: Economic Recovery and Regulatory Impact - Economic recovery may not meet expectations, and regulatory changes could temporarily impact the banking sector's fundamentals [4][80] - The banking sector is under strong regulatory oversight, and any adverse policies could affect short-term valuations [80]

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Outperform" rating for the banking industry [5][6]. Core Insights - The banking industry's net interest margin (NIM) is expected to reach its bottom level around 1.2% to 1.3%, indicating a potential end to the current downtrend in NIM [1][42]. - The report predicts a decline in the Loan Prime Rate (LPR) by approximately 10 basis points (bps) in 2026, which will likely lead to a year-on-year decrease in NIM of about 5 to 8 bps [2][3]. - The monetary policy for 2026 is characterized as "reasonable and ample" with a focus on precise adjustments, aiming to balance economic growth and financial stability [3][67]. Summary by Sections Investment Recommendations - Focus on high-quality stocks that are expected to see an inflection point in NIM, such as Ningbo Bank and Changshu Bank, while also considering stocks with attractive dividend yields like China Merchants Bank and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China [4][5]. NIM Analysis - The report estimates that the NIM for 2026 will narrow by approximately 2 to 5 bps, marking the likely end of the current downtrend cycle [66]. - The projected decline in loan rates is about 24 bps, which will negatively impact NIM by approximately 15 bps, while deposit rates are expected to decrease by 14 to 17 bps, providing a positive impact on NIM of about 10 to 13 bps [66][60]. Monetary Policy Outlook - The monetary policy framework for 2026 emphasizes a balanced approach, with the LPR expected to decrease by 10 bps, contingent on economic conditions [3][68]. - The report highlights that maintaining stability in NIM and deposit rates will be a key objective for the People's Bank of China in 2026 [71][72].