Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Positive" rating for the real estate sector, indicating an expectation of improvement despite overall weak performance [2][4]. Core Insights - The real estate sector's financial reports for 2024 show a significant decline, with revenues down by 19.3% year-on-year, and net profits plummeting by 2510% [3][4]. - The report highlights a structural differentiation within the sector, with first-tier companies performing better than second and third-tier companies [4][5]. - The importance of real estate strategies has increased recently, with government policies aimed at stabilizing the market and improving consumer confidence [4][5]. Summary by Sections 1. Revenue and Profit Decline - In 2024, the overall revenue of the real estate sector decreased by 19.3% compared to 2023, with first-tier companies down by 15.6%, second-tier by 23.5%, and third-tier by 24.1% [12][13]. - The net profit for the sector saw a drastic decline of 2510% year-on-year, with first-tier companies down by 321%, second-tier by 246%, and third-tier by 11694% [16][17]. 2. Margins and Financial Ratios - The gross margin for the sector in 2024 was 14.8%, a decrease of 2.6 percentage points from 2023, with first-tier companies at 12.7%, second-tier at 16.9%, and third-tier at 18.0% [20][21]. - The net profit margin was -8.9% for 2024, with first-tier companies at -5.7%, second-tier at -17.2%, and third-tier at -8.6% [24][25]. - The three expense ratios increased to 9.9% in 2024, with first-tier companies at 6.7%, second-tier at 15.3%, and third-tier at 12.9% [27][29]. 3. Debt and Cash Flow - By the end of 2024, the overall debt-to-asset ratio for the sector was 74.1%, slightly down from 2023, with first-tier companies at 72.0% and second-tier at 82.2% [43][45]. - The net debt ratio increased to 83.6%, reflecting rising liabilities and declining net assets [3][4]. - The cash-to-short-term debt ratio was 1.0, indicating a tightening cash flow situation across all tiers [3][4]. 4. Sales and Pre-sales Trends - Sales cash inflow decreased by 26% year-on-year in 2024, with a further decline in pre-sales locking rates, indicating a challenging sales environment [4][5]. - The pre-sales locking rate fell to 0.63, suggesting a decrease in future revenue recognition potential [4][5]. 5. Investment Recommendations - The report recommends focusing on high-quality real estate companies such as Jianfa International, Binhai Group, and China Resources Land, among others, while also highlighting opportunities in second-hand housing intermediaries and property management firms [4][5].