Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Outperform" rating for the banking industry, expecting improvements in the fundamental outlook for the next year [2][105]. Core Insights - The stability of asset quality in the banking sector is attributed to the gradual exposure and clearing of non-performing loans over the past 15 years, with different sectors experiencing issues at different times [1][12]. - Banks have actively adjusted their loan structures to mitigate risks, reducing exposure to sectors with rising non-performing loans [1][66]. - The impact of non-performing loans on profit statements has been minimized due to proactive provisioning strategies, including excess provisioning in previous years [1][69][70]. - Non-credit asset risks have also been largely cleared or are at minimal levels, contributing to overall stability in the banking sector [1][90]. Summary by Sections Asset Quality and Non-Performing Loans - The report highlights that the overall non-performing loan generation rate for listed banks has stabilized around 0.7%, which is still considered high compared to historical peaks [2][12]. - Different banks exhibit varying levels of asset quality pressure and provisioning capabilities, with larger banks and some city commercial banks performing better [2][93]. Investment Recommendations - The report suggests focusing on banks with strong asset quality and low provisioning pressure, such as Chengdu Bank, Changsha Bank, Zhangjiagang Bank, and Ruifeng Bank [2][105]. - It also recommends high-quality cyclical stocks like Ningbo Bank and Changshu Bank, which are expected to show early signs of recovery [2][105]. Loan Sector Analysis - The manufacturing and retail sectors have seen a clearing of non-performing loans, with their rates returning to levels seen in 2010 [26][30]. - The real estate sector's non-performing loan rate peaked in 2023 but has since shown signs of recovery, although it remains elevated [35][37]. - Retail loan risks are currently rising, with various types of personal loans experiencing increased non-performing rates [50][53]. Provisioning and Profit Stability - Banks have historically maintained excess provisions, which can be utilized to smooth profits during periods of rising non-performing loans [69][75]. - The current provisioning levels are deemed adequate to support stable profits for the next few years, with estimates suggesting that existing provisions could release at least 800 billion yuan in net profit [81][90].