Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article indicates that the profitability of the general steel sector is at a low point, with the ROA for H1 2025 being 0.93%, the lowest level since 2010 [4] - The PB_LF of the general steel sector is currently at 0.96, which is 6.67% below the average since 2013, and significantly lower than the peaks in 2017 and 2021 by 83% and 69% respectively [5] - Among the general steel companies, 12 firms have a PB_LF below 1, with notable companies like Hebei Steel, New Steel, and Ansteel having PB_LF of 0.51, 0.52, and 0.54 respectively [6] Group 2 - Currently, 11 companies in the steel sector have a dividend yield above 3%, with the highest being Youfa Group at 6.09% [7] - The completion of ultra-low emission transformations in the industry is expected to further enhance the dividend payout ratios of general steel companies [8] - The average capital expenditure for the general steel sector from 2020 to 2024 is projected to be 82.4 billion, significantly higher than the average of 65.4 billion from 2010 to 2019, with expectations of a decline in capital expenditure post-2026 [9]

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Accumulate" rating for the steel industry [5] Core Viewpoints - The ROA of the ordinary steel sector is at a low level since 2010, with a projected ROA of 0.93% for H1 2025 due to declining industry demand and profits [1] - The PB_LF of the ordinary steel sector is 0.96, which is 6.67% below the average since 2013, indicating potential for growth [1] - There are currently 12 ordinary steel companies with a PB_LF below 1, while 11 companies have a dividend yield above 3% [2][3] - The report anticipates an increase in dividend payout ratios for ordinary steel companies as low-emission transformation projects are completed by 2025 [3] Summary by Sections Section 1: Financial Metrics - The ordinary steel sector's ROA is projected to be 0.93% for H1 2025, marking a low since 2010 [1] - The current PB_LF of 0.96 is 6.67% below the average since 2013, with significant room for growth compared to peaks in 2017 and 2021 [1] Section 2: Company Analysis - Among the ordinary steel companies, 12 have a PB_LF below 1, with notable companies like Hebei Steel at 0.51, New Steel at 0.52, and Ansteel at 0.54 [2] - 11 companies in the steel sector have a dividend yield exceeding 3%, with the highest being Youfa Group at 6.09% [2][3] Section 3: Investment Recommendations - The report recommends focusing on Baosteel, Ordos, CITIC Special Steel, and Jiuli Special Materials for investment, while also suggesting to pay attention to Youfa Group, Nanjing Steel, and others [3]