Core Viewpoint - The overall A-share market is expected to experience a decline in net profit for 2024, with a projected decrease of 3.0% for the entire market, 9.0% for the financial sector, and 14.2% for the non-financial sector, primarily due to significant impairment losses in the fourth quarter of 2024, particularly in the real estate and photovoltaic industries [1][2][3] Profit Growth - In 2024, the A-share market's net profit is forecasted to decline by 3.0%, with the financial sector showing a growth of 9.0% and the non-financial sector declining by 14.2%. The non-financial sector's revenue is expected to decrease slightly by 1%, with a significant drop in profit margins compared to 2023 [2][3] - The first quarter of 2025 shows a rebound in net profit for the A-share market, with a year-on-year growth of 3.5% for the entire market, 2.9% for the financial sector, and 4.2% for the non-financial sector, indicating a recovery in downstream industries [3][4] Profitability Analysis - The return on equity (ROE) for non-financial A-shares has remained stable, marking 15 consecutive quarters of decline since Q2 2021. The marginal improvement in net profit margins is offset by a significant decline in asset turnover rates [1][15] - Industries such as electronics, home appliances, non-bank financials, and agriculture have shown consecutive improvements in ROE over the past two quarters [15][23] Capital Expenditure and Cash Flow - Non-financial capital expenditure has been in negative growth for four consecutive quarters, but new economy sectors are seeing a rebound in capital expenditure growth. The total assets of non-financial enterprises have stabilized, with a notable increase in prepayments [2][16] - The free cash flow to equity ratio for non-financial companies has reached a historical high, supporting an increase in dividend payout ratios to 45% in 2024, with the dividend yield for the CSI 300 rising to 3.2% [2][18] Industry Performance - The first quarter of 2025 has highlighted strong performance in sectors such as non-ferrous metals, certain export chains, and TMT (Technology, Media, and Telecommunications), with significant year-on-year profit growth in these areas [3][4] - The agricultural sector has shown remarkable recovery, with a profit growth of 2541.6% due to low base effects, while non-bank financials have benefited from improved capital market conditions, achieving a profit growth of 48.7% [2][4] Market Outlook - The current economic environment suggests that the low point of the profit downturn cycle has been surpassed, but attention must be paid to the impact of tariff policies on corporate fundamentals in the second quarter of 2025 [2][38] - The market is advised to seek opportunities in sectors with recovering demand and low tariff impacts, particularly in AI-related industries and companies with strong cash flows that are less exposed to external demand [39][40]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the upcoming earnings report season in April, emphasizing the importance of company performance amid rising external uncertainties and market volatility. It suggests that sectors and companies with better-than-expected performance may stand out during this period [1]. Earnings Preview - A-shares' earnings in Q1 2025 are expected to show flat or slightly negative year-on-year growth due to external demand pressures and macroeconomic challenges. February CPI showed a negative year-on-year growth for the first time in 12 months, while PPI remains low despite marginal improvements [1]. - The impact of increased tariffs from the U.S. on Chinese exports is noted, with February exports showing a year-on-year decline of 3.0%, marking the first negative growth since March of the previous year. The overall earnings growth for A-shares is projected to be around zero or slightly negative [1][2]. Sector Analysis Financial Sector - The brokerage and insurance sectors are expected to benefit from higher market activity in Q1 [2]. Non-Financial Sector - High-demand industries are relatively scarce, but sectors supported by policies, such as non-ferrous metals and certain TMT (Technology, Media, and Telecommunications) areas, may present structural highlights [2]. - Energy and raw materials sectors are expected to have generally flat performance, with non-ferrous metals benefiting from rising gold and copper prices [3]. - The manufacturing sector is showing overall flat performance with some localized recovery, supported by export demand [4]. - The consumer sector's demand remains weak, although policy support areas like "trade-in" programs are performing well [5]. TMT Sector - The communication equipment sector is expected to benefit from increased capital expenditure in the internet sector, while consumer electronics may see mixed results [6]. - The semiconductor sector is maintaining good demand in areas related to computing power, despite being in a traditional off-season [6]. Financial and Real Estate Sector - The banking sector remains stable, while brokerages may benefit from increased trading activity. The insurance sector's performance may vary, and the real estate sector continues to face downward pressure [6]. Investment Focus - Investors are advised to focus on sectors with potential for earnings surprises or improvements during the earnings disclosure period. Key areas to watch include sectors recovering from cyclical lows, such as semiconductors and consumer electronics, and industries achieving supply-side clearing in a mild recovery environment [7].