Core Viewpoint - The construction industry is joining the "anti-involution" movement, aiming to enhance industry self-discipline and eliminate excessive competition, following similar trends in the photovoltaic and new energy vehicle sectors [2][4]. Group 1: Industry Trends - In the first five months of the year, national real estate development investment reached 36,234 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 10.7%, with declines in new construction, ongoing projects, and completions [2]. - A joint initiative by 33 construction companies aims to promote industry transformation through technological innovation and to avoid blind expansion and excessive debt [2][6]. - The construction industry is experiencing significant slowdowns due to urbanization and reduced market demand, leading to overcapacity and a noticeable decline in growth rates [2][6]. Group 2: Cement Industry - The China Cement Association has issued guidelines to align actual production capacity with registered capacity, emphasizing the importance of capacity replacement policies for industry optimization [3][6]. - The cement industry is familiar with capacity reduction, with a projected utilization rate of 53% for cement clinker in 2024, down 6 percentage points from 2023, and an expected profit of around 25 billion yuan, a 20% decrease year-on-year [6][7]. - The industry is facing significant profit declines due to ongoing adjustments in the real estate sector and delays in infrastructure projects [6][7]. Group 3: Waterproofing Sector - Waterproofing companies have initiated price increases to counteract rising raw material costs, with price adjustments ranging from 3% to 13% for various products [4][5]. - Major waterproofing firms reported a significant drop in net profits for 2024, with Beijing Oriental Yuhong's net profit down 95.24% year-on-year, while Keshun Waterproof managed to turn a profit despite challenges [5]. - The waterproofing industry is experiencing a decline in production due to fluctuating downstream demand, prompting companies to raise prices to stabilize their financial performance [5].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a recommendation for the building materials sector, indicating a positive outlook for profitability recovery in the industry [2]. Core Insights - The building materials industry is experiencing a "de-involution" campaign aimed at improving overall profitability, particularly in the cement sector, where demand is currently suppressed due to high temperatures and rainy weather [1][10]. - The report highlights a significant increase in land acquisition by the top 100 real estate companies, with a year-on-year growth of 33.3%, reflecting a recovery in investment confidence among real estate enterprises [6][13]. - Price adjustments in the waterproofing materials sector are noted, with leading companies implementing price increases of 1% to 13% across various product categories, indicating a shift towards healthier competition in the consumer building materials market [6][13]. Summary by Sections Cement Industry - The national average cement price has continued to decline, with a drop of 10-15 CNY/ton in certain regions, while some areas like Jilin and Chongqing have seen price increases of 30-50 CNY/ton [10][22]. - The cement market is under pressure with a current inventory ratio of 76.00%, indicating a continued accumulation of stock [10][22]. - The China Cement Association has initiated measures to address supply-demand imbalances, which are expected to enhance overall industry profitability [10][11]. Float Glass Industry - The float glass market is experiencing weak price performance, with a national average price of 1174 CNY/ton, down 3.27 CNY/ton from the previous period [11]. - Inventory levels have decreased slightly, with a total of 6.9085 million heavy boxes reported, and production has increased to 110.34 million tons [11][12]. - Despite some replenishment activities in the downstream market, overall demand remains limited, leading to expectations of continued price weakness [11][12]. Fiberglass Industry - The market for non-alkali fiberglass remains stable, with prices around 3700 CNY/ton for high-end products, while electronic fiberglass prices are expected to rise due to tight supply [12]. - The main product G75 in the electronic fiberglass market is priced between 8800-9200 CNY/ton, showing stability compared to the previous week [12]. Consumer Building Materials - The report emphasizes the trend of price increases among leading companies in the waterproofing sector, which is seen as a positive sign for the industry's competitive landscape [6][13]. - Recommendations for investment include companies like Weixing New Materials, Keda Manufacturing, and Mona Lisa, which are positioned well for growth in the current market environment [14][15][16].

Core Viewpoint - The emergence of "involution" competition in recent years is not merely due to the short-sightedness of companies and employees, but is deeply rooted in macroeconomic backgrounds influenced by economic cycles, institutional issues, and technological development patterns [1][27]. Group 1: Industry Responses to Involution - The automotive industry has been notably active, with a significant "60-day account period revolution" and calls from the National Federation of Industry and Commerce for manufacturers to shorten rebate periods and simplify policies [3][4]. - The pig farming sector is also responding, with major companies being urged to reduce production capacity and stabilize prices, controlling the weight of pigs for market [5]. - The photovoltaic industry is proactively reducing production, with leading glass manufacturers planning a collective 30% cut in output [6]. - The cement industry is undergoing self-examination, with the China Cement Association requiring members to align actual production with registered capacity [7]. Group 2: Historical Context of Capacity Reduction - Historical capacity reduction efforts have typically focused on high-pollution and high-energy-consuming traditional industries, employing methods such as limiting new capacity and eliminating outdated production [16][20]. - The current round of capacity reduction is characterized by a broader scope, including emerging industries like photovoltaics and new energy vehicles, indicating a shift from traditional sectors [21][22]. Group 3: Economic and Policy Factors - The low demand in the domestic market and uncertainties in foreign demand are contributing to the "involution" competition, exacerbated by supply-demand mismatches in certain industries [28]. - Local governments' performance evaluation mechanisms lead to "race-to-the-bottom" competition, distorting industry entry costs and slowing down market adjustments [29]. - Technological advancements often result in structural overcapacity, particularly in emerging industries, as companies invest heavily to adapt to rapid changes [30]. Group 4: Future Directions and Recommendations - To address "involution" competition, authorities should enhance counter-cyclical adjustments to boost domestic demand and reform the income distribution structure to improve labor compensation [34][36]. - Encouraging differentiated competition among enterprises and establishing industry standards can help mitigate excessive competition [38]. - A tailored approach to supply-side guidance based on industry-specific technological development patterns is necessary to support innovation [39]. Group 5: Investment Opportunities - Investors should be aware of the typical patterns of capacity reduction, as stock prices in affected industries may initially drop but can rebound significantly post-adjustment [57]. - Emerging industries such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence, despite current bubbles, present substantial arbitrage opportunities [58].

Investment Rating - The report rates the construction materials industry as "Outperform" [1] Core Insights - The cement industry is actively promoting anti-involution measures to stabilize growth and ensure high-quality development, with the China Cement Association urging member companies to align their actual production capacities with registered capacities [2] - In the first half of 2025, the average market price of P.O 42.5 bulk ordinary cement in China was 332 RMB/ton, showing a slight year-on-year increase of 14 RMB/ton [3] - Major domestic photovoltaic glass manufacturers have collectively decided to reduce production by 30% to address market supply-demand imbalances, which is expected to help recover prices and improve profitability [4] - Other building materials, such as waterproofing products, have seen price increases ranging from 1% to 13% as companies adjust to market conditions [5] Summary by Sections Cement Industry - The China Cement Association has issued guidelines to ensure that actual production capacities match registered capacities, aiming for compliance and stability in production [2] - Cement prices have shown a slight recovery, with significant price increases announced by companies in various regions [3] Photovoltaic Glass - Leading manufacturers in the photovoltaic glass sector are implementing a significant production cut of 30% to rectify supply-demand discrepancies, which is anticipated to support price recovery [4] Other Building Materials - Companies in the waterproofing sector are raising prices on various products, indicating a trend of price adjustments across the industry [5]

Core Viewpoint - Recent price increases by waterproof building material companies signal a collective response to rising costs and intense competition in the industry, marking a "counter-involution" movement [2][5]. Price Adjustments - Companies such as Beijing Oriental Yuhong Waterproof Technology Co., Ltd. and Keshun Waterproof Technology Co., Ltd. announced price hikes for various waterproof products, effective July 1, 2025, with increases ranging from 1% to 13% [3][4]. - Specific products affected include waterproof coatings, tile adhesives, and membrane materials, with the highest increase for waterproof coatings reaching 13% [3][4]. Industry Context - The waterproof industry has faced continuous pressure from fluctuating raw material prices and rising transportation costs, leading to compressed profit margins [5]. - For instance, Oriental Yuhong reported a gross margin of 25.80% in 2024, down 1.89 percentage points year-on-year, and a net margin of only 0.27%, a decline of 6.70 percentage points compared to the previous year [5]. Long-term Implications - Industry leaders emphasize the need to break the cycle of low-price competition, which can disrupt market order and compromise product quality [5]. - The recent price adjustments are seen as a necessary step to foster a healthier, sustainable development trajectory for the industry, moving towards higher quality and added value [5].