Core Insights - The construction industry is expected to outperform the market in the second half of 2025, driven by improvements in asset quality and a potential recovery in demand [1][4] - Downstream demand remains weak, leading to accelerated balance sheet contraction among construction companies [1][4] - Infrastructure investment is anticipated to become a key driver for expanding domestic demand and stabilizing growth [3][4] Summary by Sections Industry Performance - In the first half of 2025, the total contract amount for new projects in the construction industry reached 25 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 22.5%, although still significantly lower than levels in 2022-2023 [1][30] - The industry is experiencing a decline in new orders and revenue, but signs of a profitability turning point are emerging as some local construction companies accelerate the collection of receivables and repay existing debts [1][4] Inventory Cycle Perspective - The construction industry is nearing the end of a "passive inventory replenishment" phase, characterized by a lagged response of inventory fluctuations to changes in downstream demand [2][77] - Since 2021, the industry has entered a phase of passive inventory accumulation due to prolonged project repayment cycles and a concentration of PPP projects transitioning to operational phases [2][82] Infrastructure Investment - Infrastructure investment is seen as a critical measure to expand domestic demand and stabilize economic growth, especially in light of pressures on price indicators and the need for effective investment [3][4] - The government is expected to increase fiscal support for infrastructure projects, particularly in areas related to public welfare and energy security [3][4] Investment Recommendations - The report maintains a positive outlook for the construction sector in the second half of 2025, suggesting that asset quality improvements will align with demand recovery [4] - Recommended stocks include Yaxiang Integration, Zhongyan Dadi, China Railway Construction, and others, which are expected to benefit from the anticipated recovery in infrastructure investment [4][8]