Summary of the Conference Call Transcript Industry Overview - The banking sector is entering a phase of high-quality development, with a focus on absolute and relative returns from bank stocks, driven by high dividend yields and asset quality [3][4][20]. Key Points Financial Performance Projections - Expected revenue growth for listed banks in 2026 and 2027 is +2.5% and +3.6% respectively, with net profit growth of +1.9% and +2.6% [4][20]. - Revenue and profit growth are anticipated to improve due to: 1. Narrowing net interest margin pressure 2. Quality-focused credit issuance amid weak demand [4][20]. 3. Stabilization of fee income growth after several years of fee reductions [4][20]. 4. Stable or improving net non-performing loan generation rates [4][11]. 5. Accelerated supply-side reforms leading to a reduction in the number of bank licenses, improving competition and operational landscape [4][11]. Customer Demand and Market Dynamics - The low-interest-rate environment has shifted customer demand, with government and state-owned enterprises becoming significant contributors to leverage, affecting the structure of new social financing [5][10]. - Regulatory policies are influencing the development of inclusive finance, focusing on risk compensation rather than merely increasing customer numbers [5][10]. Risk Factors - Risks associated with real estate developers and retail sectors are highlighted, with potential for greater-than-expected exposure [6][11]. Profitability and Valuation Adjustments - Adjustments to profitability forecasts for 2025 and 2026 have been made, with a focus on net interest income recovery and fee income growth [20][21]. - The expected net interest margin for 2026 is projected to be approximately 1.34%, a decrease of 6 basis points from 2025 [21][22]. - Fee income is expected to grow by 3.6% and 4.9% in 2026 and 2027 respectively, indicating a positive trend in non-interest income [21][22]. Asset Quality and Credit Costs - The net non-performing loan generation rate is expected to stabilize or slightly decline, with structural characteristics of retail and corporate lending continuing [11][21]. - Credit costs are projected to remain stable at around 0.58% for 2026 and 2027, reflecting the balance between corporate and household debt servicing capabilities [21][22]. Investment Recommendations - The report suggests a continued positive outlook for bank stocks, emphasizing the importance of dividend yield and asset quality in investment decisions [3][4][20]. Additional Insights - The banking sector is undergoing a transformation towards high-quality development, with a shift in focus from scale to quality, driven by macroeconomic pressures and regulatory changes [12][20]. - The reduction in the number of banking licenses over the past five years indicates successful risk management efforts within the sector [11][12]. - The report emphasizes the need for banks to adapt their strategies to maintain competitiveness in a changing regulatory and economic environment [12][20].