Core Viewpoint - Bank of America Securities predicts that 2026 will be a "Red Horse Year" for the Chinese base metals market, driven by favorable conditions for electrification and AI power infrastructure in 2023 due to factors such as a weak dollar and the US interest rate cut cycle [1] Group 1: Market Drivers - The supply of copper and aluminum remains tight [1] - Demand drivers for this year include a 10% year-on-year increase in grid investment, a 27% growth in electric vehicle battery production, a 41% increase in energy storage systems, and rising AI power demand [1] - The anti-involution policy is becoming more balanced, although recent enforcement has been weak [1] Group 2: Stock Recommendations - Preferred stocks include aluminum companies as alternative investments for AI power supply, with a forecasted price-to-earnings ratio between 8 to 10 times [1] - Positive outlook on gold, copper, lithium (including battery materials), and cobalt stocks; neutral view on coal; bearish on solar energy and construction materials (like steel) due to weak demand and declining steel profit margins [1] Group 3: Specific Stock Picks - Key stock picks include China Aluminum (601600) (02600), Zijin Mining (601899) (02899), China Hongqiao (01378), Shandong Gold (600547) (01787), and Ganfeng Lithium (002460) (01772) [1] - Underperforming stocks identified include Tongwei Co. (600438) (600438.SH), Xinyi Solar (00968), Ansteel (000898) (00347), and China Resources Cement (01313) [1]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article is that 2026 is identified as the "Year of the Red Horse," which is favorable for the Chinese base metals market due to several key factors, including a weak US dollar and a US interest rate cut cycle benefiting metals [1] - Key demand drivers for this year include a 10% year-on-year increase in grid investment, a 27% growth in electric vehicle battery demand, a 41% increase in energy storage systems, and rising AI power demand [1] - Supply constraints for copper and aluminum are expected to continue, contributing to the overall market dynamics [1] Group 2 - The preferred investment stocks include aluminum companies, with a forecasted price-to-earnings ratio between 8 to 10 times, and a "buy" outlook on gold, copper, lithium (including battery materials), and cobalt stocks [1] - The company holds a neutral view on coal and a bearish outlook on solar energy and construction materials (such as steel) due to weak demand and declining steel profit margins [1] - Key stocks that are expected to underperform the market include Tongwei Co., Ltd. (600438.SH), Xinyi Solar (00968), Ansteel Group (00347), and China Resources Cement Technology (01313) [1]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the report is that China Hongqiao (01378) maintains a "buy" rating due to the upward trend in aluminum prices, which have reached a high of 24,000 yuan, driven by supply disruptions from the Mozal aluminum smelter in Mozambique and the narrative of aluminum replacing copper [1] - The overseas supply disruptions are intensifying, with the Mozal aluminum smelter in Mozambique set to officially close in March 2026 due to rising electricity costs, leading to long-term challenges for overseas aluminum production capacity [1] - The aluminum market is entering a tight supply cycle, with domestic production nearing its ceiling and expected growth in global demand for electrolytic aluminum averaging about 1.8 million tons per year from 2023 to 2025, with a CAGR of 2.5% [3] Group 2 - China’s electrolytic aluminum companies are becoming globally competitive, with China Hongqiao expected to see significant shareholder returns as aluminum prices rise, potentially increasing EPS by about 30% for every 10% increase in aluminum prices [4] - China Hongqiao's integrated advantages ensure stable high profitability, with plans to continue transferring production capacity to Yunnan and a commitment to maintaining stable dividend levels, having increased its payout ratio from nearly 45% in 2019 to 63% in 2024 [5] - The company is expected to see a significant reduction in capital expenditures starting in 2026, leading to improved free cash flow and further potential for dividend growth [5]

Core Viewpoint - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for China Hongqiao (01378), citing a significant rise in aluminum prices driven by supply disruptions from the Mozal aluminum smelter in Mozambique and the narrative of aluminum replacing copper [1] Group 1: Supply Dynamics - The Mozal aluminum smelter in Mozambique will officially close in March 2026 due to rising electricity costs, exacerbating supply disruptions in the overseas aluminum market [1] - Global aluminum production faces challenges from aging equipment, thin profit margins, and increasing electricity costs, leading to a long-term reduction in overseas aluminum capacity [1] - Since the end of 2025, there has been a notable increase in supply disruption events in overseas aluminum production [1] Group 2: Demand Trends - The global average demand increase for electrolytic aluminum is projected to be around 1.8 million tons per year from 2023 to 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.5% [3] - Structural demand growth is expected from sectors such as transportation, power grids, energy storage, and aluminum replacing copper [3] Group 3: Company Performance and Shareholder Returns - China Hongqiao is positioned as a leading integrated electrolytic aluminum producer, with strong performance and a focus on shareholder returns, expecting a significant decrease in capital expenditures by 2026 [4] - The company has increased its dividend payout ratio from approximately 45% in 2019 to 63% in 2024, with a commitment to maintain stable dividends in 2025 [4] - In 2025, the company repurchased 310 million shares at a cost of 5.6 billion HKD, with anticipated shareholder returns exceeding 20 billion RMB [4]

Industry Outlook - Morgan Stanley projects that the MSCI China Materials Index will outperform the MSCI China Index by 65 percentage points in 2025, driven by supply dynamics [1] - The firm expects continued outperformance in 2026 due to supply disruptions and further M&A activities [1] - The demand growth for basic metals in China is anticipated to slow and stabilize, with copper and aluminum demand growth rates expected to be 2.5% and 1.5% respectively [2] Company Ratings and Forecasts - China Hongqiao's rating is maintained at "Overweight," with the target price raised from HKD 34 to HKD 40, citing its integrated model as a cost advantage [1][3] - Zijin Mining is highlighted as a top pick for 2026 due to its exposure to copper and gold [3] - Jiangxi Copper's rating is upgraded to "Neutral," despite a recent stock price increase of over 40% [3] - Baosteel's rating is downgraded to "Neutral," while Angang Steel's rating is downgraded to "Underweight" due to expected declines in steel profit margins [3] Supply Chain Dynamics - Supply disruptions are ongoing, with South32 scheduled maintenance at the Mozal aluminum smelter in March 2026 and a strike at Capstone Copper's Mantoverde copper-gold mine expected to reduce copper supply by 77,000 tons [1][2] - Zijin Mining has issued a positive profit forecast, expecting a net profit of RMB 51-52 billion for 2025, representing a year-on-year growth of 59-62% [1] M&A Activities - Industry consolidation is advancing, with notable acquisitions such as Luoyang Molybdenum's purchase of Brazilian gold assets and Jiangxi Copper's acquisition of SolGold [1]

Industry Outlook - Morgan Stanley projects that the MSCI China Materials Index will outperform the MSCI China Index by 65 percentage points in 2025, driven by supply dynamics [1] - The index is expected to continue its outperformance in 2026 due to supply disruptions and increased merger activities [1] - The preference order for the Chinese basic materials industry in 2026 is copper/gold, aluminum, lithium, coal, and steel [3] Company Performance - China Hongqiao's rating is maintained at "Overweight," with the target price raised from HKD 34 to HKD 40, citing its integrated model as a cost advantage [1][4] - Zijin Mining is highlighted as a top pick for 2026 due to its exposure to copper and gold [4] - Jiangxi Copper's rating is upgraded to "Neutral," despite a recent stock price increase of over 40% [4] - Baosteel's rating is downgraded to "Neutral," while Angang Steel's rating is downgraded to "Underweight" due to expected declines in steel profit margins [4] Supply Chain Dynamics - Ongoing supply disruptions include maintenance at South32's Mozal aluminum smelter and a strike at Capstone Copper's Mantoverde copper-gold mine, which is expected to reduce copper supply by 77,000 tons [2] - The lithium market is anticipated to tighten due to strong energy storage demand, with more supply expected to come online in the second half of the year [3]

Industry Outlook - Morgan Stanley forecasts that the MSCI China Materials Index will outperform the MSCI China Index by 65 percentage points in 2025, driven by supply dynamics [1] - The index is expected to continue its outperformance in 2026 due to supply disruptions and increased merger activities [1] - The preference order for the Chinese basic materials industry in 2026 is copper/gold, aluminum, lithium, coal, and steel [3] Company Performance - China Hongqiao's rating is maintained at "Overweight," with the target price raised from HKD 34 to HKD 40, citing its integrated model as a cost advantage [1][4] - Zijin Mining is highlighted as a top pick for 2026 due to its exposure to copper/gold [4] - Jiangxi Copper's rating is upgraded to "Neutral," despite a recent stock price increase of over 40% [4] - Baosteel's rating is downgraded to "Neutral," while Angang Steel's rating is downgraded to "Underweight" due to expected declines in steel profit margins [5] Supply Chain Dynamics - Ongoing supply disruptions include maintenance at South32's Mozal aluminum smelter and a strike at Capstone Copper's Mantoverde copper-gold mine, which is expected to reduce copper supply by 77,000 tons [2] - The demand growth for basic metals in China is projected to stabilize, with copper and aluminum demand growth rates expected at 2.5% and 1.5%, respectively [3]

Market Overview - The Hang Seng Index (HSI) closed at 26,783.18, down by 216.63 points or 0.80% as of January 14, 16:00 Eastern Time [1] - The index reached a high of 26,918.58 and a low of 26,724.89 during the trading session, with a trading volume of 82.41 million [1] Major Blue-Chip Stocks Performance - HSBC Holdings closed at HKD 127.501, up by 0.39% compared to the Hong Kong close [2] - Tencent Holdings closed at HKD 632.594, down by 0.06% compared to the Hong Kong close [2] Stock Price Movements - Tencent Holdings (00700) latest price is HKD 633.000, with an increase of HKD 5.500 or 0.88%, but its ADR price is HKD 632.594, showing a decrease of HKD 0.406 [3] - Alibaba Group (09988) latest price is HKD 169.000, up by HKD 9.100 or 5.69%, with an ADR price of HKD 165.595, down by HKD 3.405 [3] - HSBC Holdings (00005) latest price is HKD 127.000, up by HKD 0.600 or 0.47%, with an ADR price of HKD 127.501, up by HKD 0.501 [3] - Other notable movements include Meituan (03690) down by 3.24% and Ctrip Group (09961) down by 6.49% [3]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rising trend of "aluminum replacing copper" in various industries due to the increasing copper prices and supply-demand imbalances, indicating a long-term technological shift rather than a short-term market speculation [6][7][8]. Group 1: Copper-Aluminum Price Ratio - The current copper-aluminum price ratio is at a historical high of 4.21 times, up from a low of 1.7 times in 2005, reflecting significant supply-demand differences and elasticities between the two metals [10][12]. - The widening price ratio is driving the shift from aluminum as a technical alternative to a real necessity in various applications [16]. Group 2: Supply-Demand Dynamics - Copper demand is increasing due to its role in the new energy era, while supply is constrained by long development cycles of 7-10 years and low environmental approval rates [17][18]. - In contrast, aluminum supply constraints are primarily at the smelting stage, with the industry undergoing a restructuring phase where companies with stable, low-cost, and green power resources will have competitive advantages [19][20]. - Both metals face supply elasticities, but the core constraints differ significantly, with aluminum becoming a feasible alternative in specific scenarios as technology advances [22]. Group 3: Technological Innovations - Systematic technological innovations in new materials, processes, and structures are making large-scale aluminum replacement of copper feasible [24]. - Key technological breakthroughs expected by 2025-2026 include solutions for creep, electrochemical corrosion, and improved conductivity, which will address traditional aluminum material pain points [25][26]. Group 4: Industry Applications - In the power transmission sector, aluminum has already replaced copper in long-distance transmission lines, and its use in 5G base stations and data centers is increasing due to weight and cost considerations [27]. - The air conditioning industry is moving towards aluminum, with major players like Daikin already using over 50% aluminum in their products by 2024 [28]. - The automotive sector is rapidly advancing in aluminum applications, with new aluminum alloy materials developed to solve corrosion issues and optimize creep performance, expected to be implemented by 2026 [30]. Group 5: Investment Logic - The current investment logic in the aluminum sector revolves around the "aluminum replacing copper" trend and the strategic value driven by resource nationalism [33]. - The electrolytic aluminum capacity utilization rate is nearing full capacity, with major companies like China Aluminum and China Hongqiao leading in production [34][36]. - Companies with aluminum ore and energy resources are expected to have more elastic performance in the face of price increases, with a focus on optimizing resource combinations [38]. Group 6: Financial Performance and Valuation - Financial performance metrics indicate that companies like China Hongqiao and Nanshan Aluminum International have lower P/E ratios, while ROE is high for companies like Nanshan Aluminum and Huafeng Aluminum [39][40]. - The overall aluminum sector is not undervalued, but individual stock differentiation is evident, with some companies like Nanshan International Aluminum and China Hongqiao appearing relatively undervalued [41][42].

Core Viewpoint - 2026 is identified as the "Year of the Red Horse," which is favorable for the Chinese base metals market due to factors such as a weak dollar, a U.S. interest rate cut cycle, and strong demand driven by electrification and AI power infrastructure [1] Group 1: Market Conditions - A weak dollar and the U.S. interest rate cut cycle are beneficial for metals [1] - Continuous supply tightness for copper and aluminum is noted [1] Group 2: Demand Drivers - Key demand drivers include a 10% year-on-year increase in grid investment, a 27% growth in electric vehicle battery demand, a 41% increase in energy storage systems, and rising AI power demand [1] Group 3: Sector Outlook - The real estate and consumer sectors are experiencing weakness [1] - Policies aimed at reducing internal competition are becoming more balanced, although recent execution has been weak [1] Group 4: Investment Recommendations - The firm prefers aluminum stocks as alternative investments for AI power supply [1] - A "buy" outlook is maintained for gold, copper, lithium (including battery materials), and cobalt stocks [1] - Coal is viewed neutrally, while solar and construction materials (like steel) are seen negatively due to weak demand and declining steel profit margins [1] Group 5: Preferred Stocks - Preferred stocks include China Aluminum, Zijin Mining, China Hongqiao, Shandong Gold, and Ganfeng Lithium [1]