Core Points - Hengli Petrochemical announced its 2025 semi-annual profit distribution plan, which was approved at the third extraordinary shareholders' meeting on September 9, 2025 [1] - The distribution plan is based on a total share capital of 7,039,099,786 shares, with a cash dividend of 0.08 yuan per share (including tax), totaling 563,127,982.88 yuan [1] - The record date for the dividend is September 23, 2025, with the ex-dividend date and cash dividend payment date both set for September 24, 2025 [1] Taxation and Distribution - The dividends for unrestricted circulating shares will be distributed by China Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation Limited, Shanghai Branch, while some shareholders will receive dividends directly from the company [1] - Different types of shareholders are subject to varying tax policies; individual shareholders face different tax rates based on their holding period, while QFII and "Shanghai Stock Connect" investors are taxed at 10%, and other institutional and corporate shareholders are responsible for their own tax payments [1]

Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is maintained as "Positive" [5] Core Viewpoints - The green low-carbon related industries, including green methanol, bio-aviation fuel, and green polyester, are gaining market attention due to their vast market potential and the need for sustainable development [8] - The green polyester sector is particularly favored as new technologies are expected to drive rapid growth, allowing for the replacement of virgin materials and opening up significant new market opportunities [8] Summary by Sections Investment Recommendations and Targets - The report recommends buying shares of Wan Kai New Materials (301216), which is well-positioned in the green polyester industry. Other recommended stocks include Sinopec (600028), Hengli Petrochemical (600346), Rongsheng Petrochemical (002493), Wanhua Chemical (600309), and Huayi Group (600623) due to expected recovery in the petrochemical and chemical sectors driven by "anti-involution" policies. Additionally, it suggests buying shares of pesticide formulation companies such as Runfeng Co., Ltd. (301035), Guoguang Co., Ltd. (002749), and Hailier (603639) [3]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference call focuses on the refining and petrochemical industry, specifically discussing the performance and trends of various products and companies within this sector [1][2][3][11][18]. Core Insights and Arguments - **Demand Trends**: - In the first half of 2025, the refining sector experienced a mixed demand trend. Gasoline demand decreased by 5% year-on-year, while diesel demand fell by 7%. However, aviation kerosene saw a positive growth of approximately 5% [2][11]. - The demand growth for aromatics slowed, with PX and PTA increasing by 2% and 6%, respectively. The olefins chain maintained high growth rates, with ethylene, propylene, and butadiene increasing by 9%, 13%, and 22% respectively [2][11]. - **Price Performance**: - Overall, the prices of refining products in 2025 showed a downward trend, with most products experiencing month-on-month declines. Notable exceptions included by-products like sulfur, petroleum coke, and butanone, with butanone seeing a 21% increase in July [3][11]. - The price spread for PX improved gradually, while PTA faced challenges due to new capacity and weakened demand, leading to a decrease in processing fees [11][18]. - **Operational Rates**: - The operating rate of Shandong independent refineries declined from 70% in 2020 to around 50% in 2024, but has recently recovered to approximately 70% [5][11]. - The operating rates for the aromatics chain remained above 80%, while the olefins chain faced lower rates due to large-scale new production [6][11]. - **Inventory Levels**: - There was a clear divergence in inventory levels, with upstream raw material inventories remaining high, while downstream finished oil inventories were low. The olefins chain faced significant inventory pressure, whereas the aromatics chain appeared healthier [7][8][9]. - **Export Dynamics**: - The export price index for end products showed a declining trend from 2023, with an average annual decrease of 5%-7%. The textile and apparel sector experienced a cumulative decline of 14%-15% [10][11]. - Despite weak export growth in value, actual export volumes increased significantly, indicating a shift from import substitution to direct exports for domestic chemical products [10][11]. Other Important but Overlooked Content - **Policy Changes**: - Recent policies have tightened approvals for new projects and optimized existing capacities, which may impact the future development pace of the petrochemical industry [19][20]. - **Future Capacity Growth**: - The period from 2019 to 2025 marked a peak in domestic petrochemical product investments, but growth rates are expected to slow down significantly post-2026 [20][21]. - **Sectoral Outlook**: - The industry is currently at a cyclical bottom, with gradual improvements in product prices and spreads. Key companies to watch include Hengli Petrochemical, Rongsheng Petrochemical, Dongfang Shenghong, and Sinopec, which are positioned well for future growth [22].

Core Insights - The Chinese refining industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by government policies aimed at addressing overcapacity and outdated facilities, marking a shift from expansion to consolidation and upgrading [4][19] Group 1: Industry Background - The Zhoushan Green Petrochemical Base project was launched in June 2015, marking the beginning of a new era for private refining in China, supported by the government's decision to allow private refineries to use imported crude oil [2] - The refining capacity in China expanded rapidly from 2005 to 2015, with an increase of 420 million tons per year, leading to a significant rise in the number of local refineries [8] - The industry faced a crisis in 2014 when international oil prices plummeted, resulting in a drastic reduction in refining margins and exacerbating overcapacity issues [8] Group 2: Current Regulatory Environment - A recent notice from five ministries in China calls for a comprehensive assessment of aging petrochemical facilities, particularly those over 20 years old, as part of a strategy to address overcapacity and declining profitability [4][10] - The focus is on outdated equipment that consumes more energy and has lower yields, with many facilities facing resistance to closure due to their economic impact on local communities [10] Group 3: Industry Trends and Shifts - The refining sector is experiencing a shift towards high-end chemical products, with major companies like Rongsheng Petrochemical and Hengli Petrochemical investing in new materials and technologies [17] - The industry is moving towards a more concentrated market structure as state-owned enterprises plan to shut down outdated capacities while investing in new materials [19] - Foreign companies are also recognizing opportunities in China's high-end chemical market, with BASF investing significantly in integrated facilities [19] Group 4: Future Outlook - The transformation of the refining industry is expected to reshape the value chain, with a focus on high-performance polymers and advanced materials becoming the new industry keywords [19] - The government's push for industrial upgrading is seen as a critical step in moving away from traditional refining towards more sustainable and innovative chemical production [19]

Core Insights - The textile industry in Shengze, Suzhou, is thriving despite uncertainties in the international market, with companies like Suzhou Roman Roland Fashion Group and Minsk Trade Co. leading the way in innovation and market expansion [1][2][3] Group 1: Company Performance - Suzhou Roman Roland, a supplier for major brands like LVMH and Nike, has an average fabric price six times higher than its peers, showcasing its focus on high-end, innovative materials [1][3] - Minsk Trade Co. has seen a significant increase in exports to the Middle East, with sales exceeding $50 million in the first seven months of the year, marking a year-on-year growth of over 190% [1][5] - Shengze's industrial output reached nearly 50.8 billion yuan in the first half of the year, with total import and export value at 10.96 billion yuan, including 9.99 billion yuan in exports, reflecting an 8.4% increase year-on-year [2] Group 2: Market Strategy - Roman Roland's transformation from a traditional textile company to an innovative fabric developer has been driven by a commitment to R&D, with 7% of sales revenue reinvested into innovation [3] - Minsk's strategic pivot to the Middle East market has been successful due to its comprehensive production and transportation capabilities, allowing it to meet the specific demands of that region [5][6] - The establishment of the Shengze Oriental Textile City and the cross-border e-commerce industrial park has created a dual market platform, enhancing the region's textile trade capabilities [7][8] Group 3: Industry Development - Shengze has built a complete industrial chain from silk reeling to garment manufacturing, supported by leading companies like Hengli Group and Shenghong Group, which supply advanced raw materials [6][5] - The local government has facilitated the growth of the textile industry through initiatives like the "Shengze Design Boundary" platform, which supports designers and fosters brand development [9] - The region is focused on transitioning to a high-end textile industry, with ongoing efforts to cultivate local brands and enhance the overall market presence [9]

Core Insights - Hengli Group, led by Chairman and President Chen Jianhua, conducted a 7-day business exchange in Europe from September 7 to 13, showcasing Hengli Heavy Industry's new developments and exploring global industry opportunities and shipowner demands [1] Group 1: Business Activities - The delegation visited over 30 European shipowners in Greece and Switzerland, discussing orders for various ship types including container ships, 82,000 deadweight ton Kamsarmax bulk carriers, 181,000 deadweight ton Capesize bulk carriers, 306,000 deadweight ton Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs), and Aframax tankers [1] - Notable meetings included discussions with prominent figures such as MSC founder Gianluigi Aponte, Greek shipping magnate George Procopiou, and other influential shipowners [8] Group 2: Future Developments - On September 14, Hengli held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Cooperation Innovation and Marine Engineering Technology Industrial Park in Dalian, marking a new initiative in supporting the manufacturing sector [8][12] - The new shipbuilding orders are scheduled until 2029, with full production capacity expected to process 2.3 million tons of steel plates and produce 180 engines annually, establishing Hengli Heavy Industry as the largest and most comprehensive shipbuilding base globally [14]

Core Viewpoint - The phenol ketone industry is expected to recover from losses as supply and demand dynamics improve after a peak in production capacity [1] Supply Dynamics - Since 2007, domestic phenol ketone capacity has consistently increased, growing from 1.039 million tons to 11.26 million tons by July 2025 [2] - Significant expansions occurred in 2012, 2015, and 2023, with a net increase of 7.87 million tons over the past decade [2] - The trend is shifting towards larger and more integrated production facilities, with major projects launched by companies like Zhejiang Petrochemical and Wanhua Chemical [3] - Capacity growth is expected to slow down in 2024, with only 130,000 tons of new capacity projected [3][4] - The supply side is anticipated to improve due to the planned reduction of outdated production lines and the closure of some overseas facilities [4][5] Policy Direction - The industry has faced challenges due to an oversupply situation, leading to a shift from high profitability to losses [4] - The Chinese government has introduced policies to combat "involution" in various industries, including phenol ketone, to stabilize market conditions [4][6] - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology is focusing on structural adjustments, eliminating outdated capacity, and promoting new growth points [4] Demand Trends - Demand for phenol ketone remains robust, particularly driven by the steady growth of polycarbonate (PC) and bisphenol A (BPA) [7] - The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for PC demand is projected at 17.95% from 2019 to 2024, supported by trends in consumer electronics and automotive lightweighting [7] - BPA, a critical link in the phenol ketone supply chain, is expected to see a CAGR of 28.93% during the same period, although competition may lead to project delays [7] - Overall, the industry is entering a phase of supply-demand optimization, with potential for profit recovery driven by policy support and steady demand growth [7]

Group 1 - The price spread for domestic key refining projects this week is 2579 CNY/ton, an increase of 97 CNY/ton (up 4% week-on-week) [1][2] - The price spread for foreign key refining projects this week is 1197 CNY/ton, an increase of 63 CNY/ton (up 6% week-on-week) [1][2] - The average price of PX this week is 835.6 USD/ton, a decrease of 7.0 USD/ton week-on-week, with a price spread compared to crude oil of 350.3 USD/ton, an increase of 1.7 USD/ton [3] Group 2 - In the polyester sector, the average prices for POY, FDY, and DTY are 6789, 7079, and 8021 CNY/ton respectively, with week-on-week changes of -82, -68, and -29 CNY/ton [2] - The weekly average profits for POY, FDY, and DTY are 108, 34, and 63 CNY/ton respectively, with week-on-week changes of -5, +5, and +31 CNY/ton [2] - The inventory days for POY, FDY, and DTY are 19.3, 27.6, and 31.1 days respectively, with week-on-week changes of +1.9, +1.2, and +1.4 days [2] Group 3 - The operating rate for PX is 85.9%, an increase of 1.2 percentage points week-on-week [3] - The operating rate for long filaments is 91.3%, a decrease of 0.2 percentage points week-on-week [2] - The weaving machine operating rate is 62.4%, unchanged week-on-week [2] Group 4 - Key listed companies in the private refining and polyester filament sector include Hengli Petrochemical, Rongsheng Petrochemical, Hengyi Petrochemical, Tongkun Co., and Xin Fengming [4]

Group 1 - Dalian is positioned at a latitude that is ideal for the growth of crops and marine life, with a significant marine area and coastline, making it a key city for marine economic development in China [1] - The city has a strong foundation in traditional marine industries such as fishing, shipbuilding, and marine chemicals, but faces challenges in economic scale and innovation compared to advanced regions [2][3] - Dalian's marine economy is projected to reach a total output value of over 450 billion yuan in 2024, indicating a significant step forward in its development [2] Group 2 - Dalian has established itself as a leader in marine aquaculture, with the highest production of sea cucumbers, scallops, and kelp in the country, contributing to its reputation as a "blue granary" [4][3] - The city is focusing on sustainable practices in marine farming, utilizing artificial reefs and seaweed restoration to enhance the ecological environment for aquaculture [4][3] - Dalian's marine biological industry is expanding, with successful trials in cultivating new species such as sea urchins, indicating a diversification of its marine resources [4] Group 3 - Dalian's shipbuilding industry is undergoing transformation, with significant mergers and acquisitions aimed at enhancing competitiveness and diversifying operations [6][7] - The development of domestically produced key components, such as large marine crankshafts, is breaking the reliance on imports and positioning Dalian as a significant player in the global shipbuilding market [7] - The city is leading in the production of advanced marine engines, including methanol dual-fuel engines, which are crucial for the transition to cleaner energy in shipping [8][9] Group 4 - Dalian is actively promoting marine technology innovation, with initiatives to develop high-tech marine industries and enhance the integration of technology in traditional sectors [10][12] - The establishment of the Yinggeshi Science City is a strategic move to foster marine science and technology, supporting the development of marine biomedicine and other high-tech industries [17][36] - The city is focusing on the integration of research, industry, and education to drive innovation in marine technology, with a significant number of research institutions and universities located in Dalian [17] Group 5 - Dalian is committed to ecological protection and sustainable development, implementing measures to restore marine ecosystems and improve water quality [18][23] - The city has taken strong actions against illegal marine activities that threaten ecological balance, demonstrating a commitment to preserving its marine environment [19][20] - Dalian's efforts in ecological restoration are complemented by a growing awareness among citizens about the importance of environmental protection [20][21] Group 6 - The tourism sector in Dalian is experiencing rapid growth, with a focus on enhancing the marine tourism experience and diversifying offerings beyond traditional sightseeing [24][25] - The city is leveraging its natural beauty and cultural heritage to attract tourists, with significant increases in visitor numbers and tourism revenue [24] - Dalian is exploring new tourism models that emphasize experiential and emotional value, aiming to transform the visitor experience from passive observation to active engagement [25]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Recommended" rating for the chemical industry [1] Core Insights - The chemical industry in China is expected to undergo a revaluation due to anti-involution measures, which may lead to a significant slowdown in global chemical capacity expansion. This shift could enhance the cash flow and dividend yield of Chinese chemical companies, transforming them from cash-consuming entities to profit-generating ones [6][29] - The demand for chromium salts is anticipated to rise significantly due to increased orders for gas turbines and commercial aircraft engines in Europe and the US, leading to a projected shortfall of 250,000 tons by 2028, which is about 23% of the total annual production [6] - The report highlights four key investment opportunities: low-cost expansion, improving industry conditions, new materials, and high dividend yields from state-owned enterprises [7][8] Summary by Sections Recent Performance - The basic chemical sector has shown a performance increase of 51.0% over the past 12 months, compared to 42.5% for the CSI 300 index [4] Investment Recommendations - The report emphasizes the potential for low-cost expansion in major companies such as Wanhua Chemical, Hualu Hengsheng, and others, alongside sectors like tires and fertilizers [7] - It also points out the improving conditions in various segments, including chromium salts, phosphate rock, and agricultural chemicals [8] Key Products Analysis - Recent price increases were noted for acrylic acid and esters, with butyl acrylate priced at 7,600 RMB/ton, reflecting a 3.40% increase [10] - The report also mentions the price of polymer MDI in East China at 15,550 RMB/ton, up by 1.97% [10] Company Tracking and Earnings Forecast - The report provides a detailed earnings forecast for key companies, indicating a positive outlook for many, with several companies rated as "Buy" [30]