Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Outperform" [3] Core Views - The report highlights ongoing speculation regarding interest rate cuts, with a focus on gold and copper markets. The expectation for a December rate cut remains uncertain, influenced by mixed employment data and the lack of CPI data due to government shutdowns. Despite fluctuations in market expectations, historical trends suggest that even if a rate cut does not occur, it will not alter the long-term direction for gold [10][11] - The impact of Russia's gold sales is deemed limited, as the country has significantly reduced its gold purchases in 2023 and is primarily selling gold domestically due to sanctions on international transactions. This is expected to have minimal effect on the global market [10] - Copper prices show resilience, remaining stable within the range of $10,600 to $11,000 per ton, supported by strong supply and demand fundamentals. Recent production guidance from Freeport has been adjusted downward, indicating a tighter supply outlook for 2026 [11] Summary by Sections Gold Market - The ongoing debate over interest rate cuts is affecting gold prices, with December cut probabilities fluctuating between 30% and 70%. The report suggests that the direction for gold remains positive regardless of short-term rate cut outcomes [10] - Russia's gold reserves are over 2,300 tons, but their recent sales are not expected to significantly impact international gold prices due to domestic selling constraints [10] Copper Market - Copper prices have shown strong resilience, not following broader market declines. The report notes a recent increase in the operating rate of copper rod production, indicating robust demand [11] - Freeport's production guidance for copper has been revised downwards, suggesting a tighter supply situation moving forward [11] - The report anticipates further upward adjustments in earnings expectations for copper mining stocks due to ongoing fiscal expansion and liquidity conditions [11] Market Performance - The report indicates that the non-ferrous metals index has underperformed the broader market, with a decline of 6.75% recently. Specific sectors such as lithium and gold have shown varying performance, with lithium stocks performing relatively better [12]

Flash | 16 Nov 2025 15:34:41 ET │ 10 pages CMOC (3993.HK) What's New from Citi 2025 China Conference: KFM Phase 2 in Operation in 1H27E CITI'S TAKE We hosted meetings for CMOC on Nov 13th at our China Conference in Shanghai. Ms. Xinyi Liu, IR Manager, and Ms. Anna Zhu, IR Manager, attended the meeting. Below are our key takeaways. 3Q25 result – The higher net profit QoQ in 3Q25 and better than market expectation profit is mainly driven by lower effective tax rate, some realized cobalt sales volume, and stro ...

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference focused on the basic materials sector in China, particularly metals, power equipment, and energy storage systems (ESS) [1] - Featured insights from 35 experts and companies, including Zijin, Chalco, Hongqiao, CMOC, and CGN Mining [1] Aluminum Sector - **Demand and Supply Dynamics**: Strong aluminum demand driven by electrification and substitution for copper, with a price ratio of approximately 4x [2][8] - **Market Prices**: Aluminum prices exceeded Hongqiao's previous guidance of RMB 20,600–21,300 per ton, supported by fundamentals and potential global smelter shutdowns [2][9] - **Cost Drivers**: Power tariffs are a significant cost factor, with Hongqiao's average tariff at RMB 0.38/kWh in Q3 [2][10] - **Strategic Initiatives**: Hongqiao plans to increase capacity from 1.96 million tons to 2.16 million tons by year-end and is focusing on overseas bauxite expansion [2][11][12] Copper Sector - **Price Forecast**: SMM forecasts copper prices to average US$10,600–11,200 per ton in 2026, with potential spikes to US$12,000 per ton due to tight supply [3][18] - **Supply and Demand**: Global copper supply expected to rise by ~900kt next year, with demand growth projected at ~3%, primarily from EVs and wind power [3][20] - **Production Challenges**: Zijin's 2025 copper output may fall short due to the suspension of the Kakula mine, but long-term guidance remains intact [3][21] Uranium Sector - **Market Revival**: Uranium demand is rebounding as nuclear power becomes a stable energy source for AI and data centers, with a supply-demand gap of ~60kt vs. ~75kt [4][32] - **Price Stability**: Spot prices hover around USD80/lb, with term contracts limiting downside risk [4][32] - **Future Demand Drivers**: Increased nuclear power station construction and the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) are expected to drive future uranium demand [4][30] Tungsten and Molybdenum - **Tungsten Market**: Faces a structural deficit with China producing 83% of global tungsten. Domestic concentrate prices have doubled YoY to RMB 300k/t due to supply constraints [35] - **Molybdenum Trends**: China supplies ~50% of global molybdenum, with demand outpacing supply growth. Prices are expected to remain firm through 2030 [36] Strategic Initiatives and Financial Outlook - **Chalco's Capex**: Projected future capital expenditure of RMB 15-20 billion annually, focusing on resource extension and operational efficiency [2][17] - **Shareholder Returns**: Hongqiao is considering a share buyback exceeding US$3 billion, indicating confidence in cash flow and growth prospects [2][12] - **CMOC's Financial Position**: Strong operational performance with a projected annual capex of USD1 billion for the next few years [24][26] Investment Risks - **Market Risks**: Potential asset impairments and economic shutdowns in alumina operations could pose risks to future performance [17] - **Geopolitical Risks**: Geopolitical tensions may affect supply chains and market stability, particularly in uranium and tungsten sectors [30][35] Conclusion - The conference highlighted robust demand across the metals sector, with strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing production capacity and shareholder value. However, challenges such as supply constraints, geopolitical risks, and fluctuating prices remain critical considerations for investors.

Group 1 - The core investment theme for 2026 is transitioning from extreme growth to balanced allocation, focusing on sectors with strong performance potential [3][11] - In the technology sector, the report highlights that industries related to artificial intelligence and embodied intelligence are expected to experience a slowdown in profit growth after rapid valuation increases, suggesting a focus on segments with relatively low historical valuations and strong earnings support [3][11] - For traditional industries, the report recommends focusing on upstream sectors benefiting from "AI+" enhancements and profit recovery opportunities following capacity clearance driven by anti-involution policies [3][11] Group 2 - The report identifies a potential recovery in downstream consumer sectors during the 2026-2027 inventory cycle, alongside a gradual return of long-term capital to the market, suggesting a sustained allocation window for industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and duty-free concepts [3][11] - The recommended top ten stocks for 2026 include: 300568.SZ Xingyuan Material, 601233.SH Tongkun Co., 603755.SH Richen Co., 300442.SZ Runze Technology, 688303.SH Daqian Energy, 002920.SZ Desay SV, 688041.SH Haiguang Information, 603993.SH Luoyang Molybdenum, 603583.SH Jiechang Drive, and 002027.SZ Focus Media [4][13] - The report provides a detailed earnings forecast and valuation for the recommended stocks, indicating expected earnings per share (EPS) and price-to-earnings (PE) ratios for 2025 and 2026 [16]

Core Viewpoint - The Freedom Cash Flow ETF CSI All Share (561080) experienced a decline of 1.70% as of the midday close on November 21, with a trading volume of 4.1672 million yuan [1] Group 1: ETF Performance - The Freedom Cash Flow ETF CSI All Share (561080) closed at 1.211 yuan [1] - The fund has a performance benchmark of the CSI All Share Free Cash Flow Index return rate [1] - Since its establishment on April 23, 2025, the fund has achieved a return of 23.00%, with a one-month return of 4.57% [1] Group 2: Major Holdings - Major stocks in the Freedom Cash Flow ETF include: - China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) down 1.44% - Midea Group down 0.05% - Gree Electric Appliances down 0.74% - Wuliangye Yibin down 0.36% - China COSCO Shipping down 0.46% - Luoyang Molybdenum down 3.48% - TCL Technology down 1.92% - China Aluminum down 4.08% - SF Express down 1.34% - Shaanxi Coal and Chemical Industry down 0.43% [1]

Core Viewpoint - The report indicates a mixed outlook for the metals industry, with price fluctuations influenced by macroeconomic factors, supply disruptions, and changing monetary policies, particularly regarding interest rates [2][4][6]. Group 1: Lithium Prices - In the first three quarters of 2025, the average price of domestic battery-grade lithium carbonate (99.5% purity) and lithium hydroxide (56.5% purity) was 71,339.89 CNY/ton and 67,844.81 CNY/ton, respectively, representing year-on-year declines of 25.17% and 21.47% compared to the same period in 2024 [1][5]. - The price decline for lithium products has slowed in the first half of 2025, with a rebound observed in the third quarter, suggesting a potential turning point [5]. Group 2: Precious Metals - Precious metal prices have been supported by expectations of interest rate cuts, with gold prices experiencing a significant upward trend in the third quarter of 2025 [3][6]. - The overall labor market remains balanced despite a decline in non-farm employment, indicating potential economic weakness and rising inflation concerns, which further support precious metal prices [3]. Group 3: Industrial Metals - The third quarter of 2025 saw increased expectations for interest rate cuts, which provided support for industrial metal prices, particularly copper, amid supply disruptions from incidents like the Grasberg copper mine accident in Indonesia [4][6]. - The average price of LME copper in the first three quarters was 9,561.07 USD/ton, up 4.71% from 9,131.16 USD/ton in the same period of 2024, while LME aluminum prices rose by 8.44% [4]. Group 4: Energy Metals - The energy metals sector appears to have reached a bottom, with signs of a potential rebound following price declines in the first half of 2025 [5]. - The average price of cobalt in the first three quarters was 226,241.76 CNY/ton, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 6.78%, driven by a significant rebound in September [5]. Group 5: Investment Recommendations - The report suggests that despite uncertainties regarding interest rate cuts in December, the medium-term outlook for macroeconomic easing is strong, which will support non-ferrous metal prices [6]. - Companies to watch include Zijin Mining, Zhongjin Gold, Shandong Gold, Luoyang Molybdenum, Western Mining, Tongling Nonferrous Metals, Hailiang Co., Cangge Mining, Ganfeng Lithium, and Huayou Cobalt [6].

Group 1 - Non-ferrous stocks experienced a widespread decline, with Luoyang Molybdenum falling by 3.83% to HKD 15.32, Jiangxi Copper down 3.22% to HKD 29.42, Lingbao Gold decreasing by 2.8% to HKD 15.29, and China Aluminum dropping by 2.51% to HKD 10.86 [1] - The decline in non-ferrous stocks is attributed to the weakened expectations for a Federal Reserve rate cut in December, as the US dollar index surpassed the 100-point mark [1] - The US Labor Department reported a non-farm payroll increase of 119,000 in September, exceeding expectations by more than double, although the combined non-farm employment figures for July and August were revised down by 33,000 [1] Group 2 - The unemployment rate in the US unexpectedly rose to 4.4% in September, marking the highest level since October 2021 [1] - Initial jobless claims in the US decreased by 8,000 to 220,000, while continuing claims reached a four-year high [1] - Following the data release, swap contracts indicated a diminishing likelihood of a Federal Reserve rate cut in December [1]

Core Viewpoint - Luoyang Molybdenum Co., Ltd. experienced a decline of 0.57% in stock price, closing at 15.79 yuan, with significant block trades occurring on November 20 [1] Trading Activity - A total of 3 block trades were executed, with a combined trading volume of 2.99 million shares and a total transaction value of 47.21 million yuan [1] - The first trade involved 490,000 shares at a price of 15.79 yuan, totaling 7.73 million yuan, with a premium rate of 0.00% [1] - The second trade involved 1.3 million shares at the same price, totaling 20.53 million yuan, also with a premium rate of 0.00% [1] - The third trade involved 1.2 million shares, totaling 18.95 million yuan, maintaining a premium rate of 0.00% [1] Recent Trading Trends - Over the past three months, the stock has recorded 11 block trades with a cumulative transaction value of 263 million yuan [1] - In the last five trading days, the stock has seen a cumulative decline of 6.24%, with a net outflow of 1.241 billion yuan in principal funds [1]

Group 1 - The core transaction of Luoyang Molybdenum involved 2.99 million shares traded on November 20, with a total transaction value of 47.21 million yuan, accounting for 2.59% of the total trading volume for the day [1] - The transaction price was 15.79 yuan, which remained stable compared to the market closing price of 15.79 yuan [1] Group 2 - Specific trading details include a transaction amount of 20.527 million yuan for 130 shares, and another transaction amount of 18.948 million yuan for 120 shares, both at the same price of 15.79 yuan [2] - Additional transactions included a volume of 773.71 thousand shares for a total of 7.7371 million yuan, also at the price of 15.79 yuan [2]

Core Viewpoint - The company, Luoyang Molybdenum Co., Ltd., is a significant player in the non-ferrous metals industry, particularly in cobalt, tungsten, and gold production, with a focus on expanding its precious metals business and enhancing its market position [2][7]. Company Overview - Luoyang Molybdenum Co., Ltd. is the second-largest cobalt producer globally, with cobalt products sold in international markets [2]. - The company is involved in the mining and processing of various metals, including copper, molybdenum, tungsten, cobalt, niobium, and phosphorus, and is recognized as one of the top five molybdenum producers and the largest tungsten producer globally [2][7]. - The company has a comprehensive integrated industrial chain and is also the second-largest producer of phosphorus fertilizer in Brazil [2]. Financial Performance - For the period from January to September 2025, the company reported a revenue of 145.485 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 5.99%, while the net profit attributable to shareholders increased by 72.61% to 14.280 billion yuan [8]. - The company has distributed a total of 21.562 billion yuan in dividends since its A-share listing, with 10.576 billion yuan distributed in the last three years [9]. Production and Growth - The company owns 80% of the NPM copper-gold mine in Australia, with gold equity production of 16,000 ounces in 2022 and a guidance of 25,000 to 27,000 ounces for 2023, representing a year-on-year increase of 56% to 69% [3]. - In 2025, the company successfully completed the acquisition of Ecuador's Odin Mining (KGHM Gold Mine) and is advancing development work with plans to commence production by 2029 [3]. Shareholder and Market Activity - As of September 30, 2025, the company had 304,200 shareholders, an increase of 28.08% from the previous period [8]. - The main shareholders include Hong Kong Central Clearing Limited and various ETFs, with notable changes in their holdings [9]. Market Position - The company operates within the non-ferrous metals sector, specifically in industrial metals like copper, and is associated with various investment concepts such as niobium and MSCI China [8].