Core Viewpoint - A new round of anti-"involution" competition has been initiated, affecting both traditional industries like steel and cement, as well as emerging sectors such as photovoltaics, new energy vehicles, and lithium batteries. The central government has signaled a commitment to address low-price disorderly competition and promote the orderly exit of backward production capacity [1][4][6]. Group 1: Government Initiatives - The Central Economic Committee's recent meeting emphasized the need to govern low-price disorderly competition legally and systematically, aiming to enhance product quality and facilitate the exit of outdated production capacity [1][6]. - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has held discussions with photovoltaic industry leaders to address the challenges posed by low-price competition and to promote high-quality development within the sector [11][12]. - The revised Anti-Unfair Competition Law, effective from October 15, 2025, aims to provide legal tools to combat "involution" competition, particularly targeting platform operators who enforce below-cost pricing [9][10]. Group 2: Industry Responses - Various industry associations, including those in steel, cement, and battery sectors, have called for a collective response against "involution" competition, advocating for quality over price in market competition [3][16][19]. - The photovoltaic industry is experiencing significant pressure, with upstream silicon material prices plummeting, leading to a collective financial strain across the entire supply chain [12][14]. - Industry leaders have highlighted the necessity for consolidation and stricter control of production capacity to overcome the challenges posed by "involution" competition, suggesting that cooperation is essential for long-term sustainability [14][19]. Group 3: Economic Context - The current "involution" phenomenon is attributed to two main factors: a cyclical economic adjustment leading to heightened price sensitivity among consumers, and external pressures from a de-globalizing environment that compel companies to compete primarily on price [7][8]. - The imbalance between supply and demand in various sectors, particularly in the steel industry, has resulted in increased production despite declining consumption, exacerbating the "involution" issue [18][19].

Group 1: New Energy Vehicle Industry - The China Securities New Energy Vehicle Industry Index (930997) increased by 0.39%, with key stocks like Defu Technology (301511) rising by 3.57% and Huayou Cobalt (603799) by 2.92% [1] - The National Development and Reform Commission and other departments announced plans to establish over 100,000 high-power charging facilities by the end of 2027, aiming for improved service quality and technology upgrades [1] - CITIC Securities forecasts that domestic electric vehicle sales will reach 16.52 million units in 2025, with a year-on-year growth rate of 15-22% expected in 2026 [2] Group 2: Photovoltaic Industry - The China Securities Photovoltaic Industry Index (931151) rose by 0.15%, with major stocks like Sungrow Power (300274) increasing by 1.62% [4] - The top ten weighted stocks in the photovoltaic index account for 55.39% of the total index, indicating a concentrated market [9] Group 3: Automotive Parts Industry - The China Securities Automotive Parts Theme Index (931230) increased by 0.29%, with stocks like Zhengmei Machinery (601717) rising by 2.51% [4] - The top ten weighted stocks in the automotive parts index represent 41.05% of the total index, highlighting key players in the sector [9] Group 4: New Materials Industry - The China Securities New Materials Theme Index (H30597) rose by 0.50%, with stocks like Yake Technology (002409) increasing by 4.58% [6] - The top ten weighted stocks in the new materials index account for 51.27% of the total index, showcasing significant contributors to the industry [10]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint emphasizes that comprehensive rectification of "involutionary" competition is a key measure to address current economic development contradictions, affecting both traditional and emerging industries [1][4][5] - The new round of anti-involution policies includes not only traditional industries like steel and cement but also emerging sectors such as photovoltaics, new energy vehicles, and lithium batteries, which have a higher proportion of private enterprises [1][4][5] - The recent Central Economic Committee meeting highlighted the need to legally govern low-price disorderly competition and promote the orderly exit of backward production capacity, signaling a national-level response to involution [2][5] Group 2 - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has initiated discussions with photovoltaic industry leaders to address production, innovation, and market competition challenges, aiming to support high-quality development in the sector [10] - The photovoltaic industry has faced significant pressure, with prices for silicon materials and components dropping below cash costs, leading to a substantial decline in profit margins [11][12] - Various industry associations, including those in steel, cement, and battery sectors, have called for a collective response to involution, advocating for quality over price competition and industry cooperation [13][15] Group 3 - The revised Anti-Unfair Competition Law, effective from October 15, 2025, aims to provide institutional tools to curb "involutionary" competition, particularly targeting platform operators to prevent forced low-cost sales [9] - Experts have identified two main causes of the current involution phenomenon: domestic economic adjustments leading to price sensitivity and external pressures on Chinese enterprises due to de-globalization [6][7] - The steel industry is particularly affected by involution, with a significant increase in crude steel production despite declining apparent consumption, indicating a supply-demand imbalance [15]

Core Viewpoint - TCL Zhonghuan has faced significant financial losses in 2024, attributed to aggressive expansion strategies and market conditions in the photovoltaic industry, leading to a substantial decline in revenue and profit margins [1][2][5]. Financial Performance - In 2024, TCL Zhonghuan reported an operating income of approximately 28.4 billion yuan, a year-on-year decline of over 50% [1][4]. - The company incurred a net loss of about 9.8 billion yuan, making it the largest loss among 68 photovoltaic companies listed in A-shares [3][4]. - The first quarter of 2024 saw revenues drop to 6.1 billion yuan, with a net loss of approximately 1.9 billion yuan [2][4]. Market Position and Strategy - Despite holding a market share of 18.9% in silicon wafers, TCL Zhonghuan's gross margin was -20.53%, indicating a loss on each unit sold [1][9]. - The company maintained a high production strategy, resulting in inventory accumulation, with total inventory reaching 8.233 billion yuan, the highest in its history [8][9]. - In 2024, the company achieved a silicon wafer shipment of approximately 125.8 GW, a year-on-year increase of 10.5% [8]. Business Structure and Challenges - TCL Zhonghuan's revenue structure is heavily reliant on silicon wafers, which accounted for 58.58% of total revenue in 2024, while its solar module revenue was only 20.45% [9]. - The company faced challenges in its battery module business, including a lack of competitive products and slow adaptation to N-type product transitions [9][10]. - The overseas subsidiary, Maxeon, has also struggled, experiencing significant losses for two consecutive years [10].

Group 1: US-China Trade Relations - The US has lifted export restrictions on EDA software, ethane, and aircraft engines to China, following recent trade talks [1] - The Chinese Ministry of Commerce confirmed that both sides are working to implement the consensus reached during the June 5 call between the two countries' leaders [1][2] - The lifting of restrictions is seen as a positive signal for further cooperation and outcomes in US-China trade relations [2] Group 2: National Unified Market Construction - The Central Economic Commission of China has emphasized the need to deepen the construction of a national unified market, focusing on "five unifications and one openness" [3] - Specific measures include addressing low-price disorderly competition and promoting the integration of domestic and foreign trade [3][4] - The strategic upgrade reflects a shift from internal integration to external collaboration, aiming for long-term high-quality development [4] Group 3: Health Insurance and Innovative Drugs - The National Healthcare Security Administration has introduced measures to support the development of innovative drugs, including the establishment of a commercial health insurance directory for innovative drugs [5][6] - This directory will include high-value innovative drugs that exceed basic medical insurance coverage, alleviating pressure on the medical insurance fund [6] - The initiative aims to create a sustainable payment pathway for high-value innovative drugs while ensuring basic medical insurance focuses on essential coverage [6] Group 4: Foreign Investment Tax Incentives - The Chinese government has announced a tax credit policy for foreign investors reinvesting profits in domestic projects, effective from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2028 [7] - This policy aims to encourage foreign investment by allowing a 10% tax credit on reinvested profits, which is a significant incentive compared to previous policies [7] - The move is part of broader efforts to stabilize foreign investment amid declining actual foreign capital usage in China [7] Group 5: Solar Industry Regulation - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has convened a meeting with 14 solar companies to address low-price competition in the solar industry [8][9] - The government aims to enhance product quality and facilitate the orderly exit of outdated production capacity to promote sustainable development [8] - The recent actions signal a strong commitment from the highest levels of government to tackle the issue of unhealthy competition in the solar sector [9] Group 6: Major Infrastructure Projects - The National Development and Reform Commission has allocated over 300 billion yuan to support the third batch of "two heavy" construction projects for 2025, totaling 800 billion yuan for the year [10][11] - These projects focus on critical areas such as ecological restoration, transportation infrastructure, and urban underground networks [10] - The coordinated fiscal and monetary policies aim to provide sufficient funding for these major projects, which are crucial for stabilizing investment growth [11] Group 7: Manufacturing Sector Performance - The manufacturing PMI for June rose to 49.7%, indicating a slight improvement in manufacturing activity, with production and new orders both showing positive trends [12][13] - Despite the increase, the PMI remains below the 50% threshold, suggesting that the recovery in the manufacturing sector is still fragile [12][13] - External uncertainties and fluctuating demand continue to pose challenges for the manufacturing industry, necessitating supportive macroeconomic policies [13] Group 8: US Tax and Spending Legislation - The US Congress has passed the "Big and Beautiful" tax and spending bill, which includes significant tax cuts and is expected to increase the federal deficit by approximately $3.3 trillion over the next decade [14][15] - The legislation has raised concerns among investors regarding its long-term fiscal implications, including potential cuts to federal assistance and increased national debt [14][15] - The market's reaction indicates growing apprehension about the sustainability of US fiscal policies and their impact on global investment strategies [15]

Core Viewpoint - The recent meeting held by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) aims to address the challenges faced by the photovoltaic (PV) industry and promote high-quality development, emphasizing the need to combat low-price disorderly competition and support the exit of outdated production capacity [1][2][5]. Group 1: Meeting Overview - The meeting was chaired by MIIT Minister Li Lecheng and included representatives from 14 major PV companies and industry associations, discussing the current state of the industry and providing policy suggestions [1][2]. - Li Lecheng highlighted the achievements of China's PV industry, noting its transformation from weak to strong, and emphasized the importance of maintaining confidence and implementing comprehensive measures for sustainable development [2][3]. Group 2: Industry Challenges and Responses - The meeting addressed the serious supply-demand imbalance in the PV industry, which has led to intense competition and price wars, urging companies to focus on technological innovation and quality [6][7]. - Several company representatives expressed support for the government's initiatives to regulate low-price competition and optimize production capacity, viewing it as an opportunity for leading firms to gain structural advantages [6][7]. Group 3: Future Expectations - There is a growing anticipation within the industry for substantive measures from the government to address the challenges faced by the PV sector, with expectations of targeted policies to facilitate supply-side reforms [7]. - Following the meeting, stock prices of several A-share PV companies have surged, indicating positive market sentiment regarding potential policy changes [7].

Group 1 - The A-share silicon wafer sector saw an initial rise, with Yichin Optoelectronics hitting the daily limit up [1] - Other companies such as GCL-Poly Energy, LONGi Green Energy, JA Solar Technology, and TCL Zhonghuan also experienced gains [1]

Group 1 - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology held a meeting focusing on accelerating the high-quality development of the photovoltaic industry, with participation from 14 major companies and industry associations [1][2] - Key representatives included leaders from major companies such as Tongwei Group, GCL-Poly, and LONGi Green Energy, highlighting the importance of collaboration within the industry [1] - The meeting emphasized the achievements of the photovoltaic industry in China, noting its transformation from weak to strong, and its leading position in terms of scale, technology, and market application [1][2] Group 2 - The Minister stressed the need for a comprehensive understanding of the photovoltaic industry's development situation and the importance of maintaining confidence while addressing challenges [2] - There is a focus on eliminating low-price disorderly competition and promoting product quality, with an aim to achieve sustainable development in the industry [2][4] - The industry is facing complex challenges, including strong demand but pressured supply, declining prices, and the need to overcome "involution" competition to maintain a healthy development environment [3][4] Group 3 - Recent discussions have highlighted the need to break the cycle of "involution" competition, which has led to price wars and market distortion, negatively impacting high-quality development [4] - The Central Financial Committee's recent meeting addressed the need for regulatory measures to guide enterprises towards improving product quality and phasing out outdated production capacity [4]

Quantitative Factor and Model Analysis Quantitative Models and Construction 1. **Model Name**: GAN_GRU Model **Model Construction Idea**: The GAN_GRU model combines Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN) for generating realistic price-volume sequential features and Gated Recurrent Units (GRU) for encoding these sequential features into predictive signals for stock selection [2][9]. **Model Construction Process**: - **GRU Component**: - Input features include 18 price-volume features such as closing price, opening price, turnover, and turnover rate [10][13]. - Training data consists of the past 400 trading days' features, sampled every 5 trading days, forming a 40x18 feature matrix to predict the cumulative return over the next 20 trading days [14]. - Data preprocessing includes outlier removal and standardization at both time-series and cross-sectional levels [14]. - The GRU network consists of two layers (GRU(128, 128)) followed by an MLP (256, 64, 64), with the final output being the predicted return (pRet) [18]. - **GAN Component**: - The generator (G) uses an LSTM model to preserve the sequential nature of the input features, while the discriminator (D) employs a CNN to process the two-dimensional price-volume feature "images" [29][32]. - The generator's loss function is: $$ L_{G} = -\mathbb{E}_{z\sim P_{z}(z)}[\log(D(G(z)))] $$ where \( z \) represents random noise, \( G(z) \) is the generated data, and \( D(G(z)) \) is the discriminator's output probability [20][21]. - The discriminator's loss function is: $$ L_{D} = -\mathbb{E}_{x\sim P_{data}(x)}[\log D(x)] - \mathbb{E}_{z\sim P_{z}(z)}[\log(1-D(G(z)))] $$ where \( x \) is real data, \( D(x) \) is the discriminator's output for real data, and \( D(G(z)) \) is the output for generated data [23][25]. - Training alternates between updating the discriminator and generator parameters until convergence [26]. **Model Evaluation**: The GAN_GRU model effectively captures both sequential and cross-sectional price-volume features, leveraging the strengths of GANs and GRUs for stock selection [2][9][29]. --- Quantitative Factors and Construction 1. **Factor Name**: GAN_GRU Factor **Factor Construction Idea**: The GAN_GRU factor is derived from the GAN_GRU model's output, representing the encoded price-volume sequential features as a stock selection signal [2][9]. **Factor Construction Process**: - The factor is derived from the predicted return (pRet) output of the GAN_GRU model [18]. - The factor undergoes industry and market capitalization neutralization, followed by standardization [18]. **Factor Evaluation**: The GAN_GRU factor demonstrates strong predictive power across various industries, with consistent performance in both IC and excess returns [36][40]. --- Model Backtest Results 1. **GAN_GRU Model**: - **IC Mean**: 11.54% - **ICIR**: 0.89 - **Turnover Rate**: 0.83 - **Recent IC**: 8.34% - **1-Year IC Mean**: 11.09% - **Annualized Return**: 37.71% - **Annualized Volatility**: 24.95% - **IR**: 1.56 - **Max Drawdown**: 27.29% - **Annualized Excess Return**: 24.95% [36][37]. --- Factor Backtest Results 1. **GAN_GRU Factor**: - **IC Mean**: 11.54% - **ICIR**: 0.89 - **Turnover Rate**: 0.83 - **Recent IC**: 8.34% - **1-Year IC Mean**: 11.09% - **Annualized Return**: 37.71% - **Annualized Volatility**: 24.95% - **IR**: 1.56 - **Max Drawdown**: 27.29% - **Annualized Excess Return**: 24.95% [36][37].

Investment Rating - The report assigns a "Buy" rating to Longi and "Neutral" ratings to Daqo and Xinjiang Daqo New Energy, while TZE and Tongwei are rated as "Sell" [28][17][20]. Core Insights - The profitability inflection for the solar industry is expected to be delayed due to slower demand growth, with normalized earnings projected to remain low. The industry is anticipated to reach a cyclical bottom in 2025E, with a demand growth slowdown in China expected to average +6% CAGR from 2025E to 2030E, compared to +55% from 2020 to 2024 [1][15]. - The report highlights that the solar industry's capacity utilization is expected to decline to 59% from 2025E to 2030E, which is 15 percentage points lower than previous estimates. This is attributed to existing capacity cuts and a deceleration in demand growth [10][15]. - The report emphasizes the importance of a healthy balance sheet and strong R&D capabilities for companies navigating the cyclical bottom of the industry [1][14]. Industry Capex Trend and Capacity Addition - Capex spending in the solar industry is projected to decline further, with a forecasted -55% year-over-year decrease in solar capex for 2025E, compared to a previous estimate of -34% [2]. - The report notes that 30GW of module capacity has been terminated, including 15GW by Longi, and 12GW of module capacity has been delayed from listed players [2]. Demand Dynamics - Solar demand growth is expected to slow significantly, with a projected 25% decrease in global demand from 2026E to 2030E compared to previous estimates. This is primarily due to new regulations that limit on-grid access for large-scale solar projects and remove guaranteed on-grid volumes and prices for renewable projects [7]. - The report anticipates a rebound in China’s demand by 14% year-over-year in 2027E after a decline of -17% in 2026E, driven by better economics for commercial and industrial battery energy storage systems [7]. Capacity and Utilization - The report estimates a 17% cut in end-2024 module capacity by the end of 2026E, influenced by market access constraints and cash burn [3][10]. - The capacity utilization in China is projected to be 53% in 2025E and 52% in 2026E, with a slight recovery to 59% by 2027E [8]. Company-Specific Insights - Longi is highlighted as a leading integrated module player with strong R&D capabilities, expected to benefit from upstream price contractions and improved ROE due to Back Contact technology [16][17]. - TZE is rated as "Sell" due to anticipated headwinds from a shrinking addressable market and a stretched balance sheet amid aggressive downstream investment plans [19][20].