Zhong Guo Zheng Quan Bao·2025-08-30 02:21Core Viewpoint - The increasing volatility in global financial markets has led to a heightened focus on risk management through hedging strategies among listed companies, with a notable rise in the number of companies utilizing derivative instruments for risk management [1][2]. Summary by Relevant Sections Growth in Hedging Activities - In the first seven months of 2025, 1,383 A-share listed companies issued announcements related to hedging, representing a year-on-year increase of 15.7% [2]. - Companies addressing exchange rate, interest rate, and commodity price risks saw respective increases of 13%, 16%, and 13% in the number of announcements [2]. Types of Risks Managed - Exchange rate risk is a significant concern, with 80% of A-share companies mentioning it in their hedging announcements [2]. - The focus on interest rate risk has been increasing, reflecting a growing awareness among companies during the global interest rate decline [2][3]. Commodity Hedging Trends - Common commodities for hedging include copper, aluminum, steel, lithium carbonate, and silver, with a notable increase in companies mentioning lithium carbonate futures [2]. - New commodity futures listed in 2024 have also been included in hedging strategies, with six companies explicitly hedging bottle chip futures in the first half of 2025 [2]. Industry Participation - Manufacturing companies, particularly in the chemical and agricultural processing sectors, are the primary participants in hedging activities [3]. - There has been a shift in how companies evaluate the effectiveness of hedging, moving from a focus solely on profit and loss to a more comprehensive assessment of fair value changes [3]. Successful Hedging Examples - Companies like Jinlongyu, Zhejiang Zhongtuo, Daodaquan, and Nangang have reported significant profits from their hedging activities, with Jinlongyu achieving a profit of 5.8 billion yuan from its hedging tools [4][5]. - Supply chain companies such as Wucai Zhongda and Xiamen Xiangyu also reported substantial gains from their hedging strategies, with reported amounts of 2.062 billion yuan and 614 million yuan, respectively [5]. Transparency and Regulation - New guidelines from the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges require companies to disclose the combined profits and losses from hedging tools and underlying projects starting in 2024, enhancing transparency in hedging activities [5]. - Increased transparency in hedging disclosures is expected to improve investor understanding and confidence in company operations [5]. Recommendations for Companies - Companies are advised to adopt a systematic approach to hedging, starting with top-level design and team establishment, and gradually implementing hedging strategies [7]. - It is recommended that companies engage external experts to guide them through the complexities of hedging and to learn from industry best practices [7]. - A phased approach to hedging, beginning with small-scale pilots, is suggested to refine processes and build expertise [7].