Core Viewpoint - The profit in the new energy vehicle (NEV) industry chain remains highly concentrated in the battery segment, with leading companies demonstrating strong anti-cyclical capabilities despite a slight decline in their market share by Q2 2025 [1] Profitability - The return on equity (ROE) differentiation continues in Q2 2025, with a notable improvement in the copper foil segment. The proportion of companies with a year-on-year decline in ROE decreased from 70% in 2024 to 57% in 2025. The overall ROE in the lithium battery industry chain has shown recovery, with mixed performance in the battery segment and significant improvement in the copper foil segment [2] Solvency - Leading companies are reducing their debt levels while others are increasing leverage to alleviate financial pressure. The operating cash flow continues to flow towards battery leaders, with total cash flow for the entire industry chain reaching 287.4 billion, 42 billion, and 69.2 billion in 2024, Q1 2025, and Q2 2025 respectively. The combined cash flow for leading battery companies, CATL and BYD, accounted for 81%, 99%, and 71% of these amounts [3] Operational Efficiency - The turnover rate has improved, with inventory and accounts receivable remaining stable. In H1 2025, 64% of companies experienced a year-on-year decline in fixed asset turnover, a significant reduction from 96% in 2024, indicating improved asset utilization. The overall inventory turnover rate remained stable, with 55% of companies experiencing a decline, while accounts receivable turnover also saw a 55% decline, indicating slightly increased collection pressure [4] Financial Framework - Profitability turning points are imminent for lithium iron phosphate, batteries, anodes, and copper foil. Leading companies have seen ROE improvements over the past eight quarters, including CATL, Fulimeng Technology, and Shantai Technology, with profitability in lithium iron phosphate, anodes, and copper foil showing quarter-on-quarter improvement. Capital expenditure has remained low since peaking in Q4 2022, with a tight supply-demand balance expected in 2024 and H1 2025 [5]
广发证券:锂电公司中报盈利持续修复 关注电池环节和固态新技术