Northeast Securities(SZ:000686) Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2025-11-12 03:25Core Viewpoint - The metal packaging industry is entering a capacity expansion phase from 2022 to 2024, with increased competition and a projected average price drop for two-piece cans to 0.47 yuan per can in 2024. However, leading companies are showing a stronger willingness to avoid internal competition, which may stabilize prices and improve profitability across the industry [1]. Industry Overview - The metal packaging industry generated revenue of 150.56 billion yuan in 2023, accounting for 13.05% of the overall packaging industry. Approximately 70% of the demand for metal packaging products comes from the food and beverage sector, with two-piece and three-piece cans being the primary products [1]. Price Fluctuation and Demand Drivers - The price of two-piece cans has experienced cyclical fluctuations due to changes in supply and demand dynamics. Historical price trends show a decline from 0.52 yuan per can to 0.37 yuan per can during the capacity concentration phase (2012-2016), followed by a recovery to 0.54 yuan per can during the industry consolidation phase (2016-2022). The average price is expected to drop to 0.47 yuan per can during the current capacity expansion phase (2022-2024) [2]. - The beer canning rate in China is projected to increase from 21.21% in 2016 to 29.56% in 2024, driving demand for two-piece cans from 28.96 billion cans to 31.55 billion cans. Each 1% increase in canning rate is estimated to add 1.061 billion cans to demand [2]. Industry Consolidation - The market share of leading companies in the two-piece can sector is increasing, with the CR3 ratio approaching 80% following the acquisition of COFCO Packaging by Orijin in April 2025. This consolidation is expected to halt net growth in domestic two-piece can capacity, with companies also expanding overseas production [3]. Cost Structure and Profitability - Aluminum is the largest cost component in the production of two-piece cans, and its price fluctuations significantly impact profitability. If aluminum prices remain stable, a 0.01 yuan increase in two-piece can prices could lead to a 45% increase in net profit per unit. Conversely, a 2% decrease in aluminum prices could result in a 32% increase in net profit per unit if can prices remain unchanged [4].