从“低价扩储”到“溢价加仓”，盐湖股份领衔锂行业并购升温

Core Viewpoint - The lithium resource acquisition market is heating up, with significant transactions indicating increased confidence in the industry's future prospects following a rebound in lithium prices in Q4 2023 [2][10]. Group 1: Recent Acquisitions - Salt Lake Co. plans to acquire a 51% stake in Minmetals Salt Lake for 4.605 billion yuan, which will include the Qinghai Yiliping salt lake resources in its consolidated financial statements [2][4]. - Shengxin Lithium Energy announced a 2.08 billion yuan acquisition of the remaining 30% stake in Qicheng Mining, increasing its ownership in the Chuanxi Muzhong lithium mine [2]. - The recent trend shows a shift from "low-cost expansion" to "premium acquisition" in lithium salt acquisitions, with significant valuation increases [2][11]. Group 2: Industry Outlook - The confidence in the industry's future is reflected in the active merger and acquisition activities among lithium salt companies [3][10]. - Salt Lake Co. aims to resolve competition issues with Minmetals Salt Lake and enhance its market influence and production scale through this acquisition [4][6]. Group 3: Production Capacity - After the acquisition, Salt Lake Co.'s lithium salt comprehensive production capacity will reach 9.8 million tons per year, positioning it among the top tier of domestic lithium salt companies [5][6]. - The projected lithium salt equity capacity for Salt Lake Co. is expected to increase significantly from around 20,000 tons in 2023 to approximately 69,000 tons by 2026 [6]. Group 4: Financial Performance - The acquisition of Minmetals Salt Lake is expected to enhance Salt Lake Co.'s financial performance, with Minmetals Salt Lake projected to generate net profits of 669 million yuan in 2024 and 316 million yuan in the first eight months of 2025 [8][9]. - The valuation of Minmetals Salt Lake has increased significantly, with an estimated value of 90.29 billion yuan, reflecting a 352.42% increase over its book value [11][12].