Zhong Guo Neng Yuan Wang·2026-01-19 06:53Core Viewpoint - The report highlights the current trends in the chemical industry, focusing on price movements, supply and demand dynamics, and investment opportunities in undervalued leading companies amid a backdrop of geopolitical tensions and changing market conditions [1][4][8]. Industry Dynamics - In the week of January 12-18, 49 out of 100 tracked chemical products saw price increases, while 20 experienced declines, and 31 remained stable. The average monthly price of 49% of products rose compared to the previous month [3]. - The average price of WTI crude oil futures increased by 0.54% to $59.44 per barrel, while Brent crude oil futures rose by 0.66% to $63.76 per barrel during the same week [4]. - As of January 9, U.S. crude oil production averaged 13.753 million barrels per day, a decrease of 58,000 barrels from the previous week but an increase of 272,000 barrels year-on-year. Total U.S. oil demand was 21.009 million barrels per day, up by 178,200 barrels from the previous week [4]. Price Movements - The price of butadiene rose by 4.04% to 9,663 yuan per ton as of January 18, with a month-on-month increase of 25.98% but a year-on-year decrease of 20.8%. The production of butadiene was 109,300 tons, down 2.85% from the previous week [5]. - Epoxy propane prices increased by 8.84% to 8,620 yuan per ton, with a year-on-year rise of 9.88%. The market operating rate was 65.38%, reflecting a 1.51% increase from the previous week [6][7]. Investment Recommendations - As of January 18, the price-to-earnings ratio (TTM) for the SW basic chemical sector is 14.68, at the 59.64% historical percentile, while the price-to-book ratio is 1.54, at the 40.20% historical percentile. The SW oil and petrochemical sector has a TTM P/E ratio of 13.44, at the 39.81% historical percentile [8]. - Investment suggestions include focusing on undervalued leading companies, the impact of "anti-involution" on supply in related sub-industries, and the growing importance of self-sufficiency in electronic materials and certain new energy materials amid rising prices [2][8]. - Recommended stocks include Wanhua Chemical, Hualu Hengsheng, and others, with a focus on sectors like semiconductor materials, OLED materials, and new energy materials [8][9].