Core Viewpoint - The report from Guotai Junan highlights the significant growth in global energy storage battery shipments, projecting a total of 640 GWh in 2025, which represents an 82.9% year-on-year increase. Domestic manufacturers are expected to ship 621.5 GWh, also reflecting an 82.8% growth, while overseas shipments are anticipated to reach 18.5 GWh, marking an 85% increase [1][2]. Group 1: New Energy Vehicles and Energy Storage - The global sales of new energy vehicles (NEVs) are projected to reach 23.54 million units in 2025, a 29.1% increase year-on-year, with China accounting for 70.3% of the total sales. Sales in Europe and the US are expected to be 3.77 million and 1.6 million units, respectively, showing growth rates of 30.5% and 1.72% [1]. - For energy storage, the forecast for 2026 indicates that global shipments of energy storage batteries could reach 1,090 GWh, representing a 70% year-on-year increase [2]. Group 2: Price Trends and Material Supply - Starting from June 2025, a tightening supply-demand situation for domestic energy storage cells has initiated a price increase cycle, with prices for lithium hexafluorophosphate and lithium carbonate rising since September. The underlying logic for these price increases is driven by supply-demand dynamics, where strong downstream demand leads to improved profitability in the materials sector [3]. - The lithium battery industry is experiencing an improved supply-demand balance, with major battery manufacturers like CATL ramping up production. However, the materials sector faces significant financial pressures due to high debt levels and the need for capital turnover amidst new capacity releases [3]. Group 3: Future Demand and Policy Support - The demand cycle for 2026 is expected to be bolstered by continued domestic policies such as trade agreements in Europe and China, as well as the reintroduction of electric vehicle purchase subsidies in Germany. The Chinese market is projected to see a 94% year-on-year increase in new energy storage orders and collaborations, reaching 35.3 GWh in 2025 [4]. - The updated export tax rebate policy for battery products, effective from January 2026, is anticipated to advance overseas demand for new energy products [4]. Group 4: Investment Recommendations - The report suggests focusing on lithium-related materials such as lithium iron phosphate, lithium carbonate, and lithium hexafluorophosphate, as well as heavy asset-related sectors like separators. Recommended stocks include Shengxin Lithium Energy (002240.SZ) and others in the lithium materials sector [5]. - Additionally, leading battery manufacturers with strong pricing power and supply-demand imbalances are highlighted, with recommendations for stocks like CATL (300750.SZ) and others [5].
国泰海通:锂电材料价格环节迎来上涨 26年需求周期有望开启