中国石化（600028）：周期复苏提质增效，石化巨头乘风破浪

Investment Rating - The report assigns a "Buy" rating to the company, indicating a positive outlook for future performance [10]. Core Insights - China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) is recognized as one of the largest integrated energy and chemical companies in China, with leading positions in refining and ethylene production [2][5]. - The company is expected to benefit from stable oil production and high natural gas growth, alongside a favorable oil price environment, which will enhance profitability [6][10]. - The refining and chemical sectors are anticipated to see improved profitability due to recovering demand and a slowdown in supply growth [7][10]. - The sales segment is projected to experience growth from recovering price spreads and the expansion of non-oil businesses [8][10]. - Sinopec is focusing on clean energy and high-value materials, aiming to become a leader in the hydrogen energy sector and enhance its high-end chemical product offerings [9][10]. Summary by Sections Exploration and Development - The company maintains stable crude oil production while experiencing significant growth in natural gas output, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.90% from 2020 to 2024 [34]. - Sinopec's oil and gas business is supported by steady reserves and ongoing exploration efforts, ensuring long-term stability [34][43]. Refining and Chemicals - The global refining growth rate is expected to be limited, with domestic capacity expansion nearing its end in 2023, leading to improved profitability in the refining sector [7][10]. - The company is actively pursuing transformation by reducing oil dependency and increasing chemical production, which enhances its competitive edge [7][10]. Sales - The recovery of the price spread between wholesale and retail gasoline and diesel is expected to improve the profitability of the sales segment [8][10]. - Sinopec is optimizing its terminal network and expanding non-oil business initiatives, which are anticipated to drive growth [8][10]. New Energy and New Materials - The company is committed to developing the hydrogen energy industry, which is crucial for achieving carbon neutrality goals [9][10]. - Sinopec is focusing on high-end chemical products to reduce reliance on imports and enhance domestic production capabilities [9][10].