Guohai Securities·2025-09-14 12:04Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Recommended" rating for the aluminum industry [1] Core Viewpoints - The demand for aluminum continues to rise during the peak season, with signs of a turning point in aluminum ingot inventory [1] - The macroeconomic environment is favorable, with expectations of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, which may further support aluminum prices [6][11] - The aluminum processing sector is experiencing a recovery in operating rates, indicating a potential increase in demand [11] Summary by Sections 1. Prices - As of September 12, 2025, the LME three-month aluminum closing price was $2701.0 per ton, up $98.5 from the previous week, a 3.8% increase [23] - The Shanghai aluminum active contract closing price was 21120.0 CNY per ton, up 425.0 CNY from the previous week, a 2.1% increase [23] - The average price of A00 aluminum in Changjiang was 21050.0 CNY per ton, up 370.0 CNY from the previous week, a 1.8% increase [23] 2. Production - In August 2025, the production of electrolytic aluminum was 373.3 million tons, a month-on-month increase of 1.1 million tons, and a year-on-year increase of 5.0 million tons [56] - The production of alumina in August 2025 was 773.8 million tons, a month-on-month increase of 8.8 million tons, and a year-on-year increase of 56.5 million tons [56] 3. Key Companies and Earnings Forecast - China Hongqiao (1378.HK) is rated "Buy" with an EPS forecast of 2.35 CNY for 2024, increasing to 2.89 CNY by 2026 [5] - Tianshan Aluminum (002532.SZ) is rated "Buy" with an EPS forecast of 0.96 CNY for 2024, increasing to 1.27 CNY by 2026 [5] - Shenhuo Co. (000933.SZ) is rated "Buy" with an EPS forecast of 1.91 CNY for 2024, increasing to 2.56 CNY by 2026 [5] - China Aluminum (601600.SH) is rated "Buy" with an EPS forecast of 0.72 CNY for 2024, increasing to 0.99 CNY by 2026 [5] - Yunnan Aluminum (000807.SZ) is rated "Buy" with an EPS forecast of 1.27 CNY for 2024, increasing to 2.07 CNY by 2026 [5] 4. Inventory - As of September 11, 2025, the domestic electrolytic aluminum ingot inventory was recorded at 625,000 tons, with a week-on-week decrease of 1,000 tons [7] - The aluminum rod inventory in major domestic consumption areas was 132,500 tons, with a week-on-week decrease of 750 tons [7] 5. Demand - The arrival of the traditional peak season has led to improved order conditions for most profile enterprises, with various downstream sectors showing varying degrees of recovery [7] - The operating rate of aluminum processing leading enterprises increased by 0.4 percentage points to 62.1% [7]