Shenwan Hongyuan Securities·2025-12-01 04:56Investment Rating - The report maintains a neutral investment rating for the petrochemical industry, with specific recommendations for various companies based on their performance and market conditions [16]. Core Insights - Natural gas demand is expected to recover in 2026 after a significant slowdown in 2025, with global demand growth projected at 2% [6][10]. - The report highlights a tightening supply-demand balance in the downstream polyester sector, with improved outlooks for companies like Tongkun Co. and Wankai New Materials [16]. - Oil prices are expected to stabilize, with a neutral outlook for 2026, while companies like China Petroleum and CNOOC are recommended for their high dividend yields [16]. Summary by Sections Natural Gas Market - Global natural gas demand growth for 2025 is projected at only 0.5%, primarily driven by Europe, while Asian demand remains flat [6]. - In 2026, demand growth is expected to recover to 2%, with Asia-Pacific leading the increase at around 5% [6][10]. - Current low inventory levels in Europe and Japan are anticipated to support relatively strong gas prices during the heating season [8]. Oil Market - Brent crude oil prices have shown a slight increase, closing at $63.20 per barrel, while WTI prices reached $58.55 per barrel [20]. - The report notes a decrease in the number of active oil rigs in the U.S., indicating a potential slowdown in production growth [29]. - Global oil demand is expected to grow by 790,000 barrels per day in 2025, with the U.S., China, and Nigeria being the main contributors [42]. Petrochemical Sector - The downstream polyester sector is experiencing a tightening supply-demand balance, with recommendations for companies like Hengli Petrochemical and Rongsheng Petrochemical [16]. - The report indicates that the refining sector is seeing improved margins, with domestic refining margins increasing by 244 RMB/ton month-on-month [50]. - Ethylene prices in Northeast Asia have stabilized, while the price spread between ethylene and naphtha has increased, indicating favorable conditions for ethylene production [59][62].