Guohai Securities·2025-12-28 14:05Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Recommended" rating for the aluminum industry [1]. Core Views - The aluminum market is experiencing a seasonal inventory accumulation due to weak demand, while macroeconomic conditions remain supportive for aluminum prices [10]. - The report emphasizes the need for mergers and acquisitions among alumina companies to enhance competitiveness amid high inventory levels [10]. Summary by Sections 1. Prices - As of December 26, the average price of A00 aluminum in Changjiang was 22,060.0 CNY/ton, up 220.0 CNY/ton week-on-week, and up 2,210.0 CNY/ton year-on-year [20]. - The LME three-month aluminum closing price was 2,956.5 USD/ton, reflecting a week-on-week increase of 220.0 CNY/ton [14]. 2. Production - In November 2025, the production of electrolytic aluminum was 3.637 million tons, a decrease of 106,000 tons month-on-month and a decrease of 66,000 tons year-on-year [49]. - The production of alumina in November 2025 was 7.439 million tons, down 346,000 tons month-on-month but up 152,000 tons year-on-year [49]. 3. Inventory - As of December 25, the inventory of electrolytic aluminum ingots in major domestic consumption areas was recorded at 617,000 tons, an increase of 39,000 tons week-on-week [7]. - The report notes that the inventory of bauxite at alumina plants increased to 55.411 million tons, indicating a high inventory level despite tight domestic supply [8]. 4. Key Companies and Earnings Forecast - China Hongqiao (1378.HK) is rated "Buy" with an expected EPS of 2.25 CNY for 2024, 2.54 CNY for 2025, and 2.77 CNY for 2026 [5]. - Tianshan Aluminum (002532.SZ) is also rated "Buy" with an expected EPS of 0.96 CNY for 2024, 1.00 CNY for 2025, and 1.27 CNY for 2026 [5]. - Other companies such as Shenhuo Co. (000933.SZ), China Aluminum (601600.SH), and Yun Aluminum (000807.SZ) are similarly rated "Buy" with positive earnings forecasts [5].