GUOTAI HAITONG SECURITIES·2026-01-20 03:15Investment Rating - The report assigns an "Accumulate" rating for the industrial gas industry [2][7]. Core Insights - The average weekly price of liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen remains stable year-on-year, while the average price of liquid argon continues to rise year-on-year. Rare gases are experiencing low-level fluctuations [3][6]. - The acquisition of South Korean gas company DIG Airgas by Air Liquide has been completed, which will double the number of employees in Korea and increase total sales to €900 million, enhancing the group's position in this growing economy [3][6]. Price Trends - As of January 15, 2026, the weekly price data for gases is as follows: 1. Liquid Oxygen: Average price of 335 CNY/ton, down 0.3% month-on-month, down 8.7% year-on-year 2. Liquid Nitrogen: Average price of 361 CNY/ton, down 0.6% month-on-month, down 5% year-on-year 3. Liquid Argon: Average price of 1179 CNY/ton, down 1.01% month-on-month, up 117.83% year-on-year 4. Rare Gases: High-purity helium (cylinder): Average price of 86.5 CNY/cubic meter, down 0.98% month-on-month, down 12.18% year-on-year; Xenon: Average price of 21,000 CNY/cubic meter, stable month-on-month, down 27.59% year-on-year; Krypton: Average price of 190 CNY/cubic meter, stable month-on-month, down 39.68% year-on-year; Neon: Average price of 110 CNY/cubic meter, stable month-on-month, down 12% year-on-year [6][8][11]. Industry Operating Rates - The average weekly operating load rate for China's industrial gas sector is 66.73% as of December 31, 2025, with a month-on-month decrease of 1.88 percentage points [5][9]. Recommended Stocks - Recommended stocks include Hangzhou Oxygen Plant (杭氧股份) and Shaanxi鼓动力 (陕鼓动力), with related stocks being Zhengfan Technology (正帆科技), Fostar (福斯达), and Zhongtai Co. (中泰股份) [6][7].