Soochow Securities·2026-02-26 05:10Investment Rating - The report maintains a positive outlook on lithium carbonate, predicting a price upcycle over the next two years, with a reasonable price center at 150,000 CNY/ton, and potential spikes above 200,000 CNY/ton due to supply constraints [2][3]. Core Insights - Demand for lithium carbonate is expected to exceed expectations, driven by robust growth in electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage sectors, with projected global lithium battery demand reaching 2,886 GWh in 2026, a 30% increase [2][3]. - Supply is anticipated to be tight in 2026, particularly in Q1 and Q4, with a forecasted global lithium supply of 2.14 million tons, an increase of 440,000 tons from the previous year [2][3]. - The report highlights significant contributions from domestic salt lakes and various mining projects, with a focus on the production ramp-up in the second half of 2026 [2][3]. Supply Summary - The supply forecast indicates that in a neutral scenario, global lithium supply will reach 2.14 million tons in 2026, with an increase of 440,000 tons, primarily from domestic salt lakes and various mining projects [6][7]. - Key contributors to supply growth include domestic salt lakes, domestic mines, and overseas projects, with significant contributions expected from companies like Ganfeng Lithium and Zijin Mining [7][8]. Demand Summary - The demand for lithium carbonate is projected to grow significantly, with total demand estimates of 210,000 tons in 2026, 250,000 tons in 2027, and 285,000 tons in 2028, driven by the electric vehicle and energy storage markets [2][3]. Price Summary - The report anticipates a two-year price upcycle for lithium carbonate, with a reasonable price center at 150,000 CNY/ton, supported by supply-demand dynamics [2][3]. - Price fluctuations are expected, with potential spikes due to supply constraints, particularly in Q1 and Q4 of each year [2][3]. Stock Recommendations - The report recommends focusing on companies with substantial lithium resources and profit elasticity, highlighting firms such as Ganfeng Lithium, Zhongjin Lingnan, and Yongxing Materials as key investment opportunities [2][3].