电池巨头利润大增！

Core Viewpoint - LG Energy Solution (LGES) reported a significant turnaround in its financial performance for Q2, achieving a net profit of 91 billion KRW (approximately 470 million RMB) compared to a net loss of 24 billion KRW in the same period last year, driven by increased demand and strategic adjustments in response to U.S. tariffs [2][3]. Financial Performance - In Q2, LGES's operating profit surged by 152% to 492.2 billion KRW (approximately 2.56 billion RMB), marking a return to profitability after five consecutive quarters of losses [2]. - The company's revenue for Q2 decreased by 11.2% quarter-on-quarter to 5.565 trillion KRW (approximately 28.9 billion RMB) and fell by 9.7% year-on-year [6]. Market Dynamics - The ongoing U.S. tariff policies have created favorable conditions for Korean and Japanese battery manufacturers, as they limit the market share of Chinese battery companies in the U.S. [3]. - LGES plans to accelerate the establishment of production bases in North America to meet the anticipated demand for energy storage systems (ESS), with a target to expand annual ESS battery production capacity to 17 GWh by the end of the year [3]. Strategic Developments - LGES has entered into a supply agreement with Chery to provide 8 GWh of cylindrical batteries for European electric vehicle models, marking a significant collaboration between a Korean battery manufacturer and a Chinese automaker [3]. - The company is set to begin production of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries for ESS applications a year earlier than initially planned, starting in 2025 [3]. Challenges and Risks - The electric vehicle market is facing pressures due to the impending termination of a $7,500 tax credit for new vehicles and rising macroeconomic pressures, which may impact sales for LGES's key customers like General Motors and Tesla [4]. - LGES's battery usage has declined by 13.3% year-on-year in the first five months of the year, particularly in the European market, reflecting broader market challenges [5]. - The company's market share has decreased from 13.5% in 2023 to 10.8% in 2024, with further decline to 10% in the first five months of the year, indicating increasing competition from companies like CATL and BYD [5].