CATL(SZ:300750) 高工锂电·2025-09-21 08:23Core Viewpoint - The Chinese lithium battery industry is entering a new capital expenditure cycle driven by structural demand from both energy storage and power batteries, marking a shift towards high-quality development characterized by globalization, technological advancement, and industrial chain collaboration [4][26]. Globalization: From "Made in China" to "Global Layout" - The current capital expenditure cycle is marked by a shift from local focus to global expansion, with Chinese companies investing significantly overseas, particularly in battery factories, which accounted for 74% of announced overseas projects [6][10]. - Key overseas markets include Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Americas, with companies like CATL and BYD establishing production facilities in countries such as Indonesia, Portugal, and Brazil [7][8]. - The overseas revenue share for leading companies is increasing, with CATL reaching 34% in the first half of 2025, indicating that going global has become a necessity for future growth [10][11]. High-End Development: From "Scale Replication" to "Technology Iteration" - The current investment wave includes significant funding for next-generation technologies, particularly solid-state batteries, marking a shift from cost competition to technology competition [13][14]. - Companies are investing in advanced production lines and equipment for solid-state batteries, with substantial orders reported for specialized equipment [14][15][16]. - The dual strategy of expanding overseas while upgrading technology domestically allows companies to capture current market share while preparing for future technological advancements [17][18]. Ecological Development: From "Segment Competition" to "Chain Resonance" - The current capital expenditure cycle reflects a healthier industrial chain transmission mechanism, driven by end-demand and orderly transmission [19][21]. - The upstream materials sector is experiencing increased capacity utilization, with leading LFP material companies exceeding 80% utilization rates, prompting new expansion plans [21][22]. - The collaboration between leading companies and upstream suppliers is strengthening, as evidenced by CATL's prepayment of 1.5 billion yuan to secure material supply, ensuring a healthy supply-demand relationship [24]. From "Involution" to "Transcendence" - The new capital expenditure cycle represents a systematic correction and strategic transcendence from the previous "involution" competition, focusing on global expansion and technological upgrades [26]. - The shift towards "capacity going overseas" transforms domestic competition into opportunities for global market expansion, while investments in advanced production replace low-end competition [26]. - The current expansion is characterized by rational investment behavior from leading companies, indicating a more orderly growth phase following market consolidation [26].