Core Viewpoint - The lithium battery industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by demand from electric vehicles and energy storage, leading to a sharp increase in lithium carbonate prices, which have surpassed 100,000 yuan per ton and are projected to reach 200,000 yuan per ton in 2026 [4][5]. Group 1: Company Performance Comparison - Ganfeng Lithium has diversified its lithium resource sources and expanded downstream into battery production, while Tianqi Lithium primarily benefits from its mining assets [5][10]. - In terms of revenue, Ganfeng Lithium has shown a consistent upward trend, surpassing Tianqi Lithium in 2019 and maintaining a lead in recent years, with a revenue of 146 billion yuan compared to Tianqi's 74 billion yuan in the first three quarters of 2025 [8][10]. - Despite Ganfeng's revenue growth, Tianqi Lithium has outperformed in terms of profitability, particularly due to its mining operations, which yield higher margins compared to Ganfeng's battery business [37][41]. Group 2: Revenue and Profitability Analysis - Ganfeng's revenue from lithium products reached 345.8 billion yuan in 2022, accounting for 83% of total revenue, while its battery segment generated 64.8 billion yuan, reflecting a 220.3% year-on-year growth [13]. - In 2024, Ganfeng's revenue dropped to 45.2% of its 2022 figures, with lithium product revenue at 120.2 billion yuan, a 50.9% decline, while battery revenue decreased by 23.5% to 59 billion yuan [14]. - Tianqi Lithium's mining operations generated significant profits, with a gross profit of 130 billion yuan in 2022 and a gross profit margin of 84%, while Ganfeng's lithium compound gross profit was 215 billion yuan with a margin of 85.9% [34][37]. Group 3: Resource Diversification and Market Dynamics - Ganfeng Lithium has established a diversified resource supply system, achieving over 50% self-sufficiency in lithium resources by 2025, while Tianqi's self-sufficiency exceeds 200% due to its extensive mining operations [25][30]. - The global lithium resource supply is projected to reach approximately 1.438 million tons by 2025, with a notable increase in the production of spodumene (lithium ore) compared to brine lithium [23]. - The volatility in lithium prices has led to fluctuating profit margins for both companies, with Ganfeng's battery business becoming increasingly important for maintaining profitability during periods of low lithium prices [21][22].
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