Summary of Xtep International Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Xtep International - **Date**: November 6, 2025 Key Points Industry and Sales Performance - Xtep International's online sales continue to show strong growth, with e-commerce channels achieving double-digit growth year-to-date, particularly in the running shoe segment, supported significantly by live streaming platforms [2][3] - Sales in shopping centers and outlet channels have also performed well due to store upgrades and accelerated layout [2][3] - The Saucony brand has seen strong offline performance in China, with a growth rate exceeding 30% in Q3 and continuing double-digit growth in October [2][6] Inventory Management and Pricing Strategy - Xtep maintains a healthy inventory level of 4 to 4.5 months, allowing for stable discount rates during promotional periods, such as 30% to 25% off during Double Eleven [2][5][14] - Strict inventory management and legal actions against gray market activities have effectively reduced low-price competition [2][5][7] Saucony Brand Development - Saucony's footwear sales account for over 80% in China, with apparel sales increasing from 0% to 20%, expected to rise to 30%-40% in the future [4][9] - The average monthly sales per store for Saucony have reached over 400,000 yuan, with top-performing stores achieving 700,000 to 800,000 yuan [2][8] - Saucony plans to open 30 to 50 new stores this year, building on its current network of over 170 stores [6][8] Sales and Growth Projections - The adult running shoe segment has shown double-digit growth, with the Champion family series expected to double its sales this year [4][16][17] - Saucony aims for over 30% sales growth for the year, supported by the introduction of high-margin winter apparel [6][10] Children's Business Strategy - Xtep has rebranded its children's business to "Xtep Youth," focusing on professionalization and scientific growth concepts [18] - The "Xtep Growth Shoes" have received positive feedback, addressing parents' concerns about children's height and overall development [19] Market Trends and Future Outlook - The overall industry inventory level is healthy, with Xtep's inventory management allowing for stable pricing strategies without significant discounting [15] - The demand for running shoes is expected to increase due to a surge in marathon events in the upcoming months [16][17] Additional Insights - Saucony's product mix includes collaborations with overseas brands, enhancing its market presence and driving sales growth in non-functional categories [9][12][13] - The company is leveraging partnerships with educational institutions to enhance product development for its children's line [18] This summary encapsulates the key insights from the conference call, highlighting Xtep International's performance, strategies, and future plans within the competitive landscape of the sportswear industry.

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q3 2025 were $178.7 million, a 43.1% year-over-year decrease, primarily due to a drop in chassis shipments [6][8] - Gross profit was $25.3 million, or 14.2% of net sales, compared to $42 million, or 13.4% of net sales in the prior year, with margin improvement driven by product mix [6][8] - Net income for Q3 2025 was $3.1 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, down from $15.4 million, or $1.33 per diluted share in the prior year [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - SG&A expenses were $21.2 million in Q3 2025, down from $22.3 million in Q3 2024, with SG&A as a percentage of net sales at 11.9%, 480 basis points higher than the prior year [6][8] - A one-time cost of $900,000 for retirement packages was incurred, with a total program cost of $2.7 million expected to be recognized in Q4 [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Accounts receivable as of September 30, 2025, was $232.6 million, down from $270.4 million in the previous quarter and $313.4 million at the end of the previous year [9] - Inventories at the end of Q3 were $180.7 million, up from $165.5 million in Q2, attributed to pre-purchasing materials to mitigate tariff effects [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on reducing production to manage elevated field inventory and has implemented cost-saving measures [4][10] - There is strong interest in the global military business, with expectations for increased demand in 2026 [5][12] - The company continues to return capital to shareholders, having paid dividends for 59 consecutive quarters and repurchased approximately $1.2 million of stock in Q3 [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in entering 2026 from a position of strength, anticipating a recovery in the commercial market and increased demand for military vehicles [12][15] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 fiscal year revenue guidance in the range of $750 million to $800 million, factoring in potential impacts from holidays and maintenance [14][15] Other Important Information - The company has reduced its debt balance by $10 million during Q3, bringing it down to $45 million, with an additional $10 million paid down since then [8][9] - Management is closely monitoring field inventory and retail activity to align production with demand [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you explain the inventory levels and their implications for 2026? - Management indicated that inventory levels are close to normalized, and they expect a return to more historic levels of chassis and body mix in 2026 [18][19] Question: Will the fourth quarter margins remain similar to current levels? - Management noted that Q4 is typically shorter due to holidays and maintenance, which may exert slight downward pressure on margins, but the mix is expected to remain similar [23] Question: What is the expected SG&A run rate going forward? - A clean SG&A run rate is anticipated in Q1 2026, with a split of retirements between salaried and hourly employees [24] Question: Are the factors driving demand for tow trucks still intact? - Management confirmed that the factors driving demand, such as older vehicles and increased road usage, remain unchanged [25][26]

Group 1: Report Title and Investment Rating - Report Title: Entertainment and Stainless Steel Daily Review 20251106: Weak Cost Support, Hold Short Positions in Stainless Steel [1] - Investment Rating: Not provided Group 2: Core Views - Nickel: On November 5, the main nickel contract fluctuated weakly. The trading volume was 123,448 lots (+577), and the open interest was 115,164 lots (-3,296). LME nickel fell 0.40%. The spot market trading was average, and the basis premium decreased. The supply side showed that nickel ore prices remained flat. Last week, the arrival volume of nickel ore at ports increased, and port inventories decreased. Nickel pig iron plants' losses deepened, and production decreased in November, while Indonesian production increased. Nickel pig iron inventories tightened. In November, domestic electrolytic nickel production decreased, and export profits expanded. On the demand side, ternary production increased, stainless steel plant production decreased, and alloy and electroplating demand was stable. In terms of inventory, SHFE inventory increased, LME inventory increased, social inventory decreased, and bonded area inventory decreased. Overall, the nickel fundamentals were weak with inventory pressure, but the valuation was at a low level, and nickel prices were expected to fluctuate at a low level [2]. - Stainless Steel: On November 5, the main stainless steel contract fluctuated downward. The trading volume was 90,380 lots (-21,042), and the open interest was 74,412 lots (-1,663). The spot market trading was weak, and the basis premium expanded. In terms of inventory, SHFE inventory remained flat, and last week's 300-series social inventory was 613,600 tons (+900). On the supply side, stainless steel production decreased in November, and 300-series production was basically flat. On the demand side, terminal demand was weak. At the cost end, high-nickel pig iron prices fell, and high-carbon ferrochrome prices remained flat. Overall, the fundamentals were loose, cost support was weak, and stainless steel was expected to fluctuate weakly [2]. Group 3: Market Data Summary Nickel Market - **Futures Contracts**: The closing prices of nickel futures contracts on November 5 showed various changes compared to the previous day and two weeks ago. For example, the near-month contract closed at 119,720 yuan/ton (+330), the continuous first contract at 120,030 yuan/ton (+330), etc. [2] - **Spot Market**: The average prices of various nickel products such as SMM 1 electrolytic nickel, 1 Jinchuan nickel, and imported nickel also changed. For instance, SMM 1 electrolytic nickel's average price was 120,950 yuan/ton (-850) [2]. - **Inventory**: SHFE nickel inventory increased, LME nickel inventory increased, social inventory decreased, and bonded area inventory decreased [2]. Stainless Steel Market - **Futures Contracts**: The closing prices of stainless steel futures contracts on November 5 also changed. For example, the near-month contract closed at 12,550 yuan/ton (0), the continuous first contract at 12,535 yuan/ton (-10) [2]. - **Spot Market**: The average prices of different types of stainless steel products such as 304/2B coils and 316L/2B coils decreased. For example, 304/2B coil - cut edge (Wuxi) average price was 17,950 yuan/ton (-500) [2]. - **Inventory**: SHFE stainless steel inventory remained flat, and last week's 300-series social inventory was 613,600 tons (+900) [2]. Group 4: Industry News - EU Investigation: The European Commission announced an in - depth investigation into MMG's acquisition of Anglo American's Brazilian nickel business. The deal, worth about $500 million, involves two nickel - iron mines and two Brazilian construction projects. The investigation aims to address concerns about potential impacts on the EU stainless steel industry's competitiveness and raw material prices. The deadline for the adjustment phase is March 20, 2026 [2]. - Huayou Cobalt: Huayou Cobalt stated that its precursor business can achieve full self - supply of nickel raw materials. The Indonesian Pomalaa project is expected to be completed and put into production next year. The company will focus on upstream resource development and overseas material capacity layout to enhance self - supply and competitiveness [2]. Group 5: Trading Strategies - Nickel: The trading strategy is to wait and see [2]. - Stainless Steel: It is recommended to hold short positions. If the current price cannot effectively break through the support level, take profit and wait and see [2].

Group 1: Report Industry Investment Rating - No relevant content provided Group 2: Core Views - For methanol, the current situation remains poor, with Iranian plant shutdowns slower than expected, high imports likely in November, difficult resolution of the 01 contract contradictions, expected resolution of port sanctions before the end of gas restrictions, difficult inventory reduction, limited upward momentum for methanol, and the downward space depending on the inland situation. Recent coal price increases do not affect profits [1] - For polyethylene, overall inventory is neutral, the 09 contract basis is around -110 in North China and -50 in East China, external markets in Europe, America, and Southeast Asia are stable, import profit is around -200 with no further increase for now, non - standard HD injection molding prices are stable, other price differences are volatile, LD is weakening, domestic linear production has decreased recently, and attention should be paid to LL - HD conversion and new device commissioning [6] - For PP, upstream and mid - stream inventories are decreasing, the basis is -60, non - standard price differences are neutral, import profit is around -700, export is good, PDH profit is around -400, propylene price is volatile, powder material operation rate is stable,拉丝 production ratio is neutral, future supply is expected to increase slightly, downstream orders are average, and attention should be paid to export volume and PDH device maintenance [6] - For PVC, the basis is maintained at 01 - 270, factory - delivery basis is -480, downstream operation rate is seasonally weakening, low - price inventory holding willingness is strong, mid - and upstream inventories are continuously accumulating, attention should be paid to new device commissioning and export sustainability in Q4, recent export orders have slightly decreased, coal sentiment is positive, and attention should be paid to export, coal price, housing sales, terminal orders, and operation rate [6] Group 3: Summary by Commodity Methanol - From October 30 to November 5, 2025, the power coal futures price remained at 801, while the prices of methanol in various regions showed different degrees of decline. The daily change on November 5 showed a 5 - unit increase in the Lunan converted - to - futures price and a 15 - unit increase in the main contract basis [1] Polyethylene (PE) - From October 30 to November 5, 2025, the price of Northeast Asian ethylene remained at 740 on some days, and the prices of various PE products in different regions generally declined. The daily change on November 5 showed a 20 - unit decrease in the North China LL price and a 65 - unit decrease in the main futures price, with a 60 - unit increase in the basis [6] Polypropylene (PP) - From October 30 to November 5, 2025, the prices of Shandong propylene and Northeast Asian propylene decreased, and the prices of various PP products in different regions also declined. The daily change on November 5 showed an 80 - unit decrease in the Shandong propylene price and a 69 - unit decrease in the main futures price [6] Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) - From October 30 to November 5, 2025, the price of Northwest calcium carbide decreased from 2500 to 2400, and the prices of various PVC products in different regions also declined. The daily change on November 5 showed a 50 - unit decrease in the Northwest calcium carbide price and a 30 - unit decrease in the calcium - carbide - based East China PVC price, with a 10 - unit increase in the basis [6]

Summary of Conference Call on Energy Drink Industry Industry Overview - The energy drink industry is experiencing significant growth, with the company achieving a sales revenue of 20.0213 billion yuan in the fiscal year 2025, close to the challenge target of 21.5 billion yuan [1][3] - The fiscal year 2026 sales targets are set at a basic target of 27.1 billion yuan, an execution target of 28 billion yuan, and a challenge target of 29 billion yuan, requiring a growth rate of 34.7% [1][5] Key Product Categories Energy Drinks - Sales for energy drinks reached 16.553 billion yuan in fiscal year 2025, with targets for 2026 set at 20 billion yuan (basic), 20.4 billion yuan (execution), and 21 billion yuan (challenge) [1][7] - The strategy focuses on single-point increments, promoting a 12-pack of 250 ml gift boxes, and shifting channel focus from rural to high-end locations such as offices and gyms [1][6] Hydration Products - Hydration products performed well, achieving 2.932 billion yuan in sales for fiscal year 2025, with targets for 2026 set at 4 billion yuan (basic), 4.3 billion yuan (execution), and 4.6 billion yuan (challenge) [1][8] - The company plans to expand its network from 3.42 million to 4 million points in 2026, with an overall target of 4.95 million points [1][8] Juice Tea - Juice tea, launched in February, generated 503 million yuan in sales by October, with 2026 targets of 700 million yuan (basic), 800 million yuan (execution), and 1 billion yuan (challenge) [1][9] - Currently, only energy drinks, hydration products, and juice tea have surpassed the 500 million yuan sales threshold [1][9] Strategic Initiatives - The company plans to increase its own freezer deployment to 60,000 units in 2026, despite facing competitive market pressures [1][13] - The focus will be on channel construction, particularly in campuses, office buildings, and breakfast/afternoon tea markets, promoting zero-sugar and zero-calorie products to attract white-collar and fitness consumers [2][6] Financial Management - The company expects a decrease in expense ratio by 0.3 percentage points in fiscal year 2026, despite increased terminal construction costs and high costs for self-owned freezers [4][14] - As of October, the overall inventory coefficient was 2.6, corresponding to approximately 78 days of inventory, which is stable compared to the previous year [4][18] Market Dynamics - The energy drink market holds nearly 80% market share, followed by hydration products and juice tea [10] - Seasonal impacts are noted, with energy drinks performing well overall, while other categories like hydration products showed declines in October [21][22] Organizational Adjustments - The company is restructuring its organization to enhance operational efficiency, particularly in larger regions, by dividing them into smaller management units [16][17] Conclusion - The energy drink industry is poised for growth with ambitious targets for 2026, focusing on product innovation, strategic channel development, and effective inventory management to navigate competitive pressures and seasonal fluctuations [1][2][10]

Report Summary 1. Report Industry Investment Rating There is no information provided about the industry investment rating in the report. 2. Report Core Views - **Methanol**: The current situation remains poor. Iranian shutdowns are slower than expected, and November is likely to see high imports. The contradiction in the 01 contract is difficult to resolve. The issue of port sanctions is expected to be resolved before the end of gas restrictions, but inventory depletion is difficult. Methanol has limited upside potential, and the downside space depends on the situation in the inland region. Recently, coal prices have strengthened, but it does not affect profits [1]. - **Polyethylene (PE)**: Overall inventory is neutral. The 09 contract basis is around -110 in North China and -50 in East China. Import profits are around -200 with no further increase for now. Non - standard HD injection prices are stable, and other price differentials are volatile. Domestic linear production has decreased recently. Attention should be paid to LL - HD conversion and US quotes. New device pressure is high in 2025 [6]. - **Polypropylene (PP)**: Upstream and mid - stream inventories are decreasing. The basis is -60, non - standard price differentials are neutral, and import losses are around -700. Exports have been good this year. PDH profits are around -400, and propylene prices are volatile. Future supply is expected to increase slightly. In the context of over - capacity, the 01 contract is under moderate to excessive pressure, which can be alleviated if exports continue to increase or PDH device maintenance is frequent [6]. - **Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)**: The basis remains at 01 - 270, and the factory - delivery basis is -480. Downstream开工率 is seasonally weak, and there is a strong willingness to hold goods at low prices. Mid - and upstream inventories are accumulating. Attention should be paid to production implementation and export sustainability in Q4. Current static inventory contradictions are accumulating slowly, and costs are stable [6]. 3. Summary by Commodity Methanol - **Price Data**: From October 29 to November 4, 2025, the power coal futures price remained at 801. The Southwest delivered - price decreased by 40 on November 4 compared to the previous data point, and the盘面MTO profit decreased by 5 [1]. - **Market Situation**: Iranian shutdowns are slower than expected, leading to high imports in November. Port sanctions are expected to be resolved before the end of gas restrictions, making inventory depletion difficult. Coal price increases do not affect methanol profits [1]. Polyethylene (PE) - **Price Data**: From October 29 to November 4, 2025, the Northeast Asia ethylene price remained stable at some points, and the LL主力期货 price decreased by 9 on November 4 compared to the previous data point. The basis in North China is around -110, and in East China is around -50 [6]. - **Inventory and Production**: Overall inventory is neutral. Upstream and downstream inventories are in a neutral state. Domestic linear production has decreased recently, and 9 - month maintenance is flat compared to the previous period [6]. - **Market Outlook**: Attention should be paid to LL - HD conversion, US quotes, and new device commissioning [6]. Polypropylene (PP) - **Price Data**: From October 29 to November 4, 2025, the Shandong propylene price remained stable on November 4 compared to the previous day, and the主力期货 price decreased by 16. The basis increased by 30 [6]. - **Inventory and Production**: Upstream and mid - stream inventories are decreasing. PDH profits are around -400, and propylene prices are volatile. Future supply is expected to increase slightly [6]. - **Market Outlook**: In the context of over - capacity, the 01 contract is under moderate to excessive pressure, which can be alleviated if exports continue to increase or PDH device maintenance is frequent [6]. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) - **Price Data**: From October 29 to November 4, 2025, the Northwest calcium carbide and Shandong caustic soda prices remained stable. The calcium carbide - based PVC price in East China decreased by 10 on November 4 compared to the previous data point, and the basis remained unchanged [6]. - **Market Situation**: Downstream开工率 is seasonally weak, and mid - and upstream inventories are accumulating. Attention should be paid to production implementation and export sustainability in Q4 [6].

Core Insights - Rubis reported a robust operational performance in Q3 2025 despite lower oil prices and a challenging euro-USD environment [3][4] - Revenue trends are not a meaningful indicator of Rubis' performance as they primarily reflect oil price movements without direct impact on margins [3] - The company's ability to manage inventories efficiently and implement disciplined pricing strategies is crucial for capturing value growth [4] Financial Performance - The Energy Distribution business experienced strong growth, with volumes increasing by 6% and overall unit margins rising by 3%, resulting in a total margin increase of 9% year-on-year [5] - Key drivers of this solid performance included significant growth in bitumen volumes, which were up 17% year-on-year, primarily due to strong demand in Nigeria [6]

1. Report Industry Investment Ratings No relevant content provided. 2. Core Views of the Report - Nickel: The nickel market is in a state of intense long - short game, with nickel prices oscillating in a range. The bearish logic lies in the high - level accumulation of smelting inventory and the expected supply pressure, while the bullish support comes from the uncertainty of Indonesian nickel ore supply policies and the limited downward space of short - term pyrometallurgical costs [5]. - Stainless steel: The stainless - steel price shows a narrow - range oscillation at a low level. There is a lack of effective upward drivers and limited downward space. It is recommended to focus on a conservative low - level range strategy in the short term and a bottom - seeking long - entry strategy in the long term [6]. - Industrial silicon: The industrial silicon futures warehouse receipts are being depleted, providing a bottom support. The supply is expected to decrease from November, and the demand is also weakening. It is advisable to take a long - position layout on dips [34]. - Polysilicon: There may be policy announcements next week, and the futures price is expected to rise and then fall. The supply and demand are both weak, and it is recommended to take profit on long positions at high levels [35]. - Lithium carbonate: In the short term, there is an expectation of a power - demand off - season, while in the long term, there is an expectation of growth in energy storage. The price is expected to correct in the short term, and it is recommended to increase the proportion of short - hedging [70][73]. - Palm oil: The inventory de - stocking process in the producing areas is slow, and there may be a second downward exploration. The price may return to the range of 8200 - 8400 [84]. - Soybean oil: The U.S. soybean price has rebounded, and soybean oil remains relatively strong among oil varieties. However, it lacks an independent upward driver and is recommended for long - allocation [86]. 3. Summaries by Related Catalogs Nickel and Stainless Steel - **Fundamentals**: For nickel, the smelting - end inventory accumulation suppresses the price, while the uncertainty of the ore end provides support. For stainless steel, the price oscillates in a narrow range at a low level due to the lack of upward drivers and limited downward space [5][6]. - **Inventory Tracking**: The social inventory of refined nickel in China has increased, and the inventory of nickel - related products such as stainless steel has also shown certain changes [8]. - **Market News**: There are various news events related to the nickel market, including Indonesian ore - mining sanctions and policy announcements, as well as trade - related news [9][10][11]. - **Data Tracking**: Weekly key data of nickel and stainless steel futures, including prices, trading volumes, and related product prices, are tracked [13]. Industrial Silicon and Polysilicon - **Price Trends**: This week, the industrial silicon futures price oscillated strongly, and the spot price increased. The polysilicon futures price continued to rise, while the spot price remained stable [29]. - **Supply - Demand Fundamentals**: For industrial silicon, the supply shows a decreasing trend, and the demand is also weakening. For polysilicon, the supply is expected to contract, and the demand may decrease [30][33]. - **Market Outlook**: Industrial silicon has bottom support due to the depletion of warehouse receipts, and polysilicon may experience a price increase and then a fall due to possible policy announcements [34][35]. Lithium Carbonate - **Price Trends**: The lithium carbonate futures contract first rose and then fell, and the spot price increased [68]. - **Supply - Demand Fundamentals**: The raw material price has increased, the inventory is being depleted at an accelerated pace, the supply has decreased, and the demand shows a seasonal change [69]. - **Market Outlook**: The price is expected to correct in the short term, and it is recommended to increase the proportion of short - hedging [70][73]. Palm Oil and Soybean Oil - **Previous Week's Views**: Palm oil was expected to test the support at 8200 - 8400, and soybean oil was expected to oscillate weakly following the oil sector [83]. - **This Week's Views**: Palm oil may have a second downward exploration due to slow inventory de - stocking in the producing areas. Soybean oil remains relatively strong among oil varieties but lacks an independent upward driver [84][86].

Report Information - Report Title: Spiral Ore Industry Chain Monthly Report - Report Date: October 31, 2025 - Author: Wang Nan - Company: AVIC Futures [2] Report Industry Investment Rating - Not provided in the report Core Viewpoints - In November, the key agreement between China and the US is expected to continue to boost market sentiment, and the gradual formation of the 15th Five - Year Plan in China enhances the development confidence of the ferrous metal industry. However, after the macro - level benefits are realized, the market may return to the fundamental logic. The steel market still faces high - inventory pressure, and the resolution of the inventory contradiction may depend on production cuts. The iron ore market is expected to be in high - level oscillation, with prices first falling and then rising [83][86]. Summary by Section 1. Market Review - **Steel**: In October, steel prices continued to bottom out. At the end of the month, driven by positive macro - factors such as the expectation of Sino - US talks and the release of the 15th Five - Year Plan, steel prices gradually increased. Spot prices were relatively stable, with limited demand improvement and high inventory pressure in the peak season, and the later rise was mainly driven by macro - factors and cost support. The basis declined [5]. - **Iron Ore**: In October, iron ore prices fluctuated widely, first falling and then rising. Initially, they were dragged down by weak steel demand, concerns about increased arrivals and declining hot - metal production. But in late October, with the improvement of macro - expectations, iron ore prices rebounded and showed a stronger trend. The basis returned to normal [7]. 2. Macroeconomic Analysis - **Overseas**: The Fed cut interest rates by 25 basis points in October, bringing the federal funds rate target range to 3.75% - 4.00%, and decided to end the balance - sheet reduction from December 1. However, Fed Chair Powell's hawkish speech put pressure on the market, and the probability of a December interest - rate cut dropped to 67.8%. At the beginning of the month, the US federal government shutdown remained unresolved, and Sino - US trade frictions escalated, but then the two sides resumed negotiations, and the market risk appetite improved [10][11][12]. - **Domestic**: In the third quarter, China's GDP grew by 4.8% year - on - year, lower than expected. In September, the manufacturing PMI declined, indicating a weakening of domestic demand. The 15th Five - Year Plan focuses on building a modern industrial system, strengthening scientific and technological self - reliance, and expanding domestic demand, which will have a profound impact on the demand structure of bulk commodities [20][29][30]. 3. Supply - Demand Analysis **Terminal Demand** - **Real Estate**: In September, real estate investment and sales remained weak. Investment, new construction, and completion areas all declined year - on - year, and housing prices continued to fall. The 15th Five - Year Plan aims to promote the high - quality development of the real estate industry, and it is expected that housing prices will stabilize and rebound in the future [37]. - **Infrastructure**: In 2025, the growth rate of infrastructure investment continued to decline. In September, the issuance of new special bonds decreased. The 15th Five - Year Plan emphasizes the construction of a modern industrial system and the improvement of infrastructure [40]. - **Automobile**: In September, China's automobile production and sales reached a record high for the same period. New - energy vehicles were the main driving force for market growth. The joint issuance of the "Automobile Industry Stable Growth Work Plan (2025 - 2026)" by eight departments provided support for the market [43]. - **Excavator**: In September, the production of excavators continued to grow. The domestic and foreign sales of construction machinery products increased year - on - year, benefiting from the equipment replacement cycle, policy support, and improved downstream demand [46]. - **Export**: In September, China's exports increased year - on - year, mainly due to the low - base effect and global demand resilience. However, with the increase in the base in October and the uncertainty of Sino - US tariff policies, export growth may decline. Steel exports still have price advantages but face challenges from trade barriers [47][48]. **Supply - Side** - **Production**: In the first nine months of 2025, China's crude - steel and pig - iron production decreased year - on - year. In October, the blast - furnace and electric - furnace operating rates of steel mills declined, and the production of hot - rolled coils remained at a high level [52][57]. - **Profit**: Recently, the prices of furnace materials have risen, and the profitability of steel mills has declined, but they have not reached the point of active production cuts [53]. - **Inventory**: In October, the steel market was in the peak season, but inventory did not decrease effectively. After the National Day holiday, the rapid resumption of production by steel mills and the slow release of terminal demand led to a rapid increase in the inventory of five major steel products. The inventory of rebar and hot - rolled coils increased, and the inventory pressure needs to be alleviated [63]. - **Apparent Demand**: The apparent demand for rebar weakened, while that for hot - rolled coils still showed resilience [66]. - **Iron Ore Import and Shipment**: In September, China's iron - ore imports increased. In October, the global iron - ore shipment slowed down. The production and sales of the four major iron - ore mines in the third quarter were divergent, and the expected increase in the fourth quarter is limited [69][70]. - **Hot - Metal Production**: Since October, hot - metal production has declined slightly but remains at a high level. Due to the inventory accumulation of downstream steel products, there is an expectation of a further decline in hot - metal production, which may put pressure on iron - ore prices [75]. - **Inventory**: In October, port iron - ore inventory gradually accumulated, while steel - mill inventory decreased after a seasonal increase during the holiday [79]. 4. Future Outlook - **Steel**: In November, the steel market may return to the fundamental logic after the macro - level boost fades. The high - inventory problem needs to be solved, and the resolution may depend on production cuts. The demand for building materials is weak, and it is difficult to improve in the future [83]. - **Iron Ore**: In November, iron - ore prices are expected to oscillate at a high level, first falling and then rising. The market is in a state of weak supply and demand, and the downstream steel - product inventory problem may lead to a decline in hot - metal production, but the iron - ore price decline is limited, and prices may rise with the increase in winter - storage demand [86].

Core Viewpoint - The company reported weak performance in the Chinese market for Q3 2025, with a focus on addressing challenges in the on-premise channel and inventory management [1][5][17] Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, the company's sales in China decreased by 11.4%, and revenue fell by 15.1%, with revenue per hectoliter down by 4.1% due to increased investment in innovative products and brand promotion [5][17] - For the first nine months of 2025, sales in China decreased by 9.3%, while revenue and revenue per hectoliter decreased by 11.3% and 2.2%, respectively [5][17] - Overall, for the first nine months of 2025, the company's total sales decreased by 7.0%, and revenue decreased by 6.6%, with revenue per hectoliter increasing by 0.4% [17] Market Strategy - The company aims to restore growth and rebuild market share by focusing on improving market channel execution and product mix [2][5] - There is a significant shift towards home consumption, with the company increasing its investment in family consumption channels and e-commerce [9][11] - The company has introduced new packaging formats, such as larger cans, to cater to the home consumption trend [9][11] Inventory Management - The company has actively managed its inventory, reporting that inventory levels and turnover days are lower than the previous year and below industry averages [8][11] Brand Development - The company is focusing on the Harbin brand as a core product line and expanding its presence in both on-premise and home consumption markets [14][16] - The company believes that the Harbin brand has strong potential to compete regionally, especially in traditional strongholds [14][16] Future Outlook - The company anticipates continued growth in the home consumption channel, driven by rising disposable incomes and market maturity [13] - The company is optimistic about expanding its non-on-premise sales to align more closely with industry averages [13]