Investment Rating - The investment rating for the electrical equipment industry is optimistic [1] Core Insights - The lithium battery materials industry is showing signs of profit margin improvement, indicating a potential industry turning point [3] - In 2024, China's cumulative installed capacity of power batteries reached 548.4 GWh, with a year-on-year growth of 41.5%, maintaining a high growth rate [8][6] - The industry is experiencing a concentration of profits towards the battery segment, with the net profit of the lithium battery and materials industry reaching 61.52 billion yuan in 2024, of which 59.09 billion yuan came from the battery segment, accounting for 96% of the total [12][10] Demand Trends - The cumulative installed capacity of power batteries in China for 2024 is 548.4 GWh, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 41.5% [8][6] - The overall demand for lithium battery materials remains robust, with the total sales of power and other batteries in 2024 reaching 1,039.5 GWh, a year-on-year increase of 42.4% [8] Supply Trends - Since 2024, there has been a continuous resistance in quantity and price on the supply side, with clearer marginal changes in segments like copper foil [9] - Events such as production cuts and price adjustments in the lithium battery supply chain have contributed to the supply-side dynamics [9] Profitability Indicators - The net profit growth rate for the lithium battery and materials industry turned positive in Q1 2025, with a year-on-year increase of 32%, marking the first positive growth since 2023 [12][10] - The profitability of the industry is increasingly concentrated in the battery segment, with the battery segment's net profit margin improving [12][10] Cash Flow Analysis - The overall cash flow in the industry, measured as "cash on hand minus short-term borrowings," has been experiencing negative year-on-year growth, with CATL accounting for approximately 95% of the industry's cash flow [15][17] - As of Q1 2025, the cash flow situation for segments like iron lithium, negative electrodes, and copper foil remains negative [19] Capital Expenditure Trends - In Q1 2025, the capital expenditure in the lithium battery industry showed a year-on-year growth of 6%, marking the first positive growth in nearly two years, primarily driven by the battery segment [20][22] - Excluding CATL, the overall capital expenditure in the industry continues to decline year-on-year, although the rate of decline has narrowed [25] Inventory Levels - The current inventory levels in the industry are considered rational, with the inventory-to-total-assets ratio showing positive year-on-year growth since Q4 2024 [26][27]

Investment Rating - The report recommends an overweight allocation to leading companies in the chemical industry at this time [1] Core Viewpoints - The recovery of the real estate market is significantly supporting the demand for chemical materials, particularly in new and second-hand home renovations, with a notable increase in transaction volumes in major cities [3][4] - Anticipated policy measures from the upcoming Two Sessions are expected to benefit the chemical industry, particularly in refining and ethylene sectors, by optimizing industrial layout and increasing high-end capacity supply [3][4] - The cost pressures on chemical companies have substantially eased due to a significant decline in coal prices and oil prices, which enhances profitability [4] - The valuation of leading chemical stocks is at historical lows, with the price-to-book ratio of CITIC's segmented chemical leaders at only 2.03 times, indicating potential for value re-evaluation [5] - 2025 is projected to be a pivotal year for the petrochemical industry, with capital expenditures declining and new capacity releases concluding, leading to a gradual improvement in industry conditions [6] Summary by Sections Real Estate Market Impact - The real estate market has shown signs of stabilization, with a 3% year-on-year increase in transaction volume across 30 major cities and a 45% increase in second-hand home transactions in key cities, which supports chemical demand [3][4] Policy Expectations - The upcoming Two Sessions may introduce favorable policies for the chemical industry, focusing on eliminating outdated capacity and enhancing high-end production [3][4] Cost Pressure Relief - Recent declines in coal prices (down 200-300 RMB/ton) and oil prices (around $70/barrel) have significantly reduced cost pressures for major chemical companies, improving their profitability [4] Valuation Insights - The current price-to-book ratio for leading chemical stocks is at a low historical level, suggesting a disconnect between stock prices and fundamental improvements, indicating potential for upward valuation adjustments [5] Industry Outlook - The chemical industry is expected to enter a recovery phase post-2025, following a three-year down cycle, with capital expenditures decreasing and new capacity reaching its peak [6] Company-Specific Developments - Wanhua Chemical is facing challenges but has strong fundamentals in its MBIA business, with prices for key products at high levels, indicating potential for profit growth [7][8] - Hualu Hengsheng's urea business is performing well with over 3 million tons of capacity and improving profitability despite price fluctuations [12] - Longbai Group is expected to see improved profitability due to limited global titanium ore supply and increased production capacity [21] - Baofeng Energy is benefiting from lower coal prices, leading to significant profit growth in its coal-to-olefins projects [22]