Industry Overview - The lithium battery industry is currently at the bottom of its cycle, but the demand for components like electrolytes remains uncertain, leading to ongoing operational pressures for manufacturers in the second half of the year [1][6] - The average price of various electrolytes in China is below 20,000 yuan per ton, marking a near three-year low [1][2] Company Performance - Shida Shenghua (603026.SH) is expected to report a net profit loss of 52 million to 60 million yuan for the first half of the year, with a year-on-year decrease in net profit of 236.64% to 257.66% [1][2] - The company reported a net profit loss of approximately 3.15 million yuan in the second quarter, following a loss of 28.54 million yuan in the first quarter [2] Factors Affecting Profitability - The loss is attributed to three main factors: high fixed costs due to underproduction at the Wuhan facility, declining prices of methyl tert-butyl ether products, and falling prices of lithium fluoride and its raw material lithium carbonate [2][4] - The company's gross margin has significantly decreased from 31.5% in 2021 to below 6% in 2024, with a sales gross margin of only 5.6% and a net profit margin of -3.42% as of the first quarter [5] Market Dynamics - The electrolyte market is characterized by a supply-demand imbalance, with low operating rates and a concentration of orders among leading companies, while smaller firms face reduced orders or even shutdowns [3][6] - The price of electrolytes is expected to remain under pressure, with projections indicating a price range of 16,000 to 20,000 yuan per ton in the second half of the year [6] Future Outlook - The potential for price recovery in the electrolyte market is limited, with weak cost support from key raw materials like lithium hexafluorophosphate [5][6] - The industry may see some demand growth in the second half, but significant improvements are uncertain unless there is an unexpected surge in demand [6]