Core Viewpoint - Huajin International Holdings (02738.HK) anticipates a significant decline in revenue and a shift from profit to loss for the six months ending June 30, 2025, primarily due to weak market demand and increased competition [1][3]. Revenue and Profit Summary - The company expects revenue to be between approximately RMB 720 million and RMB 780 million, representing a decrease of about RMB 24.265 billion to RMB 24.865 billion compared to the previous period, a decline of approximately 75.7% to 77.5% [1]. - The expected loss attributable to shareholders is between RMB 490 million and RMB 530 million, contrasting with a profit of approximately RMB 16.9 million in the previous period [1]. Reasons for Revenue Decline - Weak market demand and intensified competition have led to a dual pressure on both domestic and international demand, resulting in insufficient order growth and price competition among industry players [3]. - The impact of trade environment and tariff policies has caused a significant drop in sales volume and average selling prices for downstream customers, further exacerbated by order cancellations from long-term clients [3]. - Rising raw material costs, particularly for hot-rolled steel coils, have not been matched by timely price adjustments for the company's products, leading to increased production costs [3]. - Low capacity utilization has resulted in higher unit processing costs due to fixed manufacturing expenses being spread over a significantly reduced production volume [3]. Company Overview - Huajin International Holdings is a cold-rolled carbon steel processing company located in Jiangmen City, Guangdong Province, China, primarily engaged in processing hot-rolled steel coils into customized cold-rolled steel strips, plates, welded steel pipes, and galvanized steel products [4][5]. - The company serves a wide range of industries, including light industry hardware, home appliances, furniture, motorcycle/bicycle parts, and LED lighting, providing customized processing, cutting, storage, and distribution services for cold-rolled and galvanized steel products [5].

Group 1 - The company expects to record revenue between approximately RMB 720 million and RMB 780 million for the six months ending June 30, 2025, representing a decrease of approximately RMB 2,426.5 million to RMB 2,486.5 million compared to approximately RMB 3,206.5 million for the six months ending June 30, 2024, indicating a decline of about 75.7% to 77.5% [1] - The company anticipates a loss attributable to shareholders ranging from RMB 490 million to RMB 530 million, in contrast to a profit of approximately RMB 16.9 million in the comparative period [1] - The board attributes the decline in revenue and resulting losses to several factors, including weak market demand and intensified competition, dual pressure from domestic and external demand, impacts from trade environment and tariff policies, rising raw material costs, and low capacity utilization leading to increased unit processing costs [1]

Group 1 - The global MMA and acrylate market will remain under pressure due to weak demand, increasing capacity, and cautious purchasing attitudes, limiting recovery potential into the second half of 2025 [1] - In Europe, the MMA market is facing persistent issues of weak demand and oversupply, with producers expressing concerns about maintaining stability rather than expecting growth [2][3] - Downstream PMMA companies in Europe anticipate aggressive pricing strategies from Chinese and Korean producers, driven by geopolitical issues affecting the automotive and construction sectors [4] Group 2 - The US MMA market is closely monitoring the new 250,000 tons/year MMA plant by Rohm in Texas, which will continue to release capacity, while demand recovery in construction and automotive coatings remains uncertain [5][6] - The Asian MMA and PMMA markets are expected to struggle with demand recovery in the second half of 2025, following a period of weak demand and low pricing [7][8] - In India, the acrylic acid butyl ester market is under pressure due to new domestic capacity, with expectations of continued low demand, particularly in the coatings sector [8]

Core Viewpoint - The global methyl methacrylate (MMA) and acrylate market is expected to remain under pressure due to weak demand, increasing capacity, and cautious purchasing attitudes, limiting recovery potential into the second half of 2025 [1] European Market: Weak Demand and Oversupply - European MMA producers are facing persistent weak demand and oversupply, with no significant improvement expected in the market conditions for the second half of the year [2] - The core driver of prices remains demand, with little hope for market recovery aside from potential restocking demand at the end of summer [2] - European producers are closely monitoring the new MMA plant by Rohm in Texas, which may reduce exports to Europe, while U.S. sellers might increase exports to Europe due to weak domestic demand [2] - Downstream PMMA companies in Europe anticipate aggressive pricing strategies from Chinese and Korean producers aiming to capture larger market shares [2] European Acrylate Market Outlook - The European acrylate market, particularly butyl acrylate and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, is expected to maintain a bearish outlook due to continued low demand from core downstream customers [3] - Buyers are negotiating contracts to lower prices to align with current spot market levels, which may slightly boost spot demand but overall market activity remains low [3] U.S. Market: New Capacity Release - The U.S. MMA market is also focused on the market share changes due to Rohm's new 250,000 tons/year plant, which will continue to release capacity [4] - Demand for MMA in the U.S. is slightly better compared to other regions, but high prices are suppressing exports [4] - The overall consensus is that consumer spending is declining, influenced by macroeconomic factors such as high interest rates and unstable employment [4] Asian Market: Demand Challenges - The Asian MMA and PMMA markets are unlikely to see recovery in demand in the second half of 2025, following a period of weak demand and low pricing [5] - In India, demand remains low, particularly in the coatings sector, with buyers adopting a wait-and-see approach [5] - New domestic capacity in India, including a 150,000 tons/year butyl acrylate plant expected to start in July, is anticipated to keep profits under pressure [5]

Summary of the Conference Call Company Overview - The conference call was held by Marshall's, a company involved in the building materials industry, specifically focusing on landscaping, roofing, and building products. Key Points and Arguments Financial Performance - The company reported a **4% revenue growth year-on-year** in the first half of 2025, with volume growth partially offset by weaker pricing and product mix [3][66]. - Roofing products and building product revenues increased by **115%** respectively, with Viridian Solar showing exceptional growth [4]. - Landscaping products experienced a **1% decline**, a significant improvement compared to an **11% decline** in the second half of 2024 [4]. Profit Expectations - The company has reduced its full-year profit expectations due to a slowdown in market activity since May, despite previously positive trends [3][5]. - The landscaping segment is expected to be around breakeven for the year, with a significant impact on profitability due to weak end markets and structural overcapacity [11][15]. - The company anticipates a **£9 million annualized benefit** from cost reduction measures, including site closures and operational efficiency improvements [9][39]. Market Conditions - The company noted that macroeconomic uncertainty is leading to subdued near-term demand, with no immediate catalysts for improvement in market activity levels [5][6]. - There is a shift in demand towards commodity products over higher-margin value-added solutions due to cumulative inflation in building materials [6][10]. Strategic Initiatives - The landscaping performance improvement plan includes four key components: strengthening leadership, portfolio simplification, operational efficiency, and strategic partnerships [9]. - The company is focusing on network optimization to align capacity with current market demand while maintaining flexibility for future market recovery [42][44]. Pricing Strategy - The company has reset its pricing strategy to regain market share, moving from a previous premium of over **20%** to a more sustainable range of **10-15%** [25][29]. - There has been selective price investment with key customers, and the company aims to lead the shift back towards higher-margin products [10][19]. Cost Inflation - Salary inflation is around **4%**, contributing to increased costs, but the overall impact of input cost inflation is not material [30]. Future Outlook - The company remains confident in its ability to improve landscaping profitability materially in 2026, driven by cost reduction measures and market recovery [10][66]. - The anticipated recovery in market demand is not expected to materialize in the second half of 2025, which poses a challenge for profitability [62][67]. Additional Important Information - The company is experiencing structural overcapacity, with over **35%** spare capacity in some parts of its network [41]. - The landscaping segment is seeing a shift in mix towards lower-margin products, affecting both commercial and domestic markets [50][52]. - The company is focused on maintaining a strong order book in both domestic and commercial sectors, indicating healthy demand despite current challenges [53]. This summary encapsulates the key insights from the conference call, highlighting the company's current performance, market conditions, strategic initiatives, and future outlook.

Report Summary 1. Investment Rating The report does not provide an investment rating for the industry. 2. Core Viewpoints - The expected price range for ethylene glycol (MEG) is 4,250 - 4,450 yuan/ton, and it is recommended to stay on the sidelines [5]. - In the short - term, MEG prices are affected by supply - demand dynamics and external factors. The supply - demand structure is weakening, but the Red Sea shipping risk impacts imports and supports prices [6]. 3. Summary by Sections 3.1盘面及现货情况 (Disk and Spot Market Conditions) - **Disk Trends**: The price of MEG futures oscillated upwards. The trading volume for the week was 754,900 lots, and the open interest was 281,400 lots, a decrease of 82,000 lots compared to the previous period. From July 8th to July 15th, the closing price rose by 55 yuan/ton (1.29%), and the settlement price increased by 65 yuan/ton (1.52%) [8][10][12]. - **Spot Market**: The high - end domestic spot price was 4,408 yuan/ton on July 11th, and the low - end was 4,332 yuan/ton on July 8th. The average basis this week was 75.0 yuan/ton, down from 81.6 yuan/ton last week. The domestic and foreign prices of MEG remained inverted, with a spread of 90 - 115 US dollars/ton [14]. 3.2 MEG装置、库存及生产利润情况 (MEG Device, Inventory, and Production Profit) - **Device Operation**: The overall MEG operating rate changed little, with an operating rate of 61.41% from July 9th - 15th, down from 62.33% in the previous period. The oil - based operating rate was 63.05%, coal - based was 58.87%, and methanol - based was 62.40%. This week, some devices restarted, and some adjusted their loads. For example, Far Eastern Union planned to switch from MEG to ethylene oxide, reducing MEG production [18][21][23]. - **Production Profit**: Coal - based production profit remained at a high level this year. The MTO production profit was - 1,716.23 yuan/ton (previous: - 1,828.84 yuan/ton), coal - based was 639.82 yuan/ton (previous: 617.17 yuan/ton), and ethylene - based was - 121.65 US dollars/ton (previous: - 135.35 US dollars/ton) [31][33]. - **Inventory**: As of July 10th, the MEG port inventory was 494,800 tons, a decrease of 6,400 tons from the previous period, with a month - on - month change of - 10.30%. Polyester production cuts affected port pick - up volumes [37][38]. 3.3 基本面分析 (Fundamental Analysis) - **Cost**: Crude oil prices continued to fluctuate, with strong bottom support but weakening demand and ongoing trade issues. Cost decline was negative for downstream product prices [6]. - **Demand**: The polyester factory's average weekly load was 87.04%, and the Jiangsu and Zhejiang looms' average weekly load was 60.17%. The prices of polyester products generally declined. The market for polyester downstream products was weak, with new orders scarce, and the weaving comprehensive operating rate continued to decline. From July 8th - 14th, the average weekly polyester sales were estimated at 50%. Polyester factory inventories increased, with POY, FDY, and DTY average inventory days at 24.20 days, 24.70 days, and 29.40 days respectively as of July 10th [48][53][58].

Core Insights - The article highlights a warning of oversupply in the rubber market, leading to a significant decline in Japanese rubber futures prices, which have reached a one-year low [1] - The market is experiencing weak demand, raising concerns about the future outlook for rubber futures prices [1] Industry Summary - The rubber futures market is currently facing challenges due to oversupply, which is impacting pricing negatively [1] - Demand for rubber is reported to be sluggish, contributing to the bearish sentiment in the market [1]

Core Insights - Iron ore futures prices have dropped to a two-month low, raising concerns about the market outlook due to Trump's new steel tariffs and weak market demand [1] Group 1 - The decline in iron ore prices is attributed to the implementation of new steel tariffs by Trump, which may impact demand for iron ore [1] - Market demand for iron ore is currently weak, contributing to the pessimistic outlook for the iron ore market [1] - The combination of tariffs and weak demand creates a challenging environment for iron ore prices moving forward [1]

Core Viewpoint - The company reported a decline in both revenue and net profit for the fiscal year 2024, primarily due to weak market demand and intensified competition in the building materials industry [1][2]. Financial Performance - The company achieved total revenue of 6.267 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 1.75% [1][2]. - Net profit amounted to 0.953 billion yuan, reflecting a significant year-on-year decline of 33.49% [1][2]. - Basic earnings per share were reported at 0.61 yuan, down 32.22% compared to the previous year [1]. Market Environment - The building materials industry is facing challenges due to a decrease in demand from the real estate and infrastructure sectors, leading to increased competition and price wars [1][2]. - The domestic plastic pipe industry is expected to see a decline in total output in 2024, with weakened demand in construction and municipal sectors [2]. Strategic Response - The company has increased its market investment and brand promotion efforts, resulting in a sales expense increase of approximately 14% year-on-year [2]. - Despite these efforts stabilizing market share in the short term, they have not been sufficient to offset revenue declines [2]. Investment and Cost Pressures - The company faced additional cost pressures from raw material price fluctuations, further compressing profit margins [2]. - Non-recurring losses, including a decrease in investment income from joint ventures and goodwill impairment, significantly impacted net profit, accounting for about 60% of the total profit reduction [2]. Future Outlook - The company aims to achieve a revenue target of 6.580 billion yuan for 2025, with a cost and expense target of approximately 5.350 billion yuan [4]. - The company continues to invest in research and development and is expanding its overseas production capacity, with new industrial parks in Vietnam and other locations [3].