Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the current state of negotiations and pricing for key materials in the lithium battery industry, highlighting the shift from traditional long-term contracts to more flexible, order-based pricing due to market volatility [2] Group 1: Progress and Pricing of Key Materials - Negotiations for most materials for 2026 are not yet locked, with discussions expected to intensify around the Chinese New Year. Currently, only the price for lithium hexafluorophosphate is confirmed at 150,000 yuan/ton [3][5] - Major suppliers include Tianqi Lithium, Tianji, and others, with a general price increase demand of about 10%-15% or higher from suppliers across the board [5] - The price of lithium hexafluorophosphate has risen to approximately 160,000 yuan/ton, while electrolyte prices have surged from about 19,000 yuan/ton to around 60,000 yuan/ton [5] Group 2: Changes in Procurement Models - The traditional "annual bidding" model is no longer viable, with most transactions shifting to spot or short-term agreements due to frequent price fluctuations [5] - The procurement cycle is now aligned with the Chinese New Year, with current production still using prices from the previous cycle [6] Group 3: CATL's Operations and Supply Chain - CATL has a strong ability to absorb and pass on cost increases due to its strategic investments in key material companies and production efficiency improvements [6] - The company has not implemented a blanket price increase for major clients but is focusing on maintaining market share through a responsive pricing mechanism [5][6] Group 4: Product Pricing and Market Outlook - The production plan for Q1 2026 is approximately 229 GWh, slightly down from 249 GWh in Q4 2025, with expectations of a potential recovery in February [6] - The expected revenue per watt-hour is estimated at around 0.6 yuan, with material prices anticipated to rise throughout the year, provided demand remains stable [6][7] - CATL's cost absorption capability is enhanced through production efficiency improvements, allowing it to mitigate the impact of rising raw material costs [7]