Summary of the Conference Call for Hangyang Co., Ltd. Industry Overview - The steel industry's capacity reduction is expected to shrink the supply of liquid gases, supporting retail gas prices, similar to the significant price increases of liquid oxygen and nitrogen observed from 2016 to 2018 due to steel capacity replacement [2][3] - The retail gas price is anticipated to face less pressure in the second half of the year, with year-on-year risks alleviated by August, although demand-side support remains unclear [2][3] - The industrial gas sector is currently experiencing low gas prices, with no clear short-term expectations for price increases [2][7] Company Performance and Projections - Hangyang Co., Ltd. is expected to see a significant increase in volume from 2025 to 2026, with a projected liquid gas sales volume of 3.3 to 3.5 million tons, up from 2.82 million tons last year [2][8] - The company’s performance in 2025 is forecasted at 1.05 billion yuan, increasing to 1.15 to 1.2 billion yuan in 2026, with a growth expectation of 15% to 20% this year [3][17][18] - The company has a leading position in equipment preparation capabilities, particularly in producing high-purity nitrogen equipment [11] Market Dynamics - The market for new pipeline gas projects is weak due to reduced investment willingness in major industries like steel and chemicals, leading to fewer new projects compared to previous years [5][6] - The company is diversifying its downstream applications into sectors such as medical and electronic gases, with emerging fields now accounting for 15% to 20% of its business [9][12] - The company has secured new projects in electronic bulk gases, indicating a positive outlook for future growth [9] Pricing and Profitability - Retail gas prices significantly impact Hangyang's profitability, with last year's low prices suppressing profits by over 200 million yuan [15] - The company anticipates a 30% decrease in argon prices this year, while oxygen and nitrogen prices are expected to remain stable or slightly increase [17] - The existing gas contracts are projected to generate approximately 2 billion yuan in potential net profit [13][15] Risks and Challenges - The core long-term challenge for the company lies in the recovery of liquid gas prices and the elasticity of demand, with ongoing observations needed regarding supply constraints and excess capacity [19] - The equipment sector is expected to remain stable, but the potential for large-scale growth is uncertain due to low investment willingness in the steel sector [16] Conclusion - Hangyang Co., Ltd. is positioned for growth in the coming years, with a focus on volume increase and diversification into new markets, despite facing challenges in pricing and market conditions [2][8][19]